The 23 best ramen shops in Chicago

What is it? “Ramen Lord” Mike Satinover’s Logan Square restaurant.

Why we love it: Rather than striving for authenticity, Satinover experiments with dishes like the Midwest Shoyu made with thin, flat noodles, katsuobushi, pork chashu and fried onion, and the restaurant’s namesake Akahoshi Miso made with lard and crinkly Sapporo-style noodles. 

Time Out tip: There are also soupless varieties available if it’s too hot for broth.

Address: 2340 N California Ave, Suite B, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5-9pm

What is it? The Chicago outlet of a popular ramen chain, which first opened on the island of Hokkaido in Japan, tucked into the sprawling suburban Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights.

Why we love it: Before stocking up on rice noodles and jars of chili oil from the market shelves, make your way to the sparse central food court and order a bowl of ramen. The soups here are straightforward and unfussy, but the grid-like menu is extensive and can be overwhelming. There's miso, shoyu and shio broths, and while you won't go wrong with any of the choices, but we’re partial to the spicy miso ramen, with a silky broth. 

Time Out tip: Regardless of your broth choice, make sure to order your bowl topped with tender slices of chashu pork that the restaurant is known for.

Address: 100 E Algonquin Rd, #153, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Opening hours: Daily 11am-7pm

What is it? A teeny-tiny hidden oasis under Green Street Smoked Meats in the West Loop.

Why we love it: High Five Ramen is usually tough to get into unless you arrive early. Those lucky enough to snag a seat are rewarded with tonkotsu, shio, shoyu or maitake ramen. You can adjust the heat level on all of the options, opting for full, half or quarter spice—all of which flaunt a satisfyingly painful burn. Cleanse your palate with a can of Sapporo beer, sake or cocktail slushie.

Time Out tip: If you really want to sweat, add kanabo spice, which promises "face-numbing, tear-jerking, unbearable" properties.

Address: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4-10:30pm; Fri 4-11pm; Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-10:30pm

What is it? A no-frills ramen restaurant with locations in Logan Square and Fulton Market.

Why we love it: Even the most brutal Chicago weather can't keep us from venturing outdoors for a bowl of piping-hot soup from Japanese spot Ramen Wasabi. The ramen here is simple and unembellished, free of the trends and cutesy interpretations finding their way into many of the city’s noodle bowls. The subtly spiced broth is rich and cloudy with pork fat rendered from Berkshire pork bones, made in a time-consuming process that takes over 45 hours. 

Time Out tip: You can't go wrong with the fan-favorite Original, which includes tender pork belly, a soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, 'shrooms and garlic oil.

Address: 2101 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Tue-Thu noon-3:30pm, 5-10pm; Fri, Sat noon-3:30pm, 5-10:30pm; Sun noon-3:30pm, 5-9:30pm

What is it? A buzzy Logan Square shop from self-professed noodle nerd Katie Dong.

Why we love it: Here at Monster Ramen, you’ll want to try the gyukotsu-style ramen, a specialty of southern Japan that’s made with beef bones and rarely found in the States. The noodles are no afterthought, either—they’re crafted in-house using an imported machine.

Time Out tip: Feel like splurging? The namesake Monster Ramen comes with wagyu rib roast, wagyu chashu and beef jam.

Address: 3435 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 5-9:30pm; Fri 5-10:30pm; Sat noon-10:30pm; Sun noon-9:30pm

What is it? Chef Kenta Ikehata's casual Des Plaines restaurant, which has several spin-offs and outposts in the suburbs. 

Why we love it: There are plenty of places to get a bowl of tonkotsu or miso ramen throughout Chicago, but few specialize in tsukemen—Japanese dipping noodles. Chicago Ramen offers the best version of the dish we’ve tried. Essentially deconstructed ramen, it consists of cold noodles served with a bowl of rich broth that's meant for dipping. 

Time Out tip: For something more traditional, we recommend the chicken mapo tofu ramen, a marriage of Asian staples. 

Address: 574 E Oakton St, Des Plaines, IL 60018

Opening hours: Mon-Wed, Sun 11am-10:30pm; Thu-Sat 11am-11:30pm

What is it? The Chicago outpost of a Japanese chain ramen shop, located in a strip mall in Mount Prospect.

Why we love it: Known for their miso ramen, Ramen Misoya is adorably littered with miso propaganda, highlighting the fermented soybean paste’s supposed health benefits (it’ll make you smarter, more alert, skinnier, clear up your skin and cure most illnesses). The miso broth is some of the best in the city, imparting each noodle-packed bowl with a nutty and complex flavor from the rich soybean paste.

Time Out tip: If you can handle the heat, be sure to add more spice, which has a pleasant and warming heat that will help take the chill out of even the coldest winter day. 

Address: 1584 Busse Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am-9pm

What is it? The third concept from the folks behind Ramen Wasabi and Ramen Takeya.

Why we love it: The focus of Menya Goku is tantanmen, a Japanese take on Sichuan dan dan noodles. The pork broth gets its tingly, mouth-numbing properties from peppercorns as well as a slight nuttiness through sesame paste. Each bowl is teeming with noodles, ground pork, bok choy, green onions and marinated bamboo shoots. It’s the perfect dish for the cold.

Time Out tip: This cozy North Center spot is the perfect place to dine solo or with a date.

Address: 2207 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5-9pm; Fri, Sat 5-10pm

What is it? Strings owner Kenny Yang's second concept in the West Loop.

Why we love it: The Gyuro Ramen house specialty, gyukotsu-style ramen, is made with a creamy beef bone broth served with beef chashu or braised wagyu along with wontons filled with wagyu and truffle. If you’re feeling extra ravenous, the $30 premium bowl features all of the above plus beef tongue and extra beef chunks. 

Time Out tip: Everything can be spiced to your liking with their signature hell sauce.

Address: 171 N Aberdeen St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am-9:30pm

What is it? One of the latest additions to the Chicago ramen scene.

Why we love it: You can expect to find several types of ramen represented on the menu, from the traditional tonkotsu and shio varieties to an unorthodox kimchi ramen. The house special (and our favorite) is the Mega Ramen, a bowl filled with chashu pork, shrimp, bamboo shoots, wakame, marinated egg, nori, corn and scallions, and there’s also a variety of cold beverages from bubble tea shop TBaar. 

Time Out tip: Kyuramen has locations in Oak Park, Vernon Hills and downtown Chicago, so you can get your fix in the city or suburbs.

Address: 6 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 11am-9:30pm; Sat 11am-10:30pm

What is it? A popular Wicker Park ramen shop with an extensive menu of Japanese beers and sakes.

Why we love it: This Wicker Park ramen shop puts its 18-hour pork stock and chewy, house-made noodles to good use in imaginative creations like the Pozolmen with pork belly, jalapeños, red onion and tomato. Get funkier still with the Musclemen, mussels and bonito flakes in chili pepper-spiced miso. 

Time Out tip: No order is complete without a few buns to share, and with options like tempura cod and duck breast, there's something for everyone in your crew.

Address: 1385 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Tue-Thu noon-2:20pm, 5-8:40pm; Fri, Sat noon-9:10pm; Sun noon-8:10pm

What is it? A suburban ramen restaurant inspired by the Japanese city of Nagoya.

Why we love it: If tonkotsu is your favorite style, head out to Ramen House Shinchan in the suburbs (Palatine, Vernon Hills or Glenview) for arguably the finest version. The intensely concentrated broth is the result of a 15-hour bone-boiling process and accompanied by egg noodles, tender braised pork, soft-boiled egg, scallions and bean sprouts. 

Time Out tip: We’re big fans of the spicy Taiwan noodle with ground pork, as well as the curry ramen topped with fried chicken.

Address: 1939 S Plum Grove Rd, Palatine, IL 60067

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11:30am-2pm, 5-9pm

What is it? Lettuce Entertain You's trendy ramen restaurant with locations in River North, Lincoln Park, Fulton Market and Streeterville.

Why we love it: A meal at Ramen-san usually starts with an order of buns or dumplings, but regulars know that these appetizers are just the opening act. The restaurant's Tokyo-style wavy noodles meet their match in unconventional ingredients like fried chicken and buttered corn. Vegetarians dig the Tantan-San with a veg-based broth, cremini mushrooms, bok choy and chunks of tofu. 

Time Out tip: You can upgrade any bowl with a menu of add-ons, like fried garlic, spicy sesame chili, chashu pork or wontons. 

Address: 59 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Wed, Sun 11am-11pm; Thu 11am-midnight; Fri, Sat 11am-1am

What is it? A ramen shop known for its ultra-spicy Hell Ramen.

Why we love it: Whether you're ordering from Strings Ramen in Chinatown, Lakeview, Hyde Park or Aurora, there's a section on the menu that will undoubtedly catch your eye: Hell Ramen. With up to four spice levels to choose from, the appropriately named dish is crafted with shoyu broth that's infused with hot peppers and chili sauces (levels three and four incorporate ghost peppers). For everyone else, there are plenty of tamer options, including turkey miso ramen. 

Time Out tip: Noodle fiends can request kae dama or "extra noodles, please!"

Address: 2141 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-11pm; Fri, Sat 11am-midnight

What is it? One of the few restaurants in Chicago that serves a full vegan ramen menu.

Why we love it: Ramen broth is deeply rich and satisfying, but it's generally produced by boiling animal bones, leaving vegetarians with little to no options. Fortunately, this chain from Tokyo has arrived to expand the local scene. Rakkan Ramen's umami-laden broth is 100% plant-based, made with dashi, shiitake mushrooms, onions, ginger, carrots and garlic. As a result, the bowls here are roughly 40% less fat than traditional tonkotsu ramen.

Time Out tip: Diners with dietary restrictions will be happy to know there are also gluten-free and kale noodles on offer.

Address: 4926 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

What is it? Chef Bill Kim's casual Asian eatery.

Why we love it: Kim keeps our bellies happy with his playful menu of Asian staples at this sunshine-filled restaurant in Wicker Park. Start with an assortment of dumplings, which are available in flavors like edamame, lemongrass chicken and barbecue beef. You'll want to save room for hearty entrees like ramen with kimchi-braised pork belly, chicken katsu and chicken wontons.

Time Out tip: In addition to the OG Wicker Park restaurant, Urbanbelly also has a location inside the Time Out Market in the West Loop.

Address: 1542 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Daily 11am-9pm

What is it? A go-to spot for rare turkey ramen.

Why we love it: Located in the food court of the Gangnam Market Asian grocery store, Seven Faced Bird Ramen is a rarity in that it eschews beef and pork in favor of turkey. Bones are used to craft clear shoyu and creamy shio broths, while the meat is seared to make chashu, bundled with shrimp into wontons or stir-fried as part of yakisoba. 

Time Out tip: Visit the neighboring stalls for milk tea and dessert once you're done with your bowl.

Address: 1001 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Daily 11am-8:30pm

What is it? A late-night izakaya-style diner.

Why we love it: Nicknamed the "Midnight Diner," Bridgeport restaurant Shinya Ramen House stays open until 1:30am most nights of the week, serving affordable eats and an impressive lineup of ramen. The yuzu-chicken variety boasts a citrus-laced broth, grilled chicken and wood ear mushrooms, while the tomato-vegetable ramen spotlights matcha noodles and stir-fried produce. 

Time Out tip: Treat yourself to the taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake with red bean filling, for dessert.

Address: 3240 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 5pm-1:30am

What is it? A noodle shop serving ramen and izakaya-style fare.

Why we love it: Chinatown’s Kuro Ramen welcomes big groups looking to satisfy late-night cravings. The signature tonkotsu ramen features chashu, corn, narutomaki and egg seasoned with housemade black garlic oil, while the tom yum seafood ramen blends Thai and Japanese traditions with a tangy broth filled with shrimp and mussels. 

Time Out tip: Adventurous diners should try the natto—slimy and strong-smelling fermented soybeans.

Address: 2246 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-1:30am; Sat 11am-1:30am; Sun 11am-11:30pm

What is it? A small, unassuming Japanese restaurant off the bustling Halsted Street corridor in Lincoln Park.

Why we love it: Kameya offers a mighty selection of sushi—but that shouldn't stop you from ordering the ramen. The bowls here sport a buttery yet surprisingly light broth, garnished with your choice of pork belly, beef ribeye, chicken katsu, seafood or gyoza dumplings. Cabbage, green onions and an egg add some other flavors to the mix, but the simplicity of these bowls is what makes them so appealing.

Time Out tip: Stop in for happy hour every day for $5 Japanese beers, wine and rolls.

Address: 806 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 4:30-9pm; Thu 4:30-9:30pm; Fri 3:30-10pm; Sat 1-10pm; Sun 1-9pm

What is it? A cozy ramen shop on Broadway in Lakeview.

Why we love it: A minimal but handsome dining room and friendly staff await at Lakeview restaurant Musashiya Ramen. The welcoming committee also includes three types of ramen: extra-thick tonkotsu; rich, porky miso; and mildly salty shio ramen. You can get it with pork chashu, chicken karaage, shrimp tempura or tofu, and also boost your bowl with extra ingredients for an additional fee. 

Time Out tip: Before you start slurping, pad your belly with an order of geso karaage, tender squid tentacles rendered golden-brown and delightfully crispy with help from the kitchen's deep fryer.

Address: 2938 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-9:30pm