Exploring Otaku Ramen on Charlotte Ave: A Deep Dive into Nashville's Ramen Scene

Otaku Ramen Introduce

Otaku Ramen, located at 4109 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209, USA, is a Japanese ramen restaurant that has become a topic of discussion among local food enthusiasts. Situated on a platform category like "Doctor Near Me," which typically presents services or goods for sale to local users addressing immediate needs, Otaku Ramen fits in as a readily available and accessible dining option. While not a medical service, the ability to quickly and conveniently access a comforting and filling meal, such as ramen, can be considered a service to one's immediate well-being and daily needs. Its presence in a local strip mall makes it a convenient stop for residents in the Charlotte Avenue area.

The environment of Otaku Ramen on Charlotte Ave is described as "adorable" and definitively possessing "noodle shop vibes." It features "bar style seating," which allows patrons to "hang and make new friends with strangers," fostering a communal and casual dining atmosphere. This type of seating is often conducive to quick meals and can be lively. One reviewer notes that this particular location is situated in a "tiny little strip mall," which contributes to a more "quiet" atmosphere. For those who prefer a less bustling dining experience, this "tranquil" and "relaxing" setting is seen as perfect, allowing diners to "enjoy your food" without excessive noise or crowds. The overall ambiance appears to be cozy and intimate, aligning with the traditional feel of a dedicated ramen establishment, even if it is compact.

Regarding services, Otaku Ramen aims for a friendly and efficient approach. Customers have reported that the "service was good," with the cashier being "super friendly and helpful" and bringing food out to the tables. This suggests a counter-service or hybrid model, where orders are placed at a counter, and food is delivered to the seating area. One review praises the service as "phenomenal," highlighting the staff as "genuine, kind and well educated on their menu." This personal and friendly service is noted as a "rare commodity" in the restaurant industry, indicating a strong commitment to customer interaction and satisfaction. The focus on making the service "personable and friendly" contributes significantly to a positive dining experience for many patrons. While no specific online ordering or delivery platforms were mentioned in the provided reviews for this particular location, the nature of a modern ramen shop often includes such options for convenience, especially given that some reviewers mentioned issues with takeout/delivery in other locations, suggesting it is a service they typically offer.

The features of Otaku Ramen primarily revolve around its ramen and other Japanese side dishes. The main draw is undoubtedly their Tonkatsu ramen, which is offered with both "shio (salt) and shoyu (soy sauce) based broths." The noodles themselves are consistently praised as "the good kind of noodles and had good texture." Other components of the ramen, such as the "wood ear mushroom," are noted for being "crunchy," and the "egg (plain, boiled, half)" is described as "cooked properly."
Beyond the ramen, the pork bun is another menu item, characterized by a bun that, at times, might be served chilled with a somewhat soggy texture on the bottom from refrigeration. The pork inside is generally warmer and has good texture, though some find it "light on flavor."

Customer experiences with the food, however, are varied. While one highly impressed reviewer described the food as "flavorful," "melt in your mouth" kind of flavorful, "warm, filling and divine," and "top notch," another had a significantly different experience. This reviewer found the Tonkatsu broths to be merely "okay," criticizing "entirely too much black pepper" that formed "a wide ring around the top," and noting that if mayu was present, it only made the broth oily without adding flavor. The "pork confit shredded pork formed into a patty and had the texture of canned tuna," which was a significant disappointment. The cold wood ear mushroom was also a point of critique. This divergence in feedback highlights potential inconsistencies in food preparation or individual taste preferences. The positive review emphasizes the overall flavor profile and comforting nature of the food, while the negative one delves into specific textural and flavor issues with components of the ramen.

As for promotional information, the restaurant's very name, Otaku Ramen, likely appeals to a specific demographic interested in Japanese culture and cuisine. The positive reviews, emphasizing "phenomenal service" and "flavorful, warm, filling and divine" food, serve as powerful organic promotion. For local users on a "Doctor Near Me" platform, the key promotional message is one of accessibility and a comforting dining experience. The description of the atmosphere as "tranquil, relaxing" and a place to "enjoy your food" appeals to those seeking a peaceful meal. The mention of it being a "top notch" ramen spot by some customers would draw in ramen enthusiasts. While there are no explicit special offers or discounts detailed, the inherent value of a satisfying bowl of ramen as a quick and comforting meal is a consistent draw. However, it is also important for prospective customers to be aware of the mixed reviews regarding food consistency, particularly concerning the broth and pork confit. The distinction between this location and "Otaku in the Factory" (another mentioned location) also implies that reputation might vary between different branches. Therefore, word-of-mouth and individual experiences will heavily influence the decision to visit this specific location.

Otaku Ramen Food & drink

Snacks
hot chicken bun
boneless thigh | Otaku's hot spice | kewpie mayo slaw | steamed bao bun | pickle (mild heat also available)
NEW TFC - tokyo fried chicken US$6.00
6 oz. marinated chicken thigh | wasabi-yuzu mayo*new solo size
edamame US$5.00
Soybeans | sea salt (spicy also avail)
veggie gyoza US$8.00
steamed dumpling | chili oil
chicken gyoza US$8.00
Pan-fried dumpling | house ponzu

BOBA
hibiscus + strawberry boba US$7.00
hibiscus tea, crushed strawberries, tapioca pearls
taro boba US$7.00
taro milk tea, tapioca pearls*oat milk sub available
Spicy Chocolate Boba US$7.00
chocolate, cream cheese whip, warm spice blend (oat milk sub available)
hokkaido milk tea US$7.00
hokkaido milk tea, tapioca pearls*oat milk sub available
matcha milk tea US$7.00
matcha milk tea, tapioca pearls*oat milk sub available

No Category Specified
EMP joy t-shirt
black joy division shirt
womens ramen lovers t-shirt
womens fitruns 2 sizes small
CB rib curry US$9.00
CB milk coffee US$5.00
EMP boba US$3.50
employee boba for shift drink
noodle head crewneck US$38.00
EMP ramen lover women's t-shirt
white ramen lovers t-shirt women's sizes only
joy division t-shirt
CB yakisoba chx US$8.00
CB green sweet tea US$5.00
gold foil lips t-shirt US$30.00
EMP run the noodles t-shirt
black unisex run the noodles t-shirt
run the noodles t-shirt
otaku ramen has donated $5 in advance from the sale of every run the noodles t-shirt and hoodie to five charities recommended by killer mike
CB yakisoba veg US$7.00
CB unsweet tea US$5.00
EMP run the noodles hoodie
black unisex run the noodles hoodie
run the noodles hoodie
otaku ramen has donated $5 in advance from the sale of every run the noodles t-shirt and hoodie to five charities recommended by killer mike
CB TFC - tokyo fried chicken US$6.00
CB original ramune US$5.00
EMP kids totoru t-shirt blue
kids totoru t-shirt blue
kids totoru blue t-shirt
CB strawberry ramune US$5.00
EMP kids totoru t-shirt red
kids totoru t-shirt red
boba pin US$7.00
CB blueberry ramune US$5.00
EMP ramen otaku cookbook US$13.00
ramen otaku cookbook
ramen bowl US$25.00
otaku ramen bowl
CB lychee ramune US$5.00
EMP otaku boba pin US$3.50
boba pin
otaku bundle US$80.00
a set of 2 otaku ramen bowls | boba pin | cookbook
CB bottled water US$3.00
kids totoru red t-shirt
tiny tote US$15.00
tiny tote
sake / shot cup US$8.00
otaku ramen sticker US$0.50

All Inhale Ramen
1. Tennessee Tonkotsu US$17.00
Pork bone broth** | pork confit | mayu woodear | scallion | ramen egg*
2. Shoyu US$17.00
Clear chicken broth** | pork belly | fish cake | nori | scallion | ramen egg*
3. Spicy Miso US$17.00
Pork bone broth with miso and korean chili | ground pork | cabbage and bean sprout mix | roasted corn | scallion | ramen egg*
4. Szechuan Miso US$16.00
Chicken broth | miso | ground pork | bok choy | bean sprout | szechuan pepper
5. Tantanmen US$15.00
Vegetable and miso broth | riced cauliflower & smoked tofu | spice bomb | rayu | sesame | scallion | ramen egg*
new wave bowl US$18.00
Pork Broth | Korean BBQ Pork Loin | Burnt Miso | Seasame | Shaved Onion | Parsely | Smoked Chili Oil | Ramen Egg
kids shoyu US$10.00
clear chicken broth | egg *contains mushroom
kids tantamen US$10.00
vegetable miso broth | ramen egg
kids tonkotsu US$10.00
pork bone broth | ramen egg

SNACKS
hot chicken bun US$6.00
single bun with one boneless thigh | Otaku's hot spice | kewpie mayo slaw | steamed bao bun | pickle(mild heat also available)1 for $6 and 2 for $12
veggie gyoza US$8.00
vegetable dumplings | cabbage | shiitake mushrooms | garlic | carrot | daikon radish | ginger in a black vinegar | rayu chili oil sauce
chicken gyoza US$8.00
pan-fried chicken dumpling | lemon ponzu
edamame US$5.00
soybean pods | sea salt**can be ordered as spicy (see modifiers); this adds chili oil and togarashi spice
NEW TFC - tokyo fried chicken US$6.00
6 oz. marinated chicken thigh | wasabi-yuzu mayo*new solo size

No Category Specified
EMP joy t-shirt
black joy division shirt
womens ramen lovers t-shirt
womens fitruns 2 sizes small
CB rib curry US$9.00
CB milk coffee US$5.00
EMP boba US$3.50
employee boba for shift drink
noodle head crewneck US$38.00
EMP ramen lover women's t-shirt
white ramen lovers t-shirt women's sizes only
joy division t-shirt
CB yakisoba chx US$8.00
CB green sweet tea US$5.00
gold foil lips t-shirt US$30.00
EMP run the noodles t-shirt
black unisex run the noodles t-shirt
run the noodles t-shirt
otaku ramen has donated $5 in advance from the sale of every run the noodles t-shirt and hoodie to five charities recommended by killer mike
CB yakisoba veg US$7.00
CB unsweet tea US$5.00
EMP run the noodles hoodie
black unisex run the noodles hoodie
run the noodles hoodie
otaku ramen has donated $5 in advance from the sale of every run the noodles t-shirt and hoodie to five charities recommended by killer mike
CB TFC - tokyo fried chicken US$6.00
CB original ramune US$5.00
EMP kids totoru t-shirt blue
kids totoru t-shirt blue
kids totoru blue t-shirt
CB strawberry ramune US$5.00
EMP kids totoru t-shirt red
kids totoru t-shirt red
boba pin US$7.00
CB blueberry ramune US$5.00
EMP ramen otaku cookbook US$13.00
ramen otaku cookbook
ramen bowl US$25.00
otaku ramen bowl
CB lychee ramune US$5.00
EMP otaku boba pin US$3.50
boba pin
otaku bundle US$80.00
a set of 2 otaku ramen bowls | boba pin | cookbook
CB bottled water US$3.00
kids totoru red t-shirt
tiny tote US$15.00
tiny tote
sake / shot cup US$8.00
otaku ramen sticker US$0.50

RAMEN
tennessee tonkotsu US$17.00
pork bone broth | pork confit | mayu | woodear | scallion | ramen egg (add monster style for $8.00 - adds pork belly | ground chicken | whole ramen egg) contains soy | gluten | wheat | egg | fin fish
shoyu US$17.00
clear chicken broth* | pork belly** | fish cake | scallion | ramen egg *contains mushroom **miso chicken substitute available contains soy | gluten | wheat | fin fish | egg
spicy miso US$17.00
pork bone broth with miso and korean chili | ground pork | cabbage | roasted corn | scallion | bean sprout | ramen eggcontains soy | gluten | wheat | shellfish | dairy | egg
szechuan miso US$16.00
chicken broth | miso butter** | ground pork | bok choy | bean sprout | serrano | szechuan peppercontains gluten | wheat | soy | sesame | **dairy
tantanmen US$15.00
vegetable and miso broth | riced cauliflower & smoked tofu | spice bomb rayu | sesame | scallion | ramen eggvegetarian (**vegan option available)**please specify if vegan with the drop down menucontains wheat | gluten | soy | sesame | egg
kids shoyu US$10.00
clear chicken broth | egg *contains mushroom
kids tonkotsu US$10.00
pork bone broth | ramen egg
kids tantamen US$10.00
vegetable miso broth | ramen egg
Tori Paitan US$18.00
pork & chicken patina, benton's country ham, spicy mustard greens, shaved onion, whole egg (allergens:wheat, gluten,soy egg)

No Category Specified
EMP joy t-shirt
black joy division shirt
womens ramen lovers t-shirt
womens fitruns 2 sizes small
CB rib curry US$9.00
CB milk coffee US$5.00
EMP boba US$3.50
employee boba for shift drink
noodle head crewneck US$38.00
EMP ramen lover women's t-shirt
white ramen lovers t-shirt women's sizes only
joy division t-shirt
CB yakisoba chx US$8.00
CB green sweet tea US$5.00
gold foil lips t-shirt US$30.00
EMP run the noodles t-shirt
black unisex run the noodles t-shirt
run the noodles t-shirt
otaku ramen has donated $5 in advance from the sale of every run the noodles t-shirt and hoodie to five charities recommended by killer mike
CB yakisoba veg US$7.00
CB unsweet tea US$5.00
EMP run the noodles hoodie
black unisex run the noodles hoodie
run the noodles hoodie
otaku ramen has donated $5 in advance from the sale of every run the noodles t-shirt and hoodie to five charities recommended by killer mike
CB TFC - tokyo fried chicken US$6.00
CB original ramune US$5.00
EMP kids totoru t-shirt blue
kids totoru t-shirt blue
kids totoru blue t-shirt
CB strawberry ramune US$5.00
EMP kids totoru t-shirt red
kids totoru t-shirt red
boba pin US$7.00
CB blueberry ramune US$5.00
EMP ramen otaku cookbook US$13.00
ramen otaku cookbook
ramen bowl US$25.00
otaku ramen bowl
CB lychee ramune US$5.00
EMP otaku boba pin US$3.50
boba pin
otaku bundle US$80.00
a set of 2 otaku ramen bowls | boba pin | cookbook
CB bottled water US$3.00
kids totoru red t-shirt
tiny tote US$15.00
tiny tote
sake / shot cup US$8.00
otaku ramen sticker US$0.50

Merch
Sticker US$0.50
boba pin US$7.00
Sake Cup US$8.00
ramen bowl US$20.00
Cookbook US$26.00
Signed by Chef Sarah
Totoru Blue (Kids) US$20.00
Kids: S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14-16), XL (18-20)
Kids Red US$20.00
Kids: S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14-16), XL (18-20)
Joy T-Shirt US$25.00
Unisex: XS-4X
Lover (Womens) US$25.00
Womens: XS-3X
run the noodles t-shirt US$35.00
Unisex: XS-4X
run the noodles hoodie US$50.00
Unisex: SM-4X

BEVERAGES
jasmine green tea US$4.00
coke US$3.00
liquid death still US$3.00
sprite US$3.00
liquid death sparkling US$3.00
pokka coffee with milk US$4.00
ramune US$6.00
sweet & carbonated
unsweet green tea US$4.00

No Category Specified
EMP joy t-shirt
black joy division shirt
womens ramen lovers t-shirt
womens fitruns 2 sizes small
CB rib curry US$9.00
CB milk coffee US$5.00
EMP boba US$3.50
employee boba for shift drink
noodle head crewneck US$38.00
EMP ramen lover women's t-shirt
white ramen lovers t-shirt women's sizes only
joy division t-shirt
CB yakisoba chx US$8.00
CB green sweet tea US$5.00
gold foil lips t-shirt US$30.00
EMP run the noodles t-shirt
black unisex run the noodles t-shirt
run the noodles t-shirt
otaku ramen has donated $5 in advance from the sale of every run the noodles t-shirt and hoodie to five charities recommended by killer mike
CB yakisoba veg US$7.00
CB unsweet tea US$5.00
EMP run the noodles hoodie
black unisex run the noodles hoodie
run the noodles hoodie
otaku ramen has donated $5 in advance from the sale of every run the noodles t-shirt and hoodie to five charities recommended by killer mike
CB TFC - tokyo fried chicken US$6.00
CB original ramune US$5.00
EMP kids totoru t-shirt blue
kids totoru t-shirt blue
kids totoru blue t-shirt
CB strawberry ramune US$5.00
EMP kids totoru t-shirt red
kids totoru t-shirt red
boba pin US$7.00
CB blueberry ramune US$5.00
EMP ramen otaku cookbook US$13.00
ramen otaku cookbook
ramen bowl US$25.00
otaku ramen bowl
CB lychee ramune US$5.00
EMP otaku boba pin US$3.50
boba pin
otaku bundle US$80.00
a set of 2 otaku ramen bowls | boba pin | cookbook
CB bottled water US$3.00
kids totoru red t-shirt
tiny tote US$15.00
tiny tote
sake / shot cup US$8.00
otaku ramen sticker US$0.50

Boba
hokkaido milk tea US$7.00
hokkaido milk tea | tapioca pearls*oat milk sub available
matcha milk tea US$7.00
matcha milk tea | tapioca pearls*oat milk sub available**chocolate swirl available
hibiscus + strawberry US$7.00
hibiscus tea | crushed strawberries | tapioca pearls
taro boba US$7.00
taro milk tea | tapioca pearls*oat milk sub available

Drinks
ramune US$6.00
Various flavors
Milk Coffee US$4.00
Pokka Japan
Jasmine Green Tea (Sweet) US$4.00
Pokka Japan
Unsweetened Green Tea US$4.00
Ito en Japan
coke US$3.00
diet coke US$3.00
Sprite US$3.00
liquid death sparkling US$3.00
liquid death still US$3.00
hot green tea US$3.00

Spices
spice bomb US$1.50
miso butter US$1.50
Chili Oil US$1.50
Chili Crisp US$1.50
roasted garlic butter US$1.50

Proteins
whole ramen egg US$2.00
pork confit US$2.00
Ground Chicken US$3.00
pork belly US$5.00
miso chicken US$4.00

Vegetables
Smoked Tofu & Cauliflower Rice US$2.00
bok choy US$2.00
Mung Bean Sprouts US$2.00
Kimchi US$2.00
Serrano Pepper US$2.00
Soy-Braised Mushrooms US$3.00
Miso Eggplant US$3.00

Otaku Ramen Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Assistive hearing loop

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Seating

Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
University students

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Otaku Ramen Photos

Otaku Ramen Location

Otaku Ramen

Tennessee Davidson County Nashville Sylvan Park Charlotte Avenue

4109 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209, USA

Otaku Ramen Reviews

Made a special trip to Nashville for this and was terribly disappointed.The place is adorable. It definitely has noodle shop vibes and bar style seating so you get to hang and make new friends with strangers. The service was good. The cashier was super friendly and helpful and brought our food out to us.Tonkatsu ramen, we tried both the shio (salt) and the shoyu (soy sauce) based broths. They were... okay. There was entirely too much black pepper (it formed a wide ring around the top); and if there was mayu, all it did was make it oily because you didn't get any of the flavors. The pork confit shredded pork formed into a patty and had the texture of canned tuna. The wood ear mushroom was crunchy, but cold. The egg (plain, boiled, half) was cooked properly. The noodles was the good kind of noodles and had good texture. I love Tonkatsu broth, and I am sad that this was a place the broth wasn't good enough to finish.Pork bun, the bun was chilled (and the part touching the plate was... you know that kind of soggy things get from being refrigerated? It was like that. The pork was warmer and had good texture but was light on flavor.We had looked at reviews for this place but thought it was low because of takeout/delivery problems. We're still going to go give the Otaku in the Factory a try, it had looked more promising and we're hoping they do better. I definitely won't be coming back to this location again, especially since there are so many other great options nearby.
November 18 · Nom Nom Nom
Stopped by on our way through Tennessee, to say that I was impressed is an understatement:The service is phenomenal. The staff are genuine, kind and well educated on their menu. The service seems personable and friendly, which if you eat at other restaurants you know that’s a rare commodity.The food is flavorful, the “melt in your mouth” kind of flavorful. It’s warm, filling and divine. I’ve had ramen at other places but this was top notch.The atmosphere is quiet… this location is in a tiny little strip mall but that’s perfect for someone like me who doesn’t want to sit next to a big blabber mouth. It’s tranquil, relaxing and really lets you enjoy your food.If you’re ever driving through town, make sure to stop by Otaku Ramen 🙌💕
September 01 · Layla Hood
While it has great service and a fun atmosphere, the Shoyu Tonkatsu Ramen broth was heavily peppery in flavor and slightly oily. The pork was not your typical pork slices. The pork bun was cold and broke apart when being handled.
November 11 · Keith Rose
Wanted a very light and quick meal. I ordered on door dash. My service was excellent. Food packing was also great. My food was very bland. Chicken needed some seasoning. No sauce was included. So it was very dry. My teas was good hence the three starts. However the bowl needed something more.
June 24 · Kemoshire
Sarah and the Otaku team always make the perfect bowl of ramen! The West Nashville location is perfect when you’re wanting to beat the crowd.
November 23 · James McDonald