Ippudo Ramen Chaos Will Break Loose in Berkeley This July [UPDATED]

UPDATED 5/7/17 4:52 p.m.: When reached for comment, Ippudo representatives have confirmed that the Ippudo Berkeley will not open until at least mid-July. Stay tuned for more as we get closer to time.

Ippudo has garnered a cult following the world over, and it’s about to bring it Berkeley. Fans have been simmering with anticipation since the project was announced over a year ago. To their dismay, the opening date has been a moving target, shifting from last fall to spring— now it’s really happening, on June 2.

The Japanese ramen chain is already exceedingly popular in New York, with hours long waits at its Manhattan locations. The tonkotsu-style ramen and pork buns are also popular around the world, with locations in China, London, Sydney, and other countries.

That doesn’t bode well for those who like walking the streets of downtown Berkeley, as the restaurant will open its doors at University and Shattuck, directly next door to Berkeley’s first Blue Bottle Coffee (which is already constantly swamped). So don’t come hungry, and be prepared to wait— or head over to one of these other excellent ramen spots in SF.

The chain also has a giant San Francisco location in the works in Yerba Buena, slated for “mid-2017.” Stay tuned for more details on that location.

• Downtown Berkeley Ippudo Ramen Restaurant to Open June 2 [Berkeleyside]
• Ippudo to Bring World-Renowned Ramen to San Francisco [ESF]
• Ippudo, Acclaimed NYC Ramen Shop, to Open in Berkeley [ESF]