"Like a speakeasy, this tiny and dark West Loop shop is hidden in the basement of Green Street Smoked Meats. But instead of 1920’s jazz and bootleg gin, you’ll find a relentless hip-hop soundtrack and one of the city’s most unique (and spicy) bowls of ramen. Their signature High Five Ramen is packed with thick noodles, a juicy soft-boiled egg, buttery chashu pork, and an incredibly spicy tonkotsu broth. Start with the already fiery half-spice level, then gradually work your way up. Not only will this set your mouth on fire, but it’ll also give your tongue a euphoria-inducing tingling like you just licked a 9-volt battery. High Five’s extreme popularity might mean that you’ll have to endure a two-hour wait to get in. But it’s absolutely worth it, and you can just head back upstairs and grab a drink at Green Street’s bar while you patiently hang out in waitlist purgatory. " - john ringor
