Richie Nakano, Twitter raconteur, Cochon555 champ, and all-around culinary sassmouth, has finally landed in a permanent home, with his Mission brick-and-mortar for longtime farmer's market stand/pop-up Hapa Ramen set to open its doors on Sunday night at 2293 Mission (at 19th). The casual spot from the Nopa and Sushi Ran alum is keeping it streamlined with a menu of steamed buns (hot chicken with pickles or slow-cooked pork belly with kimchi and plum), small plates like pork ribs with green papaya and an okonomiyaki-style seafood pancake, and of course, ramen. Three different bowls are available: slow-cooked pork, miso vegetarian, and duck ramen, the latter of which goes for a staggering $28. Nakano will also do new ramen specials from time to time. Here's the full menu.
The former 99-cent store snagged full liquor, and cocktails come courtesy of Justin Lew and Ian Scalzo, both high-level vets of Future Bars (the folks behind Bourbon & Branch, Local Edition, and Tradition). The vibe is intended to be fruity and Polynesian with a touch of tiki, and drinks include the Hilo Gimlet (with gin, lime, Hawaiian Punch syrup, and Hi Chew tincture), and the Tropic Thunder (bourbon, banana liqueur, cacao-infused Angostura, and black sea salt tincture). There's a deep selection of whisk(e)y and Japanese spirits behind the bar, plus four draft beers, wine, and sake.
Geremia Design put together the 60-seat space, which has a classical Japanese look with lots of light wood, booths, and lattice. There are some fun wall murals with art taken from vintage Japanese matchbook covers. Hours are Sunday-Wednesday, 5:30 pm-12 am, and Thursday-Saturday, 5:30 pm-1 am. Do note that they won't be taking reservations.
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