Cafe Koraku - Jean, NV

32100 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Suite. 424
Jean, NV 89019
(702) 874-1000

Located within the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas, Cafe Koraku is your last chance to gamble when driving back to LA. I'm not sure if they're related to the Koraku's we know, but I'm not going to expect much from a ramen-ya in an outlet mall. Could this be where they send all the defective bowls of ramen?


Sandwiched between a Journeys and Perfumania, Cafe Koraku is not your typical sweet-smelling excursion. Surprisingly busy, this ramen-ya only offers bowls of discounted flavor.


Shoyu-ramen: After only 3 hours of sleep and a 4-hour drive looming ahead, this plain shoyu-ramen knew how to hit the spot. It wasn't great or anything close to that, but after a long night in Vegas it became my best friend for about an hour. The toppings (rubbery chashu, menma, egg, spinach, nori, and negi) helped discount the character of this outlet ramen. The noodles were just your average noodle. If you're desperate for some comfort after a long night and on your way home on I15, then feel free to stop and try Cafe Koraku. Otherwise, quit while you're ahead and just wait until you get back to LA.


Gyoza: Disastrous! I've had frozen gyoza that tasted better.

Togoshi Ramen - Las Vegas, NV

855 E Twain Ave Ste 107
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 737-7003

Prior to what turned out to be a day of intoxicated madness in March, coupled with the highs and lows of letting it ride with friends not named Jack, I was able to enjoy the calm before the storm with a familiar face--ramen. When you think of Las Vegas, ramen is probably the last thing on your mind, but win or lose Togoshi Ramen does a decent job of comforting expected disappointments or celebrating unexpected delights. This Japanese-owned and operated ramen-ya is also a perfect cure for that heavy hangover.


Shoyu-ramen: An old-school shoyu-ramen that does just enough to get the job done. Nothing fancy here. Just a full-bodied deep shoyu flavor that works only in Vegas. The toppings (egg, chashu, menma, moyashi, and negi) simply pleased my craving without all the lights and glamor of the strip. The noodles were nothing special either, but they were perfectly cooked and easy to slurp. The friendly staff also made the ramen taste better than it was. I would definitely go back whenever I'm in Vegas.


Miso-ramen: The miso was shockingly strong! A bit too strong. Delicious nonetheless, it's probably best suited for waking you up from that groggy hangover.


Gyoza: The gyoza had a nice flavor, but probably could have used more crisp. Warning: Do not eat if you plan on drinking a lot of beer, unless you can somehow control your burps.