WICKER PARK — A popular Pacific Northwest-via-Japan ramen restaurant plans to open its first Midwest location on Wicker Park's Milwaukee Avenue in late February, it was announced Tuesday.
Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya will soon open its 85-seat eatery in the former Max's Wine Dive at 1482 N. Milwaukee Ave., and will mark the third ramen spot in the neighborhood, joining Furious Spoon, which opened last winter, and Oiistar, which debuted in 2012.
Founded in 2003 in Japan, Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya serves "the most traditional, authentic and delicious Japanese Ramen that you can possibly have without actually flying to Japan," according to its website.
The restaurant recently rebranded as Kizuki after being previously known as Kukai Ramen & Izakaya as recently as November, when the chain originally confirmed plans for a Chicago spot.
Known for customizable ramen dishes, including four different types of noodles as well as varieties of broths and toppings, Kizuk's menu will also feature izakya, or small plate items, such as chicken wings and Japanese pork buns.
The Japanese pork bun at Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya. [Provided]
A bowl of miso ramen at Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya. [Provided]
Kizuki opened its first United States franchise in 2012 in Washington, the company said in a statement. It quickly opened three more in the Pacific Northwest, with plans to open a few more in the area and also two in the Midwest — one in Chicago and another in Indianapolis.
Once open, the new joint will bring about 50 new jobs to the area, a spokeswoman said.
Neighboring restaurants to Kizuki Ramen & Izakya include Native Foods and Umami Burger. The trio of eateries replaced a Burger King that was demolished several years ago.
Check out the restaurant's menu here.
Anyone else remember when this #wickerpark trio was a Burger King? pic.twitter.com/fomBlPnDiy
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