You’re walking down the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza, probably dodging a rogue stroller or a group of brunch-goers, and you see that familiar graffiti-style mural. It’s dark inside. Bass is thumping. There’s a distinct smell of charred garlic and simmering pork fat hanging in the air. This is Ani Ramen Jersey City, a place that somehow feels like a Tokyo underground club and a neighborhood staple at the same time.
Honestly, the "slurp, sip, repeat" mantra isn't just a catchy marketing slogan plastered on the walls; it’s basically a survival guide for anyone who’s ever tried to tackle their No. 6 bowl after a long week.
Whether you're a regular who knows exactly how many "umami bombs" you can handle or a first-timer wondering why there’s a line out the door on a random Tuesday, there is a lot to unpack about this JC institution. It’s not just about the soup. It’s about the vibe, the whiskey, and that specific brand of Jersey City energy that you just can't find at their Montclair or Maplewood locations.
The Reality of Eating at Ani Ramen Jersey City
Let’s get one thing straight: if you’re looking for a quiet, contemplative zen garden where you can whisper over your tea, you’ve come to the wrong place. Ani Ramen Jersey City is loud. It’s crowded. The lighting is low enough that you might need your phone flashlight to read the menu if your eyes aren't what they used to be.
But that’s the point.
Luck Sarabhayavanija, the founder behind Montclair Hospitality Group, built this brand to be a "modern interpretation of Tokyo experiences." In Jersey City, that translates to a bustling, urban atmosphere that leans heavily into its full bar program. Unlike some of its sister locations, the JC spot has a massive focus on Japanese whiskey and craft cocktails.
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What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
Most people default to the signature Ani Ramen (the No. 6), and for good reason. It’s a Berkshire pork bone broth that’s been simmering long enough to develop a creamy, fatty texture that coats your throat in the best way possible. It comes with kakuni (braised pork belly) that basically melts if you look at it too hard.
If you want something different, here’s the move:
- The Chef’s Special (No. 3): This is for the people who think they’ve tasted everything. It’s a chicken broth base, but it’s hit with lemongrass and shallots. It’s brighter, a bit more complex, and less "heavy" than the tonkotsu.
- The Vegan Miso (No. 4): Look, vegan ramen can be watery and sad. This one isn't. They use charred Brussels sprouts and roasted corn to give it a smoky depth. Even the most dedicated carnivores in JC order this one when they’re feeling "healthy-ish."
- The Bao Buns: Do not skip these. The shrimp buns with sake soy glaze are great, but the classic pork belly buns with spicy miso mayo are the real winners. Two come in an order. You’ll want four.
One thing that people get wrong is the "Umami Bomb." It’s a little side addition of miso, chili, and spices. Some people dump the whole thing in immediately. Don't do that. Taste the broth first. The chefs spent hours balancing that liquid gold; at least give it a chance before you blow your palate out with extra spice.
The "Secret" Sushi Bar Inside
A lot of people walk right past the back of the restaurant without realizing there’s a completely different world tucked away in there. Sushi by Bou operates as a "speakeasy" omakase experience inside the Ani Ramen space.
It’s a 60-minute, timed experience. You sit at a small counter, and the chefs serve you high-end nigiri piece by piece. It’s fast-paced, high-energy, and completely different from the ramen side of the house. If you’re planning a date night, hitting the sushi counter for a quick omakase and then grabbing a bowl of ramen to share is a pro-level JC move. Just make sure you have a reservation, because the "timed" aspect means they don't really do "squeezing you in."
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Is the Quality Still There?
If you browse Reddit or local Yelp reviews lately, you’ll see people complaining that Ani has become "middle of the road" or that the service is slow. To be fair, they’ve expanded a lot. When a local favorite becomes a regional chain, people get protective.
Is it the most authentic ramen on the planet? Maybe not if you’re a purist who only eats at three-seat stalls in Shinjuku. But for Jersey City? It’s consistent. The noodles are still custom-made by Sun Noodle, which is the gold standard in the industry. The broth is still rich. The main issue usually stems from the sheer volume of people they serve. On a Friday night, the kitchen is slammed with dine-in orders and a mountain of delivery bags.
Pro-tip: If you want the best version of their food, eat it at the bar. The noodles in ramen have a "life" of about five to ten minutes before they start to over-absorb the broth and lose their chew. If you order delivery and it takes 45 minutes to get to your apartment in Paulus Hook, those noodles are going to be soggy. That’s not the kitchen’s fault; it’s just physics.
Why the Atmosphere Matters
The murals by Rich Tu are a huge part of the identity here. They give the space a gritty, artistic edge that matches the Newark Ave vibe. It feels like Jersey City. You’ve got people in suits coming from Exchange Place sitting next to skaters and families with toddlers.
The bar program, designed in collaboration with Kenta Goto, is legitimately impressive. Most ramen spots treat drinks as an afterthought. Here, the "Shiso Cucumber Sour" is a legitimate draw on its own. They have one of the better Japanese whiskey selections in the city, ranging from accessible Hibiki blends to some of the rarer Nikka bottles.
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Dealing with the Crowds
If you hate waiting, avoid 7:00 PM on weekends. It’s a zoo.
- Go for Lunch: They open at 11:30 AM. It’s much quieter, the service is faster, and the kitchen isn't stressed.
- The Late Night Move: They stay open until midnight or later on weekends. It’s a great spot for a "second dinner" after hitting the bars on Grove Street.
- The Bar Counter: If you’re a party of one or two, always ask for the bar. You’ll skip the wait for a table 90% of the time.
Final Verdict on Ani Ramen Jersey City
Despite the haters and the growing pains of becoming a bigger brand, Ani Ramen remains a pillar of the downtown dining scene for a reason. It’s reliable. It’s fun. It’s the kind of place where you can get a $15 bowl of soup or a $100 bottle of whiskey and feel equally welcome.
The "Stamina Ramen" is still the best cure for a Jersey City hangover. The pork belly is still thick-cut and fatty. As long as they keep the broth consistent and the Sun Noodles bouncy, people are going to keep slurping.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit:
- Skip delivery for ramen. If you must order out, get the Don Buri (rice bowls) or the wings. Ramen is a "dine-in only" food if you actually care about texture.
- Request the "Umami Bomb" on the side. It allows you to control the heat levels as you go, rather than committing to a spicy broth from the first spoonful.
- Check out the Japanese Whisky flight. It’s a relatively affordable way to taste the difference between different distilleries without buying three full-priced pours.
- Join the rewards program. If you live in JC, it actually adds up pretty quickly, especially since they have multiple locations in the area now.
Next time you find yourself on Newark Ave, don't just walk past. Even if there's a wait, grab a drink at the bar and wait for a stool. The first sip of that No. 6 broth makes the chaos of the pedestrian plaza disappear, at least for a little while.