Menya Goku

For those residing in or visiting the vibrant Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, and seeking an unparalleled ramen experience, look no further than Menya Goku. This hidden gem, though not a secret to its loyal patrons, has quickly established itself as a premier destination for authentic Japanese ramen. Menya Goku is more than just a restaurant; it’s a meticulously crafted culinary haven that transports diners to a cozy corner of Japan, right here in the heart of Chicago.

What truly sets Menya Goku apart is its unwavering commitment to quality and flavor. Customers consistently describe their ramen as "phenomenal" and a "flavor bomb," a testament to the rich, carefully prepared broths and perfectly cooked noodles. Whether you’re craving the classic richness of Goku Tonkotsu or the tantalizing spice of Tan Tan Men, each bowl is a testament to the chefs' dedication. The ingredients are fresh, the portions are satisfying, and the menu is thoughtfully curated to ensure a delightful experience with every visit.

Beyond the exceptional food, Menya Goku offers an inviting and intimate atmosphere. The restaurant features small, effective booth sizes that provide a sense of privacy and coziness, making it an ideal spot for a date night or a quiet meal. The staff’s attentiveness and friendliness further enhance the dining experience, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Menya Goku is a proud part of the Lincoln Square community, dedicated to serving delicious, authentic Japanese ramen that keeps locals coming back for more.

Menya Goku is conveniently located at 2207 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA. This address places it within the charming and desirable Lincoln Square neighborhood, an area known for its strong community feel, independent businesses, and diverse dining options. For locals across Chicago, particularly those on the North Side, Menya Goku's location offers solid accessibility.

Montrose Avenue is a well-trafficked street, making the restaurant visible and relatively easy to find. For those using public transportation, Menya Goku is accessible via several CTA bus routes that operate along Montrose Avenue and nearby major streets. While not directly adjacent to an 'L' train station, the Montrose Brown Line 'L' station is within a reasonable bus ride or a slightly longer walk, connecting it to Chicago's wider public transit network.

For diners who choose to drive, street parking is typically available in the vicinity of Montrose Avenue. As is common in established Chicago neighborhoods, parking can sometimes require a bit of searching, especially during peak dining hours. However, the residential and commercial mix of the area often provides opportunities for street spots on Montrose itself or on adjacent side streets. Its location in a bustling neighborhood means it's also often close to other local shops and attractions, allowing for a combined outing.

Menya Goku’s precise address and its integration into a well-known part of Lincoln Square ensure that both new visitors and loyal patrons can easily locate and reach this highly-regarded ramen establishment.

Menya Goku focuses on providing a high-quality ramen experience, complemented by a selection of Japanese small plates and beverages. Their services are designed to ensure a focused and enjoyable meal:

• Dine-In Service: Menya Goku offers a cozy and intimate dine-in experience. Customers praise the "private and cozy" tables and the overall "top notch" atmosphere, making it ideal for a focused meal or a date night.
• Takeout Service: For those who prefer to enjoy their ramen at home, Menya Goku provides convenient takeout options. While some ramen is traditionally best consumed immediately, the restaurant packages it properly for transport.
• Online Ordering: Customers can place orders online through platforms like Toasttab, streamlining the process for both pickup and potentially delivery (delivery availability may vary by platform and distance).
• Specialized Ramen Menu: Their core offering revolves around a curated selection of ramen types, including:
  • Goku Tonkotsu Ramen: A rich pork broth base with charsiu pork belly, ajitama egg, menma, black mushroom, green onion, and sesame.
  • Goku Tan Tan Men: A pork broth with nikumiso pork, numbing spices, bok choy, green onion, marinated bamboo, and sesame.
  • Goku Miso Ramen: Pork broth with charsiu pork belly, ajitama egg, menma, bean sprouts, and green onion.
  • Goku Spicy Miso Ramen: A spicier version of the Miso Ramen.
  • Modern Shoyu Ramen: A lighter, cage-free chicken and dashi broth with sous vide pork and chicken, ajitama egg, bamboo shoots, green onion, and nori.
  • Vegan Miso Ramen: Featuring Upton's seitan ragu, mushroom and seaweed broth, buckwheat noodles, scallion, sesame, bok choy, and chili oil, offering a dedicated plant-based option.
• Curated Small Plates: A selection of appetizers to complement the ramen, including Edamame, Mix Green Salad, Brussels Sprouts (with garlic chip, lemon, cayenne), Karaage (house marinated fried chicken thigh), Takoyaki (octopus puffs), Gyoza Dumpling (Berkshire pork, veggie), Nagoya Wings (cage-free wings with garlic soy, honey, sesame, togarashi), Ika Geso (fried squid leg), Maitake Mushrooms (tempura), Carpaccio (sashimi grade yellowtail), Fried Chicken Buns, and Pork Belly Buns.
• Rice Bowls: A limited but satisfying selection of rice bowls, such as Ikura Gohan (dashi marinated salmon roe), Mini Pork Rice Bowl, Mini Chicken Rice Bowl, and Unagi Rice Bowl.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverages: A selection of canned sodas (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite), Oolong Tea, Ramuné (Japanese Soda), and various San Pellegrino sparkling drinks.

Menya Goku stands out in Chicago's competitive ramen scene due to several distinct features and highlights that contribute to its reputation as a local favorite:

• Phenomenal Ramen Quality: Consistently praised for its "phenomenal" ramen, particularly the Goku Tonkotsu and Tan Tan Men. Customers highlight the "flavor bomb" broths, "perfectly cooked" noodles, and fresh ingredients.
• Authentic Japanese Experience: The restaurant aims to deliver an authentic Japanese ramen experience, from the depth of flavor in its broths to the precise preparation of its noodles and toppings.
• Cozy and Private Ambiance: Despite being a smaller establishment, the "booth size was small & effective," and tables feel "private and cozy." This intimate setting makes it ideal for dates or quiet meals, enhancing the dining atmosphere.
• Thoughtfully Curated Menu: The menu, while not overwhelmingly vast, is "very well-curated," ensuring that each item is of high quality and contributes to a cohesive Japanese culinary experience.
• Signature Vegan Ramen: The inclusion of a dedicated "Vegan Miso Ramen" with Upton's seitan ragu and a mushroom/seaweed broth highlights their commitment to catering to diverse dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
• Delicious Small Plates: Beyond ramen, their small plates, such as Karaage, Takoyaki, Gyoza, and unique Nagoya Wings, are well-regarded and offer excellent complements to the main ramen bowls.
• Attentive and Friendly Service: Patrons consistently praise the "top notch" service, noting the staff are "friendly and attentive." This contributes significantly to a positive overall dining experience.
• Attention to Detail: Small touches like "cute tiny cups" and available coat hooks show thoughtfulness in enhancing customer comfort and experience.
• Sister Restaurant to Wasabi Ramen: Being part of the "Wasabi Ramen team" (who also run Ramen Takeya) indicates a strong foundation in ramen expertise and quality.

While the provided customer reviews and general information do not explicitly detail recurring promotions or special offers at Menya Goku, it's common for popular ramen establishments in a vibrant city like Chicago to occasionally offer various deals. Based on typical industry practices, locals might look for the following:

• Happy Hour Specials: Some ramen restaurants offer happy hour deals on appetizers or drinks during off-peak hours. While not explicitly confirmed for Menya Goku, it's a common practice to encourage early dinner or late-afternoon traffic.
• Seasonal Ramen Bowls: Restaurants often introduce limited-time seasonal ramen variations, which, while not a "discount," act as a special offering to entice repeat visits and introduce new flavors.
• Online Ordering Promotions: When ordering through third-party delivery platforms like Uber Eats or Toasttab, customers might encounter platform-specific promotions such as discounts for first-time users, free delivery offers, or loyalty program benefits. These are managed by the delivery service but apply to orders from Menya Goku.

To ensure you have the most current and accurate information on any promotions or special offers available at Menya Goku, it is always recommended that Chicago residents:

• Check Menya Goku's official website (menyagoku.com) which would be the primary source for any direct promotions or announcements.
• Look at their online ordering menus on Toasttab or Uber Eats, as specials are often highlighted there.
• Follow their social media channels (if available) for immediate updates on new menu items or limited-time deals.
• Call the restaurant directly at the provided phone number to inquire about any current in-store specials.

To savor the authentic ramen and inviting atmosphere of Menya Goku, or for any inquiries regarding their menu or services, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 2207 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA

Phone: (773) 942-6701

Mobile Phone: +1 773-942-6701

Menya Goku typically operates for dinner service. Their general hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. They are typically closed on Sundays and Mondays. However, it is always advisable to confirm these hours, especially on holidays or for any specific reservation needs. For convenient online ordering, their presence on platforms like Toasttab makes it easy to place orders for pickup.

Menya Goku stands out as an exceptionally suitable ramen destination for locals in Chicago, particularly those in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, for a multitude of compelling reasons. It delivers a high-quality, authentic Japanese experience that deeply resonates with the city's discerning diners.

Firstly, the culinary excellence is undeniable. With consistent praise for its "phenomenal" ramen, especially the Goku Tonkotsu and Tan Tan Men, Menya Goku offers a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. The perfectly cooked noodles, rich broths, and fresh ingredients ensure that residents receive a consistently high-quality dish. The inclusion of a highly-rated Vegan Miso Ramen also demonstrates their commitment to inclusivity, catering to diverse dietary preferences within the local community.

Secondly, the restaurant's atmosphere provides a unique and desirable dining experience. The "private and cozy" booths create an intimate setting, making it an ideal spot for a date night or a relaxed meal with friends, a welcome alternative to overly bustling establishments. This inviting ambiance, combined with "top notch" and attentive service, ensures that locals feel valued and comfortable during their visit, fostering a sense of loyalty and making it a preferred choice for repeat visits.

Moreover, Menya Goku's thoughtful, curated menu, which extends beyond just ramen to include delicious small plates like Karaage and unique Nagoya Wings, allows for a more varied culinary exploration. This focus on quality over quantity, coupled with generous portion sizes, means locals get excellent value for their dining experience.

Finally, its location in the popular Lincoln Square area makes it easily accessible for many Chicagoans, whether by public transit or a short drive. Menya Goku is not just a place to grab a bowl of noodles; it's a cherished local spot that consistently delivers authentic flavors and a memorable dining experience, making it a perfectly suitable and highly recommended choice for residents seeking exceptional Japanese comfort food.

Menya Goku

2207 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA