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5 Best Ramen in Denver: Authentic Bowls and Where to Find Them

ramen-in-denver
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Service Range: We looked at the different types of broths and noodles each restaurant prepares. Spots serving diverse options like rich tonkotsu and satisfying vegan bowls earned higher marks.

Pricing & Packages: We evaluated the average prices for single bowls and full meals. Value for money and generous portion sizes played a huge role in our ranking.

Specialist Approach: We focused on the authenticity of the recipes and the depth of flavor in the soups. Places using fresh ingredients and impressive visual presentation stood out.

Location & Accessibility: We checked how easy it is to find these restaurants across the city. Good parking options and reliable takeout services were important ranking factors.

Staff Credentials: We paid attention to the customer service and overall dining atmosphere. Friendly staff members who create a welcoming environment made a big difference.

Finding the best ramen in Denver is a serious quest for any food lover. The city offers such an amazing mix of traditional joints and modern spots where you can find hot, rich broth paired with chewy noodles and fresh ingredients. 

Personally, I love hunting for those deeply flavorful meals that can fix any bad mood. Exploring these local eateries is an adventure in itself, so I checked out the top spots that locals really rave about. 

Read on and get ready to grab your chopsticks for a great slurpy meal!

How much does authentic ramen cost in Denver?

For ramen in Denver, expect $15 to $25 for a bowl, with full meals reaching $45 if you grab drinks and appetizers.

Estimated Pricing BreakdownCost
Standard Ramen Bowls$12 – $18
Premium or Signature Bowls$19 – $25
Common Appetizers (Gyoza, Takoyaki)$7 – $12
Add-ons (Chashu, Egg, Black Garlic Oil)$2 – $5 per item
Non-alcoholic Drinks (Specialty Teas)$3 – $6
Cocktails or Craft Beers$9 – $14

1. JINYA Ramen Bar – Union Station

jinya-ramen-bar-union-station

Website: https://www.jinyaramenbar.com/locations/denver-union-station/ 

Address: 1710 Wynkoop St

Contact: (720) 826-8262

Hours: 

  • Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

If you’re craving a truly comforting meal, you really need to find a kitchen that understands the magic of slow-cooked broths. JINYA Ramen Bar hits the mark perfectly because they let you customize your spice levels and toppings for a personalized bowl. 

I tried their spicy tonkotsu recently, and the rich flavor completely impressed me. They even calibrate the noodle textures to match your specific additions. You’ll also find plenty of options for different diet specifications here. 

As for the place, the dining room has dark accents that feel very cozy, but it can get incredibly loud during peak hours, so conversation can be quite difficult. The staff is both knowledgeable and attentive, though, which helps.

If you visit after trying some thrilling escape rooms in Denver, aim for a quieter afternoon slot to really enjoy the experience and the food.

Pros

  • Extensive broth options, including vegan choices
  • Perfectly calibrated noodle textures
  • Cozy, dark-accented interior design
  • Knowledgeable and prompt service staff

Cons

  • Loud dining area during peak hours
  • Difficult to hold conversations across tables

Customer Reviews:

I’m very impressed with everything  
Love this ramen place. I got the spicy chicken ramen and it was so flavorful with just the right amount of spice. My husband got the original black tonkotsu and the broth had so much depth. Everything was great, especially the leechitini. They have really fun cocktails. I got the matcha tiramisu as well and it was so creamy and delicious. I’m very impressed with everything given that Jinya is chain. This one has to be my favorite.


Ramen bowls had exquisite flavors  
Stopped in for a quick lunch and WOW that was the right choice! Prompt and knowledgeable service by Jade. The kitchen delivered our Jinya Buns quickly and the only problem was that I didn’t order more.

Ramen bowls had exquisite flavors with real depth. The Tan Tan Men and Spicy chicken (spice level: SPICY) were both right on. Definitely a place to visit on my next trip through Denver.

2. Corner Ramen & Poke

corner-ramen-poke

Website: https://cornerramenandpoke.com/ 

Address: 1629 Bruce Randolph Ave

Contact: (303) 292-0250 | [email protected] 

Hours: 

  • Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Finding a spot that satisfies everyone’s cravings is always a big win for group dinners. Corner Ramen & Poke combines rich, hot broths and fresh poke bowls in a friendly neighborhood setting.

The kitchen serves up a great variety of hearty noodle soups and vibrant seafood. You can always expect generous portions that provide real value for the high-quality ingredients they use. 

You should definitely try the bacon-wrapped mochi because it is a unique starter that everyone raves about!

Just note that the environment is casual and totally no-frills, so it might not be the best choice for a fancy date night. However, if you just finished exploring the different markets in Denver, this is a fantastic place to grab a laid-back lunch.

Pros

  • Excellent variety of noodle and seafood bowls
  • Highly praised bacon-wrapped mochi appetizer
  • Generous portions offering great value
  • Unassuming and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere

Cons

  • Very casual, no-frills dining environment
  • Lacks a highly elevated or formal ambiance

Customer Reviews:

Perfect ramen spot  
Perfect ramen spot for a casual lunch or dinner. We went on Sunday for lunch and there was not wait, surprisingly. We ordered Thai teas and the pork gyoza appetizer was delicious. We got spicy tonkatsu ramen, spicy creamy chicken, and spicy miso soup. All were delicious but my favorite was the spicy tonkatsu ramen. They had chili oil on the table. Service was efficient and we got a lil candy at the end with the check.


The best Ramen I have ever ha  
The best Ramen I have ever had, and the Ramen competition in Denver and Boulder is fierce. The spices, amazing. The egg cooked medium soft, firm but not runny, precisely how I like it. I had to force myself to slow down, (and failed) it was so good. I couldn’t believe how delicious the Spicy Miso Ramen was.

3. Neko Ramen & Rice

neko-ramen-rice

Website: http://nekoramenandrice.com/

Address: 4030 Colorado Blvd #103

Contact: (303) 320 – 5950

Hours: 

  • Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM 
  • Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Neko Ramen and Rice offers a standout experience because of their uniquely crafted specialty soups and family-friendly vibe. The kitchen serves generous portions packed with fresh ingredients and a perfectly cooked egg. 

You’ll find exceptional options on the menu if you want something more exciting than a standard broth. A close friend of mine actually visits every week and swears by the black garlic variation. 

I also love the cozy atmosphere filled with charming, theme-specific decor. Their staff is also noteworthy, as they can handle larger groups with incredible ease and friendliness. 

Just keep in mind that the dining space is relatively small. Because of the tight layout, it can feel a bit cramped during busy service times. Still, the amazing food makes the visit well worth the trip.

Pros

  • Exceptional black garlic and corn butter specialties
  • Generous portions with fresh, high-quality ingredients
  • Cozy atmosphere with playful, theme-specific decor
  • Exceptionally accommodating staff for large families

Cons

  • Relatively small dining space
  • Cramped layout during busy service times

Customer Reviews:

The Ramen and curry were delicious  
As a ramen fangirl, I can confidently say this place was great! The service was wonderful. All of the staff members were kind. We had a party of seven, and even though the space is small and we waited for a table for just a few minutes, they were very accommodating and let us move chairs to fit our group at a table. The Ramen and curry were delicious. The stores atmosphere is super cute too!

Definitely would recommend.


Neko Ramen and Rice is incredible!
Neko Ramen and Rice is incredible!

It is very cozy and the food is so good. Everything on the menu is honestly perfect. Doesn’t matter what you decide to get you will not be disappointed. Especially the black garlic ramen!

4. Mugi Ramen and Poke

mugi-ramen-and-poke

Website: https://www.mugifood.com/

Address: 5979 E Colfax Ave

Contact: (303) 993-8645

Hours: 

  • Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00  PM
  • Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Choosing between a hot meal and something fresh can often split a dinner group, but Mugi Ramen and Poke provides a great solution. 

For starters, they offer a versatile menu that pairs hearty noodle bowls with fresh, customizable fish options. Their hot bowls feature robust broths accompanied by perfectly cooked noodles and quality cuts of meat. 

Next, their comfortable and relaxed setting is perfect for a quick lunch or a slow dinner. The service team here is always incredibly friendly and welcoming when you arrive. 

Since the menu offers plenty of choices beyond hot soups, it’s easy to satisfy everyone in your group. 

However, while their dual focus on different cuisines is convenient, it might not be specialized enough for some strict purists. Regardless, this place is still a fantastic neighborhood joint that covers all the basic cravings. 

Pros

  • Robust broths with quality meat cuts
  • Wide variety of choices accommodating different tastes
  • Casual and cozy environment for quick meals
  • Consistently friendly and welcoming service team

Cons

  • Dual cuisine focus lacks extreme specialization
  • Might not satisfy hardcore hot noodle purists

Customer Reviews:

Best ramen I’ve had in Denver!  
10/10 recommend! I’m so happy my siblings and I went here for dinner to celebrate my brother’s birthday. The food was delicious and authentic, best ramen I’ve had in Denver!! We loved the appetizers, specifically the coconut shrimp and hirata buns. The staff were incredibly kind and let us store our ice cream cake in their freezer while we wait and brought it out for our dessert.


This place is great!  
This place is great! Some of the best service I’ve had from a ramen place, or any restaurant really. The food was really good and is pretty well priced, I had the tonkotsu ramen and my friend had spicy miso. Both were great, and the counter guy even offered my girlfriend to make her something else free in case she didn’t like her ramen choice. Come here while it’s fresh!

5. Menya Noodle Bar

menya-noodle-bar

Website: http://menyacolorado.com/

Address: 951 16th St. #104

Contact: (303) 607-8888

Hours: 

  • Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 11 AM – 10:00 PM

Tracking down authentic comfort food right in the city center always feels like uncovering a hidden gem. Menya Noodle Bar is a great example, as it serves an expansive array of traditional dishes in a modern, urban setting. 

Even though it has a bustling downtown location, the restaurant successfully maintains a cozy neighborhood feel. The modern and clean ambiance provides a highly welcoming setting for any meal. 

The chefs here expertly craft their dishes using rich bases and deliver an impressive visual presentation every time. 

You can also explore a diverse menu that includes excellent small plates to enjoy alongside your main course. Plus, the establishment offers a versatile beverage selection featuring a well-curated sake list. 

However, you should be aware that the hospitality can occasionally lack consistency. Sometimes the service staff appears a bit distracted during busy hours, which might slow down your drink refills.

Pros

  • Expertly crafted dishes with impressive presentation
  • Modern and clean urban ambiance
  • Diverse menu featuring excellent small plates
  • Versatile beverage selection and curated sake list

Cons

  • Occasional lack of consistency in hospitality
  • Service staff can appear distracted during rushes

Customer Reviews:

The food is soo good  
Me my fiancee were here on our first trip together after years of long distance and we randomly bumped into this ramen place. The food is soo good… especially the kimchi fried…. couldn’t just stop eating!! The shoyu ramen was also so nice!! I recommend this place for a quick hot ramen when it’s snowing outside!!


Service was helpful, fast, and straight forward  
We enjoyed the Menya special and udon bowls here! Service was helpful, fast, and straight forward. I recommend coming if you like a wide variety of ramen noodles. Their poke also looked like a good option but unfortunately I was too full to try it out!