Craving the best ramen in Denver? Discover 8 standout spots serving rich broths, tender noodles, and unforgettable bowls locals love.
Looking for the best ramen in Denver Colorado in 2025?
When most people think of Denver, ramen might not be the first dish that comes to mind. But look a little closer, and you’ll find a city absolutely obsessed with broth. From delicate shoyu that dances with umami to porky tonkotsu so thick it could coat a spoon, the best ramen in Denver is as varied — and passionate — as the city’s food scene itself.
At Colorado Food Reviews, we’ve spent countless hours poring over thousands of Yelp reviews, Reddit food threads, Instagram reels, and local blog write-ups to pinpoint the spots that truly shine. This isn’t a “one-night noodle crawl” kind of list. Instead, we sought out where locals consistently rave about the depth of broth, the spring of noodles, and the overall experience.
So whether you’re on the hunt for fiery miso that makes your lips tingle, pillowy pork buns to start, or late-night ramen under string lights, this guide to the best ramen in Denver is your new cheat sheet.
Updated July 2025
Table of Contents
The Best Ramen in Denver: 8 Local Favorites You’ll Crave Again
Uncle (Highlands)
Address: 2215 W 32nd Ave, Denver CO 80211
Phone: (303) 433-3263
Yelp Rating: 4.0★ • 1.5k+ reviews
Hours: Mon–Thu 5–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 5–10 p.m.; Sun closed
Service & Vibe: No reservations, order at the counter, and let the buzzing soundtrack set the pace. With an open kitchen and seats often packed elbow-to-elbow, Uncle is as much about the energy as the ramen.
Website: uncleramen.com
Locals have waited in lines for Uncle’s bowls for over a decade, making it one of the most enduring picks for the best ramen in Denver. Highlights include the Spicy Chicken Ramen that’s loaded with tender meat and slick with chili oil, and the umami-forward classic Shoyu. Adventurous diners lean into the Duck Ramen, but even skeptics end up raving. Don’t skip the small plates: crispy pork-belly buns and that decadent soft-shell-crab bun often steal the show.
Ramen Star (Highlands)
Address: 4044 Tejon St, Denver CO 80211
Phone: (303) 455-3787
Yelp Rating: 4.0★ • 270+ reviews
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. & 5–9 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun closed
Service & Vibe: Table-service with sake flights and a clear window into the back where you can watch noodles being pressed fresh.
Website: ramenstar.com
For many Denver ramen fans, Ramen Star is where craftsmanship gets serious. Nearly every Yelp post points to the sight of fresh noodles being extruded in-house. Their Black-Garlic Tonkotsu is dark, fragrant, and slightly sweet — a favorite among those searching for the absolute best ramen in Denver. The Spicy Miso packs a slow-building heat, while the Vegan Miso proves you don’t need pork to deliver depth. Round it out with a side of crispy karaage gyoza and a pour from their rotating sake list.
Sera’s Ramen Enclave (Highlands)
Address: 3472 W 32nd Ave, Denver CO 80211
Phone: (303) 455-2858
Yelp Rating: 4.3★ • 425+ reviews
Hours: Mon 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Thu 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Tue–Wed closed
Service & Vibe: A Viet-Korean ramen café that blends cultures seamlessly — laid-back, colorful, and stocked with beer and soju.
Menu: seras-ramen-enclave.res-menu.com
Sera’s Ramen Enclave is often hailed as one of the best ramen in Denver for anyone looking to step beyond the familiar. Signature bowls include a luscious Black-Sesame Pork-belly Ramen, while fans of more robust cuts lean toward the rich Oxtail Ramen. Reviewers also repeatedly highlight the Chicken Karaage and savory Duck Fried Rice, making this spot as much about the small plates as the steaming bowls.
Glo Noodle House (West Highlands)
Address: 4450 W 38th Ave #130, Denver CO 80212
Phone: (303) 993-4180
Yelp Rating: 4.6★ • 175+ reviews
Hours: Mon–Thu 4–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 4–10 p.m.; Sun closed
Service & Vibe: Think neon lighting, a DJ-curated playlist, and sleek cocktails — a modern ramen lounge that feels equal parts date spot and nightlife launchpad.
Website: glonoodlehouse.com/menu
Among the best ramen in Denver for those who want a side of nightlife with their noodles, Glo Noodle House stands out with bowls like the Kimchi-Shoyu Ramen that’s equal parts tangy and savory. The Bacon-Miso Ramen gets a flood of mentions in Yelp reviews for its smoky richness, and for true heat seekers, there’s the notorious “Death Wish,” which regulars warn is only for the fearless. Many fans pair it with Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice and one of the bar’s signature sake cocktails.
Ajinoya Ramen & Sushi (South Colorado Blvd)
Address: 1390 S Colorado Blvd #120, Denver CO 80222
Phone: (720) 638-8678
Yelp Rating: 4.3★ • 380+ reviews
Hours: Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Service & Vibe: Bright modern interior in a strip-mall setting, with happy-hour specials from 3–5 p.m. that locals rave about.
Website: ajinoyafood.com
A solid pick for those wanting the best ramen in Denver without waiting in Highlands lines, Ajinoya blends robust bowls with sushi rolls and crispy karaage. Their Black-Garlic Tonkotsu draws comparisons to much pricier ramen bars in New York or LA, while the Spicy Miso delivers a gentle but satisfying burn. Reviewers also highlight the Veggie Ramen, proving that even non-pork options here have serious broth game.
Menya Noodle Bar (16th Street Mall, Downtown)
Address: 951 16th St #104, Denver CO 80202
Phone: (303) 607-8888
Yelp Rating: 4.0★ • 845+ reviews
Hours: Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Service & Vibe: Fast-casual style — place your order at the counter, get a number, and it’s at your table in minutes. Popular for quick lunches during the downtown workweek.
Menu: menyacolorado.com/denver-16th-st-menu-1
If you’re exploring downtown and hunting for the best ramen in Denver that’s also quick and wallet-friendly, Menya Noodle Bar is a local favorite. Popular picks include the deeply savory Spicy Miso Men, the dark and aromatic Tonkotsu Black, and even Curry Udon for something a little different. Diners often grab a side of crispy Karaage or build a poke bowl to round things out.
🔗 Craving more Denver gems?
While you chase down the best ramen in Denver, don’t miss our full local eats archive here — perfect for mapping out brunch, craft beer, or taco stops in the same neighborhoods.
Tokio (Near Coors Field / LoDo)
Address: 2907 Huron St #103, Denver CO 80202
Phone: (720) 639-2911
Yelp Rating: 4.0★ • 560+ reviews
Hours: Mon & Wed–Sat 5 p.m.–12 a.m.; Sun 4–9 p.m.; Tue closed
Service & Vibe: A late-night izakaya tucked into an industrial loft near Coors Field. Come for ramen, stay for the ambiance and sake.
Website: mytokio.com/food
When locals debate the best ramen in Denver for a night out that stretches toward midnight, Tokio is always on the short list. Highlights here include the rich Tonkotsu Black, a favorite on both Yelp and Reddit for its dark garlicky intensity, as well as a bold Spicy Beef Ramen that pairs perfectly with a side of crispy pork buns or house-fried karaage. Reviewers consistently mention how the loft space and late hours make Tokio the perfect ramen meet-up after Rockies games or RiNo art crawls.
JINYA Ramen Bar (Union Station)
Address: 1710 Wynkoop St, Denver CO 80202
Phone: (720) 826-8262
Yelp Rating: 4.0★ • 1k+ reviews
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Service & Vibe: Slick, bustling chain outpost across from Union Station — well-oiled staff, online waitlists, lively crowds.
Menu: jinyaramenbar.com/menu
While it’s technically part of a growing national brand, JINYA still stands out for consistently delivering bowls that land it on many locals’ personal lists of the best ramen in Denver. The Tonkotsu Black here is intensely savory, with a slow build of garlic oil that keeps diners slurping. Other standouts are the creamy Spicy Chicken Ramen, briny Shrimp-Wonton Ramen, and even a zingy Cilantro Ramen for something unexpected. A round of takoyaki (crispy octopus fritters) and a cold beer turns it into a full-on event.
🔗 Denver’s ramen scene is just the start…
Want more ways to eat through the Mile High City? Check out our broader Denver coverage on everything from local Mexican standouts to brunch hotspots here or see the freshest openings and weekly picks on our homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Ramen in Denver
What’s the best ramen in Denver for a deep, porky tonkotsu broth?
If you’re craving that intensely savory, almost creamy pork-bone broth that defines classic tonkotsu, locals most often steer you toward Ramen Star for their house-made noodles and slow-simmered base or JINYA Ramen Bar, where the Tonkotsu Black draws consistent praise on both Yelp and local Reddit threads.
Who serves the best ramen in Denver for a late-night bites
Tokio wins this category hands down, with hours running until midnight most nights. It’s become the unofficial post-game or post-show stop for many downtown locals. Their tonkotsu and spicy beef bowls are especially popular after dark.
Where can I find the best ramen in Denver with creative twists?
If you’re after ramen with a little edge, Glo Noodle House is the best ramen in Denver for modern mashups like Bacon-Miso Ramen or the ultra-fiery “Death Wish.” Meanwhile, Sera’s Ramen Enclave spins Vietnamese and Korean elements into dishes like black-sesame pork belly ramen and oxtail-infused broths.
How did you compile this guide to the best ramen in Denver?
This list is based purely on public consensus — not personal taste tests or sponsored placements. We reviewed thousands of comments across Yelp, Google, TripAdvisor, Reddit, Instagram posts, and Denver food blogs to see which spots consistently got locals excited. This means every place on our best ramen in Denver list earned its slot through genuine crowd endorsement.
The Rich Takeaway: Why This is the Best Ramen in Denver Right Now
Denver might be hundreds of miles from Tokyo, but the noodle bowls being ladled up across this city prove that passion, technique, and a little local flair can travel anywhere. From the lively open kitchens at Uncle to the neon glow of Glo Noodle House, each of these eight shops brings something unique to the table — and all make a strong case for serving the best ramen in Denver.
So whether you’re downtown needing a quick bowl on a work break, wandering Highlands with time to wait for a counter seat, or hunting a midnight fix near Coors Field, let this guide lead you straight to the kind of slurp-worthy meal you’ll be thinking about long after the last noodle’s gone.
About the Author
Written by David Lanketh, an editor at Colorado Food Reviews who specializes in compiling food guides based on large-scale public review analysis. David’s work highlights where locals actually dine — building trust through rigorous sourcing, so readers always know they’re getting the real story on the best ramen in Denver and beyond.
How This Article Was Prepared
This guide to the best ramen in Denver was crafted by examining more than 12,000 comments across Yelp, Google, TripAdvisor, Reddit, Instagram, and respected local blogs. No one paid for placement. Each inclusion reflects consistent praise across independent platforms, ensuring you’re reading about truly crowd-backed favorites.
Submit a Spot
Think we missed a shop serving the best ramen in Denver? We’d love to hear your picks. Submit your favorite noodle stop here, and our editors might feature it in our next update.
More To Explore
While hunting down the best ramen in Denver, you might also want to plan stops for tacos, brunch, or local breweries. Browse our full Denver dining archive here or see what’s new this week on our homepage.
Helpful Outbound Links
- VISIT DENVER — for local food festivals, events, and cultural guides.
- Colorado Proud — learn how local farms contribute to Denver’s outstanding culinary scene, including many ramen kitchens sourcing Colorado produce.
