Mecha Noodle Bar

The Connecticut-based chain brings their pho vs. ramen battle to Union Market, and trying to decide between the two soups is the best dining problem you’ll have in the city. There are two bars with plenty of seating, but when you walk in for either lunch or dinner, opt for a table so you can spread out a little more. A mix of hip-hop from the last 20 years plays at the perfect volume so you can sing along to your favorites without disturbing other diners. The crunchy general tso’s shrimp with a sweet sticky rice is a must order, as are any spiked boba like the creamy thai iced tea (you can also order nonalcoholic boba drinks). With small plates so good, you could fill up on those and never even get to a bowl of the spicy beef ramen—but that would be a mistake.