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Mr. RamenB+Worth Trying

Name: Mr. Ramen
Address: 341 1/2 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Los Angeles, United States
Rating: 4.4

341 1/2 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 · Ramen restaurant, Japanese restaurant, Restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (933 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Cozy Little Tokyo ramen shop with flavorful tonkotsu and beloved fried chicken ramen at fair prices, but expect occasional slow courses and uneven service pacing.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Mr. Ramen delivers solid neighborhood ramen with strong food quality anchored by excellent tonkotsu and fried chicken bowls, plus exceptional value with combos under $17 in Little Tokyo's heart. However, inconsistent execution—occasional bland broths and dry chashu—combined with notable service pacing delays during peak hours prevent a higher grade. The charming cultural setting and loyal following make it worth visiting, but it remains a solid local favorite rather than a destination standout.

Restaurant Summary

In Little Tokyo, this spot feels cozy and nostalgic rather than flashy. Walls dotted with doodles and shikishi boards set a relaxed mood, and servers come off as warm if occasionally stretched. One diner summed it up: "Comforting bowls that hit after a plaza stroll." Service pacing can lag when the room fills. The cooking leans classic ramen shop with comfort-first bowls over theatrics. Tonkotsu and fried chicken ramen are the crowd favorites, with combos that make it easy to add gyoza or curry without breaking the bank. Expect reliable textures and hearty portions, though a minority call some broths on the mild side and chashu occasionally dry. Families do well here thanks to dedicated kids combos and simple flavors. Mini ramen with gyoza or fried rice gives younger eaters options, and sides like edamame and miso soup help round things out. Space is snug but friendly, so early evenings tend to be the smoothest for strollers and sharing bowls.

At a Glance

Rich tonkotsu and popular fried chicken ramen with good portions
Value-forward combos under $17 in a prime area
Slow ticket times and staggered course pacing at peaks
Occasional bland broth or dry chashu reports
Downtown parking limited and paid; plan ahead

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Homey, unpretentious vibe
Fried chicken ramen crunch and comfort
Combos that feel like a deal
Consistent noodles and warm broth on chilly nights
Friendly staff when not slammed

Points of Concern

Service can be slow with courses arriving out of order
A few diners find broth under-seasoned or chashu dry
Small space; large groups may feel cramped
Pricing is fair but add-ons can creep the bill up

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$26-36 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Lean on combos for value
Order gyoza early so it lands before ramen
Kids combo #1 is an easy win for families

Perfect For

Casual ramen cravings after exploring Little Tokyo
Budget-friendly comfort meal with combos
Family dinner with kid-sized portions
Solo slurp-and-go at off-peak times

Location Insights

Area: Historic Little Tokyo with a mix of tourists and locals, casual dining and cultural spots.

Safety: Generally busy and well-patrolled; standard downtown precautions at night.

Nearby: Near Japanese Village Plaza, shops, museums, and other ramen competitors; walkable destination.

ChinatownChinatown in Los Angeles is a bustling neighborhood known for its rich Asian heritage, vibrant street life, and a wide variety of authentic Asian restaurants and markets. The dining scene is casual and diverse, attracting both locals and visitors seeking traditional and contemporary Asian flavors.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–00:00 Tuesday12:00–00:00 Wednesday12:00–00:00 Thursday12:00–01:00 Friday12:00–01:00 Saturday12:00–01:00 Sunday12:00–01:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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