ISO: Best Ramen in DC/VA/MD area?

[ahack]

I was disappointed to see that Ren's Ramen in Bethesda is temporarily closed until they find a new location. That being said, what is best ramen in the area that is currently open?

[monkeyrotica]

I'm probably in the minority, but I prefer the ramen at Temari Cafe to Ren's. The roast pork ramen is alright, the miso ramen is better, but Temari's tongkatsu ramen is perfect. The vibe is more mom & pop Tokyo diner and they serve classic Japanese diner fare like omuraisu, as well as Japanese curry and hamburger with grated daikon.

[reiflame]

Has anyone been to Satsuma in Bethesda? I haven't been to Ren's and don't really have anything to compare it to, but I enjoyed their ramen the last time I was there.

[beauxgoris]

bump - I'm interested to know too.

[GinChevyChase]

Ren's is reopening in Wheaton. The signs are up, and it is supposedly opening in a month or so.

[ahack]

I appreciate the response, is there something open now that you would recommend?

[FoodDude2]

Any update here? Moving to D.C. in the not too distant future and I really miss Tokyo Ramen, which in Miami (where I am currently) is completely unavailable.

[woodleyparkhound]

Ren's is open for business in Wheaton. The ramen is as wonderful as it was in Bethesda.

[Steve]

The leading contenders are Ren's Ramen, Toki Undergorund, and Sushi Taro.

Sushi Taro makes their ramen only once a month for weekday lunch and it is very good. Style can differ from month to month, but they make a tonkatsu ramen uniquely heavy with sesame seeds. They announce it on their Twitter feed. Worth going out of your way for.

My second visit to Toki Unferground produced an impressive and unusual kimchee ramen. I've had their other ramens when they first opened and wasn't impressed, but I am told they are improving. Very hard to get into this tiny and wildly popular place without a wait. Evenings only.

The miso ramen at Ren's in Wheaton has an excellent stock. The toppings are only ok, though.

[msjess]

I need to give Toki a try because I love Kimchi Ramen! I had some in Korea and it totally changed my mind about ramen soup.

[Steve]

My suggestion is to go there when they first open when you can be seated immediately, or to go solo. I was there alone at 7:15pm and they first told me it was a 20 to 30 minute wait but they had me seated in 5 minutes. The next time I went as a threesome at 10pm and they said it would be 90 minutes. We couldn't wait.

Also,they might put you on the waiting list if you phone first. It seemed like they were doing that.

[DanielK]

They stopped taking phone-ahead table holds about 6 months ago. You have to go in person to get on the list.

Agree with going solo or at open. Have heard nothing but 90+ minute waits, and that's on a weeknight.

[Steve]

Just to clarify: there are no tables at Toki Underground, it is all counter seating.

Unless I'm missing something.

[DanielK]

OK, they stopped taking phone-ahead SEATING holds about 6 months ago.

You still have to go in person to get on the list.

:-)