Travel and Places

10 of the best counter-culture ramen shops in Portland

Hey man, ramen and heavy metal don’t mix. Here are 10 counter-culture leaning shops letting you eat your ramen with a chill vibe in Portland.

1. The Zen Noodle Zephyr

Theme: “Finding Inner Peace, One Bowl of Ramen at a Time.”

At The Zen Noodle Zephyr, you can enjoy ramen in a tranquil setting with minimalist decor. The menu offers a selection of calming broths and noodles designed to soothe your soul.

2. The Psychedelic Ramen Revolution

Theme: “Ramen That Takes Your Taste Buds on a Trip!”

The Psychedelic Ramen Revolution is known for its colorful and vibrant ramen creations. The shop’s walls are adorned with psychedelic art, and they often host live music and art events.

3. The Eco-Eater Ramen Shack

Theme: “Sustainable Slurps for a Greener Tomorrow!”

The Eco-Eater Ramen Shack focuses on eco-friendly practices. They serve ramen with locally sourced ingredients and use reusable, bamboo-based serving ware. The decor features recycled materials and plant-based artwork.

4. The Punk Rock Ramen Hideaway

Theme: “Loud Music, Bold Flavors!”

The Punk Rock Ramen Hideaway pairs hearty ramen bowls with punk rock aesthetics. You’ll dine in an atmosphere adorned with vintage punk band posters and may even catch live punk performances on some nights.

5. The Bohemian Broth & Bowls Bistro

Theme: “Ramen and Art Collide!”

The Bohemian Broth & Bowls Bistro doubles as an art gallery. You can enjoy ramen surrounded by rotating art installations and join in on open mic nights where poets and musicians share their talents.

6. The Retro Ramen Diner

Theme: “A Taste of Nostalgia with Every Bite!”

The Retro Ramen Diner serves up ramen with a vintage twist. Diners can enjoy their meals in booths designed to resemble classic diners from the ’50s, complete with jukeboxes and checkerboard floors.

7. The Cosmic Cuisine Ramen Spot

Theme: “Where Ramen Meets the Cosmos!”

The Cosmic Cuisine Ramen Spot is inspired by the universe. The dining area features celestial decorations, and they offer ramen bowls with names like “Galactic Garlic” and “Starry Soy.”

8. The Flower Child Ramen Retreat

Theme: “Ramen and Love in Every Bite!”

The Flower Child Ramen Retreat is a tribute to the ’60s hippie culture. Diners can enjoy ramen in a colorful and flower-filled environment, complete with live acoustic performances.

9. The Sci-Fi Slurp Station

Theme: “Ramen from a Galaxy Far, Far Away!”

The Sci-Fi Slurp Station transports diners to the future. The interior resembles a spaceship, and menu items are named after famous sci-fi characters and places. It’s a ramen adventure through the cosmos.

10. The Grunge Noodle Garage

Theme: “Ramen and Gritty Vibes!”

The Grunge Noodle Garage offers ramen with a gritty twist. The decor features grunge-era posters and a relaxed, underground atmosphere. They often host poetry readings and indie film screenings.

Joe Ditzel

Joe Ditzel is a keynote speaker, humor writer, and really bad golfer. You can reach him via email at [email protected] as well as Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.