ATXReview
photo credit: Holly Dirks
Ramen512
Included In
If you live in Central Austin, you’ll probably spend the 30 minute drive to Ramen512 grumbling about how far away it is and internally debating if it’s all going to be worth it. And if you live in Cedar Park, well, you finally have something to brag about other than a semi-affordable housing market. Because tucked in a strip mall between a vet and a nail salon is some of the best ramen in Austin.
Those who have been around Austin for a while might remember the Ramen512 name from a series of popups around town—most of which sold out very quickly. But a few years of this scrappy DIY setup has done to Ramen512 what that giant pit in The Dark Knight Rises did to Bruce Wayne—helped him make the leap, emerging stronger than ever.
photo credit: Holly Dirks
There are a lot of styles of ramen offered here, which is something that often makes us wary of a place—but it’s not a cause for concern here. If you’re a purist, you might enjoy marveling at the delicate chicken-and-dashi broth from the Signature Shoyu, in what looks like the physical embodiment of a ramen emoji. If you’re a fan of the richer pork tonkotsu base more in line with other ramen joints around town, you’ll be happy to know that all three versions here—classic, spicy, or with black garlic oil—are damn near perfect.
Ramen512’s atmosphere is nearly non-existent, with all the charm of a generic strip mall build-your-own poke bowl restaurant. But when the ramen is this special, none of that feels like it matters. Go ahead and start getting some podcasts ready—it’s time to make the drive.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Nicolai McCrary
Chicken Karaage
photo credit: Nicolai McCrary
Signature Shoyu
photo credit: Holly Dirks
Classic Tonkotsu
photo credit: Holly Dirks
Sunset Shoyu
photo credit: Holly Dirks