Yakyudori Ramen and Yakitori - A first look at the ramen

I usually try to contain myself and wait a bit before trying out a new restaurant. I'd just mentioned that Yakyudori's second branch would open today. A good example of waiting for a bit until the "kinks" are worked out would be San Diego's Santouka, whereas my first visit really wasn't quite that good, the problems where worked out by my subsequent visits. But today, the opportunity arose to grab a bite at Yakyudori, with two of my favorite FOYs(Friends of Yoso), Candice and Howie. So of course I jumped at it.

 I was quite interested to see what changes have been made to the very "fast-foodish" interior of the former BBQ Express Teriyaki. I like the warmer colors, the sort of casual (all the beer posters of course) Japanese Pubish interior, and there's even a "bar" area for solo, or dual slurping....

The menu is small, and there's no yakitori yet, as I believe they are waiting for their liquor license. Six types of ramen, and a couple of small dishes. One of which, Takoyaki ($4.50) we ordered.

 I've not had a great deal of Takoyaki, but this was just kinda mediocre in my opinion. First off, it was on the dark side, but lacked that thin layer of crispness. Also, I like the interior to be molten, and creamy, this one was just barely hot and gummy. I enjoyed the "sauce" used, which tasted a bit like a mild Nihai-zu, a vinegar-soy-dashi based sauce. The mayo was overkill in my opinion.... but I'm sure that there're folks who just love the stuff.

I ordered a Shio Ramen($6.50), and noticed in the photo there was corn in it. I prefer to have it sans corn, and ordered it that way. The bowl arrived, and the aroma was excellent, so familiar, and so comforting.

You'll quickly notice that this isn't "Tonkotsu style" (milky pork bone soup) broth. And I'm kinda glad it's not. I love the simple, yet complex tones of a good Shio or Shoyu broth. There is just enough oil to keep you satiated, and the umami flavors come through unmuddled. The noodles were perfect, a bit of stretch, a nice chew to them. I'm thinking that I prefer these to Santouka right now, but perhaps it's just an infatuation with the new kid on the block. One thing for sure.... this sure ain't your standard issue JFC type noodles.....

The egg was wonderful, the yolk was seductively soft and first mildy resisted, than yielded to your bite. The wonderful flavors of soy with a touch of sweetness came through clearly. There was a hiccup or two, to be expected during a grand opening. My bowl arrived with one slice of Chashu, which the young lady quickly swept back to the counter to add the second slice. The second slice of pork was on the dry, grainy side, perhaps because it hadn't had enough time in the jacuzzi. The flavors were as to be expected, rich and decadent, seemingly a bit more homemade than the richly polished version at Santouka. I also think the broth could stand to be a bit hotter, though this type of clear broth stands up better under less heat than a tonkotsu style broth. Also there were a couple of kernals of corn in my broth, so I figure that the kitchen started putting it together, and did an "oopsie". No harm, no foul.

As far as I'm concerned, this was miles above anything Chopstix, Gunco, or Teri Cafe could produce, and I'm glad there's another option for ramen. When I need to be fortified, it'll be Santouka. On those days when I want comfort, there's now Yakyudori.

One other item. I think folks are going to rejoice over this. It looks likethis location of Yakyudori will be open from 1130 am until 3am! Yes, 3am everyday..... be still my heart.....

Yakyudori Ramen and Yakitori
4898 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111 

Open 1130 am to 3am daily.

Comments

[Derek]

New LATE night and GOOD raman... plus for San Diego and all us ramen eaters! I may just have to stop by for lunch tomorrow.

Did you happen to notice if they took credit card? Also, do they do any soba or udon?

Thanks Kirk! =)

[Dennis]

Cool, I still have a chance to check them out tonight!? I'm so happy about an alternative spot for a shio and shoyu ramen.

[Kirk]

Hi Derek - Yes to credit cards, no to udon or soba.

Hi Dennis - It's great news for you night owls! ;o)

[kat]

ramen (w/o corn) would be good right now!

[ed (from Yuma)]

Damn. I want a bowl of ramen and I want it NOW!

[bill]

Just the egg alone got me...

[foodhoe]

Looks like a good spot, I've been prowling for good ramen this winter, and I sometimes crave it plain and simple too...

[Kirk]

Hi Kat - Yes.... I guess I'm just not a big fan of corn in my ramen.

Hi Ed - This was a nicely done bowl.

Hi Bill - Man, that egg.... I ight just have to order an extra one next time.

Hi FH - A good bowl is so comforting....

[Sandy]

I thought of eating there last night, but decided against it due to first day jitters.

It sure looks good!

Where is the first branch of Yakyudori located?

[Faye]

Thanks for the post! I was so excited to see a review on this place as I'm a huge fan of their Hillcrest location. Did they mention when they might obtain the liquor license? I CANNOT wait for them to start serving yakitori.

Is this location next to the drive thru Starbucks and Dixie Line?

[Rosa]

That egg looks really yummy...

What do you think about the ramen at Tajima?

[kamisama]

Tried it out last night with some friends. The shio and the shoyu are winners. I was a little underwhelmed by the miso. Very old-school style. Since they did not have a liquor license yet, we brought in some beers. They were totally cool with that.

[Beth]

Just found your blog--searching for nutritional info for El Portal Fresh Mex Grill. Love all the great info here...will bookmark this in my favorites

[Lynnea]

I agree with Bill and Rosa, that egg looks really amazing.

Can't wait to try this out. Thanks for being brave and trying it during the grand opening =)

[Kirk]

Hey Sandy - The original location is at 3739 6th Street in Hillcrest. It's Yakitori only, and is quite good. It is also very busy....

Hi Faye - The signs just say coming soon..... And yes, it's next to Starbuck's by Dixieline.

Hi Rosa - Here's my last visit to Tajima for ramen:

http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2009/11/ramen-revisits-chopstix-tajima-gunco-ramen-teri-cafe-and-santouka.html

I was severely underwhelmed. I think they've slipped over the years.

Hi Kamisama - I agree, it's comfort food.

Hi Beth - Welcome, and thanks for commenting. I hope we're able to provide some useful info for you!

Hi Lynnea - They seem to be doing real well. I think that's the product of their soft opening.

[caninecologne]

hi kirk
i haven't tried that kind of ramen before but it sounds good (the milky pork bone one)...what place do you recommend for that?

[Kirk]

Hi CC - There would only be one recommendation for Tonkotsu in San Diego - Santouka. I like the Shio Ramen there, the Miso Ramen is very salty. Next time you go to Little Tokyo - check out Daikokuya.

[Hao]

Just got back from a visit and totally agreed with your assessment on the egg - it was fantastic! They still seemed to have some hiccups: I went with a friend who got the miso ramen, and they brought his corn on the side because they forgot to add it during assembly. I had the shoyu ramen, which I really liked. If I had to pick something to complain about, it would be the simplistic flavors of the broth.

I also tried the karaage - rather dense, and without any sauces. So it seems that it might be best to wait until yakitori is on the menu before getting any sides.

Credit card for purchases > $10. (which really isn't legal, but every place does it anyway) And they only take Visa or Mastercard.

[caninecologne]

thanks kirk!

[Kirk]

Hi Hao - Actually this type of ramen broth seems pretty "simple", but there's some pretty complex flavors going on. Just compare it to to say.... Chopstix or Gunco.

Hi CC - No problem, enjoy!