I don't say this lightly - this is the 2nd best ramen I've EVER had second only to a very specific place in Kyoto. The pork was unbelievably good. I was not expecting this much from a place called High Five Ramen, but I was blown away. Absolutely insane how deep and rich the broth was, and the pork truly just melted with perfect flavor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gabriela Weikel
Their garlic spicy ramen was on point. Recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephania Cieslak
This place was amazing. The wait was worth it and we definitely plan to come back.
The only issue we had was a waitress, Madeline, who was extremely loud and obnoxious. She suddenly turned up the music in the restaurant causing many of us to startle. She was constantly shouting to fellow coworkers telling weird inside jokes. In such a quiet environment, her voice was jarring. Our waiter was even having a hard time hearing us because of the volume she had put the music on. I believe another staff member tried to turn it down and she snapped at them. Maybe she was drunk or high, because her behavior seemed unprofessional.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Setareh tabatabaie
We finally made it here, and I’m so happy 🤩 For sure one of the best Ramens I’ve ever tried 😋 Signature Ramen 👌🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Daguru
Be prepared to wait. It's worth it. I so wish they would open a second location, preferably closer to me up in Evanston. Tonkotsu 1/4 spice is my usual and it's the perfect amount of heat. This is a tantanmen-style ramen and the szechuan peppercorn really sets this one off.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kyle Pointer
Food was unbelievable. Service was impeccable. Vibes were peak.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Signature Ramen, Shoyu Ramen
Xavier Browley
Easily my favorite ramen spot in the city!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Finamates
Food is great but the host was rude both times we were there
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Naomi Oshima
I actually came here a few months ago - I’ve always been curious about this place since the atmosphere is inspired by Japan’s limited seating, cozy small ramen restaurants. Walking in I had rly high hopes especially being Japanese and missed a good bowl of ramen. Unfortunately it did not live up to its hype, it is far from authentic. The bean sprouts were raw like how you’d eat it with a bowl of Vietnamese pho. Bean sprouts in traditional ramen, are blanched and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic or sometimes stir fried. We never eat it raw with ramen. The broth was very disappointing. There was no rich umami taste especially coming from a tonkotsu soup, it was bland, overly black pepper tasting. The pork was actually not that bad. Maybe it’s meant to be a “Japanese inspired” ramen instead of an authentic bowl but even then it was lacking a lot of flavor. It just didn’t taste good at all, I always avoid wasting food but I just couldn’t finish the ramen and had to stop after a few bites. The cocktails were great, small but tasty, lovely atmosphere but I don’t think I’ll be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 3
Eva N
If you are craving for some really spicy ramen, then this place will not disappoint you. We dropped in our names and went to get a couple of beers from green street smoked meats which was a perfect warm up before this place. The atmosphere inside was very cozy and vibey. We had the tonkatsu and the shoyu ramen. Although both were really good, but we loved the tonkatsu more. The pork itself was excellent. We wrapped up with a mochi. Overall, had a great experience!
I have been here multiple times and this is by far my favorite ramen. This time around we had the Tonkotsu and Maitake ramen. Both we rich and full of flavor, the pork is very tender and melts in your mouth and the soft boiled eggs are cooked to perfection. Full spice is VERY spicy, i typically stick to 1/4 spice then add more chilli flakes as needed. Staff is always kind and service is quick.
There's no reservations avaliable and there is limited seating but wait times are usually shorter than expected, we have never waited more than 30 minutes for a seat for a party of 2.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Maitake Ramen, Tonkotsu Bowl
Chris Tiane
The food always delivers. Small place, though, and no reservations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jorge Garcia
I drove an hour to try this place out and gave my information for them to call me back in supposedly 1.5 to 2 hours. After almost reaching the 2 hours, I call to ask how much longer. They tell me they had messaged me 40 minutes ago and I have to go back and re sign in and wait another 3 hours! Although I NEVER GOT THE MESSAGES!! My phone works perfectly fine and I was literally just waiting for them. I spoke with Amber and she was being passive aggressive acting like it was a problem on my end. I told her I have no choice but to write a bad review about the way they get in contact with people and she says “if that makes me feel better.” These workers need to verify the people actually get the messages or call them instead. Or be more considerate when their machines fail.
Zayoodi Anthony
High Five Ramen is tucked away in a little basement spot in Fulton Market, and the vibes are great. The lighting is warm, and it’s true ramen bar–style seating — no tables, just around 18 seats total. It’s a popular place, so expect a bit of a wait.
The service was excellent. Our waitress took the time to explain the entire menu and was very attentive throughout the meal. The atmosphere and service were definitely the standout parts of the experience.
Now, onto the ramen. I ordered the signature ramen with Kanabo spice. From the way the waitress described it, I was expecting something that would make me tear up or cough — but the spice level was actually pretty manageable. Unfortunately, it had a slightly bitter flavor rather than the punchy, zesty spice I expected. The noodles were also on the shorter side, almost as if they’d been chopped, so they weren’t exactly “slurp-worthy.”
I also tried my friend’s ¼ spice ramen, which was okay as well. The broth had a pork flavor that tasted a bit off — not the rich, deep umami you’d expect.
Maybe my expectations are higher since I’ve visited Japan a few times, but for $24 a bowl, I was hoping for more depth and balance in the broth. That said, the service and atmosphere really carry this restaurant. It’s a great spot to drink and eat casually with friends — one of mine liked it more than I did, while the other didn’t enjoy it much. I’ll admit I’m a bit picky, but overall, it’s worth visiting for the vibe, even if the ramen itself didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Signature Ramen
Mark
The 45 minute wait was worth it. Probably the best ramen I've ever had and I've been to Japan, I'll tell you hwhat. Impressed with the thickness of the pork belly. Half spicy was what I would think full spicy would be like. Careful!
I don't say this lightly - this is the 2nd best ramen I've EVER had second only to a very specific place in Kyoto. The pork was unbelievably good. I was not expecting this much from a place called High Five Ramen, but I was blown away. Absolutely insane how deep and rich the broth was, and the pork truly just melted with perfect flavor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Their garlic spicy ramen was on point. Recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place was amazing. The wait was worth it and we definitely plan to come back.
The only issue we had was a waitress, Madeline, who was extremely loud and obnoxious. She suddenly turned up the music in the restaurant causing many of us to startle. She was constantly shouting to fellow coworkers telling weird inside jokes. In such a quiet environment, her voice was jarring. Our waiter was even having a hard time hearing us because of the volume she had put the music on. I believe another staff member tried to turn it down and she snapped at them. Maybe she was drunk or high, because her behavior seemed unprofessional.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We finally made it here, and I’m so happy 🤩 For sure one of the best Ramens I’ve ever tried 😋 Signature Ramen 👌🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Be prepared to wait. It's worth it.
I so wish they would open a second location, preferably closer to me up in Evanston.
Tonkotsu 1/4 spice is my usual and it's the perfect amount of heat. This is a tantanmen-style ramen and the szechuan peppercorn really sets this one off.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was unbelievable. Service was impeccable. Vibes were peak.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Signature Ramen, Shoyu Ramen
Easily my favorite ramen spot in the city!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food is great but the host was rude both times we were there
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
I actually came here a few months ago - I’ve always been curious about this place since the atmosphere is inspired by Japan’s limited seating, cozy small ramen restaurants. Walking in I had rly high hopes especially being Japanese and missed a good bowl of ramen. Unfortunately it did not live up to its hype, it is far from authentic. The bean sprouts were raw like how you’d eat it with a bowl of Vietnamese pho. Bean sprouts in traditional ramen, are blanched and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic or sometimes stir fried. We never eat it raw with ramen. The broth was very disappointing. There was no rich umami taste especially coming from a tonkotsu soup, it was bland, overly black pepper tasting. The pork was actually not that bad. Maybe it’s meant to be a “Japanese inspired” ramen instead of an authentic bowl but even then it was lacking a lot of flavor. It just didn’t taste good at all, I always avoid wasting food but I just couldn’t finish the ramen and had to stop after a few bites. The cocktails were great, small but tasty, lovely atmosphere but I don’t think I’ll be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 3
If you are craving for some really spicy ramen, then this place will not disappoint you. We dropped in our names and went to get a couple of beers from green street smoked meats which was a perfect warm up before this place. The atmosphere inside was very cozy and vibey. We had the tonkatsu and the shoyu ramen. Although both were really good, but we loved the tonkatsu more. The pork itself was excellent. We wrapped up with a mochi. Overall, had a great experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I have been here multiple times and this is by far my favorite ramen. This time around we had the Tonkotsu and Maitake ramen. Both we rich and full of flavor, the pork is very tender and melts in your mouth and the soft boiled eggs are cooked to perfection. Full spice is VERY spicy, i typically stick to 1/4 spice then add more chilli flakes as needed. Staff is always kind and service is quick.
There's no reservations avaliable and there is limited seating but wait times are usually shorter than expected, we have never waited more than 30 minutes for a seat for a party of 2.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Maitake Ramen, Tonkotsu Bowl
The food always delivers. Small place, though, and no reservations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I drove an hour to try this place out and gave my information for them to call me back in supposedly 1.5 to 2 hours. After almost reaching the 2 hours, I call to ask how much longer. They tell me they had messaged me 40 minutes ago and I have to go back and re sign in and wait another 3 hours! Although I NEVER GOT THE MESSAGES!! My phone works perfectly fine and I was literally just waiting for them. I spoke with Amber and she was being passive aggressive acting like it was a problem on my end. I told her I have no choice but to write a bad review about the way they get in contact with people and she says “if that makes me feel better.” These workers need to verify the people actually get the messages or call them instead. Or be more considerate when their machines fail.
High Five Ramen is tucked away in a little basement spot in Fulton Market, and the vibes are great. The lighting is warm, and it’s true ramen bar–style seating — no tables, just around 18 seats total. It’s a popular place, so expect a bit of a wait.
The service was excellent. Our waitress took the time to explain the entire menu and was very attentive throughout the meal. The atmosphere and service were definitely the standout parts of the experience.
Now, onto the ramen. I ordered the signature ramen with Kanabo spice. From the way the waitress described it, I was expecting something that would make me tear up or cough — but the spice level was actually pretty manageable. Unfortunately, it had a slightly bitter flavor rather than the punchy, zesty spice I expected. The noodles were also on the shorter side, almost as if they’d been chopped, so they weren’t exactly “slurp-worthy.”
I also tried my friend’s ¼ spice ramen, which was okay as well. The broth had a pork flavor that tasted a bit off — not the rich, deep umami you’d expect.
Maybe my expectations are higher since I’ve visited Japan a few times, but for $24 a bowl, I was hoping for more depth and balance in the broth. That said, the service and atmosphere really carry this restaurant. It’s a great spot to drink and eat casually with friends — one of mine liked it more than I did, while the other didn’t enjoy it much. I’ll admit I’m a bit picky, but overall, it’s worth visiting for the vibe, even if the ramen itself didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Signature Ramen
The 45 minute wait was worth it. Probably the best ramen I've ever had and I've been to Japan, I'll tell you hwhat. Impressed with the thickness of the pork belly. Half spicy was what I would think full spicy would be like. Careful!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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