Tatsu Ramen: A Pasadena Favorite for Fantastic Ramen and More

Tatsu Ramen Introduce

For California residents, particularly those in the vibrant city of Pasadena, the quest for a truly satisfying bowl of ramen is a continuous journey.

Tatsu Ramen

has firmly established itself as a top contender, consistently praised by patrons for its "great food" and "fantastic" ramen. What sets Tatsu Ramen apart is not just the depth of flavor in their broths and the quality of their ingredients, but also their commitment to exceptional customer service. With generous portions and reasonable prices, it's quickly becoming a go-to spot for locals seeking a delicious and comforting Japanese meal, whether it's a classic ramen or one of their innovative new dishes like the Gyudon bowl.

Introduction / Overview

Tatsu Ramen in Pasadena offers more than just a meal; it provides a memorable dining experience characterized by delicious food and outstanding hospitality. Reviewers frequently highlight the "top-notch" customer service, citing staff who go "above and beyond" to ensure satisfaction. This dedication to service complements their culinary prowess, which shines through in every dish. From traditional favorites like the "Old School Ramen" to exciting new additions such as the "Birria Ramen," Tatsu Ramen consistently delivers on flavor and quality. The portions are notably "big," offering excellent value for the "reasonable prices." It's a place where you'll find yourself planning your next visit even before you've finished your current meal, cementing its status as a beloved ramen destination in California.

Location and Accessibility

Tatsu Ramen is conveniently located at

319-9 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA

. This address places it in a highly accessible area of Pasadena, making it a convenient stop for locals whether they're commuting, shopping, or exploring the city. South Arroyo Parkway is a significant thoroughfare, ensuring easy navigation to the restaurant. While Tatsu Ramen itself doesn't offer on-site parking, the surrounding area of Pasadena, particularly Old Pasadena, provides various public parking options, including nearby Park & Walk structures and street parking. Many of these parking facilities are within a short walk, making it feasible for customers to find a spot. The restaurant's strategic location also benefits from being close to major transportation routes, allowing for easy access for diners from various parts of Los Angeles County. Tatsu Ramen operates late into the night, staying open until 12 AM from Sunday to Wednesday and until 2 AM from Thursday to Saturday, catering to both early diners and those with late-night ramen cravings.

Services Offered

Tatsu Ramen offers a comprehensive range of services designed to cater to the diverse preferences and busy schedules of its California customers:

Dine-In Service: Enjoy your ramen and other Japanese dishes in their comfortable and welcoming restaurant environment.
Pickup Service: Customers can conveniently place their orders online or by phone for quick pickup, perfect for those on the go.
Delivery Service: Tatsu Ramen partners with major delivery platforms such as Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates, ensuring that their delicious ramen can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home or office. Contact-free delivery options are available.
Extensive Ramen Menu: A wide variety of ramen bowls are offered, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. Popular options include:
- Bold Ramen: A customer favorite with a slow-cooked Tonkotsu (pork) broth and a blend of 11 bold ingredients.
- Old Skool Ramen: A classic Tonkotsu broth ramen inspired by Kyushu, a traditional choice.
- Birria Ramen: A unique fusion dish combining slow-cooked tender beef marinated in adobo with classic thick ramen noodles.
- Hippie Ramen: A vegan broth ramen with curly noodles and fresh vegetables, offering a delightful plant-based option.
- Cheeky Ramen: Features an ultra-rich and creamy chicken broth.
- Naked Ramen: A brothless, vegan-friendly ramen packed with flavor.
- Red Ramen: A Tonkotsu broth spiked with a secret umami red sauce.
- Soul Ramen: Tonkotsu broth finished with black garlic oil and Gochujang miso paste.
Rice Bowls (Don): Beyond ramen, they offer hearty rice bowls such as the highly recommended "Gyudon" (tender, thinly sliced beef), Pork Chashu Rice, Chicken Rice, and Veggie Fried Rice.
Sides and Add-Ons: A variety of appetizers and extra toppings are available, including Edamame, Fried Rice, Chicken Gyoza, Juicy Pork Buns, and extra ramen toppings like Tatsu Egg, Pork, Chicken, Organic Tofu, and various noodles (Tonkotsu, Naked, Gluten-Free).
Beverages: A selection of soft drinks and Japanese sodas (Ramune) are available.

Features / Highlights

Tatsu Ramen in Pasadena stands out due to several key features that consistently impress its loyal customer base:

Incredibly Flavorful Broths and Dishes: The ramen broths are consistently praised for their depth and richness, whether it's the classic Tonkotsu, the unique Birria Ramen, or the vegan Hippie Ramen. The "flavorful pork and rice bowl" (likely Pork Chashu Rice or Gyudon) is also a standout.
Exceptional Customer Service: Reviewers repeatedly highlight the "top-notch" customer service and commend staff members like "Josh" for going "above and beyond." This friendly and attentive service significantly enhances the dining experience.
Generous Portions and Reasonable Prices: Customers consistently find the portions "big" and the prices "reasonable," offering great value for money, which is highly appreciated in the California dining scene.
Diverse Menu with Innovative Options: Beyond traditional ramen, the inclusion of dishes like the "Birria Ramen" and the "new gyudon bowl" showcases their creativity and willingness to offer exciting new flavors while maintaining quality.
Dietary Accommodations: Tatsu Ramen offers a variety of vegan options (Hippie Ramen, Naked Ramen, Veggie Fried Rice, Organic Tofu) and gluten-free noodles and broths that are lab-tested and certified, demonstrating their commitment to catering to diverse dietary needs.
High-Quality Ingredients: The freshness and quality of ingredients, including the pork and add-ons like the "Tatsu Egg" (soft-boiled egg with a gooey yolk), are consistently noted.
Late-Night Hours: The restaurant's late closing times (up to 2 AM on weekends) make it a perfect spot for late-night cravings, a valuable feature in urban areas.
Ease of Ordering: While they don't take phone orders for customization reasons, their efficient online ordering system (via their website or delivery apps) makes the process smooth.

Promotions or Special Offers

While Tatsu Ramen's core appeal lies in its consistently delicious food and reasonable pricing for generous portions, they do offer avenues for additional value. They frequently update their menu with Limited Time ramen options, providing novelty and excitement for regulars. For instance, the "Natsu Ramen" (cold ramen) has been a recent seasonal offering. Furthermore, customers ordering through delivery platforms may occasionally find platform-specific promotions, such as a "Free Chicken Gyoza with $45 purchase" on Uber Eats and Postmates. While specific loyalty programs or discounts directly from Tatsu Ramen are not extensively advertised in public reviews, their consistent quality and value serve as a strong incentive for repeat visits. Locals are encouraged to check their official website and preferred delivery apps for the most current promotions and new menu announcements.

Contact Information

To experience the fantastic ramen and exceptional service at Tatsu Ramen in Pasadena, you can reach them via the following contact details:

Address: 319-9 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA

Phone: (626) 345-5688

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For California residents, particularly those in Pasadena and surrounding areas, Tatsu Ramen stands out as an exceptional choice for Japanese ramen. Its convenient location on S Arroyo Parkway, coupled with late-night hours, makes it easily accessible for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a late-night craving. What truly makes Tatsu Ramen suitable for locals is its unwavering commitment to delivering "great food" with "top-notch customer service." The ramen, whether it's the comforting "Old School" or the innovative "Birria Ramen," is consistently praised for its fantastic flavor and generous "big portions," providing excellent value for money. The addition of delicious side dishes like the "Gyudon bowl" and the flexibility of vegan and gluten-free options ensures that there's something for every palate and dietary need. With friendly staff who go "above and beyond," Tatsu Ramen offers a welcoming and truly satisfying dining experience, making it a highly recommended and sure-to-be-regular spot for any ramen enthusiast in the California region.

Tatsu Ramen Menu

New Menu Items
LIMITED TIME: Natsu Ramen US$21.48
Our cold ramen is back! Chilled house-made broth infused with delicious pickled plum and dashi (Japanese fish stock). Our Naked noodles topped with our sweet pickled purple shiso, white onion, bamboo shoot, kikurage mushrooms, nori, bloomed wakame, and our spicy and tasty garlic ichimi togarashi oil. Mix well before delving into bliss. *Sorry, no modifications possible! Contains fish and soy
NEW: Ramune - Strawberry US$4.75
NEW: Furikake Fries US$6.78
Crispy. Saucy. Savory. What more could you want? Want more? Load ’em up with juicy pork or chicken. Contains egg, sesame, fish, wheat, & soy.
New: Ramune - Melon US$4.75

Extra Add-Ons
Corn US$2.98
Spinach US$3.98
It's what makes Popeye strong.
Bamboo Shoots US$3.75
Contains Soy & Wheat.
Gluten Free Noodles US$6.25
The best GF ramen noodles you’ll ever taste. We tried 40 different kinds of GF noodles before deciding on the best one. Our GF noodles and GF broths are lab-tested and certified gluten-free.
Tatsu Egg US$3.98
Tan on the outside, ooey gooey goodness on the inside. Contains Soy & Wheat.
Organic Tofu US$4.75
Slices of marinated, organic, non-GMO tofu. Contains Soy & Wheat
Green Onions US$2.98
Hippie Broth US$7.48
Vegan broth for the flower child in all of us. Contains Soy & Wheat.
Red Ground Beef US$4.98
Ground beef simmered in our secret umami RED sauce. Contains Soy & Wheat.
Birria Beef US$5.25
Slow cooked tender beef marinated over night in our in-house adobo. Contains Wheat.
Woodear Mushrooms US$2.98
Fried Onions US$2.98
Cheeky Broth US$7.48
Ultra rich and creamy chicken bone broth that is high in collagen (reduces inflammation and makes you look forever young), made with whole ingredients. Contains Shellfish, Soy & Wheat.
Naked Noodles US$4.95
Curly vegan noodles made with our signature, carefully developed recipe. Contains Wheat.
Pickled Ginger US$2.98
Tonkotsu Noodles US$4.95
Thin, straight Hakata style noodles made with our signature, carefully developed recipe. Contains Egg & Wheat.
Condiments US$0.25
Pork US$4.98
Slices of melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. Contains Soy & Wheat.
Cabbage US$2.98
Tonkotsu Broth US$7.48
Made from whole pork bones and whole vegetables. Bone broth is very high in protein, collagen, and amino acids among many other nutrients. It can help reduce inflammation and support healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints. Contains Shellfish, Soy & Wheat.
Chicken US$4.98
Slices of tender marinated chicken breast. Contains Soy & Wheat
Cheese US$2.98

Sides
Fried Rice US$10.98
Sauteed with egg, pork, chicken and topped with scallions, ginger and sesame. Contains Shellfish, Egg, Soy, Sesame & Wheat. Unfortunately, we cannot make this without egg!
Chicken Bun US$9.78
Steamed bun filled with juicy chicken bits on lettuce topped with mayo, sesame seeds and scallions. Contains Soy, Sesame & Wheat.
Red Rice US$9.98
Ground beef simmered in sweet and savory sauce served over Koshihikari rice bed, topped with sweet corn and green onions. Contains Soy & Wheat.
Chicken Gyoza US$10.48
Deep fried gyoza filled with ground chicken, cabbage, and onions. Contains Egg, Milk, Soy, Sesame & Wheat.
Garlic Edamame US$6.98
The name says it all. Contains Soy
Juicy Pork Bun US$9.78
Steamed bun filled with juicy pork belly bits on lettuce topped with mayo, sesame seeds and scallions. Contains Soy, Sesame & Wheat.
Pickled Cucumber US$5.78
Tickle your taste buds with our zesty Pickled Cucumbers! Crisp, cool cucumbers are marinated in a tangy blend of chili and garlic, delivering a refreshing crunch with a spicy kick.
Veggie Fried Rice US$10.98
Vegetarian-friendly fried rice, comes with scrambled egg and tofu, topped with green onion, ginger and sesame. Contains Egg, Soy, Sesame & Wheat. Unfortunately, we cannot make this without egg!
Chicken Rice US$9.98
Tender chicken bits served over Koshihikari rice bed topped with scallions and sesame. Contains Soy, Sesame & Wheat.
NEW: Furikake Fries US$6.78
Crispy. Saucy. Savory. What more could you want? Want more? Load ’em up with juicy pork or chicken. Contains egg, sesame, fish, wheat, & soy.
White Rice US$4.48
Koshihikari short-grained white rice, affectionately called 'Little Buddhas'.
Pork Gyoza US$10.48
Deep fried gyoza filled with ground pork, leek, cabbage, onion and green onions. Contains Soy & Wheat.
Gyudon US$11.48
Tender, thinly sliced beef simmered in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce served over Koshihikari rice bed. Finished with a zesty kick of pickled ginger, a sprinkle of green onion, and our secret chili powder for the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and just a touch of heat.
Spicy Edamame US$6.98
Edamame with our signature Tatsu Chili Paste. Contains Soy
Pork Chashu Rice US$9.98
Tender pork belly chashu bits served over Koshihikari rice bed topped with scallions and sesame. Contains Soy, Sesame & Wheat.

Ramen
Birria Ramen US$21.48
Our take of fusion where Mexican meets Japanese. Slow cooked tender beef marinated over night in our in-house adobo paired with our classic thick ramen noodles. Contains Wheat.
Hippie Ramen US$21.48
Vegan broth for the flower child in all of us. Curly noodles topped with spinach, and finished with house-made scallion oil, fragrant sweet onion and a hint of ginger. Try with cheese topping like they do in Japan! Contains Soy & Wheat (Dairy Free Option Available upon Request)
Bold Ramen US$21.98
Slow-cooked Tonkotsu (pork) broth, finished with a perfect blend of 11 bold ingredients. Thin noodles served with Tatsu Egg, scallions and fried onions. Contains Shellfish, Dairy, Soy, Sesame & Wheat *Consuming raw or uncooked meats, fish, shellfish, and egg products may increase the risk of food borne illness.
Cheeky Ramen US$21.98
Ultra rich and creamy chicken broth slow-cooked with whole ingredients. Curly noodles topped with Tatsu Egg, flash fried onions, scallions and yuzu kosho paste. Contains Shellfish, Soy & Wheat. *Consuming raw or uncooked meats, fish, shellfish, and egg products may increase the risk of food borne illness.
Red Ramen US$21.48
Slow-cooked Tonkotsu (pork) broth, spiked with our secret umami RED sauce. Thin noodles topped with ground beef, sesame and scallions. Contains Shellfish, Soy, Sesame & Wheat.
Old Skool Ramen US$21.48
A true classic; inspired during our trip to Kyushu. Slow-cooked Tonkotsu (pork) broth, finished with smooth Hakata Tonkotsu dashi. Thin noodles topped with kikurage mushrooms, scallions and sesame. Contains Shellfish, Soy, Sesame & Wheat.
Naked Ramen US$21.48
Zero broth, all flavor! Vegan-friendly curly noodles topped with Tatsu Egg, scallions, crunchy Panko breadcrumbs, and drizzled with a sweet Kuromitsu glaze. Squeeze the lime before you eat! Vegetarian & Vegan options available. Contains Soy, Sesame, & Wheat. *Consuming raw or uncooked meats, fish, shellfish, and egg products may increase the risk of food borne illness.
LIMITED TIME: Natsu Ramen US$21.48
Our cold ramen is back! Chilled house-made broth infused with delicious pickled plum and dashi (Japanese fish stock). Our Naked noodles topped with our sweet pickled purple shiso, white onion, bamboo shoot, kikurage mushrooms, nori, bloomed wakame, and our spicy and tasty garlic ichimi togarashi oil. Mix well before delving into bliss. *Sorry, no modifications possible! Contains fish and soy

Utensils
Yes, I Would Like Utensils US$0.00

Drinks
Ice Green Tea US$4.48
Cold, and refreshing unsweetened green tea brewed in Japan.
NEW: Liquid Death Mountain Water US$5.25
Liquid Death Mountain Water comes from a deep underground mountain source protected by a few hundred feet of stone and contains naturally occurring minerals (aka electrolytes) that aren’t just good for your body, they will murder your thirst. Instantly.
Diet Coke US$3.48
I'll have a ramen, fried rice, pork bun...and a Diet Coke!
NEW: Ramune - Strawberry US$4.75
Sprite US$3.48
The American version of Ramune.
New: Ramune - Melon US$4.75
Yuzu & White Peach Soda US$6.25
Sparkling Yuzu soda with a hint of white peach for a sweet & bright flavor
Ramune US$4.75
The Japanese version of Sprite. Just drink it!!!
Coke US$3.48
No silly, the classic all American drink.
NEW: Lychee Oolong Sparkling Tea US$6.48
Mexican Sprite (355ml) US$5.48
A lemon-lime soda made with real cane sugar and bottled in Mexico.
NEW: Liquid Death Dead Billionaire US$5.78
These psychotic cans of half iced tea, half lemonade are dead set on using natural agave and B vitamins to savagely murder your thirst and turn its insides into balloon animals to book gigs at children’s birthday parties.
NEW: Liquid Death Sparkling Water US$5.25
Liquid Death Sparkling Water doesn’t just look like a beer, it is actually carbonated like a beer. Slightly less carbonation means less carbonic acid is formed, which means it's less bitter and more thirst murderous than many other sparkling waters.
NEW: Liquid Death Severed Lime US$5.25
These ruthless tallboys of flavored sparkling water are armed with agave nectar and merciless flavor to refresh your body and murder your thirst.
Mexican Coke (500ml) US$5.75
The same great taste made with only pure cane sugar and served in a bottle.

Drinks
NEW: Liquid Death Sparkling Water US$5.25
Liquid Death Sparkling Water doesn’t just look like a beer, it is actually carbonated like a beer. Slightly less carbonation means less carbonic acid is formed, which means it's less bitter and more thirst murderous than many other sparkling waters.
NEW: Liquid Death Mountain Water US$5.25
Liquid Death Mountain Water comes from a deep underground mountain source protected by a few hundred feet of stone and contains naturally occurring minerals (aka electrolytes) that aren’t just good for your body, they will murder your thirst. Instantly.
NEW: Lychee Oolong Sparkling Tea US$6.48
Yuzu & White Peach Soda US$6.25
Sparkling Yuzu soda with a hint of white peach for a sweet & bright flavor
New: Ramune - Melon US$4.75
Mexican Coke (500ml) US$5.75
The same great taste made with only pure cane sugar and served in a bottle.
Diet Coke US$3.48
I'll have a ramen, fried rice, pork bun...and a Diet Coke!
Ice Green Tea US$4.48
Cold, and refreshing unsweetened green tea brewed in Japan.
Mexican Sprite (355ml) US$5.48
A lemon-lime soda made with real cane sugar and bottled in mexico.
NEW: Ramune - Strawberry US$4.75
NEW: Liquid Death Dead Billionaire US$5.78
These psychotic cans of half iced tea, half lemonade are dead set on using natural agave and B vitamins to savagely murder your thirst and turn its insides into balloon animals to book gigs at children’s birthday parties.
Coke US$3.48
No silly, the classic all American drink.
Ramune US$4.75
The Japanese version of Sprite. Just drink it!!!
Sprite US$3.48
The American version of Ramune.
NEW: Liquid Death Severed Lime US$5.25
These ruthless tallboys of flavored sparkling water are armed with agave nectar and merciless flavor to refresh your body and murder your thirst.

Tatsu Ramen Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
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

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Late-night food
Quick bite
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Seating

Amenities
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Crowd
Locals
Tourists
University students

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs

Parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Tatsu Ramen Photos

Tatsu Ramen Location

Tatsu Ramen

California Los Angeles County Pasadena South Arroyo Parkway

319-9 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA

Tatsu Ramen Reviews

Food was great (3rd or 4th time I've been here), but Josh was the true star. His customer service skills are top-notch and he truly went above and beyond in everything. The new gyudon bowl is truly worth it. The Old School Ramen is what I had and my parents had the Birria Ramen, both were fantastic. Portions are big and the prices are reasonable.
March 30 · Alejandro Foucault Monterrey
So delicious! I wish I could have finished everything! Fave thing was the flavorful pork and rice bowl. Also definitely double up on egg! And add corn to the ramen too!
May 25 · Lexi
A decent choice for ramen in the area, if a bit overpriced. Easy lot parking, moderate amount of seating, clean and welcoming atmosphere. Friendly staff. Ordering is smooth and seamless with the kiosk. Food comes fast. I’ve tried ramen a few times from here, overall too salty for my taste, but it could be the soup base I ordered. The Birria ramen is a Mexican Asian fusion that’s creative, but I personally thought the flavors didn’t work well together. If you like strong flavors definitely try their soul (tonkotsu) ramen, it’s very rich and hearty.
January 08 · Ying Liang
Very convenient location with parking but I must say, the noodle quality is not the best and it is super pricey!!However, their times they stay open (until 11pm) is also very convenient when one is trying to find a soupy dinner place after returning from a long flight!Employees are friendly but you order through the screens.Seating is limited but we have always managed to find a spot.I ordered the Soul Ramen but liked my husband’s better (I think it was called Old Skool Ramen, with the creamy white broth).
June 01 · Jessica You
Ramen is good enough for me. But for other people was small and expensive than standard.You order online and the waitress serve the food to your table.Flavor was good, they have about seven different options, chicken, pork and vegan. Place is cool, clean and the service is fast and gentle.I’m more excited about places that take your order when you are ready to eat, not going to the tablet and make your order by yourself.I can say if you are a good eater the portion could be small for you.We paid $41 for two ramen and water. Plus tip.
May 01 · fizzfarm_fermentedfoods Instagram