Originally Posted by
peachy3
Ippudo seems very popular all over the web and must be, with such a long waiting time~
When should we go to avoid the longest queues? We'll go anytime of the day =)
So I take visitors to Ippudo frequently as I live in the area, and I have a few tips.
1) The Lunch menu is different than dinner, and in most cases, I actually prefer it. They offer a set with a ramen and a rice dish that's pretty filling, and offers a little variety. The wait for lunch can still be terrible though, so you want to go as early as possible.
2) For lunch or dinner, you can put your name down, and then come back. They will be pretty upfront with you if the wait is an hour, or even more, and you can plan around it.
3) If you don't mind waiting, the bar area has a really decent appetizer menu on its own. I usually go there with the intention of waiting an hour maybe, and get some beers, chicken wings, and pork buns with some friends while we wait.
Ippudo is one of the more expensive ramen places, and has a horrible wait time, but right now I do think it is the best.
If you don't want to wait, I also like Minca, which is not far.