Kouraku
| Address: | 314 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA |
| Phone: | +1 213-687-4972 |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 8
MA
Mandi Tom
So we came in after a night out with some of my friends. He was hungry and all of a sudden - ramen came into mind. Rather than going to my local haunts, I gave him a choice of trying something new, or something that is a go-to but may have a wait. So here comes yelp to the rescue - suggesting this place with 3.5* reviews. Cool. It also had an "A" rating and open til 3 am. Deal. Were totally in, considering the other places closes way earlier. Also, the price is right =) Walk in and youll see a "CASH ONLY" sign, but have no fear, theres an atm machine, or hopefully the man/woman/friend youre with carries cash with them. Ive been able to train my peon to always carry cash so I dont have to. muhahaha. Anyways, its a super-old looking diner joint, that looks like its been there since Little Tokyo opened - red vinyl seating. Booths that fit (at most) four people. Or the bar area in front of the kitchen. Super attentive wait staff. Our waitress was super friendly, was able to make suggestions and just overall helpful in placing our orders. Our waters were never empty for that long. What we ordered - Ramen combo that comes with half order pork fried rice. Koraku special ramen Gyoza Sauteed squid VERDICT: Everything was so meh ...oh so meh. Bland. Tasteless. Worst part is the man found a piece a paper in the last piece of squid. REALLY - what a way to go with that dish - If you find yourself here.... try not to order the stuff that we ordered. I could tell you NOT to order any of the above items. I dont cook, but im 100% sure that I could have whipped up something tastier than that. Our bill came out to about $37 with tip. Um, what a waste of calories and money. Im in no means cheap when spending money on food. But I would have rather hit the drive thru at a fast food joint or even a taco truck than eat here. There are much better places to eat. Please, have some patience and go to the other joints that have a wait (well - I wont be name dropping, since its a review for this place....) however, Im pretty sure which Ramen places around you wished you were at instead of this place. As like all the places in little Tokyo, parking sucks!!!! Update in the morning - my stomach isnt feeling that well. Ditto with the man. Um. common factor - this meal. Youve been warned.
JO
Jose Galeas
I eat here, a lot and cannot complain, in any way, about the quality of the ingredients, or the all around service, but last night, I was devistated. After walking in and seeing the "Hot Champs" displayed, proudly, on the wall, near the entrance, for having completed Kourakus own spicy Habanero ramen challenge, a week, before. I amped myself up for it, and decided I was ready. We attempted to eat there the day before, but they had closed at 2:53am. So, when I got there, I ordered their Tonkotsu broth at the highest spice level, which is level 10 and let them know I wanted my picture, on the wall, next to the other "Hot Champs". At first, our waitress seemed to not have a clue about any ramen challenge or knowledge of any pictures, on the wall. I ignored, this and asked for the level 10 spicy broth, anyway, without meat. They brought the bowl of ramen, out, with meat, and after showing the waitress the wall of "Hot Champs", I began demolishing my bowl of hell fire. I finished every delicious drop of broth and every scrumptious bit of noodle. I, then, proceeded to inform several of the waiters and waitresses, including, the one that took the order. To my astonishment, every one of them acted confused and told me they didnt know what I was talking about. So, now, I feel as though, I have reason enough to suspect, that this "spice challenge" is just a hook attached to a fishing line, in attempts to drag in more customers. I am truly disappointed.
JO
Joe Martinelli
About six years ago Thanksgiving my wife and I were spending the night in Loa Angeles after a Rolling Stones concert at Dodger Stadium. It was late and my wife was tired, but I wasnt . I went down to the hotel lobby to ask the bell hop if he new anywhere that was still open.He pointed me in a direction and thats how I eventually found Koraku. The place was packed. The cooks stood shoulder, to shoulder. There were huge stock pots with each type of stock. Fish, Chicken, Pork, Beef the woks were set over rocket engine burners. I ordered a large bottle of Japanese beer, sat back and took it all in. Someone asked me what I was doing there, and why I was alone.
DE
Deb L.
Cash only. The place isnt well ventilated so the stuffiness and odor is what I first noticed. If youre towards the back it smelled of the alley way and if you were in the front it smelt of fish. I sat by the entrance. I ordered the Miso Ramen with an egg. The miso flavor was week, the bamboo shoots werent appetizing, and the pork tasked like over cooked roast beef. The egg was a medium hard (~8min) and over cooked to my taste for ramen. I like a soft egg (~6.5 min). It was all edible but I was hungry when I came in. I feel like there are other places in the area that could have been better so I dont think Id come back.
LA
Lauren Wong
Came here with my mentor. So the biggest thing that was a disappointment, was the food itself. :( found it to be oily and too salty. I guess its kind of like comfort food/fast food which my mentor loves, but for me it didnt hit the spot. HOWEVER, i do have to say Staff: awesome. super friendly and helpful. felt very mom and pop Environment: you get what you pay for - its not fancy, but it is UNIQUE. its its own vibe. its og Hours: great late night food. rather eat here than dennys anytime :P its worth a try, but it wouldnt be a place i go to all the time.
MA
Matt Tenenbaum
Best ramen shop in Little Tokyo, hands down. The menu covers good stuff that you wouldnt find elsewhere while hitting the core expected bites. Karage was on point, ramen broth was so rich Im pretty sure itd turn to jello at room temp, and their tea is pretty solid as well. A warning to the inquisitive: their special ramen is nothing like what youd expect. Its delicious, have no doubts about that, but its completely unique. Id hesitate to call it true ramen and Id be wrong. However, the flavor combinations are intense.
CH
Chana Bain
Overall really good and fresh sushi. Omakase is about $100 per person and you get many dishes! -The first 3 pieces of sushi was probably the best! Really good way to start the meal -Chefs sashimi was good, especially the scallop -Umami Soup was interesting.. the sticky rice was great with the soup -Assorted mini pieces of unique pieces with oyster -3 kinds of sushi.. good but not as good as the first dish of sushi -Either toro or wagyu beef to end your meal.. definitely go for the wagyu beef!
JO
Joanna Alanis
TAN TAN MEN, you must try it, it is the best ramen in the world!!!!!!!!!!!! the portion is huge but never consider sharing or you will regret it, just force yourself and finish it or else take it home with you and have some delicious tan tan men for breakfast. the service overall, including the chef and cook, are incredibly nice and friendly. Ive been there two times in one day and the same waitress took my order with a smile on her face and words i couldnt understand.
