18 Jan 23rd-Jan 29th, 2025 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | drinks menu features beer, wine, sake and cocktails, and the food never disappoints. The concept started in Flagstaff before bringing its motto as “the nonstop noodle shop” to the Valley. The menu offers a fusion of flavors and the noodle soups feature udon, ramen and rice noodles. The TanTanMen is a spicy, satisfying option and the Katsu is punched up with roasted corn and hoisin sauce. SoSoBa also offers gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Hachi Ramen 655 W. Warner Road, #114, Tempe Casual cafe-style spot Hachi Ramen serves pure comfort. The homey restaurant is located off Warner Road in Tempe and serves large, ice-cold Japanese beers and piping-hot bowls of ramen. Bases include tonkotsu, shoyu and miso, which customers can build on with extra toppings. The Spicy Miso Ramen adds a kick of heat, and the Hachi Special comes preloaded with tender pork belly, sweet corn kernels and all the fixings. The noodles are springy with great chew and the savory broths are rich without being overly salty. For a weeknight ramen craving, Hachi hits the spot. Ja Ramen 5845 W. Baseline Road, #120, Laveen Village Tucked inside a modern shopping center just off the Loop 202 in Laveen, there’s a small restaurant with a red and black sign shining brightly. Just through the doors of Ja Ramen, a feast for the eyes unfolds. The space is decorated with neon signs, paper lanterns and faux cherry blossoms blooming around the bar. Sleek black and red booths are nestled among black walls and wallpaper featuring jumping tigers. Take it all in before taking a look at the menu. Start with an order of crispy chicken katsu or tempura veggies before digging into a bowl of soul-warming soup. There are more than a dozen ramen options ranging from curry ramen to the Half Sea Tonkotsu, which comes piled with shrimp, squid katsu, seaweed and crispy onion rings. Each broth is distinct and flavorful and the noodles are cooked just right for a satisfying slurp every time. Clever Koi 4236 N. Central Ave., #100 60 W. Vaughn Ave., #101, Gilbert Many of the best ramen restaurants in town are ultra-casual spots perfect for grabbing a quick bite. But if you’re craving ramen on date night, Clever Koi is dressed to impress. This modern, trendy restaurant is fun and friendly with top-notch cocktails and a tasty Asian-fusion menu. A few bowls of ramen leave an impression, such as the decadent duck ramen topped with a confit duck leg. The miso shoyu ramen is filled with shredded, braised chicken and tender noodles in a dark, soy-heavy broth. There’s also a vegan ramen bowl, made with fragrant lemongrass stock. Pair your bowl with some fluffy steamed buns and a round of carefully crafted drinks for a winning evening. The TanTanMen Ramen at SoSoBa gives you spice and a new outlook on life. (Photo by Lauren Cusimano) The Valley’s best bowls of ramen range from traditional to unique, like the Half Sea Tonkotsu at Ja Ramen in Laveen. (Photo by Tirion Boan) When a craving for ramen strikes on date night, head to Clever Koi. (Photo by Tirion Boan) Hachi Ramen is the perfect casual weeknight spot. (Photo by Tirion Boan) Top Ramen from p 16
