Just a few observations...The ramen is fine, portion sizes excellent, prices good..but a few thoughts...Maybe I am spoiled, but I love eating at different ethnic restaurants to experience the culture. I love to be able to eat at a place that transforms me to a different country without the sixteen hour plane ride. At Republic Ramen, I look around me at a place full of Asian customers placing orders with a caucasian cashier that has the food cooked by hispanics. Ironic to say the least. The chopsticks were the cheapest imaginable. You literally had to be careful about splinters. Tiny 1-ply napkins were a hassle. Instead of being transformed to Japan, you are listening to Katy Perry blasting over the sound system. You order "Burger King" style at the counter and get your own drinks. I paid by credit card and had to trudge through the Iphone credit card scanner that had me first have to decide on how much tip that I want to leave. Really?? This place is good for an emergency ramen fix, but I look forward to the day when we have some authentic Japanese ramen houses to choose from.