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ICHIRAN Ramen NY Times SquareBWorth Trying

Name: ICHIRAN Ramen NY Times Square
Address: 152 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020, New York, United States
Rating: 4.6

152 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020 · Ramen restaurant, Japanese restaurant, Noodle shop · 4.6/5 Google (3522 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Iconic solo-booth ramen with rich tonkotsu and smooth operations; long lines and premium pricing are real, veggie ramen divides opinions.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

ICHIRAN Ramen NY delivers exceptional tonkotsu broth and noodle quality with remarkably fast service in an authentically designed solo-booth setting that captures the ramen bar experience. However, inconsistent execution—including order errors and variable broth richness—and isolated food safety incidents prevent a higher grade, while premium Times Square pricing limits value perception despite quality merit. Solid neighborhood ramen destination, though not among the region's premier dining establishments.

Restaurant Summary

Step off Broadway and into a lane of focused slurping: wooden booths, low partitions, and a hush that lets the ramen take center stage. Service runs like a well-oiled line—order at the kiosk, hand over tickets, and bowls land in minutes. One diner summed it up perfectly: "The broth had deep flavor and I finished every drop." Expect efficient solo booths, long lines at peak, and a tip-free system. The cooking is classic rather than flashy—the culinary approach leans traditional tonkotsu (innovation level 4.0): one perfected bowl with fine-tuned customization for richness, spice, garlic, and noodle firmness. Fans praise the silky pork broth and springy noodles; detractors find the flavor lighter than Japan or balk at Times Square pricing. Add-ons like chashu, egg, and the house black vinegar help tailor the bowl, but the vibe remains purist and focused rather than fusion. For families, it can work with caveats. Kids ramen exists on the brand menu but is not at this Midtown location; still, you can order mild spice, low salt, and firm noodles for simpler palates. Protein is pork-centric and the vegetarian ramen is light with few veggies, so picky eaters may struggle. Booths fit 1–3 side by side, making it best for small parties rather than big groups.

At a Glance

Rich, customizable tonkotsu with fast, efficient service once seated
Unique solo-booth experience that feels authentically Japanese
Lines of 20–60 minutes common at peak times
Vegetarian ramen criticized for minimal toppings and value
Tip-free policy but premium Times Square pricing

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Silky, porky broth with depth
Private booths that make solo dining relaxing
Fast, streamlined ordering and delivery
Customization that dials flavors exactly right

Points of Concern

Waits can exceed 45 minutes during rush; late-night or off-peak is smoother
Vegetarian ramen perceived as sparse and salty by several diners
Service lapses: occasional order mix-ups and early clearing of bowls
To-go and delivery experiences are inconsistent and slower than dine-in

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$38-$48 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Choose rich broth + firm noodles + extra garlic; add Osukaran vinegar mid-bowl
If hungry, plan on kae-dama to match broth volume
Vegetarians: consider extra mushrooms and scallions to bolster the bowl

Perfect For

Pre-theater solo slurp before a Broadway show
Travelers seeking a Japanese-style booth experience
Ramen fans who value customization over variety
Quick, focused meal with minimal small talk

Location Insights

Area: Tourist-heavy Midtown theater district; fast-moving, convenience-focused, high foot traffic all day.

Safety: Well-lit, crowded, generally safe with typical Midtown vigilance required.

Nearby: Near Broadway theaters, hotels, office towers; strong pre/post-show dining demand.

Theater DistrictThe Theater District is vibrant and busy, especially in the evenings with crowds attending Broadway shows. Dining options range from casual eateries to upscale restaurants catering to pre- and post-theater crowds, with a lively social atmosphere and a mix of locals and visitors.

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Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–22:00 Tuesday11:00–22:00 Wednesday11:00–22:00 Thursday11:00–22:00 Friday11:00–22:30 Saturday11:00–22:30 Sunday11:00–22:30

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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