Your Questions About Tonkotsu Ramen in Ridgewood, NJ — Answered
If you've been searching for tonkotsu ramen in Ridgewood, NJ and landed here, you're in the right place. Menya Ramen House has been feeding this neighborhood from 76 N Maple Ave for years — and we get a lot of the same questions from first-timers and regulars alike. So here's everything you actually want to know, answered straight.
Is There Parking Near Menya Ramen House on Maple Ave?
Yes, and it's easier than you'd think for a downtown block. There's street parking on North Maple Ave and on the surrounding side streets. Ridgewood also has public parking lots within short walking distance of the restaurant — the lot behind the train station is one of the most convenient if street spots are taken. Weekends get busier (more on that below), so arriving a few minutes early gives you a better shot at a spot close by.
How Far Is Menya From the Ridgewood Train Station?
We're about a five-minute walk from the Ridgewood NJ Transit station on the Main Line. It's one of the things we love about where we sit — you can hop off the train, walk a short stretch of Maple Ave, and be warming your hands on a bowl of broth before you've even fully unwound from your commute. If you're coming from the city or Bergen County towns along the line, the train is genuinely the easiest way to get here.
Do I Need a Reservation at Menya Ramen House?
We don't take reservations — it's first-come, first-served. For most weeknights, you'll walk in and find a seat without much of a wait. Friday and Saturday evenings are a different story. If you're planning a weekend visit, we'd suggest arriving right when we open or coming earlier in the evening rather than peak dinner hours. The wait is worth it, but there's no reason to make it longer than it needs to be.
What Are the Best Dishes to Order — Especially the Tonkotsu Ramen?
Start here: the tonkotsu ramen in Ridgewood, NJ has been the foundation of this menu since day one. The broth runs 16 hours. Not as a tagline — as a practice. It's rich, it's deep, it coats the noodle the way a shortcut never could.
If you want heat, the Spicy Miso Tonkotsu is the one. The miso adds a layer of earthiness that rounds out the spice instead of just stacking it on top.
Beyond the bowls, the Chicken Karaage and Takoyaki are the appetizers we'd push on any first visit. The karaage is fried right — juicy inside, properly crisp out. The takoyaki has that soft, molten center that's harder to get right than it looks.
Staying for dessert? The Mochidoki is worth saving room for.
For the full picture of what's best on any given week, the Karaage Don shows up in our regulars' rotation for a reason.
Does Menya Have Vegetarian or Vegan Options in Bergen County?
Yes — and this is something we want to say clearly, because the best ramen near Ridgewood, NJ shouldn't be off-limits to people who don't eat meat.
The Spirit Lifter Vegan Curry is its own thing — warm, bright, a little bold, and named for what it actually does. It's not a consolation option. It's a bowl people come back for specifically.
If you're searching for vegan ramen in Bergen County, or just trying to find a ramen spot that takes plant-based eating seriously, we've got you.
Gluten-free needs vary by dish, so if you have specific dietary restrictions, just ask your server when you sit down — we'd rather answer your questions upfront than have you find out mid-bowl.
How Busy Does Menya Get on Weeknights vs. Weekends?
Weeknights — especially Monday through Thursday — tend to be comfortable. You'll usually get seated quickly, the room has a good energy without being overwhelming, and it's honestly a great way to break up the week. Thursday in particular has become a solid dinner night for regulars who want the full lineup: Spicy Miso Tonkotsu, Korean Fried Chicken, Karaage Don — all of it, without the weekend crowd.
Friday and Saturday evenings run busier. The room fills up, the energy goes up a notch, and waits are real. Come early or come ready to hang for a bit.
Come Find Us in Ridgewood
Menya Ramen House is at 76 N Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 — a short walk from the train, easy to reach from anywhere in Bergen County, and worth the trip whether you've had our tonkotsu ramen in Ridgewood, NJ a dozen times or you're walking in for the first. No reservations needed. Just come hungry.