Santouka - Arlington Heights

Rated best noodle house in Time Out Chicago for a good reason. Located in the food court of the famous Asian market MITSUWA, this place makes me crave their no. 4 Salt Ramen. The fresh noodles, melt in your mouth pork slices and all the toppings can be the reason that the line to this place sometimes winds around the court. There is often a line forming as early as 10 minutes before they open at 11am. The efficient crew zips through the orders. All right! That's it! Now I'll have to go there tomorrow! Yum

Some great friends of mine here in Portland started a Japanese inspired hot dog cart, called Domo Dogs . It was great. But I had never heard of a Japanese burger (except in my trips to Japan, of course). I saw this place a couple trips ago in the Chicago area and resolved to try it next time I was through town. As it happened, my favorite dining companion, BurgerDogDaughter and I happen to traverse the Windy City at the same time and hit up the food court at this massive Japanese grocery, which used to be a favorite haunt of ours when she was coming up. She went for the fancy pants ramen, with miso and pork, and a side of salmon roe. I checked out Gabutto Burger.   They promise a “delicious experience”, with their special Gabutto patty, part beef, part pork, breaded with their special glaze.  It’s not a teriyaki, and it’s not quite a savory.  Somewhere in between but more towards the savory.  While I generally don’t like sauces of most any ilk (except bernaise and bechamel),  this was

Ramen lives up to the hype! A cool shared experience with strangers Tips: Cash only, plan on $40 for 2 hungry people. Get there before 11, line starts forming by 1045. Stay in the line to the right, next to the tables. Take a friend. The patient one of you stands in line, the other claims a table. Coats on chairs are respected. Then they can go buy fresh sushi from the grocery! If you aren't occupying all chairs, offer the extras to late comers and families. People will ask you for them anyway. No pop/fountain drinks available other than bottled Japanese drinks. Your order number will come from the loudest speaker. Not for the claustrophobic Everyone is always friendly and happy while eating there.

This is by far, the best place to get authentic miso ramen in illinois. I go here hungry, and i leave full and happy. My only sadness when i go here, is not only have i finished my meal, it's the fact that i must leave. I count the days until i may return, and succle on the sweet-savory deliciosness that is concocted in this fine establishment. Many blessings upon you, wonderfull chef's, who have been brought on this earth to share your culinary arts with the world. Odin smiles upon you.

This spot simply knows how to treat their customers. Always with a helpful mindset. The food is affordably priced, regularly delightful and clean.