Great 5* option. My two go-to options are the Gin Ramen with Beef Bulgogi or the Tan Tan Men with Spicy Minced Pork Marinated. Both have a pork broth. One is with egg noodles and the other wheat noodles. This time, I had the Gin Ramen. So, so good. Great flavors, toppings, and noodles. Spice it up if you want. The atmosphere is fun too. Always busy especially on weekend nights. They have a nice bar seating too. Small TV option always seems to have a game on. Definitely on my rotation for great places to dine. Give them a try. Let me know what you think!? read more

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas - Fun decor - Ramen Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

We paid our first visit to Gin Ramen on a Saturday afternoon. It wasn't crowded at all. There's abundant inexpensive street parking within a block or at most two blocks, from the restaurant. Service was great. We ordered several dishes, and they were all very good to excellent. We especially liked the fried brussel sprouts, which were flaky, tasty and crispy. I loved my steamed pork bun. There's just something about the texture and flavor of a steamed bun that I'm just wild about. The onion pancake, which was actually three little pancakes, was tasty though a tad oily. We also ordered an avocado salad, tuna tartare and tonkastsu ramen. The garlic in the ramen was decidedly strong. But overall, this was a great experience and we want to return. read more

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- good fresh sides - noodles are perfect texture - soy based broth is really good - i don't prefer the spicy broths here bc i like broths that have spice infused or mixed well but they kinda just top with chili oil here - i found a hair once and finished my food bc i don't really care lmao and i let them know just so they can prevent it again but they thought i was trying to get money out of them i think? bc they told me to tell them in the beginning of my meal next time instead? that kinda rubbed me the wrong way and i haven't really been back since read more

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This was my first visit and it definitely won't be the last. It's a nice and cozy restaurant with great, friendly service. The food presentations are as beatas the decorations. Try the Takoyaki, trust me. The menu has so many options that I am already planning my next visit as there are more things I'd like to try. read more

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas - Takoyaki - Ramen Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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HOLY FLAVOR BOMB This easily just became one of our favorites and will be added onto our restaurant rotation. Want Ramen? Look no further than the Red Curry & let that thing leave you full & warm inside. Servers were amazing and our drinks were always full! Vibes are good! We came during Feb and they had tasteful valentines decor. read more

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Great food and wonderful staff. Food comes quick and was DELICIOUS. The bulgogi and pork buns were amazing and I had the Gin Ramen extra spicy: it did NOT disappoint! read more

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Food, drink, ambiance and the recommended drinks were awesome. The staff has been great, and very social. The tapas and the ramen were of great flavor. read more

Wish I could give them a 4.5! But overall great place for ramen. We ordered gyoza, the tan tan ramen and the tonkotsu ramen. They gyoza were really good just wish they had a crisp to it and maybe a bit more salty. The broth on both the ramens was so good, i prefer thicker noodles but the ones they have were really good too! The service was very attentive so that was amazing. The place is a quiet and homey space which was a breath of fresh air around this area. Would definitely recommend and come back! read more

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Sat at the bar and had small bites and flights so I can't review the ramen but would love to return and try it. The sake collection is quite nice as well. Service was fast and pleasant. It's clean and casual. The bar is small but comfortable and the restaurant is designed the same way. read more

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I don't know how many times I have been here but it has become a sort of comfort food Asian place when on travel. At the bar you are greeted with great service. It's a small place in a crowded neighborhood that draws a crowd. If you are solo sit at the bar and you can squeeze in without a wait. Had the Sake flight. It was good. Had Takoyaki appetizer. I suspect it was pre made but still good. Main course course of Karaage Ramen which is one of their top sellers and it was outstanding. The fried chicken bit is on the side and really good. read more

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Everything was absolutely incredible. The staff was so friendly & attentive. The food was amazing! We loved everything we ordered but the fried Brussels sprouts were perfection. Perfectly crispy, not overly oily. We loved the ramen. I loved that the karaage came in a separate bowl so the breading didn't get soggy in the ramen. The gin ramen was a little too spicy for me, but my husband loved it. We can't wait to go back. I want to try other items on the menu, but the Brussels sprouts are definitely a must-order item! read more

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Stopped here for lunch in a weekday. It was not busy. The service was quick and polite. The staff were friendly. I got the Katsu rice bowl and came with a fresh salad. Both were flavorful. Tried the shrimp bao-very good as well. The decor inside was very nice. Street parking or paid parking garages. read more

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Off the bat: 10 out of 10 (totally recommend ) Wifey and I came here for lunch sometime last week and our taste buds were floored. We both had the Karaage ramen and it was delicious!!! It was soooo filling and flavorful. We've talked about it atleast 3x since we last went... we're ready to go back!! Best ramen we've had in our lives!!! Hands down!! We came during lunchtime but it wasn't crowded. Very quaint. Attentive service. Our waitress was the bees knees. She was on it!!! Stopping by to check on us and everything. It was amazing!! Love the experience and the ambiance. Thought it would be a smidge bigger inside, in terms of seating, but still perfect for an intimate convos and small groups. I would come back thrice just for the ramen. Definitely worth its price in gold read more

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Food was great! Had gyoza and bao buns! Delicious! My husband had short ribs and a cocktail that was great too! We will be back soon!

Such a Wonderful Resource for GREAT Ramen!! Also they just opened a fantastic Sushi /Bar Restaurant in Delray (Va) next to the new Garden Center next to the Hardware store... only open currently from 4 pm... Wow We Just moved to Old Town ,Alexandra ,Virginia-We had so many Great Dining experiences! Garland & Joy read more

We stumbled on Gin Ramen and Asian Tapas during a work trip and could not have gotten luckier. The ramen was excellent and the dessert was just as impressive. The staff was beyond friendly and the space has a cozy feel that makes you want to linger...and possibly move to VA immediately. I would absolutely go back next time I am in Alexandria. read more

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas - Ramen Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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About a 1-1.5: Gin Ramen is a Thai-owned ramen shop in the Carlyle area - we came here for an early dinner, and were seated promptly. We started off with the Bang Bang shrimp, which was fried shrimp dressed in a honey sriracha cream sauce, topped with sesame seeds, and set on top of some mixed greens. The shrimp were on the smaller end, and the sauce wasn't what we expected - if you're thinking of more of a creamy sweet chili mixed with mayo, this isn't it - not sure where the 'cream' was, but it seemed it was more honey-forward with a hint of heat - the shrimp wasn't even tinted in the slightest from the sriracha. For the ramen, we had: +the Tonkotsu Ramen - a pork broth with chashu, egg noodles, menma, kikurage, ajitama egg, and black garlic oil; noodles were cooked al dente; broth was just okay, as it could have been more thicker and creamier +and, the Karaage Ramen - chicken broth with corn, spinach, ajitama egg, egg noodles, and chicken oil; the fried chicken 'tenders' were served on the side, which was appreciated, so they don't get soggy in the broth; the broth was thin, but could have been served extra hot; there were a lot of spinach and corn, which was interesting; wasn't a fan of the chicken, as they were not seasoned and just way too much meat - not sure if they were cooked all the way through, as they were a bit 'soft' We did request our mocktail to be light ice, but that didn't happen - it was literally half ice in a small glass, which was kind of expected. Since the karaage was super bland, we did request if we could get some type of a sauce - such as soy sauce or sriracha - there was no mentioning that the sriracha would be at an extra charge ($1!) until the bill came - we felt that this was super deceiving, and that the restaurant was just nickel-and-diming its patrons. Service was friendly, but, again, no transparency. The restaurant is on the smaller end and well-decorated; they could turn up the AC a bit, as it was slightly muggy/warm inside. Glad we were finally able to check this place out, but such a super disappointing experience with the deceit. Metered street parking can be found in the area. +no transparency - sus +they charge you for sriracha! +broths could be served more warm +'honey sriracha cream sauce' is just honey with a tinge of sriracha +too much ice in drinks +metered street parking available read more

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Review for Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas Dropped in for a solo lunch, on the clock--so sadly, no sake or cocktail adventures this time (responsible choices, people!). From the street, the place looks modest, almost hidden in plain sight. But step inside and bam--it's a sleek, unexpectedly spacious haven of Japanese design. Think: minimalist wood, black-and-white art elements, soft ambient lighting, and just enough flair to make it feel stylish without trying too hard. It whispers elegance with a wink. The energy? Very Japanese. Calm. Efficient. Intentional. Like everything has its place. It's serious in all the right ways, but still fun enough that you could see yourself coming back with friends or a date. Solo or social--it works. Now the menu? Massive. A wild ride across ramen bowls, tapas, izakaya favorites, and more. But I had tunnel vision: ramen or bust. The fried chicken ramen caught my eye--crispy meets brothy? Yes please. I kicked things off with an order of gyoza because I believe in warming up before the main act. The gyoza came out light, steaming and sizzling at the edges. Thin wrappers, perfectly pan-seared, with a juicy porky filling that practically begged for a dip in soy-vinegar sauce. If these dumplings had a soundtrack, it would be a slow jam. Then came the ramen: a deep bowl of steaming umami dreams. The broth--rich, velvety, with layers of depth you only get from long, patient simmering. The fried chicken? Golden. Crispy. Tender. Stacked in its own bowl, ready to be dipped in the broth or straight to the mouth. I like choices. Noodles, scallions, soft-boiled egg, and veggies. Meccha umaii! Each bite had that slurp-then-sigh rhythm. You know the one. Prices? Totally reasonable. Didn't need to call my accountant. For the quality and presentation, it felt like a steal. Service was attentive and just the right amount of friendly. Water refilled, questions answered, food paced perfectly. Overall? A delicious lunch in a serene, elevated setting. I'll be back--next time off the clock and diving headfirst into the sake menu. Kanpai! read more

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Delicious ramen and appetizers! We came in and were highly impressed by the selection of apps! We ordered a little feast, and we loved everything that we tried. The service was great! The food came out pretty quickly. I would definitely come back for more ramen. Soo good. read more

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas - Spicy Miso Ramen - Ramen Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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First visit here on Sunday around 4pm and there were several already there and more coming as we sat and ate. The decor was fantastic for such a small dining room! And they've added holiday decor too. Beautiful. Now, the food. It was not only beautifully prepared but the taste was as good as it looked. We ordered the tasty pork belly, (a thick slice smothered in sauce) chicken karage (serviced hot and crispy) and bang bang shrimp. (Which I did think could've been a hint bigger shrimps) and Gin ramen. The broth was delicious if I got a full egg, another slice of pork and one more sheet of nori in my ramen I would've given 5 stars. It's a $20 bowl of noodles you can afford a few more ingredients. Thank you for the good service. PS. Hot green tea would've been a nice gesture especially during winter. Sorry no pic of ramen! read more

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Paid street Parking which was a bummer- but I guess it's Alexandria. We went there for happy hour and got the house sake, which was 50% off, and my friend enjoyed her cocktail (Pearadise). We also got the $6 apps on happy hour: karaage and gyoza. Which were good and 4 pieces each. The gin ramen was savory and tasty but the e bulgogi was slim pickings. Service was great and atmosphere elegant. You can come in casual clothing though. Overall, would come back and try more! read more

Came here for a drink and some apps with a friend. Super cute vibes inside and beautiful cocktail menu. Cocktails are perfectly sweet and unique flavors which were perfect for me. I hate overly strong cocktails which I can barely stomach. Melon yuzu for the win!!! It was like a frozen slushy and so yummy but still felt a buzz haha. Apps I ordered: - karaage chicken, tofu, edamame My favorite was the chicken!! I love a good crispy and juicy chicken. read more

Small and cozy. The service was good and the waitress made note of what I wanted removed and swapped in my ramen. The food was delicious. My friend started off with the Geso Tempura (squid leg) and he loved it. I don't like squid so I can't comment on that. I got the Spicy Miso Ramen and it was absolutely the best ramen I've ever had. Coming from someone who doesn't really eat ramen (not a broth person, I'm working on it ) I will definitely be back for that. I removed the memna and the kikurage and added shiitake, spinach and chili oil. Also got a side of brussel sprouts and they were perfectly crispy and seasoned. 10/10. All the food came out hot but not scorching. Can't wait to go back!! read more

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My homegirl and I both had the day off on Thursday, March 27, so we made a little adventure out of it. After running a few errands and working up a serious appetite, we stumbled upon Gin Ramen -- and let me just say, this spot understood the assignment. We arrived around 1:45 PM (they close at 2:30) and were seated immediately. The place was empty, which made for a peaceful, unhurried dining experience. And y'all...the decor is a vibe. Think modern zen with a splash of Tokyo street style. There are soft white paper lanterns floating from the ceiling, emerald green tufted booths, warm wood accents, bold blue curtains with white cranes, and a bar lit by oversized lanterns with Japanese script. Up front, shelves of neon and gold lucky cats add a playful charm. It's clean, cozy, and completely Instagram-worthy. Our server, Win, was soft-spoken but super knowledgeable about the menu -- every single thing he recommended was a winner. We started with the Bang Bang Shrimp ($11) -- crispy, saucy, and topped with microgreens and chili threads for that chef's kiss of flavor. One of the best shrimp appetizers I've had in a while. For drinks, I ordered the Thai Iced Tea with Boba ($6) -- sweet, creamy perfection. My friend had the Yuzu Lemonade Soda ($4.50) and was thoroughly impressed (which says a lot -- she's a picky Virgo, if you know you know). For entrees, I had the Vegan Curry Ramen ($18) and my friend got the Gin Ramen ($19). My vegan curry ramen had such a rich, flavorful broth that I legit forgot it was vegan. I was halfway through the bowl wondering who made it so I could thank them personally. My only wish? A few more mushrooms -- that would've sealed the deal. My friend said her ramen had a deep, savory pork broth that was elevated by the chili oil, sweet corn, jammy egg, and chashu. She enjoyed it and even left a bit of broth behind -- but only because she was saving room for dessert. And yes, we made room for dessert. We shared the Croissant Bread Pudding ($9) -- served warm with a creamy sauce, juicy raisins, fresh blackberries, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was divine. Who knew a croissant could be so dessert-worthy? Our total was $76.02, and I'd happily spend it again. The food, service, ambiance -- all unmatched. Whether you're a ramen lover or just looking for a cozy, stylish spot with great service, Gin Ramen is a must. Can't wait to go back! read more

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Got the gin ramen & geso tempura The broth was very flavorful, with a slightly sweet garlicky and hint of spice taste. There was also a good portion/balance of toppings to noodles. Tempura was not oily and came out quickly. Overall, I'd be happy to return here and it'll be my go-to ramen recommendation in Alexandria. There were also a few vegan ramen options here! read more

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas - Geso tempura - Ramen Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Had lunch here and loved it! The place is super clean and welcoming, with décor that gives it a great vibe. I got the mule and the gin ramen bowl--both were fantastic! Our server was really friendly and attentive. The only tricky part was finding parking, but it was worth it! read more

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas - Mule - Ramen Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Went for lunch after a movie, not crowded so we were seated quickly. Exceptionally friendly and speedy seevice. I forgot the mojito flavor, but it was delicious and the Spicy Miso Ramen was outstanding The pork was flavorful, broth steaming hot and the spice level was enough to feel it, but not overwhelming. The restaurant was clean and orderly and the decor was Japanese inspired with a touch of Halloween decorations mixed in. Will definitely visit again! read more

We stopped in for the last day of Restaurant Week ($30) and had a fantastic experience. We started with the appetizer sampler (gyoza, takoyaki, and shumai)--all were delicious, but the octopus with the flakes was my favorite. For our entrées, we both chose the Karaage Ramen, and the fried chicken was perfectly crispy and flavorful. Dessert was a great finish, we tried the croissant pudding and key lime pie, both excellent choices. The restaurant had a nice vibe with current Japanese music and great service. We loved the experience and the Restaurant Week deal! read more

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Ramen is always welcoming on cold winter days or if it is raining outside. Restaurant can be easily spotted on John Carlyle Street, and you will walk into a small ramen shop with a bar that can sit 8, and about 10 tables inside. Best for small parties as most tables are would only sit 2-4 people. Plenty of servers available and food is served promptly. For someone that has been spoiled by authentic ramen from Japan and Los Angeles, the ramen served here did not hit the spot for me. My party ordered the Shoyu and Tonkotsu Ramen and we were questioning why the restaurant is serving sweeten bamboo with the ramen. The chashu itself was amazing, but the sweetness of the bamboo destroyed the umami of the ramen. They have tap to pay, but suggested tips starts at 20%. read more

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas - Shoyu Ramen - Ramen Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Love the atmosphere and it was really great. Portion size is really great and perfect for each person. Would come back for their other food options! The service that the workers give are also very urgent and they come every other time to check up on us read more

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Gin ramen is such a gem! Located in the Carlyle neighborhood near the US Trade and Patent Office, Gin is dishing out amazing ramen and izakaya staples like fried squid and chicken. This small, intimate space is well lit, beautifully decorated, and very cozy. Gin is usually busy, but not to the point that you've got to wait for a table or a seat at the bar. The staff is very friendly and attentive, and the food and drinks are consistently good. In addition to some of their menu staples such as spicy miso ramen and chashu donburi, they have a small specials menu that rotates rather often. The specials typically include a donburi, a ramen, an appetizer, and two cocktails. I have yet to see any of the specials repeated, so if you see one you're interested in you should try it! I'm a big fan of their veggie ramen and subbing the egg noodles in for the kale noodles, spicy miso ramen, and gyoza. read more

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas - Specials menu option on 10/27/2024 - Ramen Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Went on a Tuesday which was half off of Sake bottles, had the gyoza, fried tofu, karaage, and pork bun! Gyoza was so good we ordered twice, service was fast as well, highly recommend read more

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas - Sake - Ramen Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I was looking for a restaurant to have lunch at after a workout class and this was in the area. The restaurant is quite small so I sat at the bar to order to-go. After browsing the menu, I decided to try the spicy tuna bites and spicy miso raman (I love spicy foods). The ramen was delivered is a timely manner however, the tuna bites took a little while. The server did tell me that it takes a while to prepare. Once everything was given to me, I went home to eat my meal. I really enjoyed the spicy raman with the thick slices of pork. It was not spicy enough for me, so I'll ask for extra chilli oil next time. The tuna bites disappointed me since there was little tuna and alot of rice. Also the rice seemed over done/ chewy. Unfortunately, I will not be ordering it again. I am looking forward to returning again and trying other items on the menu in the future. read more

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Popped in for a quick weekend lunch after being out in the cold rain all morning. Parking is available on the street or the parking garage. The restaurant is small and intimate but still very lively. I was greeted immediately and there was no wait, which was w plus! The staff was friendly and very attentive during my visit. I ordered the Tan Tan Men Ramen, a Roasted Pork Bao Bun, and the Tuna Crispy Rice from the Special menu. The crispy rice was very delicious and filling! I could have ate another plate of that alone! Hopefully, it stays in rotation! I wasn't a fan of the bao bun. It was pretty sweet because of the sauce. I ended up just eating most of the filling instead. The watermelon radish wasnt bad. It was different. The ramen I chose was tasty. It wasn't too spicy but I do appreciate them recommending that I put the chili oil on the side so that I could control the spice level. I ended up putting it all in there anyways. The bamboo stood out the most to me! It was delish! I would have liked a bit more meat but that's fine. Maybe I will order extra meat the next time, esp for $18. All in all, this will still be my new local ramen spot. Definitely is worth a visit when in the area, esp on a cold day! read more

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Hands down my favorite ramen spot! Ramen broth was quite flavorful and toppings were fresh with the level of spice being top notch. I have been here few times and tried many of their menu offerings. The menu is not overwhelming and is very family friendly. Staff are all so welcoming and add to the experience. Ambiance matches the Japanese theme with the decor but the place can get packed on a busy weekend. Definitely recommend checking out their drink menu as it has a variety of options for all palettes. read more

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We were craving for some ramen on a cold evening, and found this place on Yelp. Def one of the better places to get ramen around Alexandria. Everything was very delicious and flavorful. My favorite dish was probably the Bang Bang Shrimp. Keep in mind, the restaurant is a bit small. So be prepared to wait if it gets busy. read more

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We ate the food so fast I didn't even get pictures! We started with the beef bao bun which was a 9/10. It had a beef bulgogi filling which was absolutely delicious. The tonkotsu ramen was a 9.5/10. Definitely some of the best ramen I have had in the DMV. We also had the karaage donburi which was a fried chicken rice bowl and the flavors were through the roof. It was definitely a 11/10. We also had a few cocktails including the gin old fashion and the blackberry yuzu mojito which were both a 10/10. Overall a really chill spot with amazing food if you are in Alexandria. read more

Ordered take out. Food was pretty fast. Bang bang shrimp is a must try. 10/10. Ordered the bulgogi rice bowl & miso soup too Miso soup - 3/5. Not bad Bulgogi rice bowl - not bad but I felt they gave very little meat compared to the overall cost of the food Food tasted good but wouldn't get this again just as price to quality wasn't worth it. Little pricey but for the area, I get it but was expecting a little more. Would go again for the bang bang shrimp but maybe for Happy hour etc. read more

I was staying at the Westin for my annual trip to the international Capital Congress salsa event and decided to check out the restaurant because it looked appealing. I am definitely a foodie. I eat out quite a bit all over the country actually, all over the world. I say this to say that I enjoy and appreciate elaborate meals, as well as simple meals that are Delicious. This place was such a surprise. I didn't have any expectations whatsoever, but they far exceeded any expectations I may have had. The food and the service was phenomenal. It was literally the best avocado salad I've ever had in my life. The bang bang shrimp was amazing The chicken satay!! Every single thing was phenomenal and I can't wait to go back to DC again this place will always be on my top list of places to eat when I'm back in the DMV area. I cannot recommend them highly enough! read more

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Gin is located next to 7-eleven in the Carlyle neighborhood with plenty of street parking, easily accessible via ride share, and for us this evening, just a quick 8 minute walk from where we were staying. This place is, what we heard from multiple patrons, "happenin'". From the time we put our name in, until we were just about finished, there was not a table empty (including the bar seating) and people waiting outside to be seated. The host apologized for our long wait and offered a beverage as we waited but we respectfully declined. There are approximately 3 chairs as you wait but the restaurant itself is rather small and compressed so at times it's best to wait outside. When the host sat us, he took it upon himself to offer to keep my walker at the front and even rolled it so my wife didn't need to. As a gentle reminder, while it may seem as if people are being seated before you, even though you think you were there first, it's likely they returned to the restaurant after being notified their table was ready. A perturbed patron curtly asked why another party was seated before them, turns out, the party seated had been waiting off-site. We are not local to the area but make it a point to stop by. The service is friendly and swift, proving to be a bit of a challenge at times to get the attention of the wait staff. I couldn't remember what I had the last time and showed our waitress photos and she immediately knew what they were! While the staff moves swiftly, when they are with you, are very attentive. I never felt rushed, even as they were clearing our empty dishes, I got the feel they were wanting us to be comfortable and have an enjoyable experience. The broth was piping hot with nice depth to it. If you order appetizers the amount of noodles is probably just right. If the ramen is all you get, you may be left feeling like you could use more. We weren't disappointed with the alcoholic beverages either. There was only one thing we wouldn't get again, the shishito peppers. They were really peppering! Good but hard for a two person party to enjoy a platter full. We make it a point to come here and don't plan on changing that anytime soon! Keep up the great work. read more