Calif.-based Jinya Ramen Bar to open first S.A. location

San Antonio is swimming in ramen right now.

In February, Bakudan Ramen, which launched at The Rim shopping center in 2019, opened its third shop near the intersection of Bandera Road and Loop 1604 on the far Northwest Side. Yippon Ramen staged a soft opening March 6 near the intersection of Austin Highway and Harry Wurzbach Road.

And now, a California competitor is entering the slurp wars.

Jinya Ramen Bar is set to open its first San Antonio location March 15 near The University of Texas at San Antonio and TopGolf along Loop 1604. The brand launched in 2010 under the leadership of Tomo Takahashi, and has since expanded to nearly 50 locations in the U.S. including spots in Dallas, Austin and several in the Houston area.

“We know that San Antonio is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine, but we believe the city has room for delectable noodles slow-cooked in thick and rich broth,” Takahashi said in a media release. “We are so excited to be able to bring our unique recipes and establish ramen culture in this city. Everyone has been so welcoming and we can’t wait to celebrate with such a great community at the grand opening.”

Jinya has earned praise from dining critics across the country for its painstakingly longsimmered broths, which spend about 20 hours bubbling away on the stove. Those elixirs get configured into more than a dozen ramen variations dressed with chicken, pork, shrimp dumplings and more. Jinya’s menu also features mini tacos, salads and rice bowls.

The restaurant will hold grand opening festivities March 15. The first 50 customers in line for lunch at 11 a.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. will receive a free bowl of ramen.

Jinya Ramen Bar, 5311 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 101, 210-251-2519, jinyaramenbar.com. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Jinya Ramen Bar/ Jinya Ramen Bar will join the city’s slurp wars on March 15; first 50 customers get a free bowl.