High Five Ramen

"Hogsalt Hospitality’s subterranean ramen lair is an appealing experience for spicy food fanatics. The tonkotsu and mushroom miso ramen can be enhanced with kanabo spice, described on the menu as “face-numbing, tear-jerking, unbearable.” Just make sure to get there early or be prepared to wait in line as seating is limited." - Naomi Waxman

"Loud, dark, and not always easy to get into—that’s High Five. This is a 16-seat ramen bar in the basement below Green Street Smoked Meats. We suggest hitting it solo to increase your chance of getting a spot. But if you’re coming with friends, make a night of it by adding in drinks at Green Street upstairs." - sam faye, adrian kane, veda kilaru, nick allen

"There are three things you need after getting broken up with over text: a dark room, time alone, and some warm soup. High Five Ramen, the ramen shop underneath Green Street can give you all three. It only has a handful of seats so it’s perfect for dining solo—something you should probably get used to. Plus, the space is also dark enough that nobody will be able to see all of the sweat on your forehead after finishing a bowl of their spicy tonkotsu. Or the single tear rolling down your cheek." - josh barnett, john ringor

"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

"The company that opened Au Cheval, where customers routinely lineup for diner fare (including an infamous burger), have a tastier option down the street. High Five Ramen serves one of the city’s most popular bowls. In the same complex, Hogsalt also has Green Street Smoked Meats, one of the city’s most consistent barbecues with delicious brisket in a dark and moody space." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman