Ichiban Cafe
| Address: | 6250 Columbia Crossing Cir, Columbia, MD 21045, USA |
| Phone: | +1 410-290-1898 |
| Site: | ichibanmd.com |
| Rating: | 3.3 |
| Working: | Closed 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 12–9PM |
Location
Photos 68
Reviews 9
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Christopher Martin
I had the Shoyu Ramen with added Chashu (Pork), and it was good but since the menu is written in a simplified form for the local customers I wasnt aware that the kitchen staff would be very amenable (and happy to get the request) that I customize the base Ramen with everything I would prefer. In my case thats usually double pork, corn, cheese, extra eggs, bacon, and super spicey - but if you dont know how you like your ramen you may think you dont like it because it hasnt been properly kicked up because its not listed on their menu! I mentioned that in New York and in DC the menus are rife with options and they said ultimately it confused a lot of locals so they only do it by request - so please ask for everything your heart desires - thats how they like it too! I have to dock them a star however for the ambience of the place. It was very clean and neat, but there was no music playing in the background so you can hear a pin drop (and the refrigerator hum and activity in the kitchen). Im not a fan of hearing the intimate details of the people next to me, and I know Ill politely try to keep my volume level down because if I can hear them then they can hear me. I asked them about this and was told that people actually complained when they played music - leading me to think that either their soundtrack was country music or their customers were retirees or students used to the quiet solitude of a hospital cafeteria or a library. I think this place has the potential to be a more hip place with an urban vibe if they want it to be that - but if none of that matters to you then you will be quite happy with the quality of the Ramen itself.
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Linda S
In echoing similar sentiments of those that gave this place a 1-star : I got attitude when attempting to make a take-out order. Upon entering the place, the display of the food-preparation counters were old & un-kept as if they dont how to clean after their s$#%. Female cashier/server made me feel uncomfortable being there with her strong attitude. Dont know if its a racial thing as Im black, but will never go there again. It baffles me how more people were entering this joint as soon as I left. The bubble teas I got were not served completely full though I requested "no ice." Other bistros/ cafes Ive been to would filler-up on an ice-less beverage. Bubble Teas were so-so, couldve tasted much better or I wouldnt have spat some of it out. Havent gotten crappy service since Wasabi Bistro in College Park or Fast Wok in EC, two of the worst services Ive ever received in an Asian restaurant/bistro for as far as I can remember. Ichiban is not far off from these 2 other joints AT ALL.
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Tammy Ramirez
Customer service was horrible!!! As we walked in the lady just looked at us. I asked her if we sat ourselves and she made a face and said you should order to go. I told her that we wanted to eat there and she said there would be an 20% increase in prices since she had to wait on us. I said it was fine since we were the only customers in the restaurant and it was 730p(closed @9p) She made a face and said you need to order here, (referring to the cash register.) My son ordered his food and she didnt ask me what I nor my other son wanted and proceeded to give me our total. I told her I wanted to order something for myself and my other son as well and she looked at me as if disapproving and asked what I wanted. At that point I said, thank you but I think were going to go somewhere else. And we walked out. Needless to say I will not be returning to this establishment.
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Anon Reviewer
The ramen here is delicious. It will absolutely hit the spot if you need a ramen fix, without having to travel to DC or Virginia. Dont come here expecting New York-quality or Japan-quality ramen; you will be disappointed. Take it for what it is - a ramen joint with decent ramen in a local location. Also, there are folks complaining about the friendliness of the lady working in the front. To all of those folks - shut up. The woman in question is obviously an immigrant to the US and grew up with a different culture that didnt require her to smile and hug every stranger she sees. Give her your order, eat your food, enjoy it, thank her, and then get out. Nitpicking the ladys friendliness level is just ridiculous.
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Alan Ward
Ive been searching for a place with good teriyaki since I moved here 3 years ago, and after eating here, Im still searching. The service was fast, if not overly friendly. Aggressive signs posted at the counter dont help, like "If you get your food to go, take it to go. You cannot eat here if you get it to go." in all caps practically shout "go away!" The food was prepared quickly, but a rather small portion for the $, and it was cold. The teriyaki chicken was bland, they only gave me half the california roll (presumably saving the other half for another customer), and the salad was tiny. The shumai was pretty good though. For an $11 lunch, I was still hungry when I was done.
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Erika Fabian-Pancakes
The food is quick and relatively cheap, but lacks sufficient flavor. The service is absolutely terrible. Ive had multiple unpleasant experiences, but I kept going back because it is a 2 minute walk from my work. Previously, I tried to eat in after asking for my food to be packed to go, they kicked my friend and I out saying that it is a different price if the food is to go rather than to eat in. Today, they couldnt even give me change for a $20. That is insane. I asked if they could wave the credit card fee then and she practically yelled at me saying no. I highly doubt that I will ever go back there ever again. If I do, it wont be my money thatll be spent.
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Elizabeth Welsh
Their food is decent. It isnt the best sushi Ive ever had. Tried to call in to place a large food order for my work place. The first call wasnt answered. No one even asked to put me on hold. Called again and it was early afternoon and during their regular delivery hours, but the woman I spoke with said they didnt have anyone to deliver at that time. Mind you it would have been over a $100.00 order as it was for my entire workplace. Its sad when a place has decent food, but cant back it up with the service. Hopefully theyll read through their reviews and improve their business.
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Corey Woo
Not sure why people think the lady in the front is rude, she was absolutely delightful. Ordered a poke bowl and a sushi burrito. Both were outstanding. The team here want to work with the customers and customize to.ensure they get the flavor profile right for each customer. Some want it sweeter or spicier. I would absolutely recommend the poke bowl. It was bursting with flavor and the fish was nice and pronounced. The tuna was a great dark red and seemed to be of good quality. Everyone that wanted in was greeted warmly and thanked for their business.
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Dresden Arker
This is a great restaurant, good space and very cozy! The food is delicious, with many Chinese and Japanese options (also vegetarian and vegan options if asked for); the menu is huge! Now, on to the lady that takes orders; she is one of the nicest, direct, and sincere servers Ive run across in the food industry. Her direct way of communicating is very efficient for knowing exactly what you are getting and knowing that she knows exactly what you want. Very warm personality if you speak with her. Needless to say, we will be long time customers.
