Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar

For those in the Albany, NY, area with a discerning palate for authentic Japanese flavors, Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar on Broadway offers a culinary experience that goes beyond the ordinary. This beloved establishment has carved out a niche for itself by specializing in genuine ramen and a curated selection of sake, all within a truly unique setting. Locals often laud it as a go-to spot for an authentic taste of Japan right here in the Capital Region.

Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar prides itself on delivering "outstanding Ramen food" and a memorable dining experience. Unlike some places that might conform to popularized trends, Tanpopo is committed to celebrating "the history and procedure put into making original ramen." This dedication is evident in their rich, flavorful broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and thoughtfully prepared toppings. Beyond ramen, their menu features distinctive appetizers like "unique and super tasty" pork belly buns and standout crab rangoons, promising delightful surprises for every diner. The restaurant aims to provide a "cozy and welcoming atmosphere," making it ideal for a casual meal, a quick bite, or an exploration of new Japanese culinary delights.

Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar is conveniently located at 893 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207, USA. This address places it in a notable part of Albany, on one of the city's oldest streets, adding a layer of historical charm to the dining experience. Broadway is a significant thoroughfare, ensuring good accessibility from various parts of Albany and the broader Capital Region.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Tanpopo's location is that it's "located in an old school diner," specifically the historic Miss Albany Diner. This unique setting, built in 1941 and featuring Art Deco design elements like a cherry wood interior and geometrically tiled floor, provides a memorable backdrop for your meal. While the "old school diner" might be a bit of a tight squeeze in certain areas, its charm is undeniable. Given its downtown Albany location, street parking might be available, and nearby parking garages or lots could also be options, though it's always advisable to check current parking availability in the area.

Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar offers a range of services to ensure a flexible and enjoyable dining experience for its patrons:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in the unique ambiance of the repurposed historic diner. The restaurant has new booths and seating for about 45 people, providing a comfortable space for lunch or dinner.
• Takeout: Customers can easily place orders for pickup, allowing them to enjoy Tanpopo's authentic ramen and appetizers from the comfort of their homes or offices.
• Delivery: Tanpopo partners with major third-party delivery platforms such as DoorDash and Seamless, offering convenient doorstep delivery within their service area.
• Online Ordering: The restaurant provides an online ordering system through their website and integrated with delivery apps, making it simple to browse the menu and place orders for pickup or delivery.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar typically operates throughout the day, serving both lunch and dinner. Their hours are generally Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (or 10:30 PM on weekends), and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. They are usually closed on Wednesdays.
• Sake Bar: As part of its name, Tanpopo offers a selection of "unique sake drinks," as well as beer and wine, providing a full beverage experience to complement the meal.
• Outdoor Seating: While specific details about outdoor seating in the current configuration are not widely available, some sources indicate this may be an option, particularly during warmer months.
• Wi-Fi: The cafe may offer Wi-Fi for guests, catering to those who might want to enjoy a casual meal while working or Browse.

Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar is distinguished by several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong reputation:

• Authentic Ramen: A primary draw, offering various ramen types with rich broths. Popular choices include:
  • Tonkotsu Ramen: Featuring a creamy pork bone marrow broth with chashu pork, scallions, fish cake, and kikurage mushroom.
  • Miso Ramen: Tonkotsu broth infused with miso paste.
  • Tanpopo Spicy Ramen: A spicier version of the Tonkotsu broth with minced spicy pork paste.
  • Vegetable Ramen: A dedicated vegetable broth with a variety of greens and mushrooms, suitable for vegans.
  • Beef Stew Ramen: Served with chicken broth, seasoned greens, scallions, and radish.
  • Curry Ramen: Red curry broth with choice of protein (shrimp, pork, or chicken).
  • Chicken Ramen & Seafood Ramen: Additional options with chicken or seafood bases.
• Exceptional Appetizers: Customers rave about their unique and delicious appetizers, specifically:
  • Pork Belly Buns: Described as "unique and super tasty" and "amazing," these are a must-try. Spicy Pork Buns and Fried Oyster Buns are also available.
  • Crab Rangoons: Praised for "crushing the kind you get at a typical Chinese restaurant," indicating superior quality and flavor.
  • Other popular appetizers include Edamame, Shumai (steamed shrimp dumplings), Gyoza (pan-fried shrimp or vegetable dumplings), Pork Dumplings, Haru Maki (vegetable spring rolls), and Takoyaki (wheat flour-based batter with diced octopus).
• Unique Historic Setting: Located in an "old school diner," formerly the Miss Albany Diner, the restaurant retains its Art Deco charm with original elements like cherry wood interiors and tiled floors, providing a "cool" and culturally rich dining atmosphere.
• Great Service: Many customers report "service was great" and the staff is often described as "friendly and calming," contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
• Diverse Menu Options Beyond Ramen: In addition to ramen, Tanpopo offers:
  • Salads: Kani Salad, Seaweed Salad, Seared Pepper Tuna Salad.
  • Rice Dishes: Teppanyaki Chicken/Steak/Shrimp with Rice, Beef Stew with Radish Rice, and Fried Rice.
  • Sake and Drinks: A selection of hot and cold sake, Japanese beers, and unique cocktails. They also offer teas, smoothies, and soft drinks.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly: With dedicated "Vegetable Ramen" and other plant-based options, Tanpopo caters to various dietary needs.
• Generous Portions: Ramen bowls are often described as substantial and satisfying.

Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar occasionally provides promotions to enhance the value for its customers. Based on available public data, these offers often involve:

• Bundle Deals: They may offer "Ramen & Appetizer" bundles, featuring a choice of popular ramen paired with select appetizers like Edamame, Pork Belly Bun, or Pork Dumplings. These provide a complete meal experience at a bundled price.
• Online Ordering Promotions: Tanpopo has previously offered promotions for online orders, such as "Free Gyoza with $50 purchase or more" or "Free Gyoza and Edamame with $100 purchase or more" using specific promo codes. They've also had "Free Shrimp Tempura Roll with $75 purchase or more." These offers typically cannot be combined with other discounts and may have expiration dates, though some past codes (e.g., for free gyoza) have very long expiry dates (e.g., 10/27/2120), suggesting they might be ongoing value propositions.
• Loyalty Programs: Some sources indicate they offer a loyalty program, such as "Earn 5 Points For Every $1 Spent, $1 = 100 points," which allows customers to accumulate points for future redemptions. This usually applies to online orders placed directly through their website.
• Third-Party Platform Deals: Tanpopo may participate in promotions offered by delivery services like DoorDash or Seamless, which could include discounted delivery fees, exclusive bundles, or percentage off deals for new or existing users of the platforms.

For the most current and specific promotions, it is highly recommended that customers visit Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar's official online ordering platform or inquire directly with the restaurant.

To plan your visit, make an inquiry, or place an order for delicious ramen and more, you can reach Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar using the following contact details:

Address: 893 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207, USA

Phone: (518) 451-9868

Typical Business Hours (subject to change):

• Monday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Friday: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

It is always a good practice to confirm current operating hours, especially on holidays, by checking their official website or calling the restaurant directly before your visit.

For residents of Albany, NY, and the surrounding Capital Region, Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar on Broadway offers a uniquely suitable and highly appealing dining experience, especially for those who appreciate authentic Asian noodle cuisine and a distinctive atmosphere. Its strong appeal to locals stems from a combination of culinary excellence, a memorable setting, and convenient service options.

Firstly, the core appeal of Tanpopo lies in its commitment to "outstanding Ramen food" and genuine flavors. Unlike some generic Asian eateries, Tanpopo focuses on the "history and procedure put into making original ramen," which translates into rich, complex broths and perfectly cooked noodles. The variety of ramen, from the creamy Tonkotsu to the spicy options and dedicated vegan choices, ensures that there's a bowl to satisfy every craving. Furthermore, their appetizers, particularly the "amazing" pork belly buns and the "crush" crab rangoons, provide delicious complements to the main courses, making for a truly satisfying meal.

Secondly, the restaurant's location within an "old school diner" adds a significant layer of charm and character that resonates with locals. Dining in a piece of Albany's history provides a "cool" and unique backdrop, enhancing the overall experience beyond just the food. This distinct ambiance, combined with "great service" and a "friendly and calming" staff, creates a welcoming and comfortable environment for diners. Even the mention of the bathroom "unintentionally mimick something you’d find in one of those tiny Japanese apartments" speaks to the immersive, if quirky, cultural experience.

Finally, Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar's convenient location on Broadway, paired with accessible takeout and robust delivery services via popular platforms, makes it incredibly practical for the fast-paced lives of Albany residents. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a comforting meal delivered to your doorstep, Tanpopo provides flexibility. For those in the Capital Region seeking authentic ramen, unique appetizers, and a dining experience with a distinct personality, Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar is a highly recommended and well-suited choice for locals.

Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar

893 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207, USA