Porky ramen lovers, take note: California-based Jinya Ramen Bar will open its first East Coast location in the Mosaic District on June 21. The full-service venture, which specializes in swiny tonkotsu-style ramen, is the 13th location of the chain; another branch, nearly twice the size, is slated for 14th Street next year.
Compared to the tiny, funky shops like Toki Underground and Daikaya that launched the ramen craze in Washington, Jinya is Big Soup: 143 seats,13 signature ramen combinations (including chicken and vegan broths), and 20 different toppings for customizing your bowls. The menu also goes beyond liquid satisfaction, with Asian “tapas” like braised pork buns and takoyaki (octopus balls), rice bowls, and full bar for Japanese-inspired cocktails, beers, and sake that can be sipped on an outdoor patio.
Anyone who likes to slurp noodles for a cause can visit on opening day starting at 11 am, when proceeds from sales will benefit INOVA Children’s Hospital.
Jinya Ramen Bar. 2911 District Ave., Fairfax. Open (June 21) Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 11 pm; Friday, 11 am to midnight; Saturday, 10 am to midnight; Sunday, 10 am to 11 pm.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
