Seemor
IchiranB+Worth Trying
132 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001
· Ramen restaurant, Chinese noodle restaurant, Japanese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (4502 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Solo-booth ramen with customizable tonkotsu and swift, structured service; great bowl, memorable experience, but expect lines and add-on costs.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Ichiran delivers exceptional tonkotsu broth quality and efficient, well-organized service that justify its strong reputation, but operational friction—cramped entryway, long outdoor waits, and occasional consistency lapses—prevents grade A territory. The distinctive solo-booth experience and customizable noodles appeal strongly to dedicated ramen enthusiasts, making it a worthwhile destination for that audience despite the logistical challenges.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels structured and calm: you order at a kiosk, slide into a private booth, and a quiet curtain opens as steaming ramen arrives. One diner summed it up: "It is just you and the bowl, in the best way." Lines form often, but staff keep the flow organized and efficient. The cooking leans elevated traditional rather than flashy—thin, bouncy noodles in a rich tonkotsu that you can fine-tune for spice, richness, and firmness. Expect a focused single-dish menu with add-ons like chashu, egg, and noodle refills; quality is high, variety is limited, and some find base portions lean without extras. Families can make it work, but this setup shines for solo diners. The menu has familiar flavors for kids, yet the Midtown note says the Kids Ramen is not offered here. Plan for simple choices (plain noodles, low spice) if you bring picky eaters, and know you will sit in adjacent booths rather than a shared table.
At a Glance
- Deep, customizable tonkotsu broth with quick delivery once seated
- Unique solo-booth experience that minimizes distractions
- Outdoor lines and strict waitlist windows can be frustrating
- Add-ons drive up the total; portions feel light without extras
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- private_solo_booths
- highly_customizable_broth
- no_tipping_norm
What People Love
- The calm, private booth vibe
- Dialing in spice, richness, and noodle firmness
- Broth depth and clean finish
- Speed from seating to first slurp
Points of Concern
- Expect outdoor queuing 15-60 minutes at peak times; text waitlist can be unforgiving if late
- Base bowl includes few meat slices; most add toppings or noodle refills
- Vegetarian ramen draws mixed feedback on flavor and substance
- Review patterns show no serious manipulation; some marketing-style raves present but balanced by detailed critiques
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$38-48 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Start with Classic Tonkotsu at medium richness and medium spice; choose firm or extra firm noodles.
- Add Soft Boiled Egg and mushrooms if you want more body without heavy salt.
- Use Kae-Dama to extend the broth rather than loading toppings upfront.
Perfect For
- Solo noodle missions where you want focus
- A quick, efficient pre- or post-commute meal
- Ramen fans chasing a classic tonkotsu done right
- Cold-weather comfort with minimal small talk
Location Insights
Area: Busy Midtown South block near Herald Square; commuter and shopping traffic, tourist spillover.
Safety: Generally safe, heavy foot traffic; lines form outdoors even in cold months.
Nearby: Near 34 St-Herald Sq transit, Penn Station, retail corridors, hotels, offices.
KoreatownKoreatown is a lively, compact neighborhood centered around West 32nd Street, famous for its Korean restaurants, karaoke bars, and late-night eateries. The dining scene is energetic and diverse, attracting both locals and visitors seeking authentic Korean cuisine and fusion options in a casual, fast-paced environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:30
Saturday10:00–23:30
Sunday10:00–23:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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