Ramen Tatsu-ya
Price
$$
Rating
4.9/5 stars
Ramen Tatsu-ya is one of the best ramen spots in all of Texas with rich, flavorful broths and perfect noodles.
Ramen Tatsu-ya started in 2012 as a single spot on East 6th Street from chef and DJ Tatsu Aikawa, and it's grown into what a lot of Austinites just call their Japanese soul food. The broth is the whole point: a 60-hour tonkotsu that's rich without being heavy, and it's customizable with "bombs," their term for concentrated flavor add-ins that let you dial in exactly how funky or spicy you want the bowl.
Beyond ramen, the katsu sliders, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and gyoza are all worth ordering as a table to share while you wait on bowls. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 5pm if you're going for drinks and small plates rather than a full meal.
The original East 6th St location still has the neighborhood-favorite feel that built the brand, but Ramen Tatsu-ya has since expanded to multiple spots around Austin (and into Houston), so there's usually one within reach no matter where you are in the city.