Spicy ramen isn't typically the first thing I crave when it's over 90° outside, but it's all I ever usually crave and I wanted to see what the Phoenix ramen scene had to offer. I've had some pretty damn good ramen, so my standards are kind of high, but I like to keep an open mind...
I got the tantanmen with pork belly. The presentation was fantastic! The pork belly was not as tender as I like it, but still flavorful and crispy on the outside. The egg was perfectly soft boiled (whew). The noodles and broth were actually really good! I wished there was more broth, so I ate a third of the noodles and requested more. It could definitely afford to be soupier but they'd need bigger bowls and prob have to sacrifice presentation. But the best part? It was actually spicy! Nothing is ever really spicy when it claims to be so I was especially pleased with this. :)
I loved the cocktails and admittedly got a little carried away. Osaka Smash, June Rose and White Linen. They even serve Fernet! Also shared the Balls of Fire and Cauliflower with a friend but we were too full to really enjoy them. Still tasty.
I feel like this place probably wouldn't fly with pretentious ramen snobs since it isn't really traditional, but I still thought it was delicious and would absolutely revisit!