Been on a ramen kick lately and it got me wondering where everyone actually goes now. For years the answer was just Tsujita on Sawtelle and the tsukemen there is still incredible, but the wait can be brutal on weekends.
Lately I have been rotating through a few other spots but I dont want to name them all and bias the thread. Is Tsujita still the king for you, or has something else taken the crown? Looking for the real answer, not the tourist one.
Tsujita is still my answer for tsukemen, no contest. The dipping broth is just on another level. That said the wait is exactly why I dont go as much anymore.
When I dont want to deal with Sawtelle on a weekend I go to Killer Noodle right next door, same family I think, more of a spicy tantanmen thing. Different mood but scratches the itch.
Tsujita is still elite but honestly I think it coasts a little on the reputation now. For the wait I expect perfection every time and it is not always there anymore.
My current favorite is Tatsu in Hollywood for the rich creamy tonkotsu, you customize everything on a little card. Less of a scene, more about the bowl. I go there way more than Sawtelle these days.
Tsujita is great but the Sawtelle parking and the line together are a dealbreaker for me most of the time. I live on the westside and I still avoid that block on a Saturday.
Unpopular pick maybe but I get solid ramen at Daikokuya in Little Tokyo when I am already downtown. Old school, always busy, and the broth is heavy in the best way. Not trying to dethrone Tsujita, just saying you have options.
Okay now I am craving ramen and it is barely afternoon, thanks everyone lol. Tsujita is iconic for a reason but I am with the people saying the wait kills it.
Honestly Silverlake Ramen has never done me wrong when I just want a good bowl without a mission. Not the fanciest answer but consistent and the vibe is easy. Saving Tatsu and Daikokuya from this thread though, both new to me.
Laki Ramen is one of my favorite spots in L.A.. you guys should try their chicken ramen. The Dan Dan ramen is also one of the best I ever tried. No long lines, close by, friendly service.
Noodle Art on 3rd street is amazing too.
Okay, I will share one of my “rotating” spots. The place is called MENSHO TOKYO. It’s on Culver Blvd in Culver City & worth the drive.
I don’t have a favorite spot as I don’t really eat that much ramen. Not that I don’t like it, I had it 2-3 times in my life, I just keep forgetting about it. 
But that looks delicious.
You are missing out girl. 
I can recommend the Koi Kaze Ramen Bar (Olympic Blvd). I have tried a lot of ramen places over the years and this is one of my favorite restaurants. Janet is always super sweet, the place is clean and the food is delicious. Try their Yuzu ramen special for lunch. The broth is super flavorful. All the ingredients complement each other very well.
Another plus is their ambiance. It literally feels like you are walking into one of these little ramen spots in Tokyo. That alone makes it special. Most places have no soul nowadays.
I am down for some ramen now.
Just need to wait until places open up.
Torisoba Tonsho offers great value plus high quality, authentic chicken ramen. Truly feels like eating in Japan. They craft their chicken broth soup entirely from succulent chicken and the noodles are whole grain. It’s filling, but not heavy. You should try their fried chicken as well. Amazing place right on La Cienega Blvd.
I discovered another gem in DTLA. It’s called REDWHITE BONELESS RAMEN. 4,9 rating on Google.
With over 1,2k reviews. That’s impressive. 
