Rose E.
Yelp
Extremely disappointed...so much so that I doubt if I'll ever return??
For years, I raved about their "Buta Bowl". Still, it took some convincing to get my hubby (not a big ramen fan) to come here with me...but I managed to do just that.
First of all, just as expected, we weren't able to get 1 of the 3 regular tables (with decent chairs, with backs)...even when we arrived at 5 pm! So we sat in one of those backless chairs, with this long "communal" table in the middle of the restaurant. Did I mention how much I hate the seating arrangements in this tiny joint?!? This restaurant just does not provide a comfy dining experience AT ALL. Also, the place is way too small...and I felt claustrophobic right away. Fortunately, I DID prepare my hubby for this...and we were not surprised to be dining on these backless, high-top chairs.
Then the loud, raucous overhead music...this heavy grunge rock that may appeal to some 20's and 30's...definitely not us!! Absolutely hated the music...and wanted to leave almost as soon as we arrived.
We ordered Chicken Tori Karaage and Rice Crispy Squares (their version of Crunchy Spicy Tuna) as appetizers...then the Buta Bowls, with all the seasonings on the side.
First of all, the spacing of the food delivery was ridiculous. They basically brought out the noodles within ONE minute of the appetizers...which made no sense! It was as if they just wanted us to drink down our foods and leave real quick. Also, it was almost a dead giveaway just how quickly the foods came out. There's no way they cooked up the Tori Karaage that quick. I'm betting that they simply microwaved what they had the night before..it didn't taste as freshly made as before either. Anyway, this ridiculous food delivery made it almost impossible for us to enjoy the appetizers...as we had to cram them down to make room for our ramen bowls. OMG?!?
I remember thinking how good the Karaage was in the past, but not that much this time around. Again, am thinking it might be due to the fact that it wasn't as fresh this time around. Then the Rice Crispy Squares were just not that great either. Interesting, down-home presentation (but actually not a very good one), but basically, the rice wasn't as crispy as it should have been....and the raw tuna had a oily, gross texture. Made me not wanna eat tuna again. So sadly, we didn't like either of their appetizers.
Then the Buta Bowls...the reasons we were here. Surprisingly, they were hugely disappointing! Long time ago, I remember this being THE best ramen I've had in Charlotte. Well, no more! They definitely changed things up...for the worse. First of all, they basically left out the ground pork...and if they did, it was literally 1-2 drop's worth. Basically robbing me of one of my fave ingredients in the Buta Bowl. I had half a mind to send it back. Seriously, why wasn't this ingredient included in this 19-dollar ramen bowl?!? Instead of being generous with the ingredients, they doubled up on the noodles instead.
I also regretted having them bring the ramen bowls out, unseasoned. This actually happened because when I asked the waitress to make it medium/mildly spicy, she suggested bringing the sauces on the side. The ramen looked quite unappetizing as they were brought out from the get-go...since unseasoned, with no color in them. Of course, it looked and tasted better once we added some sauce...but the thing is, it was a bit of a pain mixing all these sauces in...to get that just-right flavor. I REALLY regretted buying into our waitress' suggestion, to just bring the sauces on the side.
Overall, we did not enjoy the awkward, claustrophobic dining experience, the loud, raucous music, and even bad ramen (with missing ingredients!). Shockingly bad all around.
With so many nicer, comfortable ramen joints in town to choose from, THE only reason I would come here is if they had stellar ramen. Well, I don't feel their ramen is that good anymore. Just not the same as I remembered it. Sorry...but I can't do better than 1 star this, and possibly the last time. After all, it was an extremely uncomfortable dining experience (both seating and music/ambiance), bad ramen, with missing ingredients, and even a bad suggestion by our rather meak waitress. We also had a hard time understanding her, as she basically whispered the whole time...while the blaring overhead music was drowning everything/everyone out! The dining experience was just a total mess...a ONE-star experience for sure.