With this new modern anime-themed place continuing to garner plenty of positive hype, we decided to give it a couple of shots late last year. Our first visit was a somewhat disappointing experience for me, as they forgot our potsticker appetizer and never provided the gratis tortilla strips that welcome most diners. The pho was OK but there were fish parts I definitely could not identify in the bowl and the broth was not as robust as others I've had. Fortunately the lady was pretty happy with her poke, so we gave the place another try two weeks later, focused on the poke bowls and were quite pleased. While neither one of us is a fan of the Japanese cartoon ambiance or the gimmicky booth tables, when it comes to the sushi, they are the closest yet to our favorite bowls (or poke burritos) from the now shuttered PokeWorks that used to be in the building behind Ancho & Agave. The usual choices for the base (rice, noodles or greens), several proteins, fresh veggie/toppings and sauces - even mixable if you are so inclined. They weren't the most efficient, but the free wonton strips as you wait makes it palatable (assuming they remember them). We found ample portion sizes, including the fish, and while they are a touch pricey, when you get the hankering for a bowl of raw fish deliciousness, this place seems to be the best locally. I will also at least will be back one more time for the ramen too! read more

Kobe Ramen Pho & Poke - Mixed meat pho - Ramen Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

Food was good but would like more unique menu choices as many options were basic and overpriced. Waiters are polite and seating/ decor was cute but casual. Nothing too fancy or original Might try again in the future read more

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First thing you notice when you walk in is the setting. The decoration is super up to par and if you're an anime fan like myself then this is some place you would thoroughly enjoy. The staff is very nice, the older ladies are super pretty and don't rush you at all!! The wait is never too long and the kitchen doesn't ever seem to be too backed up or off their game. The food is amazing, super high quality, flavors impeccable, meat tender, so fresh. If I could, I'd give this place 6 stars. For a newcomer I recommend the Curry Ramen & the Pork Bites!!! read more

Kobe Ramen Pho & Poke - Wonton chips, Curry Ramen, Orange Chicken, Pork Katsu - Ramen Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

Fun atmosphere and great food! We went on a Sunday evening and were seated right away. There was a slight sticky spot on the table, so, I asked and the waitress wiped it up. I liked the little fried wontons you get to start! Then we had spring rolls as an appetizer- eh, kind of boring, but fine - then I had Tonkotsu Ramen for my main meal and it was good! Overall, fun place. read more

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Have been here a couple of times and both visits enjoyed the food and service. Tried the Shrimp rice noodle pho and loved it great flavor. Next visit did the Ramen with steak instead of pork belly (fat) and enjoyed it as well. Service both times was friendly and prompt. I have moved this place up to my top of my list for great food in Bloomington Normal read more

Kobe Ramen Pho & Poke - Kebe steak - Ramen Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

Ambiance and food were charming, and the staff was very attentive. the hexagonal booth was fun and we look forward to our next visit.

This place is absolutely incredible. I have yet to have one of their ramens that doesn't leave me full and tasted great! I do request the seaweed be left out for my own personal preference, so it's great that they have an option on the app to add or remove ingredients. Whenever we've ordered online, the food was ready quickly and orders have always been accurate. Eating at the location is also a treat! Friendly staff, so much to look at with the decor without being overwhelming and food was (again) so good! read more

A media core place with over rated hype. Totally disappointed in this place. Food was sub par. Overpriced for what you get and taste was blah. The kicker was my friend and I were talking after dinner. Not long after finishing and someone assuming manager never introduced herself told us we had to leave because they needed the table For a reservation. Totally unprofessional and rude to do that. Will not be returning. Never have I dined anywhere and been told to leave because they needed the table for a reservation. read more

With how it a least the place was an old Giordano's. With the design of the tables and the decor really add a good atmosphere for Asian Fusion restaurant. The curry ramen is good. The tuna tartare are also good. read more

Had a take out order a few days after opening and then returned for dine in experience. Food was delicious and prepared well. Portion sizes were as expected and the little bowl of fried wonton strips were a nice touch while waiting for our food. The interior is welcoming and cute however there is a weird musty/sour smell in the back dining area. Smelled like a dirty mop head or sour rags were used to clean. Overall good experience and great addition to this side of BloNo. read more

Kobe Ramen Pho & Poke - Fresh rolls - Ramen Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

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This place is a very nice spot for some delicious ramen, pho, and poke! From the moment you walk in the door the amazing anime theme catches your eye and draws you in to have a seat and enjoy the decor while you listen to some sweet anime tracks from some of your favorite anime shows. Our server was very attentive, fast and polite! The food was delicious, fresh and hot just the way it should be. Stop on in and check it out for yourself, you won't be disappointed. read more

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Service is terrific. Counter staff pleasant and correctly tracked our allergies We have gotten takeout so cannot speak to dining in experience. But there was a slight mildew smell in the entry. I brushed it off the first take out visit as a quirk but 2nd time the same and this was weeks apart I suggest an air purifier We got spring rolls and egg rolls as well as General chicken and the Orange Chicken And both times I thought the food had a slight metallic or off taste. Not spoiled. No one got sick just an odd flavor profile for me. My spouse said it tasted clean and he enjoyed both times. I have a sensitivity to tastes and smells due to my allergies. I swore the chicken breading smelled like mildew and that's all I could taste So he will order again. But I will not. read more

Went for a late lunch was fairly busy. My wife had the tonkotsu ramen and I had the curry ramen. Wife liked the tonkotsu, the curry ramen was rather bland. Not spicy at all, if you like spicy food. Felt like it needed more curry seasonings, but was improved by adding some of the chili paste from the table. Will definitely go back, and try other ramens. read more

Honestly I'm super impressed with this place! I picked up my lunch from here the other day and got the Phö with meatballs and it was so delicious, I could eat it everyday. Today I went with my partner and I got the Sapporo Miso Ramen and that so so so good too! Popcorn chicken also really good, and we had the best server I think possible! She was super attentive, I wish I had remembered her name because she was great! I will be coming back here again, possibly every day... read more

The food was decently authentic tasting. We had the dark shoyu ramen, the rare steak pho, takatsu ramen, the orange chicken, Vietnamese spring rolls, chicken wings, and pork gyozas. All of it was very good. The setting is warm, fun, and anime themed. However, the service could have been better. We ordered 3 appetizers and got 1 right away. The other 2 came with my buddy's entree. He got his plate as the apps were coming out and it was a good 15-20 mins before we got our entrees. The coordination could have been better planned. As a first time goer, expectations were high but experience was mid. read more

great boba, and such cute ambiance -- the service was great quick and easy to order my food, would recommend :)

I was really excited to try this place, saved some money, and took my fiancé out on a date here. We went on a Saturday during Lunch and after a short wait we were brought in to be seated. Upon seeing the table for two I asked if a larger table was available (i had planned on trying a variety of options and i have some sensory issues and we were going to be in a shared half booth/half table in the middle of two other tables), rather than saying we would have to endure a longer wait i was simply told no. The table had water pooling on it so we had to use the only two napkins provided to dry the table, and getting more was difficult as well, we only received two more napkins later and asked for more, but they never came. Our server was in a lunch rush, so we hardly saw her or were able to get her attention, but when we did see her she did not seem to like us, but again this was a lunch rush she may has just been overwhelmed. We both ordered tea, my boba ended up not making it to my drink which took about 30 mins to rectify. like i mentioned, getting staff's attention was very difficult. Food was average, but I don't know if I'd say it's overpriced. I like to try a varity of foods when i eat somewhere new, so we got two tea drinks, two appetizer, two entrees, and Pho. The chicken entree i did not try, but the steak teriyaki sauce was a texture i was not anticipating, it was almost gel like. i ordered the pho with chashu, and i added steak for an additional charge, I'm almost certain the steak didn't make it onto my dish. i added the chili oil on the table for heat, it just tasted like sesame oil with a whisper of chili flake. When asked for the check we immediately provided our card and were prompted to pay upfront. we waited about 3-5 minutes until someone would check us out, and part of me thinks it was supposed to be our server because i eventually saw her walk up to someone and then that person came out to check us out. but they were behind a glass windows right infront of us while she was doing other duties, so i don't believe it was her job or if it was she would have us wait that long. OVERALL: It was very cramped, very warm, and difficult to get staff attention. By the end of it i was hot, overstimulated, disappointed, and $100+ short. NOW ON A POSITIVE NOTE: They do have some good decor, cool little honeycomb tables, some ramen house style booths. They have little prize machines upfront. The Pho was decent considering the area. If you're primary concern is the decor and ambiance, this may be what you're looking for. But if you have sensory issues/social anxiety OR get hot easily and you want to try the food for yourself, I recommend to-go. read more

The wait took around two hours and the tea is too sweet. They also forgot many things and I understand they were busy but it was so many times. The pho is good but it lacks flavor slightly and the kimchi has large chunks of onion and a strange bbq flavor. The ramen didn't even taste as good as instant ramen. Maybe I would get takeout for the pho, but I don't think I'll come back again. read more

Service bad. Ridiculously long wait time for food. Food portions were bad. I like anime.

service was great but managers were very rude to their workers in front of customers. very bad vibe every time I have gone