RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar

For residents of Chicago, Illinois, with a passion for exceptional ramen and a taste for fine Japanese whisky, RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar in the vibrant Fulton Market district offers a truly unique and compelling dining experience. This isn't just a place to grab a bowl of noodles; it's a "lovely spot" known for its immersive ambiance, culinary innovation, and the city's largest collection of rare and vintage Japanese whiskies. As part of the beloved RAMEN-SAN family, the Whisky Bar location elevates the traditional ramen house concept by blending it with a sophisticated bar program.

Since stepping inside, guests are met with an inviting atmosphere, often buzzing with energy, even early on a Sunday. RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar is celebrated for its commitment to crafting rich, flavorful broths, perfectly cooked Tokyo wavy noodles, and an array of delectable appetizers and side dishes. Beyond the classic offerings, they frequently surprise patrons with limited-edition ramen creations, demonstrating a playful yet expert approach to Japanese cuisine. With a focus on friendly, quick service and a soundtrack of "90s hip-hop," RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar provides a consistently enjoyable and memorable experience, making it a must-visit for anyone in Illinois seeking both comfort food and spirited indulgence.

RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar is perfectly situated in the trendy and bustling Fulton Market neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, offering convenient access for locals and visitors alike. You can find this acclaimed ramen and whisky destination at:

219 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

This prime location places the restaurant in the heart of the West Loop, an area renowned for its vibrant culinary scene and lively atmosphere. Its proximity to major thoroughfares and public transportation hubs makes it easily reachable from various parts of Chicago. For those driving, the area offers several paid parking garages and street parking options, and the restaurant often suggests utilizing services like SpotHero for convenient pre-booking. Being a popular spot, especially on weekends, the restaurant can get quite busy, indicating its widespread appeal and accessibility to the Illinois community.

RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to provide a flexible and high-quality dining and drinking experience for its customers in Chicago, Illinois.

• Dine-In Service: Experience the vibrant and energetic ambiance within the restaurant. RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar is highly praised for its "lovely spot" vibe, complemented by a curated "90s hip-hop" playlist. It's an ideal setting for a casual lunch, a lively dinner, or a unique date night. The restaurant is equipped with both indoor and covered outdoor seating (patio/outdoor dining), making it enjoyable in various weather conditions.

• Takeout: For customers who prefer to enjoy their ramen and other dishes at home or on the go, efficient takeout services are available. Orders can be placed online for convenient pickup.

• Delivery: RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar partners with major third-party delivery platforms such as Grubhub and Seamless. This service allows patrons across Chicago to have their favorite ramen bowls, appetizers, and other menu items delivered directly to their doorstep, often arriving "fresh and hot."

• Online Ordering: To streamline the ordering process, online ordering is available directly through their website and integrated delivery platforms, making it easy for customers to browse the menu and place orders from anywhere.

• Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant operates throughout the day, accommodating both lunch and dinner crowds. Their hours are typically Monday-Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Friday-Saturday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, making them a great spot for late-night cravings.

• Full Bar & Whisky Program: As the name suggests, a key feature is their extensive full bar offering a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Notably, they boast Chicago's largest collection of rare and vintage Japanese whiskies.

• Reservations: Given its popularity, especially on weekends, making reservations (e.g., through OpenTable) is recommended to ensure a seamless dining experience. Walk-ins are also accommodated.

• Catering: The RAMEN-SAN team offers catering services, capable of bringing the authentic RAMEN-SAN experience to home, office, or event venues for group gatherings.

RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar sets itself apart in Chicago's culinary landscape with several distinctive features and highlights:

• Exceptional and Diverse Ramen Selection: The core of their appeal lies in their meticulously crafted ramen bowls, all featuring Tokyo wavy noodles from Sun Noodle:

  • 10 Hour Tonkotsu: A customer favorite, described as their "most traditional ramen" with a rich and hearty pork broth, pork belly, molten egg, and fried garlic.

  • Kimchi and Fried Chicken Ramen: A unique, "crunchy and spicy" option with pork broth, spicy kimchi, and karaage fried chicken.

  • Chicken Shio Ramen: Praised for its "favorite broth" by some, this lighter option features rich chicken broth, chicken chashu, and buttered corn.

  • TanTan-san: Their highly-rated vegetarian option, featuring a rich sesame miso vegetable broth, braised cremini mushrooms, and fresh tofu.

  • Limited Edition/Seasonal Ramen: RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar consistently introduces innovative and often "unique" limited-edition ramen, such as the "Wagyu Italian Beef Ramen" which impressed customers with its "rich and deep broth with a hint of Italian flavors" and "soft beef on top."

  • Sumo Bowl: A "fully loaded ramen" for hearty appetites, packed with extra noodles, XO shrimp & pork dumplings, and chashu pork.

• Extensive Japanese Whisky Collection: As the "Whisky Bar" in its name suggests, this location boasts the "largest collection of rare and vintage Japanese whiskys in Chicago," making it a destination for whisky connoisseurs.

• Vibrant Ambiance and Music: The restaurant offers a "lovely spot" with a distinctly energetic "VIBE." The "90s hip-hop mixtape running in the area" is consistently highlighted as a mood-setter, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.

• Beyond Ramen: Delicious Appetizers and Sides: The menu extends to include highly praised starters and sides:

  • Crab Rangoon: "Very tasty" and a "fan favorite," served with housemade sweet chili sauce.

  • Karaage Chicken Nuggets: Described as "perfectly crispy" and "super delicious."

  • Mantou Buns: Pillowy-soft buns with various fillings like fried chicken, pork belly, and crispy tofu.

  • Chicken & Vegetable Gyoza: Praised as "nothing to play around with."

  • Sticky Thai Wings / Spicy Szechuan Wings: Highly recommended chicken wings with distinctive sauces.

• Exceptional Service: Reviewers consistently rate the service as 5-star, noting that servers are "so friendly," attentive, and make guests "feel like she was our friend."

• Delicious Cocktails and Beverages: In addition to whisky, the bar offers a range of "pretty good" cocktails, like the Highball, and various teas.

• Irresistible Desserts: The "Ube Basque Cheesecake" is a popular choice, and they also offer "Hot Donuts" with vanilla sugar and miso caramel sauce.

• Dietary Accommodations: Offers vegetarian ramen options (TanTan-san) and gluten-friendly sides.

RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar offers several enticing promotions and programs that add value and appeal for locals in Chicago:

• Lucky Hour: Available Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This popular happy hour involves a unique interactive element where diners are presented with a deck of cards to "pick their fate." Lucky Hour deals often include:

  • Discounted drinks like $5 Asahi Cold Draft beer, $6 Cold Dry Sake, and $7 Penicillin #2 cocktails.

  • Affordable food bites such as $4 Fried Chicken Buns, $5 Roasted Shishitos, and $6 Karaage Chicken Nuggets.

  • Chances to win free menu items or RAMEN-SAN merchandise.

• Express Lunch: Available daily for dine-in until 3:00 PM for $16.95 (plus tax). This special allows patrons to choose one ramen (e.g., 10 Hour Tonkotsu, Chicken Shio, TanTan-san) or a main dish (e.g., Miso Salmon, Karaage Chicken), paired with a small rice platter, a small Salad-san, and marinated cucumbers.

• Mobile Club: Locals can join the RAMEN-SAN mobile club to receive exclusive offers and updates sent directly to their phones, ensuring they're always in the know about the latest deals.

• Frequent Diner Club: As part of the Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) group, RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar participates in the Frequent Diner Club. Members earn points with every dollar spent, redeemable for dining credits across LEYE restaurants.

• Limited Edition Ramen and Seasonal Items: The restaurant frequently introduces special, limited-time ramen creations (like the recent Wagyu Italian Beef Ramen or Chorizo Mazemen) and other seasonal dishes, offering a continuous reason for repeat visits.

For the most up-to-date information on any current promotions, it's always best to check RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar's official website or inquire directly at the restaurant.

To experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious ramen and whisky offerings at RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar, or for any inquiries, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 219 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Phone: (773) 645-0085

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the dynamic city of Chicago, RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining destination. It’s more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary and social experience that resonates deeply with the local vibe of the Fulton Market. Locals will find themselves consistently drawn back by the "great ramen" that is praised for being "just the right spice" and served "fresh and hot," with a diverse menu that caters to various tastes, including delicious vegetarian options and innovative limited-edition bowls.

The "ambiance" is a major draw, described as a "lovely spot" with an energetic "VIBE," often set to a "90s hip-hop playlist" that enhances the overall experience. The service is consistently rated as "friendly" and "super quick," even when the place is bustling, ensuring a pleasant visit every time. Furthermore, the "Whisky Bar" aspect, boasting Chicago's largest collection of Japanese whiskies, offers a sophisticated element that appeals to those looking for more than just a meal. With its convenient West Loop location, commitment to quality food and drinks, and a lively atmosphere perfect for any occasion, RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar provides a consistently outstanding and engaging experience that makes it a true gem for the Illinois community.

RAMEN-SAN Whisky Bar

219 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA