The GW Hatchet: D.C. ramen bars that upgrade stereotypical college cuisine
JINYA Ramen Bar
1336 14th St. NW
While the spot may be hindered by modern interpretations of its chain menu, the hipster vibe at JINYA Ramen Bar makes for a fun meal.
The Instagram-able location features hardwood and brick flooded with an intoxicating salty aroma. Its curated indie-electronic soundtrack drowned out slurping sounds and had us Shazam-ing every song.
The chain has locations across the United States and Canada, serving up crowd pleasers including spicy chicken ramen ($14.75), old skool ramen ($14) and JINYA tonkotsu black ($14.75). The ramen bar ups the ante with customization and a build-your-own ramen option, with 27 toppings or add-ons ranging from 75 cents to $3.
The only downside is the menu displays the calorie count, but the balance of sweet and tangy flavors and extra noodles for only $3 overshadows any caloric consumption.