Oiistar - Chicago

Okay hear me out— I am a pho girl, never ramen. But this place?!? This is the first time I’ve ever devoured a bowl of ramen and enjoyed every last bit. I got th... read more Okay hear me out— I am a pho girl, never ramen. But this place?!? This is the first time I’ve ever devoured a bowl of ramen and enjoyed every last bit. I got the roasted garlic ramen and broth was rich and savory, super flavorful, the pork belly just fell apart. I inhaled this bowl, I can’t believe we’ve been going to the place up the street the whole time. I got the shrimp tempura bun to start off with the sweet Thai chili sauce and pickled fennel — YUM. This will be our go to ramen spot. A bit pricier but very good. We got the bao donut for dessert— bleh, not worth it. Everything else was excellent.

Probably one of the best ramens I’ve tried in Chicago and my Japanese friend concurs. I forget what everyone got (I think I should start keeping track given tha... read more Probably one of the best ramens I’ve tried in Chicago and my Japanese friend concurs. I forget what everyone got (I think I should start keeping track given that I write reviews) but I had the miso garlic coz I’m a sucker for garlic and the broth was so flavorful and rich and the meat was very tender. I think a couple of my friends got the shoyu one and they really liked it too. We came in about an hour before close on a Sunday, and they seemed a bit understaffed and the service wasn’t that great (mostly because it was slow, the people were very nice). Would absolutely recommend though!

The only thing good about this place was the pollo bun which is delicious. I also like the atmosphere of the restaurant, it’s dimly lit and gives a cozy vibe.Th... read more The only thing good about this place was the pollo bun which is delicious. I also like the atmosphere of the restaurant, it’s dimly lit and gives a cozy vibe.The ramen was below average, I didn’t even finish my bowl. The pork in the ramen was full of fat and I ordered the spicy garlic shoyumen ramen and it wasn’t spicy whatsoever it actually was lacking flavor.

It was OK. I’ve been to many ramen places in Chicago, and came here because it was featured in many lists. It’s good, but I’ve had better (Ramen Takeya, Ramen W... read more It was OK. I’ve been to many ramen places in Chicago, and came here because it was featured in many lists. It’s good, but I’ve had better (Ramen Takeya, Ramen Wasabi).The staff was very rude though! I came with my bike, and okay I can’t park it outside I get it, but man the runner went crazy. Very rude guy with long hair. It’s ok you hate your job (or life), but hey you can be nicer to the customers. I was about to choose another place, but stayed because my husband wanted.

Excellent ramen! I ordered the #3 which I believe is the tonkotsu style and spicy. I thought the spicy level was just right, not too hot but neither bland.The p... read more Excellent ramen! I ordered the #3 which I believe is the tonkotsu style and spicy. I thought the spicy level was just right, not too hot but neither bland.The pork they add to the ramen is extremely flavorful and of appropriate size for the ramen, same for the noodles.I only wish the beer was served in a cold beer mug like the one they use for the cutlery, other ramen places do this too.The shrimp bun was also very tasty.Don’t miss this place!