JINYA | A Cool New Ramen Bar in OKC

October 18, 2022 Melissa "Mel" Drake

JINYA | A Cool New Ramen Bar in OKC

"No ramen, no lie"

Ramen bars are all the rage these days and for good reason. And now Oklahoma City has its very own ramen bar we can call our own – JINYA Ramen Bar.

Have you been yet???

Spoiler Alert: this new ramen bar is sure to please you with its effortlessly cool decor, tasty ramen bowls, craft cocktails, and friendly staff.

So let's get into it...

Ready to explore more of OKC, OK? Be sure to check out my local travel guides for fun things to do in Oklahoma City, OK, Best Oklahoma City Hotels, and Funny Things Everyone Assumes About Oklahoma City too!

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About JINYA Ramen Bar

Located in the district of Nichols Hills in Oklahoma City, is where you'll find our city's very own JINYA Ramen restaurant.

History of JINYA Ramen Bar - Yesterday to Today

When founder, Tomo Takahashi arrived in the United States from Japan in 2010, he quickly realized that it was impossible to find the traditional taste and flavor of ramen that he was used to back home. Undaunted, Tomo set out to create his own ramen bar and eventually founded JINYA Ramen Bar.

With its first U.S location opening in Los Angeles in 2010, JINYA Ramen Bar has since expanded to include locations across the country, including Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Seattle, Austin, Tulsa (our sister city), and now there's a ramen bar near me (and you too) in Oklahoma City.

What does JINYA mean?

The restaurant's name, JINYA, was inspired by a samurai warrior who was once close to Tomo's community in Japan.

JINYA Ramen Bar's Mission

It's simple: JINYA's focus is continuous improvement and to provide delicious ramen at an affordable price that will leave you feeling satisfied and wanting more.

What to Expect When You Visit JINYA Ramen Bar

"Irasshaimase!" is how you'll be greeted by the friendly staff at JINYA Ramen Bar. This phrase, which means "welcome" in Japanese, sets the tone for the experience you're about to have.

The Atmosphere

I'm a sucker for a good vibe, and JINYA Ramen Bar has it in spades. From the moment you walk in, JINYA Ramen bar presents an effortlessly cool, urban atmosphere, yet contemporary Japanese dining ideal. The decor is minimal with sleek interiors, dark floors, exposed brick walls, and Edison light bulbs hanging from the ceiling.

The Restaurant Layout

While waiting to be seated, you'll immediately notice the two distinct areas. To your left is a bright and airy space with a beautiful greenery wall and a long communal table that's perfect for gathering with friends. And to your right is a cozier area adorned with red neon signage that reads, "Ramen is all the craze" atop booths that are perfect for an intimate meal with your significant other.

Directly in front of you, there's a long circular bar where you can watch the bartenders mix up some of the house's signature cocktails or your favorite libation. To the left of the bar, you'll see a beautiful mural of a Japanese woman enjoying a bowl of ramen noodles. This is the perfect place to take a photo!

Just past the bar, you'll find the ramen kitchen. Sit here and you can watch the chefs in action as they prepare your ramen bowl to perfection. The kitchen is small but mighty, and the chefs work quickly and efficiently to create delicious bowls of ramen. The best part of sitting at the counter is seeing a visual preview of JINYA's menu. So pull up a stool and enjoy the show. After all, this is where the magic happens.

And if you're looking for something a little more low-key, there are also several tables throughout the restaurant where you can sit and enjoy your meal. But honestly, no matter where you sit, the whole place has a sexy, industrial vibe that's so irresistible you'll want to stay and soak it all in.

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What to Eat at JINYA Ramen Bar

The Menu

Now let's talk about what you came here for – the ramen (the real VIP). JINYA's customizable menu features a little bit of everything: small plate appetizers, salads, signature cocktails, desserts, and an array of ramen dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. And if it just so happens that ramen isn't your thing, no worries, they've got you covered with several other options including rice bowls and curry dishes. Don't forget about the littles... JINYA even offers mini kids' meal ramen bowls too! Now, how cute is that?

An Important Note About Food Allergies at JINYA Ramen Bar

Because I suffer from a host of food allergies, and after spending some time overseas visiting Thailand, Hong Kong, The Philippines, Vietnam, and China, I'm more than aware that Asian dishes often contain fish sauce, fish oil, and peanuts. And those I am DEATHLY allergic to. So I was fully prepared to watch my friend eat a full meal while I would only be able to eat a couple of items on JINYA's menu. But to my pleasant surprise, JINYA and their staff take food allergies very very seriously! They have a dedicated chart that lists all their menu items and the allergen ingredients in each dish so you can safely make an informed decision about what you can and cannot eat.

Unfortunately, all of JINYA's ramen bowls contain fish sauce in their broth. Which was a total bummer but not totally unexpected.

BUT...

Our server went completely above and beyond to confer with the manager and chef to see if there was as least something I could safely eat. And to my delight, they were able to whip up a ramen bowl. I had the Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen with fresh garlic and chicken added.

So not only did I not have to sit there and watch my friend eat while I starve, but I was also able to enjoy a delicious ramen bowl that was specifically made for me and my food allergies. Talk about amazing!

Here's What We Ate at JINYA:

Tapas/Starters:

Brussels Sprouts Tempura (peanut + fish-free)
JINYA Quinoa Salad

Cocktails:

JINYA Smoked Old-Fashioned
Espressotini

Main Course:

Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen with chicken added (peanut + fish-free)
Shrimp Wonton Ramen

Dessert:

Panna Cotta (peanut + fish-free)
Mochi Ice Cream

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FAQs: A Few Things to Know About JINYA Ramen Bar Before Your Visit

What do they yell when you walk into JINYA?

At JINYA, they greet you with a hearty "Irasshaimase!" as you walk in. This is a traditional Japanese greeting meaning "welcome" or "come on in." So don't be alarmed when you hear it, it's just their way of saying hello and making you feel at home.

What do they yell when you leave JINYA?

When you're ready to leave, they'll see you off with a sincere Japanese practice of "Arigato gozaimasu," which means "thank you very much" in the language.

Do you need a reservation to dine at JINYA?

No reservations are needed to enjoy a great bowl of ramen at JINYA. So if you're planning on dining there, be sure to get there early as the place tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Is JINYA Ramen Bar kid-friendly?

Yes! They offer mini ramen bowls for kids as well as fries and crispy chicken nuggets for your little ones.

Does JINYA Ramen Bar make its noodles and broth from scratch?

JINYA is serious about their ramen. They only use the freshest ingredients to make their ramen noodles and broths. The noodles undergo a special aging process before they are cooked. Their ramen bowls are made from broths simmered for 20 hours in water from FUJI, which is 99.9 percent free from impurities. This attention to detail results in a delicious bowl of the best ramen that is sure to satisfy.

Do they have a happy hour at JINYA?

Is water wet? Yes! JINYA offers a great happy hour.

When is JINYA open?

Business hours will vary by location but currently, our very own OKC location is open 11:00 am-10:00 pm Monday through Thursday + Sunday and 11:00 am-10:30 pm Friday and Saturday.

Final Thoughts on Jinya Ramen Bar

If you love ramen, rejoice! JINYA Ramen Bar is now open in Oklahoma City, and it's definitely worth the hype. From delicious ramen bowls to innovative craft cocktails to effortlessly cool decor, this spot has it all. And if you have food allergies like me, don't worry - JINYA takes food allergies very seriously and will make sure you still enjoy a delicious meal. So what are you waiting for? Visit the new JINYA Ramen Bar in Oklahoma City today!

If you have any questions about what to see or where to eat while visiting our city, please feel free to leave me a comment below!

Thanks for reading!

-XOXO (as always)

Mel D.

Photography by Melissa "Mel" Drake