MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN: Your Chicago Destination for Authentic Japanese Cuisine

MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN Introduce

Craving a taste of Japan right here in Illinois? Look no further than **MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN**, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Chicago. For locals throughout Illinois, finding an authentic Japanese dining experience can be a true delight, and MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN delivers just that, blending traditional flavors with a welcoming atmosphere.

This isn't just another Japanese restaurant; it's an izakaya, a casual Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks, often more substantial than mere appetizers. This concept means a diverse menu, perfect for sharing and exploring a wide range of Japanese culinary traditions. While some dishes may have a slight American influence, MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN truly stands out for its commitment to quality and flavor, making it a must-visit spot for anyone in the Chicago area or looking for a memorable meal when visiting the city.

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Location and Accessibility

You'll find **MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN** conveniently located at **1400 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA**. This prime spot in Chicago's vibrant South Loop makes it easily accessible for residents across Illinois. Whether you're commuting from the suburbs or exploring downtown Chicago, the restaurant's central location ensures a smooth journey. The South Loop area is well-served by public transportation, including CTA bus routes and elevated train lines, making it simple to get to without a car. For those driving, street parking and nearby parking garages are often available, though it's always wise to check for availability, especially during peak hours. Its accessibility ensures that a fantastic Japanese meal is never too far away for Illinois residents.

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Services Offered

MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN offers a comprehensive dining experience that goes beyond just serving food. As an izakaya, it provides a relaxed and social atmosphere perfect for unwinding and enjoying good company. Their menu is thoughtfully curated to offer a broad selection of Japanese comfort foods and specialties. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

**Authentic Izakaya Fare:** The foundation of their menu, offering a variety of small plates perfect for sharing and sampling.
**Must-Try Tempura:** Lightly battered and fried to perfection, a staple of Japanese cuisine. Customers have noted the generous portions.
**Exquisite Tonkatsu:** Featuring perfectly balanced cuts of pork or tender chicken katsu with a delectable breading.
**Legit Ramen Bowls:** Rich, flavorful broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and savory toppings like chashu and fried garlic bits make their ramen a standout.
**Exceptional Japanese Curry:** Described as one of the best Japanese curries in Chicagoland, known for its intense and bold flavor in a smooth puree form.
**Creative Appetizers:** Dishes like NagaImo Asazuke with passion fruit offer unique and refreshing flavor combinations.
**Diverse Entrees (Ippin Ryori):** Beyond the highlights, a wide array of other main dishes to explore.
**Robata Items:** Grilled skewers, a popular izakaya offering, are also on the menu for future exploration by returning customers.
**Full-Service Dining:** Enjoy a complete dine-in experience with attentive and knowledgeable staff.

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Features / Highlights

MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN stands out for several compelling reasons, making it a notable destination for Japanese cuisine in Illinois:

**Unmatched Quality of Ingredients:** The restaurant is lauded for its use of high-quality ingredients, particularly highlighted in the Tonkatsu, where the pork is noted for its "perfect fat/lean balanced cut."
**Exceptional Flavor Profiles:** From the "intense and bold" Japanese curry to the "thick but not oily" ramen broth, the focus on deep, authentic flavors is evident in every dish.
**Knowledgeable and Attentive Service:** Customers consistently praise the service, noting that servers are not only friendly but also possess extensive knowledge of the menu, providing excellent recommendations that enhance the dining experience.
**Unique Culinary Twists:** While offering authentic dishes, MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN isn't afraid to innovate, as seen with the NagaImo Asazuke with passion fruit, providing a refreshing twist on traditional flavors.
**Generous Portions:** Especially noted with the tempura and chicken katsu, guests often find the portion sizes to be satisfying.
**Authentic Izakaya Experience:** The focus on an izakaya style of dining creates a vibrant and social atmosphere, perfect for trying a variety of dishes.
**Consistency in Excellence:** Reviews suggest a consistently high standard across various dishes, from appetizers to main courses, indicating a commitment to culinary excellence.

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Promotions or Special Offers

While specific daily or weekly promotions are not publicly detailed, it is common for restaurants like MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN to offer various deals throughout the year. It's always a good idea to check their official website, social media channels, or call directly to inquire about any current promotions, happy hour specials, seasonal menus, or loyalty programs they might have. Many local establishments offer lunch specials, early bird dinners, or discounts for online orders. Keeping an eye on these channels will ensure you don't miss out on any opportunities to enjoy their fantastic food at a special value.

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Contact Information

Ready to experience MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN for yourself? Here's how you can get in touch or find them:

**Address:** 1400 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
**Phone:** (312) 763-8132
**Mobile Phone:** +1 312-763-8132

It's always recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially for larger groups or during peak dining hours, to ensure the best possible experience.

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Conclusion: Why MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN is Suitable for Locals

For anyone in Illinois seeking an authentic and memorable Japanese dining experience, **MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN** is an ideal choice. Its prime Chicago location makes it accessible for a day trip or an evening out from anywhere in the state. What truly sets it apart for locals is its unwavering commitment to high-quality ingredients, expertly crafted dishes, and genuinely attentive service. Whether you're a connoisseur of Japanese cuisine or new to its delights, the diverse menu, from the rich ramen broths to the perfectly cooked tonkatsu and unique appetizers, offers something to satisfy every palate. The izakaya concept fosters a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, perfect for gathering with friends and family. This isn't just a place to eat; it's a culinary journey that brings the true essence of Japanese flavors right to your doorstep in Illinois. You'll definitely want to come back to explore more of their offerings, making it a strong recommendation for anyone in the area.

MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN Photos

MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN Location

MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN

Illinois Cook County Chicago Near South Side South Michigan Avenue

1400 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN Reviews

Now I can't really compare M.I.R. to the joints in Japan because the food is still somewhat Americanized to some degree, but there are a few things that makes M.I.R. stand out more than the others.It is under the Izakaya category, so the tempura, tonkatsu and ramen are a must try. Let's run this down...The NAGAIMO ASAZUKE 長芋の浅漬け was on point, I have never had it with passion fruit before, it was very refreshing but the sweet and sour taste was a little bit too strong for me. But it is supposed to be a pickled dish and it is ok.The TEMPURA PLATE 天ぷら盛り合わせ was good, the panko was not too thick but it was fried just a bit too long and it soaked up too much oil, it got soggy when it cooled down. The portion was large but they charge you $1.50 if you want just a little more sauce, dashi is expensive these days.The soft shell crab was standard and quite tasty. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.Now about the Tonkatsu, the pork was one of the most perfect fat/lean balanced cut of pork that I have ever had in Chicagoland. Perfect breading, but the sauce is not the regular Tonkatsu sauce, it is a little too sweet for me, and they serve it on top of the pork as it comes out. So make sure you get it on the side so you can enjoy the pork by itself before deciding to add the sauce or not. The Chicken Katsu was bigger than the pork, thigh cut so it was more tender. But personally I prefer the pork version since I like the chew. The curry was the best amongst any Japanese curry place in Chicagoland, and I have tried them all. The flavor is intense and bold, in puree form without being too thick. This is exactly how you should make Japanese curry.The Tonkatsu Ramen was legit, I love the fried garlic bits, the Chashu was perfect, not too thick, same fat/lean ratio as the Tonkatsu. Everyone knows that the broth makes the Ramen Bowl, and the broth here is thick but not oily, you can taste the cartilage and marrow in the thick broth. The type of ramen used was not my favorite, I personally prefer the thick and curly noodles over the straight thin Hakata style, but it will do. This is a solid bowl of Ramen.We will definitely come back and try the other dishes, such as the 一品料理 Entree and the Robata items. Strongly recommended.
Mar 24, 2025 · D “Juanito” H
One of the highlights of our trip, the food was excellent. Everything we tried was superb. To top it all, the service was amazing. Rarely do you encounter servers that know the menu really well. We took every recommendation he shared. Very glad we did as some of those we wouldn’t have ordered on our own. Looking forward to coming back!
Apr 08, 2025 · Thiery
I was impressed by the interior design as I walked into this restaurant. They have a lunch special that comes with a side dish and a soup of your choice at the price of $21.95. The tonkotshu ramen was good. The vegetarian ramen comes with vegetable tempura. The batter was light and perfectly crisp. I had fries as the side dish. The fries were just okay, as they were not as flavorful. The vibe and service are great.
Mar 02, 2025 · K Liew
I’m certainly not an expert in Japanese cuisine or ramen but compared to the ramen I’ve had in Japan and other places, this spot hits the mark. The cocktails were just ok. If you want the full experience you may want to stick to a Japanese beer or whiskey only.But the ramen was tasty and very filling. I had the vegetarian version but I just wish it had more mushrooms and veggies but the broth was excellent and they didn’t skimp on the noodles. I also had the miso soup- perfect. My friend really enjoyed the chicken meatballs and the lamb chops entree. This was my 2nd time here and I’d probably go back because all told it was a tasty and satisfying meal.
May 08, 2025 · Lauren Richie
the service here was friendly and the food came out at a decent speed. one thing to note is that drinks may take awhile. we ordered one drink that came out when we were almost done with our meal. it wasn’t very busy at the time and the bartender seemed to be free prior to making our drink. other than that, we had a pretty good experience. the whole calamari was cooked nicely and paired with a good dipping sauce. the seafood udon’s broth was very fragrant, and you could really taste the seafood in it which not many other places have. it did get slightly salty after awhile. house made mochi was kinda disappointing, but the matcha pana cotta was good
May 04, 2025 · annie