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Strings Ramen Shop — top-tier japanese in Chinatown. Buzzy, energetic room where the crowd adds to it. Friendly without hovering, and open late. Mitchel Taylor: "The broth was rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful—you can taste the hours of dedication that go into making it"
Eric Boesen
206 reviews
- We planned to eat at a different restaurant, but because the waiting time was long, we decided to eat here so we wouldn't have to wait.
We are beyond disappointed with our experience today.
2141 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
“The ramen was incredibly delicious, full of flavor, and clearly made with care”
“The portion sizes are big for the price you pay – definitely worth it.”
The portion sizes are big for the price you pay – definitely worth it. The meat was super tender, and the soup… omg, so good! Their drinks were great too, and the service was friendly and attentive. I left full and happy. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Asem Kazieva
Jan 2026
“Absolutely loved this spot.”
Absolutely loved this spot. The vegetarian ramen options were flavorful, comforting, and perfect for a cold day. The Hell Ramen had a great level of spice without overpowering the flavor, and the dumplings were so good. Everything tasted fresh and well made. Even the Japanese sodas were a fun touch. Such a cozy place for cold weather and definitely worth checking out. I would 100 percent come back.
Pooja Patel
Jan 2026
“The SERVICE was phenomenal, I went on a Friday night around 8pm and there was a wait.”
The SERVICE was phenomenal, I went on a Friday night around 8pm and there was a wait. I took a lap around Chinatown, came back and got seated. The menu at the table is accessed through a QR code, there are printed ones at the door before you get seated. Knowing what I wanted when I was sat made the communication between me and my servers so smooth. I appreciate their patience with me on that busy night. The kitchen is see through, which adds to the moody atmosphere caused by the low lighting against the dark wooden stained furniture.
Noelle DeVeris
Jan 2026
“Strings ramen… it’s hands down the best ramen I’ve ever had.”
Strings ramen… it’s hands down the best ramen I’ve ever had. I am so sad that I don’t live in Chicago anymore because I’ve been on the hunt for a place comparable to it and have come up short. It’s been a seven year endeavor and no place compares to strings. Their noodles are always firm and bouncy, their broth is rich and delicious, the staff were always so kind and the service was quick but you never felt rushed. It’s a smaller establishment so sometimes there was a wait but it is always worth it. They also keep things interesting with changing out drinks and other food items that are available for limited times. Words cannot describe how much I miss this place!
Carly P
Jan 2026
“I’ve been wanting to visit this place for quite a while, so I was really excited when I finally got...”
I’ve been wanting to visit this place for quite a while, so I was really excited when I finally got the opportunity to come in—and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The ramen was incredibly delicious, full of flavor, and clearly made with care. I’ve seen so many videos online about the Hell Ramen challenge, especially the level 4, and I was curious but didn’t want to overdo it on my first visit. I decided to start at level 2, and while it was definitely spicy, it was still enjoyable and well-balanced. Now that I know what to expect, I’m pretty confident I’ll be bumping it up another level next time. Beyond the food, the experience really stood out because of the staff. Every single person was exceptionally kind, patient, and happy to answer all of my questions, which made the visit even more enjoyable. The welcoming atmosphere and great service really added to the overall experience. I’m already looking forward to coming back and seeing if I can handle the next level!
Eric Boesen
Jan 2026
“Late night Ramen.”
Late night Ramen. Super unique, variety, top quality, 100% recommended!
reinaldo larotta
Dec 2025
“I had Tontaksu with pork and duck.”
I had Tontaksu with pork and duck. It was very flavorful. They had great customer service. The space is tight though, you're sort of seated very close to others.
Malyncia Davis
Dec 2025
“This was the best Ramen I have had thus far in Chicago!”
This was the best Ramen I have had thus far in Chicago!! Big beef rib sitting in the bowl with all the trimmings, and the broth with the level 2 heat added was amazing. It was nothing left,that bowl didn't stand a chance! Can't wait to get back!
Ricardo Hopkins
Dec 2025
“My first visit to Strings Ramen was an absolute revelation, and it immediately earned a spot as one...”
My first visit to Strings Ramen was an absolute revelation, and it immediately earned a spot as one of my new favorite spots! I ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen with Kuro Buta, and it was seriously phenomenal. The broth was rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful—you can taste the hours of dedication that go into making it. The Kuro Buta was tender and savory, and the noodles had the perfect bite. It's the standard by which I'll measure all other Tonkotsu from now on! Equally impressive was the service, especially from Peter. As a first-time guest, he was incredibly welcoming, took the time to walk me through the menu, and offered fantastic, patient recommendations. He checked in just the right amount and made the entire dining experience smooth and enjoyable. Thank you, Peter, and the entire Strings team, for a truly 5-star meal! I can't wait to come back and try more next time I'm in Chicago!
Mitchel Taylor
Nov 2025
“Place is tiny and i feel like they don’t maximize table usage.”
Place is tiny and i feel like they don’t maximize table usage. Other than that ramen is amazing!
Rosa Q
Oct 2025
“Absolutely delicious.”
Absolutely delicious! 😍 I tried their ramen and every single one was amazing — from the vegan to the pork, everything is full of flavor. They also sell the most viral TikTok ice creams 🍦🔥 and I totally recommend them all! You can really taste the love in every dish. Can’t wait to come back!
Dinora Velazquez
Oct 2025
“Strings Ramen Shop on South Archer is fantastic.”
Strings Ramen Shop on South Archer is fantastic! Black garlic ramen is usually my go-to—the noodles are perfectly cooked, and the pork belly is incredibly soft. I usually don’t like pork, but I’ll definitely finish this one every time. The toppings are fresh, the service is friendly, and the cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for a casual meal or a late-night ramen craving. Highly recommend!
Alexis Salumbidez
Sep 2025
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