I love this place. Top recs: the coconut curry and the wings. The wings are insane. Be aware of: how absurdly heavy the kimchi/matzo ball soup is. It's a LOT. Other good stuff: the service, dumplings, great beers on draft. It's not cheap. There's usually a wait. They'll give away your table if you don't get there quick enough. But the flavors and overall atmosphere of Cheu will make your belly sing! Note: the place is VERY small but will accommodate groups if you make a reservation and get there at 6pm or before. We had six for Zack's birthday and it was quite cozy.
(5)
Melissa P.
Watcheu doing tonight? No plans? Maybe you should cheu-se Cheu's. I'd been dying to go to this place for a while, having followed all the buzz about the name change and seeing all you savvy mavericks checking in over the last few months. I was thrilled when my dining club decided to make it the site of our last dining club meal for a while (one of us is going away). I was very satisfied but not blown away: 3.5 star food, bumped up to 4 for service. Warning: this is a tiny spot with very little non-bar seating. We waited for our table of 4 for a while...But the waiter (Brian) was great about allowing us to go get a drink and calling us when the table was about to leave and actually ready. After that he continued to joke, make great recommendations, and generally just be awesome. The food came out quickly, courses perfectly spaced out. The carafe of water at our table was great (but could have been filled more often). All the flavors were very different and interesting, but it's still Asian fusion, not straight up Asian, which is minus 1 star in my book. FOOOOOOOOD: We got (roughly in order of preference, by course).. Small plates/Veggies -Charred Corn- really? I'm raving about corn? Yea. I am. It was awesome. and truffly, and saucy. and crunchy. and just delicious. Must-try. -Pork belly and cheeseburger buns- toasty delicious bun bread, seasoned cucumbers and sauce perfectly accompanied the juicy pork belly and cheeseburger ball. Highly recommend. -Broccoli with peanut and Vietnamese sausage- biggest complaint was having to use chopsticks to get every bit of what was left in that bowl. Torture! Perfectly seasoned and cooked crunchy. -Long Beans-These Szechwan peppercorns are no joke. similar flavor to some Handy Nasty dishes, and just as hot! Great, unique flavor though. NOODLES -Cold Jade Noodle- great flavor, crunch, chewy noodles, awesome combination of flavors and the crowd favorite. -Hand torn with lamb-huge fat noodles basically in a BBQish sauce. Super tender lamb. -Cold Sesame Noodles- so fresh and delicious, nothing like Handy nasty's though. -Ramen- we weren't impressed with this. It was good, but just not anything exciting or amazing. Dessert -Finished off with a sesame doughnut which I really enjoyed. Crispy outside, mushy inside, hint of banana? Overall, would recommend for a casual lunch/dinner with a friend, probably not a first date or with someone you're really trying to impress though. I'll probably come back again at some point, but I'm not rushing back. The bill wasn't too painful at all, and we were super stuffed.
(4)
Andrew H.
Broth is watery. Their chicken was under cooked. The vegetables were raw and made the soup taste earthy. There was not much depth to the flavor. They crack a raw egg into the soup and the soup wasn't hot enough to cook the egg thoroughly. I get that they aren't trying to do Asian cuisine and That may be what disappointed me, however at the end of day the food lacked flavor and the cooking techniques were lazy. When your doing a soup of any kind you can tell when people take short cuts.
(1)
Fatima M.
Me and my girlfriend are considering making this our regular spot. Pros. The ramen is great! The wings everyone is talking about are so delicious. I'm hoping to try everything on the menu. It's cute no seriously the only way I can describe this noodle bar is cute its like if a bunch of american teens got together and opened a noodle shop cute. I like that I can also watched the chefs make the food if I am at the bar it makes the experience a bit more interactive, I know I'm reaching but it's honestly like watching the cooking channel and them handing the food to you when its done. The drinks are daring and cool looking, okay im not much of a drinker in fact I prefer for my drinks to taste like anything but alcohol but still they are great to look at. Cons. It's a little tight. But in today's economy most new restaurants are and I'm here for that. So leave more good reviews and hopefully in enough time they get a bigger spot. This is more of an unpopular request but maybe a sake lemonade or sangria for us sweet cocktail lovers or a sweet cider on the beer menu. It's a little pricey for ramen I say that only because I realize that I pay so much because I need an appetizer with it or I won't be full. I always leave wanting more food.
(4)
Phil A.
Very good food. I had BBQ pig tails, the yakisoba and a cocktail. Everything was delicious! Obvious care in their work and attention to detail. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Vinny P.
After watching the popups, the name change and finally settling on a location, I made my way to Cheu Noodle Bar on a Friday evening with a buddy to see what it was all about. What I found was a very cool, fun, fresh take on a noodle bar and I'll be returning. The space here is a bit tight and most likely you'll have a wait on a Friday or Saturday evening. We chose to wait it out at Varga (conveniently located down the street) while our table cleared out. It didn't take terribly long before we were at our seats and ordering. I was very impressed with the black garlic wings. Heat and sweet were the tastes that hit my mouth but I did feel the dish was put together nicely. The wings were cooked perfectly and it wasn't too sauced. It had just enough to leave a nice impression. The dumplings (potato, egg, cheese, chili oil) were not my favorite due to the filling combo, but I would not be opposed to trying more of their dumplings (if they change). The star for me was the lamb neck hand torn noodle dish. The spice on the lamb was killer, and it was falling apart while I tried to eat it. The mustard greens and dates brought those other flavor punches that made this dish truly excellent. I would come back and eat here just for this. The spot is fun, the music is great (I heard mostly A Tribe Called Quest) and the kitchen worked really well together in the space they have. I think these guys are doing a great job and I hope they will be in Philly for a while.
(4)
Miwako S.
They did a fine job creating a ramen. The noodle was a little uncooked and I wished the chef didn't take time putting stuff on top after the noodles and soup put in the bowl. The speed is life when it comes to putting everything in a ramen bowl so it is served sizzling hot. But the pork was tender and the soup was good.
(3)
Zoe P.
If there's one thing that my husband loves, it's ramen. It's a guaranteed excuse for us to eat out if I can find someplace we haven't tried that has ramen on the menu. So when his stomach started rumbling Sunday late afternoon I suggested we check out Cheu's menu so that I didn't have to rush to cook dinner. The place was packed and it was only 5pm, which clearly spoke to the quality of the food. A quick peek at the menu and we were ordering their Miso Ramen (pork shoulder, egg, sea beans, black garlic) and Hand Torn Noodles (lamb neck, pickled mustard greens, dates) to share together. The two large bowls came out pretty quickly, and we dove right in, chopsticks eagerly grasping at noodles thick and thin. One bite in my husband declared that these were the best noodles he's had from a ramen place in Philly (or any other noodle dish, for that matter). The flavors in both dishes were superb - the roasted meats were tender and juicy, the noodles had just the right amount of bite. In the lamb dish, the pickled greens gave a great bright flavor contrast to the smokier flavors. Both were hearty and enough for the two of us, although the other dishes were very tempting. We'll be back another time for sure - he's hooked on those noodles now!
(4)
Joe K.
Go here. Food was perfect. Not salty like some people have said (Don't believe those reviews now). Adequate alcohol options. Parents liked it a lot and they're pickier than me. Got the wings, dumplings, miso ramen, crab broth and yakisoba. All good. Definitely going back to try the other items on the menu.
(5)
timaree s.
The coconut curry noodles......... *droooooool*. Seriously, everything I've ever eaten here is delightful. The waitstaff is fantastic, the drinks are quality and the ambiance is cool. If they had the ability to make the space twice as large to accommodate more people at a time, it would be flawless.
(4)
Sondra C.
I had the ramen with pork. Chewy ramen, succulent, fall off the bone pork, drizzled with a sweet brown sauce... a soup so rich in flavor you could bite it... and a jiggling soft boiled egg, that, when broken, adds that velvety texture and taste. I slurped down every drop. And so should you.
(5)
Aleks K.
I tried the miso ramen and the won tons in chili oil. The ramen broth was thick and unctuous, filled with noodles, greens, soft egg that melted in once I poked it open, sprouts and a huge piece of pork. Delicious. Something like I've never had before and I'm glad I gave it a go. Came here based on bookmarking it at some point without even checking the menu. The won tons were soft and very filled, topped with deep fried quinoa for crunchiness which was awesome. I was surprised by the crunch and it was so welcome. Not spicy at all. $19 for both.
(4)
Chris C.
A different kind of soul food! This is what I want hands down if I'm hung over, if it's cold out or really anytime. It warms your soul. The cornmeal matzo ball is top of the line. Love the brisket bowl. Have yet to be disappointed
(4)
J S.
Had a few pre Kodaline show options n chose this spot since the reviews seemed good n my friend also told me it was good the one time she went. Haven't been to a noodle bar in months since I was at naruto in ny which was awesome. This place is small but the table turnover is quick so the wait isn't that long. We got a Rivertown Greatful white beer while waiting which was good then got seated not long after. The table we got was the closest to the door n we were greeted by server who gave us the special item of the day - Szechuan type green beans. Then after she walked away another server came up to give us the specials but he stopped once we told him we already were informed lol. We ordered the black garlic wings to start which were ok..I expected fried wings for sum reason but they were ok...the pork bun n cheeseburger buns were next which good but nothing compared to the ones at Momofuku...they are sliders n the bun is a biscuit tasting bun which is good but was disappointing going from the cheeseburger bun which was ok slider size to the pork bun which was like a subway sandwich which in my mind blows cos it's all bread n no filling...the pork is good but they need to triple the portion size...the brisket matzo ball ramen was good but not excellent. With kimchi being in there I expected n wanted it to be spicy but it wasn't. My friends beans were good but she would of preferred a ramen bowl instead. The other thing would be that it took a bit for a server to come back when we were ready to leave n this made us late for the show. I do wish I tried the dumplings and maybe I will if I go back but first impression doesn't live up to the good reviews I've glanced at
(3)
Marie W.
I love noodles, but I'm not sure what all the hype is about here. 1 1/2 hour wait to get in. No exaggeration. Then when we got the call that our table was ready we had to settle our bill at the bar we were camped out at. Apparently we weren't fast enough. We got another call in a couple minutes to see if we were on our way. Inside everyone was nice. I liked the mix of classic rock & classic hip-hop. The menu was straight forward. I enjoyed the pork & mushroom "buns" best. FYI: they're actually tiny sandwiches & if it was less crowded & easier to get a seat I'd come back just for beers & buns. I thought the dumplings were fine, but a bit too greasy. The brussel sprouts were nice in a 2014 kind of way. The miso ramen was also fine, but it wasn't breath-taking. Towards the end of meal I felt pretty rushed to get the rest of our food to go. I guess they have no choice w/ the huge wait. Oh, wait, they could take reservations.
(3)
Sylvia O.
This place is really good but it is a tight squeeze in there. It is almost always packed. Their menu is simple, yet delicious. I really enjoy their french fries!
(4)
Llana C.
Went here last Saturday and I haven't stopped thinking about the noodles since. I am equal parts happy and sad that this place is right near my gym. I had the coconut curry (it was phenomenal) and sat at the bar. It was so amazing watching them prepare everything! -1 star for the service. It wasn't bad, but the environment was stressful and I could tell our server was overwhelmed. I would be too if I was the only waitress in a full restaurant! The Brussel sprouts were yummy, and I'm not even a Brussel sprout lover! The decor is modern and eclectic. Will definitely be back, I just hope it isn't as crowded and/or better staffed.
(4)
Krystal H.
I've been here a handful of times now. The only complaint I have is that it's tough to get in. And it's tough to get in because it's SO SO GOOD. If you do find yourself on the wait list they take your phone number down and call you when your table is ready, which allows you to head to a nearby bar for a pint. I had been trying to get my boyfriend to go for awhile now but he kept being all Ben Stein about it until I guess he was sick of me suggesting it. We went ~7p on a Sunday and there were 4 tables ahead of us. 15-20min later we were seated at the bar. The staff is helpful, pleasant, warm, comfortable and just a joy to speak with. Someone came over quickly to say hello, get our drink order and tell us about the specials. We ordered and then watched the chefs RUN that place. They're prompt, precise and hard working. They waste no time and the place runs like a dream. Generally when you eat somewhere you don't get a feel for what's happening in the kitchen. I really appreciate being able to watch the magic happen and I have so much respect for the two women I watched pump out so many meals tonight, each more delicious than the last. One chef in particular was paying attention to our pace for eating and sent our small plates out one at a time so nothing was ever sitting there getting cold. This allowed us to fully enjoy each plate without feeling rushed. We ordered the following: Wings, 1 mushroom & 1 pork Belly Bun, Broccoli with Vietnamese sausage, Tuna Poke with watermelon, Hot oil dumplings and Spicy crab broth noodles. Would get all of these time and time again with one exception. Wasn't crazy about the hot oil dumplings (they reminded me of cheeseburgers) and I didn't taste any crab in the Spicy Crab broth noodles (was still delicious). That said, this place isn't meant to be "authentic" anything; it's Asian fusion. They do what they want and they do it well. Good music, good people, good ambiance. You just get a good vibe being here. This place is one of my favorite spots to grab a bite in Philly and I'd recommend it to anyone! Even my Ben Stein boyfriend loved the place. That's saying something.
(5)
Lauren P.
My roommate and I went last night after reading about it on Thrillist- we usually go to Nom Nom Ramen. We arrived around 8 and were surprised we had to wait 30 mins to be seated. We sat sat the bar which was awesome! We first ordered the dumplings (beef that night) and they were excellent. We added in more oil that was on the bar- game changer, it was so good! We then both got the brisket ramen, because it's what Thrillist told us to. It was a 7/10. The brisket had a huge layer of fat on top, which turned me off. There was also some sort of pickled cabbage or something that I could do without. The broth was awesome and the noodles were great. Overall, I would go back if I was around that neighborhood.
(4)
Jacqui S.
Small place, small menu but definitely not small in flavor. They def know how to do it right here.
(5)
L R.
I loved this place. Went there on an impromptu date-night Monday and thought it was great. I liked that you could see the guys cooking right from the bar. Was fun to watch. Cheu's ambiance is cool. It's got a sense of humor, dimly lit, and even has treated ramen noodle packs as tiles on the wall. Subtle, but cheeky. I like it. The food was great. It was a mashup of different cultures but well executed. I had the beef dumplings with chili oil, which were great. Then I ordered the brisket ramen, of course with a matzoh ball. It was great. Nice robust broth, good greens, kimchi (always kimchi, always.) and good brisket. Plus the noodles were good. I want to go back and it's only been two days. Really cool. Big fan.
(4)
JC J.
Highly recommend this spot for a quick meal with one or two friends (maximum 2 - the restaurant is very small and does not take reservations). The service is just okay, but the restaurant's cool atmosphere makes up for it. The best thing to order here in my opinion is the bun (esp the mushroom bun). The noodle dishes are good, but not outstanding. The iced tea is great and I really like how the flavor changes on a daily basis.
(3)
Abby W.
The brisket bowl with the matzoh ball was very interesting, but a little heavy. The pork bun was awesome. Overall the food was excellent and I would definitely go back.
(4)
Kelly L.
I believe that this place possibly serves the best ramen in Philadelphia centre city. I had the miso ramen and garlic chicken wings. Both dishes were really good! This place is a little smaller so their capacity for seating are slightly more limited. It was very interesting to watch the chef prepare our food (it was a great free appetiser to make you hungrier if you ask me). I guess the only bad experience I had there was my male server with semi red-Mohawk hairstyle was a little unfriendly in my (and my friend's) opinion.
(4)
Daniel T.
Had a quick lunch here on Saturday. Had to check it out after it was on a list of the 21 best ramen places in the country, and I love ramen. It's a cool little shop, funny thing - there are no Asian employees lol. Not that it matters, just saying! I had the pork belly buns and miso ramen. The buns were pretty good - B+. The miso ramen was very good - A, although it was expensive at $13/bowl. Wouldn't mind stopping by again if I am in Philly.
(4)
Alick W.
Cheu is a great noodle bar. It is not a traditional ramen place but they put their own special twist on their dishes that make Cheu unique and sets them apart. There are a few tables and then a bar area to sit at. The waitress was really nice and food came out pretty quickly. I got the miso ramen which was very good, a little pricier and on the smaller side than other ramen places, but the variety of add ons and taste make it worth it. I also had their specials which were a mango green iced tea that was very refreshing and their pork, beef mushroom dumplings that had great flavor and taste. I would definitely come back here to try some of their other noodle dishes.
(5)
Yiwen S.
if you're going to cheu noodle bar for ramen, you might be disappointed. the owners, ben and shawn, have their philosophy written flat out as you enter the small restaurant. they state that they are two white guys trying to run an asian fusion restaurant, and that although their cuisine is informed by asian tradition, it is not defined by it. basically, have an open mind and don't think about whether this is "authentic" asian food or not. if you take the food at face value instead of trying to define or categorize it, you can judge the food simply for how it tastes, not how it is SUPPOSED to taste. now, with that in mind, i ordered the brisket noodles to try something different. the brisket was a bit dry, but the matzo ball and kimchi were good on their own. but i felt like together, the flavors didn't mesh well and the dish never came together as a whole. the miso ramen was actually decent (if non-traditional), but i've had so many bowls of miso ramen in my life that it truly has to be spectacular to blow me away. my vegetarian friend had the cold sesame 3.0 and said she really enjoyed it. i love soy as much as the next vegetarian, but i'm never one to opt out of a meat dish when it's available. if you don't want to wait, grab a few of your friends (3 or more to be exact) and make an early dinner reservation (between 5-6:30pm). we made a 5:30pm reservation and didn't have to wait at all. overall, my impression is that the food is decent and the service is excellent. but i probably won't be back, because it is a little too "fusion" aka experimental. and my palate prefers something more traditional asian in taste.
(3)
Kim L.
Lives up to the hype. My boyfriend and I walked in on a Friday night and only had to wait a few minutes for a seat. We ordered drinks (I highly recommend the Spicy Bulleit if you're a bourbon fan!) and one of each of the buns - pork belly, mushroom, and beef - while we waited for our noodles. I ordered the miso ramen with high expectations in tow, and I didn't put my spoon down until I thought my stomach might explode. The pork shoulder was so tender and the broth was flavorful and delicious. My boyfriend got the yakisoba noodles and since we're carnivores, he added pork belly. I stole quite a few bites and I loved the texture of the soupless noodles. High quality ingredients and well thought out dishes! The staff is also great - very laid back and eager to help with suggestions. They switch up their menu frequently so I'm excited to come back and try some more of their creations!
(4)
Jordan H.
The teamwork style of service is always just what you need, the beer specials are always interesting and affordable, and there are reasons they have won awards for their food. We always enjoy our meals here! Great spot for a date with delicious food and an exciting atmosphere with such an eclectic selection of music!
(5)
Vy D.
I absolutely love noodles. So I just had to come here once I heard about Cheu's existence. Reading the reviews and descriptions beforehand, I knew the noodles and food aren't authentic in origin but rather the creations of an excellent chef's culinary imagination. That chef happens to have cooked at one of the best restaurants (Matyson) in the city. Despite my general apprehension of Asian fusion cuisine, I ventured into Cheu's Noodle Bar fearlessly..fueled by my obsession of noodles. The inside is really small. Exactly how a noodle bar should be like. There's about 3-4 tables besides the stools. Overall, clean and modern look and yet had a very nice cultural and down to earth feel about it. Great first impression as you walk into the place. We ordered the following appetizers: *Black Garlic Wings w/ shishito peppers (4) $ 8: Great tasting garlic flavors on the outside. Had a nice crunch. Although lacked flavors inside. *Burger & Pork Belly Buns $7: The buns are fried briefly on the outside. The pork belly was absolutely delicious. It was tender and flavorful. Really melted in your mouth. Exactly how it should be. The bun itself wasn't anything special. *Eggplant w/ crispy garlic, herbs, tamarind $7: I'm not a huge eggplant fan so I can't really comment. Maybe you are and will love this dish! We ordered the following noodles: PORK BELLY RAMEN W/ POUCHED EGG, SEA BEANS, GREENS $12: THE GOOD: Once again, the pork belly was really good. Definitely the standout of the entire experience. THE BAD: The broth wasn't horrible. If you never have authentic ramen before, you might actually think it's delicious. My taste buds are spoiled from the likes of Ippudo and Totto. The broth lacked a certain richness and depth. THE UGLY: The ramen was chewier and harder than I liked. Not used to eating ramen with this type of noodles. DUCK PHO w/ FOIE GRAS MEATBALLS $13: I don't really understand why this is called Pho because nothing about it taste like Pho. Instead of the traditional rice noodles, Cheu decided to use the exact ramen noodles for the duck "pho" as well...speechless. Aficionados of Pho will be offended. The meatballs were tasty. If you are a fan of pho...be warned! Prices are on the heavier side. Service was friendly and accommodating. Ultimately- Come here with an open heart about how the food here is conceptionized and prepared and you'll love it more. Read this: Nothing about Cheu is traditional. I genuinely attempted my best to like the noodle bar but years of eating authentic ramen and pho ruined this experience for me. I wholeheartedly laud owners Ben and Shawn for coming up with this uber cool idea and having the courage to make it a reality. Wish them nothing but success! Will definitely come back one day to see how the food has evolved!
(3)
Brian D.
This place is better than the majority of ramen shops in NYC. Their miso ramen with pork shoulder, sea beans, black garlic and soft poached egg was one of the tastiest ramen bowls I've had. The ramen was light and clean, unlike the fatty, oily ramen found at so many places in NY. And the pork belly bun...the pork belly melts in your mouth and the buns were so light and airy. The beef dumplings in chili oil were also delicious. It doesn't hurt that Cheu has serious hipster cred! I can't wait to try their other restaurant- Bing Bing Dim Sum.
(4)
Ashley S.
I'm gonna have to disagree with most people including my Yelp friends (yikes!) and say that I really didn't care for this place. I came here with my boyfriend and a couple friends for dinner one night recently, and sadly we weren't impressed. I'm a big fan of Asian noodle soups, so I was really excited to try this place, too! I got the coconut curry noodle soup which sounded promising. The curry broth flavor was initially pretty good, but it was soon overpowered by the huge glob of peanut sauce they put in the bowl. In general, I like peanut sauce but I found the flavor combo really weird, and the peanut sauce was thick and jelly-like in texture, which I found gross. I ate about half of the soup and then gave up. My boyfriend and another friend ordered the brisket soup. Neither of them liked the dish again due to the "off" flavor. My other friend who ordered the hand torn soup did enjoy her meal, though. On to the drinks...I'm not a big fan of canned beer to begin with, but I figured I'd give a new one a try. They have several options, but I didn't find any standouts on the list. I decided to go with the Brewers Art brown ale which I found to be super bitter. I wasn't excited about any of the other beer options, so I decided to stop there. One of my friends didn't like the beer she chose either. Also, the place is quite small and only has a couple tables up front, so the four of us had to sit side by side at the bar. It was hard to have a conversation with the whole group because it was pretty loud in there. Overall, I was just disappointed because I've heard so many good things about Cheu. Given my experience, I probably won't be back. I will just have to stick to the more traditional Asian noodle soup places that I love!
(2)
Tamiz M.
Been here more than once and it was decent for the most part. I got food poisoning once from bad lamb here and it was a nightmare but tried to view it as a mistake. However I just had a poor take-out experience. Ordered the brisket and paid full price (13$) which isn't cheap and only got a small slice of brisket and no matzo ball which is honestly the whole reason I ordered it. Kind of a huge bummer when you walk 8 blocks to get some dinner and drop a bunch of money only to be disappointed and hungry. I don't understand how half the meal is forgotten, I'd like to think they check stuff like that. The times they got things right it was very good, though mistakes are getting more and more frequent and causing illness hunger, so I feel like I need to stop going as they also don't respond well to complaints I understand.
(2)
Steve E.
This is hands down my favorite restaurant in Philly. We come here at least once a month and always get the same thing (spicy crab / shrimp broth ramen and the matzah ball / brisket ramen). Best place to have great service and get a good meal
(5)
Nicole M.
Wow! Less than an hour after arriving in Philly for my first time, I was told about this place and just had to check it out. We were able to snag 4 seats at the bar in less than 10 minutes on a Sunday evening. This service was spectacular and the beer options were just right. I ordered the coconut curry and LOVED it. I was worried about it being too spicy, but I made a simple request to the kitchen to go light on the heat, and it came out perfect. My boyfriend ordered the Shoyu ramen on special and it was fantastic as well. We definitely plan to hit this place up again before we head back to home to Las Vegas.
(5)
Brian D.
What you have here is the lovechild of two obvious nerds. Equal parts dedication, curiosity, humor, food science and a downright disregard to convention, this place is to Asian food what Tired Hands Brewing Co. is to beer. Meaning, it's fairly apparent after spending just a few minutes inside that it's their weird world - you're just living in it. The staff is fast-paced, fun and very open to being actual humans if you care to engage them (that is, of course, if you're into that sort of thing). The music is always good, loud and fitting (how often do you get to enjoy 'Po' Folks' by the Nappy Roots while crushing a bowl of pork shoulder and ramen noodles?). The drinks are nuanced. And after having sampled nearly everything on their menu at least once, it wouldn't be hard to share specifics as to why this place deserves such unabashed praise for existing. But then again, why take the fun out of it? Every inch of this tiny, bustling, cramped-as-hell space screams "Hey! We give a shit about what we do!", so go experience it already. Leave your expectations on the curb. Forget everything you just read. Try and find a seat. Order a dish or three. Drink a beer. Shut your f*cking mouth and eat the f*cking magic. Oh yeah, and don't fall asleep on their rotating list of housemade juice. It doesn't get a lot of attention living under the shadow of their foodstuffs, but it damn well deserves some. Real life is happening here. It's palpable. And it's awesome to see so many people clambering just to bare witness.
(5)
Charmaine W.
Ate here for lunch on a Friday afternoon alone. Very cute eclectic vibe. I had never had ramen or this style of food and the bartender was very helpful with helping me navigate the menu. I got the miso ramen and black garlic wings. Both were great pretty fast and attentive service.
(5)
Cindy C.
After reading all the reviews on Yelp I came in with very high expectations. Though the service was exceptional, the food was a bit lacking. I tried their miso ramen, and it took forever to come out. Granted it was a busy night. There was barely any broth in our bowl and the noodle was not cooked entirely. The broth was rather salty, it felt like it was scooped from the bottom of the pot. I also had high hopes for the black garlic wings, but they were not very warm when they were served. The sauce was again too salty for my taste and the chicken didn't really have a crispy texture. Lastly, my friend pointed out that there is only one real ramen on the menu.
(2)
Casey B.
Finally got around to trying Cheu! Love the small, cozy, Christmaslight-y vibe here, although it's usually pretty packed I guess since it's so small. The waitstaff were super chill, willing to answer any questions, and were very proactive about things like bringing extra bowls for sharing, refilling water, etc. Came with two ladyfriends and shared the: Pork & pickle dumplings Crispy corn rangoon Yakisoba (no broth) Coconut curry noodles (brothy) Everything was fantastic, although my personal faves were the crispy corn rangoons and the coconut curry noodles. Left feeling perfectly full but not over-the-top i'm gonna vomit type full. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Mary M.
This place was just absolutely stellar on every level. My husband and I stopped in for lunch last Friday after hearing quite the buzz. The buzz is well deserved. Grafitti/collage combined with dry ramen noodles being used as a wall decoration was just too flippin' adorable. Pork was the dumpling special of the day and chicken was the Bahn Mi of the day. So we ordered both of those and the ramen. THESE ARE THE BEST DUMPLINGS I HAVE EVER HAD. And I have eaten a lot of incarnations of dumplings at a lot of different places. The texture was superb and it absolutely melted in my mouth. So flavorful. We asked for chili oil on the side (I was worried about Han Dynasty level heat) but it's relatively mild. The ramen was brilliant as well. It had such an interesting taste; it is a miso based broth but it had this flavor that was just so unique and worked so well. Cheu poaches the egg instead of soft boiling and that was also a great touch and lets the egg mix infuse with the broth. The Bahn Mi was also delicious and loved the spicy mayo as a condiment. Unfortunately I have an aversion to cilantro and that ended up overpowering the dish. If you love cilantro then you would probably love this. Service was nice and attentive, the noodle bar overlooks the kitchen so you can see them preparing your dishes. Seriously just a fab addition to Philly's noodle scene. A great, small casual dining spot. Cannot wait to go back!
(5)
Mimi L.
Alittle disappointed with the food. Service was slow and alittle lacking. Lets talk about the food. I had the mini pork belly burger or bun. That was a rendition of a bun mi... Not so good. Bread was crispy but flavor combo was blend. The chicken wings were ok. Served with cilantro and sesame seeds were ok. I got the pomegranate mint tea. This tasted like the tazo tea packets. Guess, I drink alot of tazo stuff. Lol The miso ramen was alittle blend and cold. My soup was subpar and just ok. I have had ramen else where and it was delicious. I was really hoping this place would be just as good but was disappointed. I did take a sip of my friends curry chicken ramen and it was just ok. Wish my review for this place was higher in rating but the food was just ok. Nothing bad but nothing great.
(3)
Angel K.
I still love Cheu. And even if it continues to offer delicious food I'm giving it one less star because it's been less consistent. There was one particular chef recently (no longer there, I believe) who was under-frying the chicken wings and not paying attention to the fine details that make food at Cheu great, like forgetting about the quinoa on the dumplings. Some things that have improved: staff and perfectly cooked noodles. Some things that I miss: dumplings (the new ones are good too but I find them less delicate, a bit too doughy, and I also miss the dumpling rotation), some toppings that have mysteriously disappeared from the noodle dishes, consistency on the broths, and real glasses. Because the broth has been so so, I recently had the cold sesame noodles and they were delicious. Much better than the last time I had tried them. The sauce was a perfect mix of spicy and sour, and the cucumbers were crunchy and refreshing. But there was too little topping for the noodles and by the time I made it through half the bowl, I only had noodles and sauce. Maybe adding some chopped kimchi or a protein (like a hard boiled egg) might make the full bowl more enjoyable.
(4)
Ron H.
Smaller but funky interior. Classic rock to classic Tribe Called Quest playing at a nice level in the background. Limited seating with the majority at the bar which is literally "in the kitchen". It was 75 deg outside and what felt like 95 inside. In addition to my group complaining, we even heard the waitress commenting on how hot it was inside...this is not a place to go when it's hot out! Dumplings: 3 meatball sized pork dumpling in a mild chili sauce. Meat seamed on the mild side for flavor, but the wrapper was well cooked and they were stuffed full of meat. The sauce they sat in was a 1 on a scale of 1-10...if the menu didn't list it as a chili sauce, I wouldn't have known.. Black garlic Wings are average sized chicken wings drenched in a dark and sticky sauce. The wings were cooked well done without being dried out. The exterior wasn't crunchy, but not soggy...so I have to say they had good technique, but the sauce is a little flat, tasting like a generic canned Hoison sauce, and then covered in sesame seeds. I'm not sure where the black garlic came in as I tasted none. A good, just not spectacular or memorable. Crispy rice cakes: tatertot sized and tossed in a mild dark sauce with sesame seeds and sauteed myshrooms and cubes of pork...the dish fell flat for me lacking any complex flavors or heat. I'd bet this was the same sauce as the wings, only both sauces were so bland there was nothing distinct enough to help identify them. We each at two of them and left the bowl. This really isn't a dish even worth trying again Ramen with pork: Served in a miso broth with broccoli spears, a soft egg and noodles. The pork itself was cut slices off of a roast with the fat just before the rendered point. This may sound appetizing, but what you get is a ton of gelatenous fat and a little uncooked eggwhite floating around and the texture in your mouth is enough to make you want to gag. I picked out the actual meat pieces of the pork and it has a good flavor, I was not a fan of the miso broth, but if you're a fan of miso soup you'll like it. The veggies were cooked perfectly as were the noodles, I just wish there were more of them in the dish. If the pork had been seared a little in a pan before placing in the bowl, it might have been a totally different experience, but watching the chef and seeing how he handled each dish, I have no reason to believe this isn't exactly how he wanted the dish served. Ramen with briskit: same experience as the Ramen with pork, just with pieces of Brisket instead...at least the briskit was cooked and edible. The service was good, food came out fast and everyone was friendly. I have a hard time giving it 2 stars for the food, it was edible, but none of the dishes were anything I wanted to finish, and I grabbed food somewhere else after we left. So, why the 3 stars? Well, the overall experience is pleasant and fun and this is really a great place to take a new date. It's fun and hip with good music and the menu is very adventerous (I'm sure you date has never seen Pig Ears on the menu before!). You could ask that your bowl come with extra greens/noodles (minus the egg) and some leaner cuts of meat, but you shouldn't have to. If you're an easy going couple, come here and have fun and enjoy the whole experience, just plan on getting appetizers before at another place...oh, and bring your own watergun and mister if it's not a winter month!
(3)
Professor Roger K.
A wise man once uttered the phrase "all that glitters is gold." As my lover and I strolled along 10th Street, sipping sazeracs and laughing voraciously, we came upon Cheu Noodle Bar. Suddenly, I thrust my lover against the wall, such was the level of my passions. My bodily humours flowed at a fever pitch as my lover screamed in tongues. The air around us seemed to almost glitter, and we knew, right then, that Cheu Noodle Bar was gold. Later we learned that our sazeracs quite mistakenly were made using Scrubbing Bubbles. We entered immediately, taking a seat at the counter, where we forlornly gazed upon the humble chefs preparing sumptuous helpings of ramens and other exotic fares. The black garlic wings were so divine I could hear several Walt Whitman poems being whispered in the ambiance. I quickly hid several in my lover's Norman Porter leather bag, as never a more perfect accouterment for a lover's lovemaking had been conceived in this world. Corn Rangoon that tasted as if prepared by Confucius himself. Crab Gazpacho Ramen flowed freely down my chest and legs as my lover fed me yakisoba, dangling noodles into my mouth as a screamed in passion. I was both a god and an animal, a mouse and a man. As the kind maitre 'd walked us to the door, noodles growing erect in my beard, my lover grabbed my hand, and my passions were ignited once again.
(5)
Stevie V.
If you are looking for Japanese ramen and you know your stuff, this is probably not the right place for you... I got the miso ramen here and it probably was the one of the worst i had. Taste wise, it is not a bad dish if you dont know what japanese ramen is supposed to taste like. However, it tasted like someone roughly tried to copy the traditional japanese dish and it has a long way to go. Only reason i gave them 3 stars is because overall, their menu was interesting and their appetizers were decent. I think they have the right mind but all their ramen has to step up if they wanna compete with the other joints around them
(3)
Wonsuk C.
Quirky place with really good ramen! It dispelled my thought that Caucasian run ramen places suck. My friend and I both got the miso ramen which was excellent. Every component of the dish blended well together but was also good when eaten individually. We went right before the dinner rush (~4pm). Perfect timing if you want to avoid the dinner crowds. Quirky decor. Good music.
(5)
Angelique L.
First time here for early dinner. Sat at the actual bar part, was greeted immediately. Ordered a pineapple jalapeño vanilla juice- which was surprisingly sweeter than I expected. Ordered dumplings and the crispy pork belly rice. The food came crazy quick. The rice wasn't piping hot, but the pork belly was. It was pretty good, but the dumplings were my favorite. Piping hot and flavorful. It's a very small place so get here off peak times, if not, you will wait. I might come back to try actual noodles- having severe regret as the miso ramen looked great!
(4)
Trang N.
We came here for the first time for a 40th birthday 'Noodling' party this weekend. I always wanted to go here but with the limited menu, I was afraid I wouldn't find something filling that I would like to eat, boy was I missing out. I was surprised that the space was so small, it's LITERALLY a bar with stools and a couple of two tops. (Duh hence the name I supposed) There is a paper machete wall of pictures of various food items and people- colored christmas lights add to the laid back ambiance. I was really happy with everything that I ate- the staff was really friendly and the bartenders made great drinks. I highly recommend the milky sake- yum! The wings, some sort of goat cheese wonton and miso ramen noodles were delicious! We will be back here again go try out the menu.
(5)
Danan R.
Solid fusion ramen although it's not actually authetic ramen. My yakisoba with soft-cooked soy egg, kimchi, and lamb sausage was good, albeit greasy. There were only a few pieces of the lamb, and I wish that there had been more as it was very tender and flavorful. The noodles themselves were pretty standard and a bit on the greasy side. We also tried the katsu rice bowl which was just okay, although the actual katsu was solid. The fried coating could have been crispier but it was still tasty. The brisket ramen was nice fusion take on a classic with a flavorful broth and chewy noodles. It wasn't served steaming hot but was solid, regardless. The beef croquette special was okay but nothing special. I would stick to the ramen and noodle dishes here. The venue is TINY but the tables turnover very quickly, at least.
(3)
Justine S.
I really really wanted ramen. And I really really wanted to love this place. Not to say it was bad, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. We ordered the brisket matzo ball kimchi ramen and the coconut curry ramen. The toppings and ingredients were all there and sounded fantastic, but the flavors just fell a bit short. The matzo ball itself was delicious, but my brisket, though cooked nicely, tasted a bit bland and the broth was somewhat lacking. As was the coconut curry ramen, I could taste some curry but it just wasn't all there. At least not for me. On the plus side, the noodles had a great texture and the portions were perfect. I also did love the ambiance-- very hipster and chill with friendly workers.
(3)
Abby W.
Fabulous. I can't wait to go back! Met up with the incomparable Sari A for a delicious dinner after work. On a Thursday at 6pm the place was already nearly full but we managed to snag the last two bar seats in the house. This place is teeny tiny, it can't seat more than 25 people I'd guess, so plan accordingly to either wait or get there early. It does get pretty loud when it's full. To drink I went with the mo-CHEU-to, a house twist on a mojito with jalapeno, and she got a spiked juice. They have a daily rotating selection of a fresh house juice blend, as well as a house iced tea. I love it when bars also cater to people who don't drink alcohol! The juice of the day was a pineapple/chai/vanilla blend, which didn't sound super appealing to me but was actually delicious. My drink had a lot of kick- where so often a drink that features jalapeno is timid and disappointing, this was bold, assertive, and very refreshing. I loved it. We shared the popular black garlic chicken wings, which were very good - crispy, substantially meaty, and had a nice glaze. While I was tempted by the crab gazpacho ramen for my entree, I had eaten gazpacho at home every day that week so I went with the item that first caught my eye, the yakisoba. They had just changed up the ingredients so this one had lamb sausage, harissa, pickled mushrooms, and raita. It was like Turkish-Japanese fusion and I loved it. There were some nice crisp-tender pea shoots in there for texture and a pop of green and the flavour combination really worked well together. My partner in crime was also interested in straying from her usual brisket ramen and trying the yakisoba, but she's not crazy about lamb. They happily substituted the brisket for the lamb and she seemed to enjoy it very much. Service was very friendly and personable and we had a great time! I don't have a single complaint - will definitely be back soon with my main squeeze. Total before tip was a very reasonable $56 for both of us and it was plenty of food. The cocktails aren't cheap, around $9, so you can get away even cheaper if you don't drink (but if you like a good cocktail it is worth the splurge!).
(5)
Jenn F.
I would never think brisket, matzo ball, Kimchi, egg and noodles would work but holy cow! Amazing favors, perfect amount of food. Stop by for lunch, no wait and plenty of options. Service was great.
(5)
Jennifer E.
For an Asian, I have to say that it was an Americanized version of ramen and dumplings. It doesn't taste as great as the reviews have put it. Probably not the best noodle place to go to if you come from an Asian family! Recommend Chinatown instead for really good broth and ramen! Giving it a three star only because the brisket was good.
(3)
Taos D.
Definitely try out the beef brisket w the kimchi and the matzo ball- a spicy taste explosion!
(4)
Justin V.
Another disappointing ramen outing on the East Coast. Perhaps I have been spoiled by the plethora of awesome Japanese restaurants out in Los Angeles, but alas I continue. Came here on a beautiful Saturday evening, perhaps 7:30. Come inside and the restaurant as pretty filled and busy, generally a good sign. Interesting atmosphere; a little hipster-esque but the music was an nice mix of genres which was appreciated( example: Dr. Dre - The Next Episode, a West Coast classic). Service was nice and friendly all night. My waiter at the bar was extremely charismatic. Unfortunately the food fell sort of expectation. I am a firm believer that good fusion is extremely difficult to do. Thankfully, I had a dining companion, a recent transplant from China who has never experienced this type of food, with me to discuss thoughts on said food. Black Garlic Wings (2.5/5) - These wings were missing texture to them. The texture was equivalent to eating pre-cooked hot wings that were thrown into the oven for 45 minutes which was extremely off putting. Flavors were bold (and interesting to my friend) and the shishito pepper was a nice addition. Wish there could have been to crunch to these wings. Shrimp Toast (1/5) - Shrimp toast is typically slightly sweet but the shrimp here was lacked flavor. It wasn't seasoned properly to exhume that inherent sweetness from the crustacean.The toast was burnt which led to a bitter, bland tasting small plate. The avocado was lost in the toast and didn't add much. I found the addition of the seaweed to be slightly off-putting as well. Friend agreed that it was a weird tasting dish. Brisket Ramen (2/5) - Noodles came out molto al dente but got better as the noodles sat in the dish. The amount of brisket in this dish is truly sad.Two slices, when combined, about equal the size of your typical business card. I know this is CC Philadelphia but c'mon. $13 for a noodle soup dish, there should be more meat. It's not as if the accompanying side dishes (matzoball, kimchi) were particularly expensive.The kimchi was a welcomed addition but the matzoball just seemed out of place.The base was just a sad salty/spicy dump. There was no essence in the soup. This didn't taste like a soup that was cooked with bones overnight. It tasted like that powdered shit you ate when you were in college. Pork Belly Bowl (3.5/5) - The saving grace of the restaurant came last. It's really hard to go wrong with pork belly. Served here was the breaded and fried version; the first of this type that I've encountered. The piece we received was decent in size and had a fair amount of fat which gave it great flavor. The sauce, which tasted exactly like hoisin, was at times overwhelming with it's sweet flavor and viscosity, but it paired well with the included sliced cucumber (a classic combination). My dining companion thoroughly enjoyed this dish as well. We both agreed it was the strongest of the night. For me, fusion generally comes off as food that I would have made in college when I was high. Here at Cheu, it's unfortunately not too far off. I'll be back to give it another shot when the menu changes up.
(2)
Sarah P.
I went back here for a date night recently and I've decided that I can't let my last review sit at 4 stars- the meal I had was perfection. My boyfriend's first impression of Cheu was warmth and friendliness. The staff chatted with him as he sipped on a beer by himself at the bar (he waited a while for me to bike there from UCity). It's possible they were just being nice because he looked like he got stood up on a date (lol), but he said the hostess and servers kept him entertained the whole time he waited. As for the food, he ordered the yakisoba (subbing tofu for chorizo) and I got the coconut curry with soft egg added in. As an afterthought, we threw in the crispy corn rangoon appetizer. Let me tell you, it was the best damn afterthought I've ever had. These fritters may honestly be up there with the best things I've ever eaten. The crispy coating is light and delicious, contrasted with smooth and creamy goat cheese and corn filling. Pair it with a tangy red miso, and you have perfection. Highly recommend. The yakisoba was similarly fantastic. The queso fresco on top was an interesting choice, but it worked really well with the dish. I swear, the best part of having a significant other is being able to always steal their food. I got the coconut curry, because I remember it being pretty good the last time I ordered it a year ago. I think they've upped their game too, because it was definitely spicier and more flavorful than the first time I tried it. I didn't NEED to add any hot sauce this time (but I did anyway). Pair those flavors with some of the best noodles in town, and you have a great meal. At 40$ for everything, it isn't too expensive either. I think sitting at the noodle bar really changed the experience for me as well: the location places you at the center of all things fun and lively. Plus you get to watch the chefs do their thing. Cheu noodle bar makes for a great date spot, because the small space brings you in close proximity with your dining partner, but the casual atmosphere also doesn't make things feel stuffy or stilted. Already fantasizing about my next trip here.
(5)
John K.
The melange of all things Jewish and Asian isn't just with relationships (yes, I went there!). The juxtaposition of cuisines is offered from the mind of Chef Ben Puchowitz, who previously helmed the kitchen of reknowned BYO Matyson. His global approach helped propel him forward in 2013, with Cheu Noodle Bar. This isn't Philly's version of Chef Andy Ricker of Pok Pok fame. In other words, this isn't just a non-Asian chef who's simply doing great Asian food. It's a true melange of cuisines. And why not? There are common and, more importantly, complementary elements from both ends of the culinary spectrum. And with the newly opened Bing Bing Dim Sum from the partnership of Chef Puchowitz and Shawn Darragh, I thought it was high time I finished up this review of the original Puchowitz-Darragh production! White Peach Mint Iced Tea [$3] While the mint could have been more pronounced, I appreciated the unsweetened and subtly saccharine approach of the white peach iced tea. Cheu Fries [$8] Miso truffle aioli, fish flake The Cheu fries featured smoky bonito fish flakes on top. Asian poutine? Count me in! While the oft-decried combo of cheese and fish wasn't in this dish, an umami-laden blend of miso truffle aioli replaced the curds. Perhaps a nod to the way the Japanese love mayo with pretty much everything? The fries could have been a bit more crisp, but each bite offered the epitome of umami. Black Garlic Wings [$10] Shisito peppers, lime, cilantro If there's one dish to try besides the ramen, it's the black garlic wings. There's a bright punch of flavor from the juicy wings - spicy, sweet, salty, and savory - it's all there. The black garlic definitely emphasizes the sweet and savory elements, but it's the combination of cilantro and lime that really makes the dish. There's some additional texture coming from the sesame seeds and the accompanying shishito peppers are nicely smoky. Pork Belly Bun [$3] We decided to try one of each of their buns as well. Obviously the pork belly is always a must order for me. Realistically though, this was not the best iteration I've had. The pork was definitely gluttonous, but there was a lack of seasoning that rendered the flavor and texture of the pork rather one note. I definitely prefer the traditional bun as well. Cheeseburger Bun [$3] To their credit, this was a decently moist slider. However, for $3, it seemed rather lackluster. Mushroom Bun [$3] The shiitake mushroom bun was nice and offered prototypical flavors founded in most Asian mushroom-based dishes. Yakisoba 2.0 [$13] Shrimp, shiso verde, charred corn, radish On a brighter note, the GF really enjoyed the yakisoba, especially with the addition of the charred corn and thinly sliced radish. The shiso verde and scallions helped to cut through the richness of the well-coated and al dente noodles, with juicy bits of shrimp studded throughout. Brisket Ramen [$13] with Pork Belly [$3] Matzo ball, kimchi, sesame chili broth If there's something to get at Cheu Noodle Bar, I would recommend the brisket ramen, with the added addition of pork belly. Might be going overboard on my end, but come on now, does it get better than this marriage of Jew-Asian cuisine. You've got pungent kimchi providing some balance to the weight of the matzo ball. The richness of the porkbelly and the broth is punched up by the textural beefiness of the brisket. The noodles have good bite and seem to soak up the umami of the broth. The vibe of Cheu Noodle Bar is a bit hipster-Brooklyn-too-cool-for-school, with creative takes on comfort cuisine. Do try the black garlic wings and definitely check out that ramen!
(4)
Ron G.
Note, take out review: My love for postmates continues to grow, as within 45 minutes, I had hot meal delivered to me from a place I've been meaning to try. The good: My brisket noodle soup and dumplings in chili oil arrived hot. The broth was separate from its components such that the noodles were al dente and when combined together, were just right. The brisket was very good. The dumpling filling (pork) was fresh and better than most. The bad: The broth was very underwhelming. It was certainly salty and savory enough, however, just left a lot to be desired. Considering the broth brings the whole dish together, I really couldn't get through it. The matzo ball addition to the soup seems forced to me, or, I'm just not a matzo fan. The dumplings were cooked well and the filling, as mentioned, was well done, however, the chili oil it was in lacked flavor. I think the rest of the menu seems interesting enough to try again, most likely in person. Noodle soup is probably best enjoyed at the restaurant, so this review may be a bit biased.
(2)
Sari A.
Yesterday, the temperature hovered just above zero, and the snow was accumulating up to 3 inches, I bravely decided to take a walk, fight the nasty storm and avoid the fear of falling! Now I'm freezing cold and starving, and it hit me, nothing would be better than a comforting bowl of hot noodles in a frigid, wintry day like this. A light bulb moment. Cheu Noodle Bar! Luckily I live less than two blocks away from Cheu, I got there covered in snow and I saw no single empty seat!!! OMG. All of those people- just like me- decided to take walks to Cheu instead of curling up and Netflixing!! The sweet and friendly hostess said the wait would be up to 30 minutes, so I opt for take out. I was on-call and I didn't have the luxury of wasting time waiting and dining in, in addition, sitting on my lovely couch, eating my hot noodles while binge-watching suddenly appeared to be a brilliant idea! At this point, I'm not even sure why I'm out! Yeah I needed something delicious and warm lunch, because nutrition and stuff. I ordered the brisket noodles, dumplings in chili oil and a fresh juice. Noodles: brisket - matzo ball, kimchi, sesame chili broth. Tender beef brisket,firm and elastic noodles. Not being Jewish, I never even heard of matzo ball before, but it is totally delicious! Dumplings: Ginger Beef Dumplings. All I can say is hands down to the best dumplings i've ever had. Fresh Juice: Apple and Ginger Fresh Juice Actually i didnt had the juice, they forget to add it in my take-out bag. It happens! So I called them, and as I expected they were really nice and offered a refund to my card. I cant wait for this frigid winter to end, I may just hibernate until the sun shines again. Oh Noooo, Cheu doesn't offer delivery yet. So I'll have to suck it up this few cold weeks- thanks Groundhog- and just go back and try another intriguing dish, you know that noodles aren't the ONLY reason to go to Cheu! Four and half Yelps!
(4)
Joshua V.
The apparent ramen boom in this city was just in its fledgling stages during my twilight years in Philadelphia. Alas, if the timing for the boom was more timely, perhaps it would have been enough to ensnare me in the City of Brotherly love for just a bit longer, instead of being tempted by the bright lights and more-tolerant/accepting-of-azn-dudes attitude as seen in NYC. But nah... Be that as it may, the book of a space serving as the place of business for Cheu Noodle House is a small cozy stretch of bar with hues of red and dim atmospheric lighting. Luckily my dining party was able to make reservations for our squad of 3 (reservations apply for dinner time only, and parties of 5 or smaller... place is tiny) While some may cry foul at the fact that this joint is smaller than a Malaysian in a cold pool (think about it...) I actually dig the extremely efficient use of space; a very Asian touch, reminiscent of ramen-yas in the land of the rising sun... whether or not this was by accident or design is irrelevant, so kudos Cheu. And they really do need all the touches of the Orient as they can get... as the inverse principle laid out by the dad of -Fresh Off the Boat-... "white people like walking into steakhouses and seeing a familiar white face"... Asians (more than me I'm sure) get a feeling of comfort seeing Asian people running joints serving up Asian cuisine; not because we're racist sons of b*tches, but rather because we can at least rationalize that the food is authentic (prob even more so than the "whites" and "steakhouses" connection). So I was a bit taken by surprise when I was greeted by a non-Asian hostess and served by some Williamsburg rejects... but save for a mistaken order (Viet sausage and broccoli instead of the dumplings we ordered) the service was pretty much on their game, and it was a packed house. Most importantly, the food was pretty spot on. It was cold as eff the day I paid this place a visit, and some hot soup was desperately needed. But first, my dining companions and myself needed a few appetizers to stave off our collective hunger. The black garlic wings had a nice sweetness to that garlicky bite that's pretty terrific, the dumplings were standard fare (not bad but kinda small), and then oyster and pork belly buns were tasty as hell (wish didn't need to share, but I like company... so rock and a hard place). The star of the show though was my noodle bowl. I opted for the brisket noodle bowl. Not exactly a traditional bowl of ramen... beef brisket instead of pork belly, and a matzo ball instead of a soft boiled egg... but I'm all for a bit of fusion of done right (just like your staff here). The broth was spicy enough (don't let the red scare you off) to give me a bit of heat while still being edible, the matzo actually proved to be an effective vehicle for mopping up the soupy soup (prob burned off the roof of my mouth and my throat trying to down this thing), and the brisket was tender as hell. For the value (ranges in pricing from $12-$14), the bowls of noodles here are relatively cheaper than the stuff I'm used to ordering here in NYC, and I'm all for cheaper. Good job Neu Noodle House, I wouldn't mind coming back to see you.
(4)
Debbie L.
Loved the brisket kimchi ramen but I would recommend substituting the matzo ball with an egg! The matzo ball is made of matzah meal (unleavened bread customary to Jewish culture), and made the ramen meal heavier than it needed to be (more carbs). Cheu Noodle Bar has a great collection of cheap, unique beers - great for the wait at this tiny restaurant!
(4)
Justine J.
Hmm, I'm not too sure what all the hype is would this place. It's really hipster, but that has nothing to do with my opinion on the place. The spicy beef dumplings were actually quite bad. There was barely any beef. It was just stuffed potato so it was essentially an oversized perogie with too much potato. Imagine wrapping a baked potato in a thin sheet of dough. That's what it felt like it was. I do however, like the duck tacos and the pork belly burger. I got the coconut curry ramen and I just did not care for it. I really don't know what else to say about it, but I just did not like their ramen. I came with my family and we each got a different ramen dish and just none of them tickled my fancy. Seating is very limited though. Theres only a few tables, bar seating, and a stand up area.
(2)
Leslie W.
The space is tight (as in, I had difficulty finding a spot for 1 on a Tuesday night) so I would suggest going during a weeknight as its first come first serve. I sat at the bar area which faces the kitchen. Its an entertaining spot as you can watch them put together the dishes, but its also a tight squeeze and can get a bit precarious with bowls of ramen and slurping broth. I had the matzo ball ramen which was interesting. The broth was flavorful and a bit spicy and the noodles were fresh and cooked perfectly. I wasn't a fan of the brisket, but that may just be my tastes. It was a little mushy and didn't have a lot of flavor. Overall it was really tasty and I was wishing I had more once I reached the bottom of the bowl. I hear they have some new menu items as of last week so I'll be back to visit soon and I'll be trying something new. Overall I was very happy!
(4)
Ashley T.
since my last review i have gone to Cheu 3 more times. Their noodle dishes are delicious. The right amount of noodle/meat ratio and friendly service as always. thank you!
(4)
Rohenne L.
This place is amazing!!! Everyone must try the matzo ball with brisket noodle soup. The brisket is super tender, the meat just falls apart after you put it in your mouth. The slightly spicy soup seeps into the matzo ball giving it the most flavorful taste. Lastly, the noodles were perfectly cooked. It was al dente and not too soft like most Asian noodle soups. (It was so good I forgot to take a photo!) We also had the dumplings in chili oil - reminded me more of a ravioli than a Chinese dumpling, but I loved it! Wasn't too spicy and the dumpling skin was nice and chewy. Another dish we had and of course, loved, was the pork belly rice bowl. It's a katsu so the pork belly is slightly breaded and fried. Oh my, the pork was sooooo tender. The sushi rice they used paired perfectly with the pork and the katsu sauce they used. I'm drooling just thinking about it. If you get this dish, I'd recommend adding some of the hot chili oil they give you on the table. Gives the dish a little bit of a kick. I'm definitely going back to this place!
(5)
Jon O.
Best ramen in Philly. I got the kimchi, matzo ball, brisket ramen (+egg) and it was really good... but I'll get the miso ramen next time. I tried my wife's and it was knockout. Probably the best ramen I've ever had.
(5)
Rachel K.
My boyfriend and I were in the mood for some ramen yesterday, so we decided to try Cheu and I'm glad we did! I had the beef brisket ramen with matzo ball and kimchi... whoa baby! I'm half Asian and my dad's side of the family is Jewish.. felt like my culture in a bowl, haha! But really, it was absolutely divine. Our waitress was friendly and had the right amount of attentiveness. I appreciate the balance of keeping an eye out but not hovering over the table. The interior of the restaurant was small but cute. We arrived when there was no one in the restaurant and upon walking in, were greeted with "welcome to your own personal dining experience!" which made us giggle. Glad we came when we did though, because the crowd came in after we paid. Will definitely be back when the mood for ramen strikes!
(5)
Katie K.
My boyfriend went for a walk to see what was around his new apartment. Not only did we wander way to far, but we got hungry in the process. Finding this place was a total accident, but it was crowded so it had to be good. We put our name down and 45 minutes later got the call that our table was ready. I really appreciate places that take your number. It's so much nicer to be able to walk around rather than stand in front of the place and wait. First off, we didn't get a table but rather got the counter. Usually I don't like to eat at counters but facing into the kitchen is pretty cool. I really like to see what being put into my food. It was also pretty fascinating to see how both chefs worked together but separately. One chef makes the soup bowls while another makes the noodle bowls. So if your party order both soups and noodles, they will come out at different times. I don't mind it at all, and actually prefer that I get my food as soon as it's done. I got the brisket ramen. Oh. My. God. It was so good. As someone who doesn't necessarily like fusion cuisine, I was so impressed and didn't feel confused eating it. The brisket was so tender and obviously smoked perfectly- with the beautiful pink ring on the outside. The matzo was typical, but served as a great textural element with the broth. The kimchi was as good as I've had at any Korean restaurant. But the menu indicated this was going to be spicy. While it had a bit of heat, it didn't make me sweat- which I guess is good for the summer. They have chili oil and sriracha on the counter. I thought about using it, but I didn't want to mess up the flavor profile or being stuck blowing my nose during the meal. The staff was really friendly. Every waitress came up and talked to us- both checking on how we were doing and telling me I looked like Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones. They also have a really good playlist, but it was a little loud. There was a lot of people talking in a very small space. But I come to restaurants for the food, not necessarily to have a salon. I could be heard without yelling and the food was phenomenal. That's all I look for.
(5)
Laura G.
Great costumer service always compels me to write a review! I've experienced this at both of these restaurants cheu and bing bing! There was mix up with my contact number so my wait to eat here was bit longer than it should have been. The hostess was apologetic and also buttered us up with free dumplings when we sat! The food is amazing here. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Great staff, clean and super cool vibes
(5)
Di P.
I like that this place was really upfront and said-- hey, we're a bunch of white guys who like ramen and other asian stuff, and we're gonna make it out own. I appreciate the asian fetish being spelled out. While this place is pretty small (and therefore often has a wait) it's a pretty cool place to have a low-key delicious dinner. Yays: fun place to get ramen not in Chinatown with a quick and efficient staff Nays: i miss the authenticity and didn't really like paying a higher price to sit in a not very comfy place (lots of stools and hard chairs) If I lived closed to this noodle bar, I'd pop in more regularly because the food wasn't at all bad-- but not really worth me waiting an hour for.
(3)
Mike M.
Fantastic, worth the hype in every way. Ambience is hip, small, and fun with most of the space taken up by the bar but there are a few tables for larger parties but would not advise coming here with more than a group of 4. Daily specials to your left when you walk-in, for beer, dumplings, etc. Hostess is right there, mine was very friendly and offered to take our number and call us when a table opened (15 minute wait on a Monday @ 7 p.m.). Ordered the wings, which our waitress informed us were voted best in Philly. If they were voted most unique, I would buy it. They have a very unique taste given the preparation (black garlic (?), seeds), but I thought the meat quantity lacked a bit and was just a tad too breaded. I would still recommend, and for $9 I think there is value there but best in Philly is a stretch. The ramen was insanely good. I allowed the waitress to pick, and she ordered me what I assume is the standard version on the menu - Miso ramen with pork shoulder and an egg. Wowzers....incredible flavor, portion size was great (for $13), pork shoulder was absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. I cannot say enough good things. My buddy got the same but added pickled jalapeno and pork belly, he shared my opinion....supremely good stuff. Got some drinks as well, I had the bourbon with mint which was really refreshing, light on the booze though.... Net, highly recommend, if it were healthy food would be here once a week for sure.
(5)
Dan S.
Cheu serves up some of the tastiest noodle dishes around. I'm a huge fan of noodles in general, and Cheu is one of my go to places to satisfy my noodle cravings. They are always hopping during lunch time, but I like call ahead for some take out during the lunch hour. There specials are always delicious, including the drink specials. My favorite dish is the Miso Ramen. The broth is fantastic and the pork shoulder is cooked perfectly. I just tried the Yaki Soba though, and it's coming up as a close second. Yum all around!
(5)
Shira S.
I still love Cheu for everything, but I'm sad to say that they changed their coconut curry recipe (which was my favorite) and now I'm sad because it just ain't the same. Cheu please bring back the original coconut currryyyyyyyyyyy!
(4)
Juliana K.
Over a year later, I have returned and still cannot give Cheu more than a 3.5 (maybe). The Miso Ramen was okay. The broth was delicious. I liked the poached egg. I wish the pork shoulder was less minced and more chunky. The Short Rib Mazeman was also decent. The short rib is tender and is better than the pork shoulder in the miso ramen. Much less brothy. Both ramen dishes tasted good. Fresh noodles, but nothing was mind blowing. Nothing was worth $13 a bowl, especially the inattentive service. We went on a Sunday afternoon that was not busy (because usually this place is VERY packed since it's small). With 4-5 staff just hanging out and such a small space, you'd think they would be more attentive. Otherwise the space is cool. Great music. They do have a bar. I'm not dying to go back again.
(3)
Kelly C.
i love the decor, i love the vibe of this place!! but noodles..? eeeehhh here's what they seriously messed up on-- serving a bowl of noodles (to me) that's not piping steamy HOT!! and people might think "that is so trivial.." NO! b/c of this.. my bean sprouts did not cook.. keep in mind, my egg was also only half cooked.. the high temperature of the soup was supposed to complete the cooking when served. #2, i gradually slowed down my slurping toward the 2nd half because it was getting cold and frankly, it just wasn't too appetizing anymore.. there were other things that bothered me too like how little soup they gave you lol.. but i'll stop here so i don't sound like a complete jerk. so being #12 out of 50 on foobooz, i was holding a certain level of expectations.. i see lots of potential here and i did have a fun dining experience with my friend.. but i rather take my money else where.. on the plus side, i did enjoy the dumplings (braised ribs with eggplant)-- it's always a plus when i can taste what they say it is inside lol
(3)
Lilli M.
Expect a wait if you're here. When they say a 25-minute wait, they mean it. My friend and I tried to come here twice and both times, there was a 25-minute wait so we decided to wait the second time. Unfortunately, there's only one small bench and really absolutely nothing else around, so you can't even get froyo or something, you're sort of just left standing around outside. (You can't stand around inside either bc there's no space) Once we were finally seated, I realized why there was a consistent wait. This place has pretty limited seating. Including the bar area, there are only about 20 seats total. The bar area is somewhat cramped so you're literally elbow to elbow with those on either side of you. At the bar, you're also naturally facing the somewhat small kitchen. I like watching cooks at work and I saw that they make their own noodles, which is nice. I got the miso ramen ($13). It was good and the broth was flavorful and not too salty but I thought the portion size and the amount of meat was a little lacking for that price. I'd probably come back but do not come if you're starving because there will likely be a wait and if you outlast the wait, then I'd advise getting extra meat or noodles with your ramen.
(4)
Jody P.
Fun atmosphere paired with great fusion food. My Coconut Curry was very flavorful with noodles that were cooked perfectly. I couldn't stop talking about how perfect the noodles were; chewy and still bouncy, but just enough past al dente to not be too hard. The fresh basil was fresh and addictive. The Pig Tail had the perfect amount of sauce, was tender, and plated attractively. They create new dumplings every day, ours were Szechuan beef. The dumplings were two bites a piece, tightly packed with spiced beef, and resting in chili oil. The red-orange atmosphere is very fun with hand illustrations everywhere. They play a combination of throw backs like Poison and more contemporary like vampire weekend. The space is small but our wait was under 10 minutes on a Monday night
(5)
Joseph R.
We were driving around South Philly doing some stuff at Ikea and needed a place to have some food when my wife goes "OOH I KNOW, CHEU NOODLE BAR!" This is the place Cheu holds in our dinner repertoire. Whenever you're not eating there, you wish you were eating there. We've been to Cheu three or four times now. It's a great restaurant in a great space. The noodles are addictive, the beer and wine list is plentiful, and the vibe is fun. We've never had a wait to get in, but we've also never gone during the height of the dinner rush. I can only speak for our own experiences, but every time we go, it's great. The menu has about 6 or 7 main bowls on it, some spicy, some mild, some brothy, some not. The strongest bowls are the top two on the menu, the miso with pork shoulder and the brisket, but the rest are pretty good too. I try to vary what I get to give all the bowls a try, and last time I went I had the coconut curry bowl, whose broth was just the right amount of spicy. There are small plates on the menu too, like dumplings and buns. But the bowls are the star, and they deserve the honor. If you're in this part of Center City and need a dinner option, this is a great place to go.
(4)
Sara S.
Cheu was a really nice change from Phó or generic Chinese takeout. I ordered to take out, the black garlic wings, the miso Ramen for myself and the Brisket for my husband. So I'm quite certain that the review would warrant 4-5 stars if we dined in. But we didn't and this is how the meal went down. The wings fresh out of the kitchen I'm sure are crispy-crunchy perfect. After sitting in a to-go container for 15 min before I got there; they couldn't help but be soggy. But they're so good that it didn't matter. I'll definitely be ordering them again. My ramen was tasty. The noodles are chewy, and have a perfect bite to them. The miso broth wasn't my favorite. It was mellow, the pork shoulder was melt in your mouth tender; the flavor was very subtle. Combined I feel as though it was all just very subdued, but nice- flavors. I'm more likely to go back to try the dumplings and some other items off the menu. Looking forward to an outstanding dine-in experience!!
(3)
Juan M.
Great little place and (great =awesome and little=small) friendly service and a meal worth the wait. Open kitchen so you can watch the chefs kick it out! Try either the pork ramen soup or the short beef rib soup you will not be disappointed. No place to stand around if you have to wait but don't give up you'll be glad you didn't Do like we did wait in the car they'll call you when your table is ready. A little pricey but what do you expect for a place that's #12 on philly' stop 50.
(4)
Derek W.
This is the ultimate antidote to a cold Philadelphia winter. And, based on recent visits, it's clear that the greater the blanket of snow and ice that covers the city, the longer the wait for scarce counter and small table space at Cheu. The block is quiet, the exterior fairly nondescript, but open the door and pull back the heavy curtain and you are thrown into a teeming mass of eager foodie fanatics. The narrow, crowded kitchen is brimming with electric energy, all in full view: steam rising from pots, broth being ladled in every direction, gas flames leaping around small pans on the stove, and noodles torn with artful precision. Everything that emerges from the kitchen is a unique, creative, and fresh concoction with a masterful balance of the five basic tastes. The appetizer special was a dazzling combination of sauteed mustard greens, toasted farro, and miso dressing, topped with a handful of crispy fried lotus, a fabulous flavor and texture scheme. The regular menu features a small plate (which could really be a meal) consisting of broccoli sauteed with ample morsels of Vietnamese sausage and tossed with crushed peanuts and unidentifiable but magical spices. Both of our noodle dishes were superb and completely different. The spicy shrimp noodles come in a bowl crowded with bean sprouts, green onion, greens, and shaved daikon, topped with lightly fried shrimp balls. The broth had the red hue and subtle kick of chilis and the noodles were microscopically thin. The stars of the Sichuan bowl are thick, delicious, hand-torn wheat noodles coated in hot bean paste and stir-fried to a slight crisp. Interspersed with the noodles are bright greens and diced fresh tofu, and the dish is finished with sesame seeds and ribbons of cucumber. Despite the rather raucous and cramped setting, the staff at Cheu are meticulous and generous in providing individual attention. My revelation of a mushroom allergy touched off a vigorous discussion about which dishes could be created with different combinations of broths and sauces to avoid fungi. On my second visit, a friendly Cheu employee noted my overcoat covered and dripping with melting snow (as, no doubt, did everyone there), grabbed it and whisked it back to a secret hiding spot in the back of the house to dry. One note of caution: avoid making a visual estimate of the wait times for a table. Diners tend to leave their names and then disperse into neighborhood bars to await phone calls summoning them to eat.
(5)
Dave L.
Wow, this was amazing. Probably not "authentic", but ridiculously good. I had the noodles with beef brisket and matzoh balls...who knew they make such a stunning combination? Others in my party had the miso ramen and the coconut curry - all equally delicious. But perhaps the star of the show were the dumplings. Ah, the dumplings. I don't know how to begin to describe them...like no other dumplings I have ever had. YOU MUST TRY THEM. BTW, this is a tiny little hole-in-the wall place on 10th between Spruce and Locust...they don't take reservations so go there, put your name in, and walk down the street to Varga bar to wait it out. Or order a drink and stand in the ridiculously narrow passage between the kitchen and handful of tables at the front of the restaurant.
(5)
Ainsley A.
Nestled right in Washington Square, next to Jefferson, lies this gem of an Asian fusion restaurant. Let me start off by saying this place is TINY, MINISCULE, the size of a bathroom. Perfect for a date spot or a dinner with a friend, but not for groups; be prepared to sit at the bar and not a table (this is the best seat in the house due to the open kitchen.) We started off with a few apps: the black garlic chicken wings, complete with shishito peppers, lime and cilantro- the cheeseburger, pork belly and mushroom bun, and the roasted broccoli with Vietnamese sausage, peanuts and soy. The chicken wings had the perfect crunch and flavor to them; the peppers that accompanied them were not spicy but packed with flavor and added a little extra flair to the dish. Each bun was perfectly seasoned- my favorite being the mushroom (the pork belly's texture was not for me, but the taste was rich and delectable// the cheeseburger was perfectly medium rare and the flakey crust enhanced a simple dish). We each ordered a different noodle dish and I was lucky enough to try each one. I wanted a dry noodle dish (not a soupy one) and one with an abundance of vegetables so I opted for the yakisoba noodles. A poached egg lay on top of the mountain of pan fried noodles and when broken and mixed into the dish, enhanced not only the noodles but also the snow peas, asparagus and smoked tofu. I am not a tofu person as I am a raging carnivore BUT this was amazing. My sister had the coconut curry noodle dish which had the perfect amount of spice and flavor. But the star of the evening was my sister's boyfriend's dish: the bolognasian. Think of an Asian version of an Italian meat bolognese. I wish I could eat this all day everyday. The hint of horseradish mixed in with the minced pork amplified this dish- took it to another level. The watercress was a refreshing touch and the thick flat noodles gave the dish a different texture compared to the thin ramen. Definitely will be back again- I NEED that bolognasian.
(5)
Maria C.
I have only been once, but I thought it was delicious, and fairly affordable. The service was great, but I would not recommend this place to someone who is not willing to get cozy with other people, it is a tiny restaurant with very limited seats. The food was good, I had the coconut curry noodles, and they were delicious. I was a little disappointed that because of an allergy, I really only had two choices for a meal - but was very happy with what I ate. The server was accommodating and willing to ask questions, the food came out quick, and they came to check in several times. The person I was with Yakisoba and absolutely loved it! If I were going to go back, I would make sure to only go with one other person and expect to wait for quit a while, as they are often super busy (a sign of their food being great). It is also pretty loud, just because it is so tight, so if you are trying to get to know someone, you may want to go elsewhere.
(4)
Tiffany T.
Unfortunately I only had 1 item so it's hard for me to give this place a full review -- but I will note that I liked it enough, or that it intrigued me enough that I'd go back to try some other things. I got the Miso ramen with pork, $14, so with tax and tip it'll run you around $18 to $20 depending on your tipping methods. Kind of steep for one person! I know I'm pinching pennies here, but I think Terrakawa runs around $11 and it actually does kind of make a difference - esp when I wouldn't say that this is THAT much better than Terrakawa, if at all. The good - the noodles were cooked perfectly al dente, much appreciated. The egg was also perfectly soft and runny on the inside --( don't except the soft boiled egg) keep in mind this WAS perfectly cooked. They don't go for the traditional Japanese ramen, that's not their concept. So I loved it for what it was! The broth was a little sweet for my liking, maybe a personal preference but I like it a tad more savory and salty Overall takeaway? I don't doubt for one second that they make pretty darn good food, but there's a bit of a price tag on it. $10 for wings ( which I've heard are phenomenal) , $5 for some wontons, and I forget the price on the pork or mushroom buns. I think I'll come back with a partner and split it next time. You will be REALLY full from ramen, I had to stuff it. I'd be happier splitting and trying more items next time! ** Also, this place only seats 24 people so either be ready to wait, or come right when they open for lunch at 12!! Groups, not recommended
(3)
Emily W.
Part of the appeal of this place is that it's so damn tiny. No matter where you sit, you feel the good vibes from the kitchen. It's as if the servers feel that energy too because they flit from table to table, making sure everyone is happy, well-fed, and in need of nothing except maybe another order of those dumplings.... Some of the flavor combos may be a little experimental, but they work because they tap into the basics of craveable foods- a bit salty, a lot umami, a little fatty, and just a tad sweet. Oh, and a teensy bit spicy. Your taste-buds do a little happy dance. The brisket dumplings are a must-order if they have them as a special, and the broccoli will convert any veggie-skeptic. I ordered the coconut curry ramen with extra veggies. It was delicious but even better when I squeezed in some extra lime juice to brighten up the broth and cut a little richness of the coconut and peanut sambal. Speaking of peanut sambal, that stuff is worthy of being bottled, sold, and devoured at home by the spoonful. It's a fun place to take an out-of-towner curious about the new Philly food scene or which is more likely the case, to just treat yo self on these cold winter nights....
(4)
Laura G.
What an awesome find!! I passed this numerous times on my way to my favorite dum sum spot and one day decided to take a detour into Cheu. Well I'm so thankful. Came in around 630 and there were a couple of seats at the bar. Such a tiny place, so expect a wait. We ordered black garlic wings to split and pork belly buns. The wings are mouth watering. The pork buns are decent but I have trouble liking any after having sampan's. I ordered the spicy shrimp ball soup. It was pretty good. Soup definitely isn't my favorite which sways my opinion a little. I was pretty full half way through my soup and was able to take some home. Next time I definitely want to check out their dumplings.
(4)
Stephanie S.
Wow what a disappointment! The place had such good reviews on yelp, I guess I may have walked in with a higher expectation. Even though the restaurant was tiny and there was virtually no ventilation, (and I was sitting right in front of the open kitchen where I could see the chef cooking right in front of me) I couldn't smell the food from where I was sitting. Okay, that's a little weird. I ordered a bowl of ramen and a side of dumplings in chilly oil. The dumplings were okay, but may be it needed to be seasoned a little bit more? The flavor just seemed like something was missing. Ramen was equally bland. The noodle itself was excellent, had a very nice texture to it. And the pork shoulder that came with the ramen was very very good. But when you ate everything together, the combination of the flavors just wasn't doing it for me. It was just very ironic, since the chef was putting tons of sauce and other condiments to the noodle bowl, but I just felt like the whole dish was bland. I really wish I liked this place. I loved the decor and the feel of the restaurant, and the presentation of the food is stunning. But the food is bad, and I probably won't be back.
(2)
Suzie L.
I enjoyed dining here as it's really cozy and has the trendy feel that's not super Asian vibe. I ordered the black garlic chicken wings, the pork buns and the brisket ramen. The chicken wings are good, they have a dense cornstarch type of batter and the sauce they drizzle is salty and sweet. I think I've been spoiled by bonchon/soho crispy chicken so any friend chicken in comparison doesn't even stand a chance. For what it was, it was ok. The pork buns were delicious with the buns steamed to melt in your mouth (yum!) and the brisket ramen was delicious. I overall enjoyed the two. I had to get the egg in my ramen to thicken up the broth a bit as I like hearty broths with my noodles. I was a bit hesitant to try a matzo ball in my ramen but surprisingly it was really good. Overall, it's a fun place to hit up with a friend but beware the price is a bit steep for asian ramen.
(4)
Tina K.
Can't wait to go back to Cheu Noodle Bar! And I actually just got back from eating there. That's how cool this place is. My friend and I went straight to Cheu Noodle Bar after we finished our last final exam. We heeded other Yelpers' recommendation and ordered the black garlic wings for appetizer. I also ordered a mushroom bun and a bowl of brisket noodle soup because I love to try out different foods, while she ordered a bowl of miso ramen for her entree. Heads up: we loved everything on the table! As we were waiting for our orders, we noticed the unique interior. There were beautiful paper lanterns, as well as these cylindrical lanterns that were actually lit up hanging from the ceiling to decorate the place. The cylindrical lanterns have drawings in graphic novel style and enhance the casual ambience. Then our black garlic wings arrived, and we could feast more than just our eyes. Mushroom bun: I normally hate cucumbers (even when I wear cucumber slices for eye mask; it's the smell I'm telling you), but I didn't mind the cucumber slices in my mushroom bun. The sauce masked the smell of cucumber I hate so whole-heartedly. Black garlic wings: There were six wings per order, plenty to share between 2-3 people. The sauce on the black garlic wings was delicious, but the toppings of green onion, cilantro, and lime juice elevated the flavors. Brisket noodle: The beef brisket pulled apart easily, and the hot broth was perfect to dispel the winter cold. Moreover, the kimchi actually complemented the broth really well. The hand-pulled noodle was not bad. I tried the top of the matzo ball that wasn't exposed to the broth first, and it was good, but when I tried the part that's soaked in the broth, it was as if all the planets in the solar system were perfectly aligned. In another word: magical. Matzo didn't have a strong flavor to begin with, but the flavors of the broth contrasted and highlighted that of the matzo. They're like a couple who is better together than individually. Brangelina, anyone? Miso ramen: I tried my friend's miso ramen and was glad I didn't order it. It wasn't bad; I'm just not a big fan of pork. I know it's a fusion restaurant, but I usually go to authentic Japanese ramen bars, so... yeah... She loved it, though. To each her own. We actually arrived at 2:50 pm not knowing that the place closes from 3-5 pm. However, we were still seated, so kudos to them! This establishment is tiny; I counted all the seats, table and counter, and there were only 20 seats unless there are more toward the back or upstairs that I didn't see. If there really are only 20 seats, well, I wouldn't come here for dinner because it's likely to be packed.
(4)
Tina D.
My first time here, and I love it! Love noodles and broth have right amount of spices, and vegetables. Simple cute place and very friendly servers! I got amazing coconut curry noodle soup! It was spicy enough, great broth and grilled corn is great! I love that they had mint and let in this soup also! Noodles taste exactly like homemade (egg based noodles) and they easily soak the flavor of the broth! I usually don't take leftovers home, especially soups, but this one I did! Although I had it not for long cause I gave it to homeless guy on the street, I'm sure he will love it! Anyway, prices are fair, $11 for coconut curry soup and i ordered shrimp and extra noodles($2), the bowl of extra noodles was huge, and soup itself is pretty big. they also have beers, wine and very interesting coctails. They cook infront of you and from the bar you can see that kitchen is very clean. Definitely will be back to try other stuff they have on the menu! And enjoy it!
(5)
Shari A.
Oh no! Trouble in paradise. I love their food but they changed the recipes. Not sure why on earth they would do that. The coconut broth was completely diluted and flavorless. The addition of tofu, heirloom tomatoes and corn does not make sense what so ever. The lamb special noodles were good but a bit on the dry side. Hope they switch back to their original recipes. Please don't fix something that's not broken!!!!
(1)
Michael F.
After about a 45 minute wait, my friends and I were seated at one of the few tables in the small restaurant. I ordered the dumplings and the brisket ramen. Dumplings were delicious, perfect thickness of skin surrounding the juiciness of the beef and brisket. Brisket ramen was great as well. Noodles were fantastic, beef was good, and the matzah ball provided interesting texture and foreigness to the traditionally japanese dish. Overall, the many flavors I experienced that night were amazing, however the smaller portion size, long wait, and cramped space made me reconsider a 5 star.
(4)
Joseph D.
Having done the ramen tour of the East and West coast as well as a few cities in Japan. Cheu definitely ranks up in my top 3 of semi-non-traditional ramen. The other menus items are equally as good. A fun environment with great food and music.
(5)
Minoru M.
Kimchi ramen is my favorite.
(4)
Hillary D.
Much better than I expected. The miso ramen was delicious and as close to how ramen in Japan would taste. The place is small, but most people finish quickly. It has a nice vibe (the bathroom was probably the most decorated part). Would definitely come back. Didn't get a chance to try the small plates but will do that next time!
(4)
Larissa G.
I finally made it to Cheu last Sunday and couldn't be more pleased with my experience. Knowing it is a small place, Cheu was chosen off the "to eat" list because my boyfriend and I were both starving, but it was around 3pm. I thought it would be a good idea to go on an off time, and it was perfect. Everyone else was right- it is small. However, it is also so much cuter than I was expecting! The mural wall with bright colors and dangling Christmas lights gave a very endearing feel. We were so pleased to be offered bar seats too, so we could watch all the chefs in action. After reading so much about the black garlic wings, I was bummed when my boyfriend begged to order the fries to start. However, this disappointment quickly faded to joy when I tasted the fries. They were perfectly cooked and covered in miso aoli with shredded tuna flakes on top. Sounds weird, tastes ridiculously good. We split the miso ramen bowl and the brisket with matzo ball. I loved that this place was unauthentic, especially since you are unapologetically warned of this fact on both the menu and the website. All you traditional ramen haters can go eat at your traditional places because I haven't had a noodle bowl this good anywhere else in Philly! I liked the miso broth better and the pickled veggies on top were divine. My advice: add a soft egg to anything you order! Yum! We slurped down every bit of both bowls, even with sweat on our brows. (If they have air conditioning here, it definitely wasn't on...). The only negative I have heard prior that deterred me was that there weren't any hot noodle bowls that were vegetarian. However, there was definitely one on the menu, and the option to add tofu too. So maybe some things have changed, or maybe my roommate just wasn't reading the menu closely enough... who knows. The bottom line: Cheu, I love you.
(5)
Robert P.
My single favorite place to eat. I think they put some thing addictive in their food because it's the only thing I constantly crave. Pig tails are unbelievable. To think I didn't even want to try them. Wings I've managed to duplicate at home but I still order them. Matzo ball brisket Ramen with extra noodles that the last meal I ever want to have. I like sitting at the bar. Cleanest kitchen ever and Ben the chef is a machine. I love watching him work. Try their new restaurant it's wonderful too.
(5)
Caroline J.
Stopped in for lunch with three friends around 1:00 on a Tuesday. There was a 10-20 min wait, but eventually got seated right by the window. Service was pretty quick and friendly, and food was delish. A tad pricey for ramen, but in the gayborhood that's to be expected. Beer was reasonably priced and they had some cool specialty drinks. I also loved the decor! Fun place to stop in for some good soup on a cold day.
(4)
Sam W.
Very cool place. Decor and ambiance was 5/5. Food was 4/5. Interesting flavors.
(4)
Rey R.
It was a very snowy cold day and hot soup was the cure. Heard a lot of buzz about this place since they're opening a 2nd restaurant in my neighborhood on E. Passyunk. I got the Braised Beef Noodle Soup that contained a Matzo ball, different touch that I liked. The broth was spicy and delicious, drank every drop. Wifey had the curry soup and she enjoyed it. Chicken wings won a award and deserved it. Crispy and flavorful. I would definitely return again.
(4)
Matthew H.
I have been meaning to hit Cheu for a while now, ever since they opened but like most places I usually wait a while and let them settle in and get things how they want them. I recently read the Sun Noodles article on Eater and saw that Cheu Noodle was one of their customers so I finally said to myself we are going. We rolled in on a Saturday mid-day not too long after Cheu opened (they open at noon on Saturdays). There were a few people already in the place but since it's so small to begin with it doesn't take much to fill it up. We opted to sit a the counter and have a view of the small kitchen and watch the chefs work. Pretty cool as usual. We started off with the special dumplings which were beef and black bean, you get 4 to an order and they are awesome! They come soaked in a little bit of chili oil so they have a little bit of spice but not too much, I was so happy to start off this way. Next we ordered a pork belly and cheeseburger bun. For those of you that have been to Momofuku Noodle Bar in NYC, you know that they do steamed buns, Cheu does grilled buns so they are different but not in a bad way, in a good way. The buns were a little crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and the pork belly was perfect. The main event involved the Miso Ramen which came with pork shoulder but I also added pork belly and we did the cold sesame noodles with shrimp. Both were stellar, the noodles were ridiculous of course and the broth was divine, that was my favorite part. I have to say that in my opinion Cheu's ramen beats Noodle Bar's hands down. The soft boiled egg was perfect and the pork shoulder was awesome. The cold noodles were equally as good and overall it was a fantastic meal. We will be heading back soon, but if you are going on the weekends get there before 1:30ish because when we drove by later on there were about 15 people standing outside waiting.
(5)
Beth K.
The wings really are all that they are cracked up to be - same with the noodles. Don't expect stellar service though.
(4)
Janice K.
I've dined in twice and got take-out once. BRISKET NOODLE (matzo ball, brisket, kimchi and sesame chili broth) GET THIS. It's SOOO good!! My noodle standard is pretty high and the noodles were cooked perfectly, not too much and not too little. Brisket is soft, tender and just DELICIOUS. Broth is also perfect. I also tried adding an extra egg for $1 which is a veryyy good addition. Just do it!! The portion is real nice too but there's also an option of adding an extra noodle for $2 that I might try next time to prolong my period of bliss. I've tried the award-winning black garlic wings as well but I didn't really understand the hype and what was soooo special about those wings, however. It was decent but not the best I've ever had. So 5 stars for the noodles and 3 stars for the wings! This place is pretty small so the wait can be a while since everyone wants to come eat here... but it's sooo worth the wait! My take-out experience wasn't as good as dining in; they still packed my noodles to make sure they didn't get soggy but something about it wasn't the same... Maybe the temperature of the broth, and the lack of chili pepper and the spicy/sriracha sauce they have there.
(4)
Summer J.
CHEU Noodle Bar I braved a blizzard. The like of one that has my feet in frozen agony as I sit in the preposterously small, cramped and busy restaurant, and it is a stretch to call it that. I was told to stand and wait by the wall as soon as I walked in so it wasn't exactly a warm welcome. I was seated eventually but was not greeted or asked if I had been there before or needed help with the menu. I got literally 10 seconds before I was asked what I wanted to order without offering me specials or suggestions. Judging by the state of the kitchen and how hard the chefs are working to keep up with the demand. The front of the house are doing a good job of ruining the business for them all on their own. In my haste I decided to try their buns. One of each of their four varieties. The oyster one smelled funny. As if it wasn't the freshest oyster. The mushroom was pitiful and was not satisfying. A variety of mushrooms and more of it would have made a better mushroom bun. The pork belly was a bit of a let down as the fat wasn't rendered properly. It was fatty and flabby. Not very appetizing. The so called cheeseburger bun was the best of the buns. It tastes very much like a cheeseburger or a slider by the size. However, I felt it was not the best or most creative representation of Asian American fusion. 20 minutes in. I put in another order of their most popular dish as recommended by the server following my questioning. I would have liked to have had my request for a smaller portion of the ramen considered as I am dining by myself and their ramen bowls are behemoth in size. However, I was declined without much thought. May this bowl of ramen prove to be their saving grace. Because as of now I'm an unhappy customer that is not likely to return. 7 minutes in. My bowl of miso ramen arrives and immediately I feel discouraged and disheartened at the sight of the utterly undercooked egg. I dig in to taste the broth regardless. The broth is the key, the cornerstone of a decent ramen. Have a lacking broth and you might as well as close up shop and turn to exile. Unfortunately the broth is simply salty. Lacks any depth flavor or complexity. A sodden shame. CHEU Noodle... You have ccertainly lost me as a cheuing customer.
(2)
Michael B.
Had dinner for the first time at Cheu on Saturday night. There was about a one-hour wait and it was absolutely 100% worth it. It gave us some time to hang and take in the vibe. First of all, the scene is cool. Great ambience and great music. It is an urban, funky noodle bar that is very approachable. The food... Well the food was absolutely amazing. Kung po beef dumplings to start. Total flavor explosion. I could have left right there and been happy, even with the one-hour wait. Of course we did not and the Short-Rib Mazeman put me over the edge. The noodles were brilliant with a perfect texture that held up against the limited broth. The short ribs were outstanding. I particularly enjoyed the soft boiled egg which set the whole dish off in my book. Two noodle bowls and an appetizer for $35. Sweet! Top to bottom, this is a top 10 eating experience for me. Everything was spot on and truly delicious.
(4)
Anne K.
I've been meaning to check this place out for a while - Philly's been stepping up its ramen game, yay! However... Cheu is not a ramen shop. They serve a variety of noodle dishes - only one of which is actually ramen. The miso ramen was good, but I probably wouldn't come back to Cheu for it. I'd definitely return to explore some of the other items on the menu, like the black garlic wings and the coconut curry noodles. I also had the pork belly bun, which was really... crispy. I'm really partial to the traditional soft white buns and the buns at Cheu taste more like a fried biscuit. I thought the filling could have more flavor too - the pickles were a bit bland and the sauce felt like an afterthought.
(3)
H. I.
Tiny place crammed with big flavor! There's only 4 actual tables, if I remember correctly, in the front of the restaurant and the rest of the seating is at the long bar so it's best to come by yourself, or with 2-3 people, max. 4 if you're willing to wait for a table. The fun part of sitting at the bar is watching all the food being cooked right in front of you! The black garlic wings are a must try. They are crispy and savory, perfect starter to split between 2 people. I ordered the coconut curry noodle bowl and added shrimp balls. The coconut broth was delicious. I was apprehensive about "shrimp meatballs" but they were so good I couldn't even tell they were shrimp! My friend ordered the brisket bowl which was also delicious, the brisket was very tender. I ended up taking some leftovers home as the portion was pretty large. Can't wait to come back!
(4)
Dave B.
As I was walking out of Cheu last night it was irrefutably clear to me that I had just had one of the most enjoyable dining experiences in recent memory. The buns (mini burgers) were incredibly satisfying while also tasting quite original. While burgers are ubiquitous in our culture, these came across as fresh and unlike any other I've tried. The dumplings, while not as original, were just as satisfying. While these two appetizers really impressed me, the BBQ pig tails were easily my favorite of the 3 apps that we ordered. The meat fell right off the bone and was incredibly juicy. While we didn't try the famous garlic wings this time, they are surely on the radar for our next trip. The entrees were excellent as well. My girlfriend got the brisket and I got the bolognasian. We felt both were excellent and ultimately agreed that the bolognasian was the stronger of the two. We are both fans of heartier tasting sauces. Perhaps most importantly, the atmosphere and service of this place was excellent. Our server wasn't only helpful but gave off the impression that she would rather be nowhere else in the world than serving at this restaurant. The enthusiasm was something that really enchanted our experience. I recommend to anyone who is looking for an exceptional, while also very casual, dinner spot with friends or family. Cheu is not to be missed!
(5)
Tagli B.
This tiny place is packed with a line out the door. We were brought here by friends who are regulars and really wanted us to try it. We put our name on the list- no reservations taken and she told us about 45 minutes. They offered us drinks which we took out to the sidewalk to wait, as there is NO ROOM at the in the doorway. Four of us waited about 35 minutes for a table on a Thursday night-. When we left at 9:45 there were still people waiting. We tried the special dumplings which were great. Being the first time, I had to go wtih the basic pork and noodles. This did not disappoint. Huge bowl of flavorful broth loaded with noodles, pork belly and greens. Loved it. All the dishes were really good. Service was fast and attentive without being rushed. It is tiny so expect loud and busy but a fun place. I will be back to try more.
(4)
Liza K.
After trying a few ramen places with crazy variety in their selections and stellar broth, I was not too excited about the ramen I got at Cheu. Maybe it's a matter of taste, but personally, I was not a fan of their thick noodles, and extremely salty broth. The service was great, and they had a nice selection of beers! The friend I went with loved it, and has been many times. Honestly, I'm just sorry I wasn't a bigger fan. But I hope others try it for themselves. I might just be an oddball out on this one.
(3)
Caroline L.
I loved Cheu for it's spicy cocktails, delicious and creative noodle dishes, and it's atmosphere that's festive. We were fortunate to get a good table by the window by arriving early on a Friday night. They had spicy cocktails, flavored with flavors of ginger and cayenne. I tried the Bullit (not sure if I spelled it correctly). It lived up to its promise and had a back-of-the-throat spiciness. Yet, it looked like an innocent, pale-colored cocktail. Loved that drink and resisted ordering a third. I tried the brisket noodles, which had a matzoh ball and kimchi within. The eclecticness of the dish appealed to me. I liked the dish a lot although having two starches--noodles and matzoh ball competing didn't make conceptual sense. But I liked having a bonus--matzoh ball--and it was delicious.
(4)
Jennifer T.
This place has some of the best ramen noodles I've ever tasted...like seriously. Just to be clear, I'm talking about the actual noodles that they use in their ramen entrees. The soups and flavorings that they offer are good (I've tried the curry and miso) but the real star is the noodles. The noodles taste so fresh and chewy...and bouncy...and toothesome...I hope I'm getting my point across correctly because I'm at a loss for words on how to describe the noodle greatness. Their chicken wing appetizer is nice as well although the blackened garlic sauce tastes a little more tangy and sweet than garlicy. Not a huge fan of the loaded baked potato (rotating flavors?) dumpling appetizers or the lychee iced tea (weak in the tea flavor and the lychee flavor) but their noodles are good enough to make up for that. Did I mention that the decor of this place is awesome? A cool mix of rock and retro and Asian, this place made me want to stay and hang out all night. Be forewarned that there is very limited seating though, and you'll probably have to wait a while for a table.
(4)
Duong T.
Just went to Chew today, pretty busy for a Wednesday night. Me and my friend got there at 6pm and the whole place was packed (they open at 5). We waited 10mins for a table and got seated right away. The service and inside are nice, I love the decorations, very unique and creative. However, the food, in my opinion, was not up to the hype. I may be more hard on Asian fusion restaurants especially cuz I'm Asian and grew up eating asian food, so I always feel skeptical about American- Asian restaurant. We ordered a lot for 2, dumplings (cheeseburger), garlic wings, pork belly bun, brisket noodle and spicy shrimp noodle. - Dumplings: pretty good, the filling are fresh and juicy, i like the crunchy quinoa on top. - Chicken: the breading is crunchy but not evenly coated with the sauce, and I don't think they marinated the chicken before deep frying it so it was very bland. (Yes I am a chicken critique, since I love em' so much) I think they tried to mimic Korean style soy garlic but the execution was way below the expectation, and I dont know how many reviews praised their chicken. - Pork belly bun: very much like Vietnamese Banh Mi, but the meat was not very well seasoned. And for 3 dollars, I could get a whole taste in south philly for a real Banh mi. - Brisket: the broth is like kim chi juice, and the brisket was very "safe"- steak like- not the fatty type you see in any Chinese or vietnamese noodle place. I was excited to try the hand drawn noodle and i think it was a mistake. The noodle was very soft and weird shaped, and I couldn't eat them after a bit. Mayb if I kept the original noodle that come with it I would be more satisfied. - Spicy shirmp: not that spicy, and it was a little sour flavor, much like sweet and sour thin soup, but not yet that level. I loveee the shrimp balls and I think they were the best out of the meal. Very tasty and flavorful. Overall a nice experience, with the service and decor. But I may not coming back cuz I'm more of a foodie, and Sampan is definitely my number one Asian fusion place right now.
(3)
Steven J.
Excellent food and shockingly a place where you can eat regularly without breaking the bank! Seems like every trendy new place is going to run $80-$100 per person. You can try to spend that here, but you'd find yourself hard pressed to do so. Solid food reminds me of a great ramen place I go to when I'm in San Francisco except it's staffed by a bump of hipsters. Sorry. When did PBR become the hipster signature calling card? Who made that decision? Someone should open a place and serve some Miller High Life just to be different. The place is TINY. Not recommended for large parties. Four max, but best bet is to be a party of two or else you might wait a while. Looking forward to going back soon.
(5)
Andres L.
Great little noodle bar. Had the Brisket and Miso Ramen as well as a pork belly bun. The bun had a nice crisp to it all around. The dough and pork was very crispy. Worth a try, nothing to drool over. The noodle dishes were very good with the exception of the kimchi in the Brisket. It was very sour and took away from the beauty of the dish. Overall pretty good first experience at a noodle bar.
(4)
Kaivan S.
Generally a bit of a wait during prime times. Can go very right or very wrong here. Definitely do not recommend the larger noodle dishes as they are a bit bland but he appetizers and smaller plates are phenomenal. Get the dumplings. Cool spot, young/hip ambiance. Not the best service.
(4)
Ashley L.
After dining here close to a dozen times, I thought it would be a good time to write a review. Can I start by just saying wow?! The restaurant itself is very small, so I wouldn't recommend it for groups. But whether you snag a seat at bar overlooking the open kitchen, or at a table, you will be in good hands. I've been pretty lucky every time I come here not to wait for a table, but you may encounter a wait. The menu is pretty simple- which is good. Some appetizers, 3 soup options, and a few noodle dishes. They also have a nice selection of craft beer cans, wine, and unique cocktails. Our go-to items here are the dumplings (fillings change on a daily basis but you can't go wrong), miso ramen, and the matzo ball brisket ramen. I've had my fair share of dumplings, but these have to be my absolute favorite. So flavorful, and topped with a bit of crunch, adding an amazing texture. The miso ramen is my personal favorite. The broth is heavy, but I've never tasted a soup with more flavor. I thought they may have added cream to the broth, but found out it's really just from all the fat- but no complaints there! The matzoball brisket is also a crowd favorite. I mean, just the description is so unique you have to try it. The broth is a little spicy, so not my forte, but I've never seen an empty bowl. And the staff are great too. You can see all the chefs working hard, and no-matter the wait, always serve up the food in a timely fashion. The waiters are cool, very down to earth and speak to you more like a friend than a customer. All adding to one-of-a-kind experience that is Cheu. This is for sure one of my favorite restaurants in the city. A must try if you haven't been yet!
(5)
John P.
As someone who loves noodles, ramen, pho... I can't say I can understand the hype about this place. It's got a good vibe and the place seems to always be packed, but the taste and pricing don't jive with the ratings. I was really looking forward to trying out this neighborhood joint but after 2 visits, I cannot say that I would visit again anytime soon. The last lunch visit our group's bowls were all quite salty (and they were different orders/dishes). The salt dominated so heavily that adding a bowl of hot water didn't improve any and it was hard to enjoy even on a hungry stomach (btw, I think they were insulted that we thought it was so salty but that's what it was.) this would mark the 2nd time I thought my ramen was too salty (2nd time topped the first). The hipster interiors is vibrant, but if you sit at the corner of the bar table, be ready to be interrupted constantly and bumped on by people trying to get by. The salt was unfortunately too unforgiving for me, eventhough a little extra salt is my personal guilty pleasure.
(2)
Peter C.
Since I ordered carry out and didn't get to experience a full service, I feel like I can't give this place 5 stars. However, the food by itself is close to 5 star worthy. I ordered the Miso Ramen and dumplings in chili oil appetizer (pork and potato). The dumplings were really tasty; smooth in texture, and lightly spiced. The ramen was excellent even though the dish might be better suited for cooler weather. The noodles were chewy and the broth was rich and surprisingly creamy. I will definitely be back to get the full experience, albeit with no more than three people. The seating area is quite small. Overall, great value for money and well worth a visit!
(4)
Dennis L.
I came back here for another try after the thrillist list of the top ramen places in the US placed Cheu's Shortrib and Matza Ball Ramen near the top. We started with the Hawaiian Poke which came with small fresh cubes of tuna with mango and some sort of vinegarette. It was tasty and very refreshing. So the ramen itself was pretty amazing. I ordered it with a soft boiled egg, which was prepared weird. I would've preferred the Japanese style, but it was like a poached egg or something. The broth was rich and hearty, the short rib cooked and seasoned to perfection, the veggies were nice, the noodles were a great consistency, but my only qualm was with the kim chi or pickled cabbage. It was bad kim chi, if that's what they were attempting. I would have preferred they that they didn't attempt it if it was going to be such a poor copy. It was just sour, the spices weren't right. I mean I guess they get some credit for their attempt, but the execution was poor.
(4)
Mike W.
Dude, wow. Took my fiance here on Saturday night because she was feeling pretty down and wanted a taste of home. The wait can be a little daunting, but they take your name and call you when your table is ready, so you can go get a drink at bars nearby, and they even recommend some for you! We sat at the counter and ordered the dumpling special of beef & ginger to start, followed by hand torn noodles with lamb neck and the miso ramen noodles with pork shoulder. The dumplings were small, but tasty little bite sized bits of joy. They were doused in chili oil, but not so much so that it overwhelmed the dumplings, and the ginger flavor really packed a punch. The hand torn noodles were amazing. I liken them to a version of Asian papardelle. The sauce was slightly sweet, so I spiced it up with some sriracha. The lamb neck pieces were mondo tender and super flavorful. The best part may have been the pickled mustard greens. They were super crunchy and had quite a kick from the vinegar that really cut through the richness of the noodles and sauce. I added a soft cooked egg to mine, and the runny yolk meshed well with the noodles as well. The miso ramen may even have been better than the hand torn noodles. The broth was super tasty. The depth of flavor was insane. It hit on all levels, and definitely provided that umami euphoria. The pork shoulder was very flavorful and tender as well, and an egg always finishes off the noodle bowl nicely. I love watching the chefs work here and i love the atmosphere. Cheu does its own thing, and I love them for that. Place really is a treat and well worth the wait. Awesome food to warm you up during the cold.
(5)
Katie P.
Here are the go-to's: Dumplings Kimchi Burrito Yakisoba All three of these had interesting bold flavors, that I would totally come back for. As for the ramen, I give it a 3 star rating- I've had my fair share of mind blowing ramen (Ippudo NYC) and I don't think it stands up to it.... but I'd totally come back for the 3 items above as these were totally on point.
(4)
Suzy D.
3.5 stars It's funny how you measure relationships. Justin, ramen and I have come a long way. I remember the first time we went to Toki ( yelp.com/biz/toki-underg… ) together to get ramen. His proposal to go grab noodle soup was somewhat appalling but I really liked him so I didn't want to outright reject the idea. I was also pretty drunk so I went with it, heh. I ate some of the noodles and picked out a lot of the meat from the bowl that we shared. That was a big hint that he liked me too; if a man who loves meat as much as Justin does lets you steal all of his pork cheek, you must be special. Nowadays Justin, ramen and I are like a happy but dysfunctional family. Ramen and I don't always get along but when we do, we really do, and Justin is the go between to make sure we get along. It's true love when Justin will find a way to go eat at a new ramen place without me as a taste test before he determines if I'll like it and can take me there. May sound odd but it means I don't have to eat gross food. I should have added "boyfriend is a ramen taste tester" to my list of things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving. Justin and I had both researched where to eat in Philly and dinner on our first night was to be at Khmer Kitchen. However, our late lunch pushed dinner back a bit and when we arrived, just past 8:30pm, they had just stopped seating for dinner. We looked through our bookmarks and headed towards Cheu which wasn't too far away and was still open. Plus, it wasn't much further to Monk's which was our final destination for the evening. Even on a Friday night without reservations the wait wasn't too long. They actually quoted us a much longer wait time than it was and in the 15 or 20 minutes we waited on the bench outside the door we laughed at all of the people coming up expecting a table immediately. A bunch of normal people with a "do you know who I am" type of attitude annoyed that they couldn't immediately get a seat in a small highly rated restaurant. We were seated at the counter right in front of the bar with adorable cartoon-decorated lamps above. We had a great view of the open kitchen and I was very impressed at how efficiently the two in the kitchen worked, and even more so that the chef was a woman (I don't understand why females are so underrepresented in the culinary world). Not only did the duo quickly put out good food that was well presented, but they did it all while managing takeout orders as well. Cheu is a bit too fusion-y for the type of ramen I like but the food was still decent. We ordered the daily dumplings (one type per day, four dumplings served in chili oil for $5). Not bad but I was still too full from lunch and was hoping that I'd like the ramen (ya know, since Justin hadn't tried it out for me yet) so I just ate one and gave my other one to Justin who happily finished it. Round two was the brisket ramen (with matzo ball, kimchi, sesame chili broth for $13). I think the dumplings ended up being the better part of the meal though since the matzo ball in the ramen was just texturally weird to me. The broth was well developed though and I think I'd like their product more if I'd had more traditional option. That being said, I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars because I get the sense that Cheu doesn't give a shit if people like their fusion food or not, they're gonna do what they want, and I respect that.
(4)
Andrew T.
Restaurant experiences like Cheu make it a pleasure to return to write reviews; it was a wonderful experience eating there and quizzing the staff while they worked and toiled behind the bar counter at the multiple kitchen stations. The best food for me remains to be between $10-$20 price range; Cheu follows this golden rule with its $13 noodle bowl menu choices. Brisket Matzah Ball Soup with Kimchi and bok choy; a full bodied hearty broth with a nice spice note that i enjoyed mixing and matching my easy to break down matzah ball and falling apart brisket. I downed my soup so fast i burnt my tongue as I filled my small saucer of a spoon on repeat and honestly didn't care much I didn't want to lose the heat my soup was expertly served at. Pork belly on a small bun with a delicate crunch and potent cilantro note for a finish was worth the $3. I could eat what I ate to the point where I pass out; I love noodles and I loved eating the heavenly ramen concoctions that they've crafted up.
(5)
Anthony L.
Food was great. We had the black garlic wings(which were apparently Best in Philly), pork belly sandwiches, brisket noodles and hand torn noodles. The wings were lightly fried and packed with great flavor. Pork belly sandwiches were small but were decent. Each sandwich is essentially a two-bite portion. Brisket noodles were really good. The broth had a nice spicyness to it. My wife loved the hand torn noodles. I'm a fan of the food but I am not a fan of how cramped the place is (as everyone else has mentioned). I was constantly having people bump into my back while sitting at the bar. Not a huge deal as I am still giving the experience 4/5 stars. The servers and staff there were accomodating, friendly and knew the menu well. Dustin took really good care of us.
(4)
Soyoung K.
I don't even know what everyone who has anything negative to say about this place are saying. Cheu noodle bar is everything I did not expect in a very good way. The restaurant itself is in a very convenient location by the Jefferson hospital. Super easy find!! It's a very cozy space with a few tables and a long bar seating. I was lucky to be seated so quickly as they only take walk-in's. Between the two visits I've had so far, I tried their brisket ramen, pork ramen, and coconut curry ramen. All were very excellent!!! Matzo ball in a ramen? Jesus, that was great. I also loved that the buns were actually butter biscuits. It's probably taking my cholesterol level through the roof but hey, who cares when you're slurping on a delicious bowl of ramen noodles, eh? We tried mushroom buns and the pork belly buns. Both were...again...GREAT. Last but not least, I love the simplicity of everything. A comprehensive menu from drinks to food. Simple layout. Simply hardworking staff, fun designs throughout the restaurant. (Love the lamp shades, really) You must try this place. A MUST! p.s. Playlist game on point, too.
(5)
Rachael P.
Recently, I watched David Chang's Inside the Mind of a Chef special on Ramen and set my mind to finding a great bowl in Philly. It was a rather warm day by December standards but I needed a little winter warmer so hiked across town to find this little spot. When I arrived the line was out the door but since I had a random day off by myself decided to see if I could sneak a seat at the counter. Their traditional Ramen was amazing. The poached egg yolk made the broth super decadent and I loved the addition of pickled ginger to the onion and miso flavor. Definitely something special that I could not make for myself at home. I spent the next few days telling my friends about my discovery and how I would like to go back to try more menu items. Only wish they had a west side location :)
(4)
Adrian S.
One of my favorite places to eat in Philadelphia hands down! This ramen spot is about food creativity and not Japanese ramen authenticity. The description states this so if you're looking for this don't be disappointed. I'm a huge fan of attention to detail with my dishes and this place does just that. They combine all of the best ingredients and create dishes that are adventurous, but not pretentious. It's a tiny hole in the wall where most seats are in view of the kitchen so you can see just how much love goes into every dish. The staff is always friendly and they have a really good craft beer selection, some good wines and sake, as well as some funky cocktails that will keep your date happy. My favorites are the dumplings, the pig tails, the garlic wings and the Miso Ramen.
(5)
Andrew T.
Truly a special place! It's hard to elaborate much more on what's already been said, but the hype is justified. Fantastic ramen, dumplings, and other Asian-inspired cuisine. It is not "textbook" style and doesn't claim to be; I'm glad they have their own takes on every menu item. The prices are amazing, as well. My girlfriend and I usually order 2 appetizers, some noodles with multiple add-ons, and a beer or two, and we usually average around $50-60 for a very satisfying, well-portioned meal. The restaurant itself is very small, so don't come expecting to easily fit a group any bigger than 4. There's a fairly long bar with about 10 seats, with tightly packed tables in the corners. It's best as a "table for 2" spot to enjoy one-on-one conversation. I appreciate the staff's friendliness and speed in even the busiest times. They're all willing to assist and help with any requests. Don't let the wait times deter you - you may find yourself being told that a table will take an hour or more during dinner hours, but head around the corner to Strangelove's or any other bar in the immediate area and grab a beer for the wait. It is worth it.
(5)
Justin L.
Went on the whim after reading reviews. It's good and has no flaws in but don't get me wrong, there is a bit of hype here. Got the dumplings and brisket bowl. If you want a more authentic version, better and for a 1/3 of the price, head to Chinatown or Washington Ave...sometime you gotta look past Philly Mags top 50.
(3)
Elena C.
Our meal: Apps: 1) Dumplings; 2) Cheeseburger bun; 3) Pork Belly bun Entree: 1) Brisket Ramen; 2) Spicy Shrimp Ramen The Pros: - Egg: Cooked perfectly, runny in the middle. Just the way I like it! - Noodles: I loved the chewy texture of the noodle in the Brisket Ramen and the al dente texture of the Spicy Shrimp Ramen. - Atmosphere: Cool and edgy. Good music playing in the background. Servers were very nice and friendly. The Cons: - Noodle to Broth Ratio: Very disappointing. Both our ramen bowls needed more broth. I've tons of ramens in my lifetime. The one thing I always make sure I do is to make sure I have the right noodle to broth ratio. - Spice level: Both ramens claimed to be spicy, but I think Shin Ramen is spicier than these bowls.
(4)
bill m.
Tight quarters but delicious food. The black garlic chicken wings were amazing, so tender in the middle and crispy outside. Dumplings in Chili oil also great. Pork belly bao's were spot on also. For an entree we got the short rib noodle bowl. Didn't feel Asian but was awesome. Very nice waitstaff. Will definitely return
(5)
Sook K.
Is rather pay A LOT LESS MONEY and go eat better authentic food in chinatown, $5 for a boa bun????? Really? I mean come on. Hesitant to try Bing Bing, at $5-$7 for ONE dim sum plate I can't imagine what the bill would be. My husband and I get our fill of dim sum in chinatown for a total of $30. Great places opening up but way-too-high prices for not-better-than-cheaper-authentic-food.
(3)
Will W.
Even for a non-wing lover the wings are absurdly good. Enjoyed the vibe, throw back hip-hop, tattooed servers. My short rib ramen bowl was good not great but other than how busy it was on a weekday evening, it was a very good spot.
(4)
Shauna G.
Doth mine eyes deceive me? Or did they slightly lower their drink prices? Not sure, but I swore I paid double digits for my Jin-Ja bourbon situation last time and this time it was $9.50. Also the perfection that was the broccoli topped the brussels sprouts (both yummy, but I found the brussels a wee bit salty for my taste). And if I could give the Cheu staff six stars, you bet I would.
(4)
Sarah P.
I love this place. You walk in and you can tell it's going to be good. Counter seating, great music, and the staff is friendly and seems to really enjoy being there. I crave the miso ramen everyday. The broth is soo good. (I need to learn how to make this at home.) I like adding a matzoh ball to it. The fish ribs and fries are also delicious. Each day they change their house made dumplings, fresh juice combo, and daily iced tea. They have a really interesting cocktail list, spirits, sake, and canned craft beers.
(5)
Alexandra R.
Sooooo good. So good, I'm coming back here tomorrow. We had the dumplings, pork belly bun and the curry and regular miso both with pork belly. Everything was fresh and delicious!
(5)
Steve C.
Really like the food here. They keep it interesting with their rotating assortment of dumplings. Their lamb noodle dish is amazing!
(5)
David B.
I can see how this place averages 4 stars. Let me preface this review with saying that I will come back and try this again when it's not a polar vortex Tuesday when apparently that's the busiest day of the year and my group waited from 7:30 until 10pm for seating and for the food to arrive. If you are coming to cheu noodle bar for authentic ramen you are making a bad choice. If you are coming for a hipsterized Americanized version of noodle soup with pork or crab or "curry" based broth you might be making a good choice. The prices are high considering the comparison for noodle soups out there. Hand drawn noodles in Chinatown or Nom Nom easily outcompete on price to food. The miso ramen which is their flagship bowl I suppose is lacking in depth of porkiness and the half cooked egg while it isn't authentic is actually quite a good rendition. The noodles are far from true ramen noodles, but they are good. The biggest shortcut is the pork shoulder. If I'm paying $13 for ramen, it really should have 4 slices of fork tender pork belly and an insane amount of broth. Thankfully, even though I'm a meager 165 lbs, I had also ordered a second bowl. The spicy crab broth had the potential to be amazing. It wasn't particularly "crabby" and that could have really been spectacular. The meatballs were simple and tasty though and the hand drawn noodles were actually the best thing I ate that evening. Nevertheless, the broth was just too vinegary and has a lot of room for improvement. The biggest issue this place is suffering from is staff and service. They are actually all quite pleasant but there is about 8 people working there and literally only 1 person is assembling the bowls of soup. She was lightning fast but they need to focus more staff on soup and less on running around accomplishing less important tasks of a noodle bar. No one is coming here for the beer selection or tito's vodka, guys. While this review won't hurt Cheu because they have an endless supply of Jefferson students and residents who won't walk an extra 3 blocks to get to Chinatown and save $3. It's just too easy to swagger into this place. It's good, but they need to really focus on their core dishes and expand their noodle bowl seating. Try spicy noodles at Nom Nom instead and I think you'll be a convert.
(3)
M W.
Do not quite understand the hype about this place... Ordered their famous dumplings in chili sauce, wings and ramen and was all okay. Still prefer Nom Nom's over this :\
(2)
Anna Y.
This place is small, actually it's tiny. But it's cool! check out the wall mural ! I like their business philosophy, check it out on the back of their menu. As for the food, Asian fusion , that's all I can tell you. Miso Ramen - The broth was actually decent, it's creamy and tasty. The pork shoulder falls apart with the grab of chopsticks. nicely done. Brisket Ramen - two big slices of Brisket, quantity over powers quality. To be honest Brisket was flavorless. This bowl contains Kimichi, kimichi with ramen how interesting.
(3)
Zareen S.
This tiny spot on 10th street is pretty cool and captures the noodle vibe well. Staff, ambience, music and everything else - great. Black Garlic Wings w/ shishito peppers & herbs - this is how I fantasize wings to taste in my mind and lives up to all the raves. sharp asian spice profile with some lime tang, I have never tasted anything like it. A personal favorite, shishito peppers, are yummy to eat as well. I was a bit confused about if I should or should not eat it, but it tasted fabulous, so why not ? Fish Ribs -w/ charred corn, tamarind & herbs - The corns were crunchy and fresh. Im a sucker for crispy fish skin however the fish aspect of this particular type of fish was entirely too overwhelming for me personally. So be prepared ! Thin egg noodles w/ egg, matzo balls & chile broth - The quality of the brisket is phenomenal and cooked to perfection. The broth is spicy and well seasoned w/ generous serving of noodles. Who knew a delicious matzo ball could compliment the whole dish so well. Also that matzo ball was no joke. Loved it. However, the spoon that comes with it is a tad awkward to eat out of. They need a different one thats more easier to eat with. Hand Torn noodle w/ lamb neck, pickled mustard greens & dates - This was my second favorite dish after the wings. The lamb melts in your mouth and its texture compliments the wide noodles perfectly. Lucious and a mouthfull that is bursting with complex flavors of spice, tang and sesame. The pickled mustard greens cuts the richness of the lamb perfectly. They also have a good list of beer and limited, but nice liquor list.
(4)
Mary C.
Stopped in here on a cold day enroute to catch a show in Philadelphia for some noodles. Small place with trendy music, simple menu of not so simple ramen. We were a party of 5 an seated after a very short wait. Wow, beef dumplings and pork belly buns were delicious starters. Miso ramen with shredded pork shoulder and soft cooked egg, torn noodles with lamb and pickled vegetable, crab broth noodles with meatballs and brisket noodles with matzo ball all very different and not what we expected for traditional noodles but wow how delicious!!! A bit pricey with bowl of noodle for between $12-13 a bowl plus extra for more noddles or egg or other extras but certainly worth for uniqueness and tastiness. Didn't try the wings but looked very good - next time for sure.
(4)
Rebecca S.
To say that I am a fan of this place is an understatement. My boyfriend and I went opening day and have been so many times since (8 for him total, 7 for me). We love the food, the owners (Shawn and Ben), the ambiance, and the attitude. Favorites: Pork belly bun (gotten one each time!), buckwheat noodles, hand torn noodles, broccoli, and the scrapple. These guys clearly love this place and are always striving to make new, creative dishes (hence the changes in the menu frequently). I tell all of my friends about this place because it's just that tasty. Can't wait to go again!
(5)
Reba K.
I really wanted to like this place after reading so many great reviews, but I was pretty disappointed. At our server's recommendation, i got the hand torn noodle dish with lamb neck, pickled mustard greens, and dates. It had this weird sweet taste - presumably from the dates - which i did not enjoy in a savory Asian noodle dish. My friend's miso ramen was pretty unremarkable, if not just straight up salty. After trying Cheu Noodle Bar for myself, I think the good reviews for it on Yelp speak more to the lackluster ramen scene in Philly rather than the excellence of the restaurant.
(2)
Matt S.
Broccoli app was the best thing on the menu we tried (been twice). Entrees are just above average, but not much in choices and way over priced.
(3)
T M.
Lovely atmosphere and our server was excessively friendly but the food was lacking. I was with a friend from Japan and she didn't give it the nod either. I had the Soba noodles and they were very greasy. Her hubby told us afterwards that the Miso is supposed to be good but neither of us had it.
(2)
Minty N.
I have dined here twice and both experiences were awesome. One of the owners happened to remember me the second time I came which was a pleasant surprise, and definitely not something you come across at other local restaurants. The noodle dishes are original and simple it's always interesting to see what their nightly specials are. Definitely give this noodle bar a go if you're even interested in a twist on Asian cuisine!
(5)
Khanh V.
This place is very inventive and creative in their food, fresh and tasty to the eyes. Portions are small and space is small as well and very crowded so be ready to wait. Took two trips to get a spot inside and is not good for groups at all. Also the last time I was there they didn't have a store sign so it was hard to look for it. Overall I like the creativity of the food and funky decor, but wouldn't visit often just because of the wait time and portion size + price.
(3)
Sindhu N.
This place has a great ambience and features an impressive beer list. For appetizers, I had the broccoli and sausage which had a very flavorful peanutty taste. I went with the miso pork ramen for my entree and it was great. The noodles were just the right amount of chewy and the broth was very flavorful. Be warned: like most/all ramen bars, this isn't a place to come and linger. It's a very busy place and sometimes you might feel a little rushed.
(5)
E A.
Amazing ramen and Asian fusion. Everything bursting with flavor. Everything expertly cooked and the service was top notch. How can you not like this place? Yep - a bit small but we were able to get the four of us in comfortably with a 5 minute wait. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Kelly S.
Great service, atmosphere, beer list, food, and not too shabby of a price. We tried the beef dumplings in chili oil, pork buns with pickles and cilantro (great), and cold sesame noodles. Fun place, can't wait to go back.
(5)
Cesar S.
Three stars, because the food was not that good, I went there because it was mention on a food magazine. Just average, but the service is really below average. Despite the fact that is a REALLY small place.
(3)
Stefanie A.
4 for food and drink, which is really most important. 3 for service/ambiance. 2 for misc. For an average of 3. Let me explain... We got to this small, mostly-counter space restaurant before the rush. There were a few tables (all taken) and many counter spaces available. We tried to take the end counter spots, but were asked to sit in the middle. Once we ordered, we were asked to move over one seat to accommodate a couple. After we got our drinks, we were asked to move to accommodate a larger party. After the food was finished, we were asked to scootch down to accommodate a single party. This was super annoying, Cheu--you need your staff to plan accordingly, or have the walks in wait for space to open, not inconvenience your guests. Our irritation was somewhat assuaged with an "I'm sorry' salad. And it worked, somewhat. Because the perfectly ripe tomatoes, sweet watermelon, and homemade ricotta was a delicate combination of flavors and textures. The dumplings were perfectly cooked, though it was a small portion, the ramen with fall-off-the bone pork was flavorful, and the brisket matzoball soup was inventive, and was served in chili broth wit the perfect amount of spice. And the thai iced tea with rum is a fantastic idea and execution. I'm on the fence as to whether I'll go back--can get just as good food, some better, in Chinatown for much less. And no one at Nan Zhou or the choo choo place has never asked me to get up to accommodate another party. And I bet they never will. Might try lunch. Might not.
(3)
Jonny D.
I might have felt different had there been a long wait tonight (Thursday) but we got immediately seated at the bar, which was good enough, and enjoyed some really, truly amazing food. Here's what I ate: the lamb neck (tender as heck with a nice fattiness) with dumpling-noodles (they were so thick and chewy and delicious it really went beyond noodles) with mustard greens (cold and bitter-in-a-good-way, providing a great contrast) and the coup de grace, the dates to provide some sweetness and true depth of flavor. If I can pick a single non-flaw about this dish it's what I wish I had a dozen or so dates in there instead of the 4 that I got. In addition, I had a cheeseburger bun, a pork belly bun, a mung bean bun, and scrapple w/pickles, and dumplings in chili oil, and a pig tail (I was hungry and so were my sharing-happy companions). All of these were completely outstanding. It came out to $20 a head--a bit pricy for the quantity, but when you really get some over-the-top delicious food like this, it's worth spending more than you would for a step down (sorry, Nan Zhou! Yeah, I went there).
(5)
Brian S.
What a great addition to the Philly dining scene. This small gem has maybe four tables for two and two tables for four (one's in the back), but the bar is the place to sit. There you can watch the three chefs at work and gaze up at the interesting art lamps above your head. If that's not enough to occupy you look behind you and you can see "ramen art" just below a mural. The menu is split into smaller plates and noodle bowls. For starters, our favorites are the dumplings (usually some type of brisket with dates/and or nuts), the BBQ pig tails, and the charred brussels. The fish "ribs" we tried were so-so. As far as the noodle bowls go, make sure to try the homemade hand torn noodle bowl with lamb neck, pickled mustard greens, and dates. It's really good. My wife likes the brisket bowl with the matzo ball, kimchee, and sesame broth but not being a ramen fan, I will stick to my hand torn noodles. The cute, energetic waitress is great, the staff is friendly, and the food comes out quickly. The only negatives are that if you order a lot of food it can get a bit pricey and they don't open up until 1 PM on Saturdays for lunch. But absolutely worth a visit. Oh. I forgot. You gotta check out the bathroom (specifically the sign in it). Even if you don't have to go.
(4)
Victoria L.
This low-key hipster restaurant is quite possibly the best Asian fusion place. Going for the complete opposite of most Asian fusion places' clean, modern route, this small place has bright red walls, quirky decorations, and an alternative rock soundtrack. The menu is very small with about five appetizers, a couple choices of dumplings, and some larger dishes. My friend and I didn't come as hungry as we would have liked to be, so we got dumplings and hand torn noodles to share. The dumplings are so satisfying with a great textural element sprinkled on top. I wish the chili sauce was a little spicier true to Asian flavors. The hand torn noodles were perrrrrfectly cooked, which is hard to come by in a lot of Asian cuisine. (I think of overdone noodles slightly congealed and stuck together.) The sauce is very savory and rich with chunks of lamb and tangy bites of pickled greens to cut the richness. I would order this a thousand times again. The beer list was pretty great and it's awesome that they have a daily beer special. Gotta come back to try the pork belly buns and, when it's cooler, the ramen.
(5)
molly n.
It's fusion, it's noodles, it's awesome. It wasn't crowded for lunch on a weekday, considering its size and how AWESOME the noodles are. I had the beef matzo.
(5)
John C.
Food: Ok, not memorable. My girlfriend and I ordered the black garlic chicken wings, spicy crab noodles and miso ramen. The black garlic chicken wings were an interesting take on wings. They were encrusted with sesame seeds, topped with a tasty sauce and garnished with cilantro. The noodle dishes were good but I had higher expectations after reading previous reviews. Atmosphere/ Service Very cramped, seating at the bar isn't very comfortable. The ambient music can be a bit loud at times. It has a hipster vibe to the decor, so if that's your jam you'll feel comfortable here. It took a while after we were seated at the bar to be greeted by the staff.
(3)
Jordan P.
I left Cheu with a bad taste in my mouth, though I can't say it's the fault of the ramen. Dealing with an unexpectedly warm October evening, our initial plans of "warming up with some yummy broth" were not necessary, but we had a craving, and the only thing that could sate my buddy and I was ca-noodling at Cheu. We strolled in around 7:20 and the place was nowhere close to full. There were about 3 people at the bar and two sitting down, so we were immediately seated at the window. The inside of Cheu is warm and welcoming, the chalkboard showing off the daily specials (tea, beers, food, etc). A carafe of ice water was brought to our table, menus placed in front of us, and we were excited for a night out. Cue when things took a turn for the questionable. I'm not sure if this is standard fare for Cheu, or just due to being a little bare bones, but we had two servers visiting our table periodically. I initially thought maybe one would just be to refresh our water, but they (a man and a woman) would follow after the other often less than a minute behind, asking the same questions. "Have you decided on a drink?" ..... "Can I get you ladies some drinks?" Wait. Didn't I just tell that guy we weren't ready yet? "Can I get that plate off the table for you yet?" (Oh, no, we're still working on it, thanks.) .... "Hey, want me to clear that plate for you, girls?" No, we haven't even taken another bite since that lady stopped by... what is happening? If they looked even moderately similar, I'd have felt insane deja vu that would've suggested that I, too, was insane. As far as food goes, we enjoyed the shaved kale with dates, pepitas, and cheese curds, coconut curry (for my vegetarian pal) and classic miso ramen with pork shoulder. The curry was spicy and delicious, heavy on the broth and the heat. The more classic-style ramen was definitely jonesing for a little kick, added with chili oil and sriracha. Our duo of servers were attentive, almost to a fault. Like... interrupting us to check in, desiring seemingly bite to bite updates. That being said, the bites were quite tasty. The pork shoulder was a little tough, but otherwise all quite good. We enjoyed our cans of beer and our food, which was swept away immediately the second we finished our food. Our male server came over to let us know that, despite receiving our check, "No hurry though, take your time." Five minutes later, the moment after we placed our card down for the check, the female server came over and, despite our earlier server letting us know "no hurry" she told us, in no uncertain terms, that "because we have a waiting list, we need you to leave the table." Ex-SQUEEZE ME? WHAT IS HAPPENING?! Shocked by the sudden change in what we were supposed to do, we left, my friend just barely finishing the last of her drink. I felt like this behavior totally ruined the experience for me, which was not going too poorly up to the point. But now, whenever I think of Cheu, I won't remember the ramen slipping through my chopsticks or the curdy kale. I will remember a rude, confusing waitress hustling me out the door as soon as we put down our tip. If I had the ability to take the tip back and reduce it, I would.
(2)
Gary L.
I came to Cheu Noodle Bar after seeing it on a list of must-eats in Philadelphia, so I had really high expectations for this place! When I walked in, the ambience was pretty much what'd you expect for a Saturday night, with groups of friends sitting at tables and parties of 1-2 sitting at the bar. The wait was initially quoted as an hour, but someone finished up early and I only waited about 15 minutes to be seated. They had an interesting selection of beers and cocktails, but I wasn't thirsty so much as hungry so I passed on the drinks. The menu was very simple and straightforward, and I ordered the crab broth noodles and dumplings in chili oil. The dumplings in chili oil came first, there were 4 cute dumplings in a small bowl. They were very tasty, but were different than what I was expecting. Growing up in Asia, dumplings usually have higher fat content and are easier to chew, but I guess the meat in these dumplings were leaner and took a bit longer to chew through. The crab broth noodles came shortly after, and I must say I was pretty disappointed. I passed over the miso ramen for these noodles, and the soup in this broth was a bit spicy and sour, but wasn't as brothy as they claimed. The hand-drawn noodles were quite tasty and bouncy, but to me they were ruined by the broth. Overall, I'd give the dumplings a 4, the noodles a 2.5, and the overall experience a 3.5. If I do come back next time, I'll try the miso ramen instead!
(3)
Barry S.
One of my favorite places in the city for sure. On weekend nights there will be a wait. I'm confused why people are so perplexed by this. It's popular and it's great food. Not to mention they will take your number and call/text you when it's your time to be seated. The dumpling special is always always great. I'm personally partial to the brisket. Can't say no to a good matzo ball. Also they always have some good beer specials and a juice special to mix with your hard liquor of choice.
(5)
Mark D.
As a former Philly resident living in San Francisco, I've often found myself defending the Philly food scene to a sea (or Bay) of non-believers. Cheu is a prime example of why I think the Philly food scene can hold its own. Cheu is not the average noodle shop. They would be the first to say that they don't make "authentic" noodles (though they are fully capable of making a good bowl of ramen: see miso ramen). Instead, they eschew traditional ramen flavors in favor of what is, simply put, good eating. We started with the beef dumplings which were done perfectly right with the touch of crunchy quinoa giving a surprising touch. The chicken wings were subtle yet complex in their flavor. The pigtails were a revelation, the salty, fatty crunch balanced by the well spiced and perfectly sour pickled tomatoes. I had the brisket noodle which was what I would imagine a Jewish-Korean-Japanese family would eat on a rainy day. As strange as that may sound, it works wonderfully here. And might I commend their soft boiled egg too. If the mark of a cook is how well they can execute an egg, do these Philly boys deliver! Velvety, rich, it proved how egg can be luxurious and move seductively in a bowl. I also tried the spicy crab broth which harkened to soup flavors I've had in Filipino/Malaysian/Vietnamese cuisines. This is the kind of place that would thrive in SF and were it over there, I'd eat here all the time. To those from SF, think Mission Chinese does noodles. I'd even go as far as saying that it's better than most Asian places doing noodles. As I kept saying throughout my meal, what a phenomenal little surprise.
(5)
Emily L.
Rarely do you find somewhere that you can categorize as 'noodle fusion', but look no further for Cheu is the answer to your 'noodle fusion' dreams. The most apparent fusion, at least for myself, comes in the form of Jewish comfort food. The brisket and matzo ball noodle soup is unbelievable, the matzo ball rivals my mother's, which is sort of a big deal When you go, I encourage you to get at least one order of their dumplings. Hopefully you get lucky and they're the brisket, onion, date (the notorious b.o.d). Then move into an app like their renowned chicken wings or pig tails. Then get your noodle on and go crazy. Enjoy the great atmosphere and bumpin sound track with a cold Tsingtao or jasmine mint iced tea while you wait.... You'll probably have to wait. You should wait.
(4)
Jordan R.
Went here with no expectations and was blown away. My girlfriend recommended we go and I gave her my enthusiatic "meh, whatever" typical response. Went on a Sunday around 7pm, maybe a 15 minute way to get in. We got almost everything on the menu, I'll list everything we got in order from best to worst (not that anything was bad but some things were better than others). 1. Wings 2. Pork Belly Bun 3. Broccoli with vietnamese sausage 4. Poke 5. Hot oil dumplings 6. Spicy crab broth noodles Our waiter was really helpful and great to chat with. Recommend sitting at the bar because you get to watch two amazing chefs work like a well oiled machine. I'm currently in a severe food coma and I couldn't be happier.
(5)
Aruna A.
I have been reading and reading and hearing and hearing that Cheu Noodle Bar is off the hook amazing. So I finally decided to swing by and see what all the fuss is about... Well, what is all the fuss about? The fuss is about the YUMMY FOOD THAT THEY HAVE. And the decent beer list. And the fun music. And the daily rotating juice and ice tea. THAT IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT. Basically, this place is awesome. I had the coconut curry noodles, and I added an egg to it. Boy was it yummy. Really well flavored, not too spicy, and definitely well made. My friend ordered the yakisoba, which I found to be equally flavorful and yummy. The beer list is really well cultivated. The service was good. My only complaint would be that this place is TINY. I mean the size of a postage stamp tiny. Teensy weensy. It's really yummy, but it's not good for large parties. Also, if you get there at peak time, you may be waiting a bit. Can't wait to go back again and again!
(4)
Steve L.
Cheu's has to be one of the top 5 meals I have ever eaten. Everything about this place is amazing, from the food, to the service, to the signs in the bathroom. If I didn't live 600+ miles away from here, I would be here at least 2-3 times per week. My dining companion Liz and I set out on a mission to try as many items as we could in one meal. We succeded. We ended up enjoying the nightly dumpling special (among the best I have ever had), the broccoli, the black garlic wings, all three of their buns (get the pork belly), the Boloanasian, and the brisket (complete with a matzo ball). To top it off, they have daily, fresh pressed juice concoctions that you can easily throw a few shots into. Each dish was just as amazing as the last. Of all of the great eateries in Philly, this one shot right to the top of the list.
(5)
Hyun K.
I was pretty excited when I heard that Cheu Noodle had opened up down the block from my apartment. My coworker and I wandered inside one afternoon to try it out. It was crazy small inside and we were seated by the window at a very small table. Our server was polite and explained the menu to us and she brought out a plate of broken up Shin Ramen with the spice on top. I guess it's kind of cute that they use that as a "snack" but I think it's a bit lame too... Anyone can go to their supermarket and pick up a package of Shin Ramen and eat it raw.. It's nothing special. Plus, I could hear people around us complain about how spicy it is. The servers should remind customers about the spice level! The servers do suggest ordering about 3-4 appetizers per 2 people, but just ordering one app, and two noodles, it cost us around $35. Imagine ordering 3-4 apps on top of that! you'll be running a $50 bill for lunch. Crazy. My coworker and I decided to order the mung bean and burger buns, the pork belly ramen, and the duck pho. Our appetizer came out fairly quickly, although they gave us a pork belly bun instead of a burger one. We didn't complain about it. The buns were quite delicious. They came with a cucumber and cilantro on top. The pork belly was nice and juicy, with the right amount of fat on it. While the mung bean bun was tasty as well. My only quip is that they're pretty small. Our noodles took much longer to come out. When they finally did, we were starving! I had the pork belly ramen, and I was really looking forward to it. Which was my biggest downfall..... The broth was terribly watery, the egg was waaaay too under cooked for my taste, and though the noodles are made in house, they're not as great as you would hope. Think Hand Drawn noodle type noodles. I know that Cheu Noodle Bar is aimed towards americanized asian-fusion tastes, but that ramen... phew, what a train wreck. I'm too used to traditional Japanese ramen. It's like they took instant ramen beef flavored soup powder and mixed it in vegetable broth. The only good thing about the dish was the pork belly. My coworker had the duck pho and I tried some of it. It was definitely not your typical pho. The broth was oddly sweet, flat, and of course, watered down like the ramen. The noodles were the same as the ramen as well. The broth wasn't too terrible, which made it 94547563403 times better than the ramen, but this bowl of pho wasn't handed down from Jesus either. I could go to South Philly and pick up a bowl of pho for $7 that tasted a fajillion times better than Cheu Noodle's interpretation. Again, the meat was the only banger of the dish. The duck was great, and the fois grois meatballs were tender and so yummy. Would I go here again? maybe if I was starving and I was standing right in front of the restaurant. The only reason I'm giving it 2 stars instead of 1 is because their meat is delicious and their appys aren't too bad either. Please, please, please, fix your soup or just open up a meat only restaurant.
(2)
Chad W.
I have heard a lot of buzz about Cheu Noodle bar on twitter for weeks. So I was dying to try out one of Philadelphia's highest trending restaurants. The ambience was amazing, and the staff was so friendly. We sat at the bar where we had dumplings to start which were amazing. Then I choose to have the Brisket Ramon Bowl. Honestly was one of the best bowls or meals I have had in recent memory. Just the right amount of spice in the broth, mixed with the noodles, brisket, and a matzoball!! Amazing, can't wait to go back.
(5)
Jenny M.
Being an avid noodle fan, I was enthused to hear about this new noodle bar opening near where I lived! I understood coming into this restaurant that it was 'not-your-typical' Asian fare. But I love trying new things, and was looking forward to see what unique twists to the traditional they would bring. I was, however, very disappointed. This being a noodle place, one would expect the noodles to be the star item of the menu. Alas, this was not the case. We ordered the duck pho and the pork belly ramen, both of which came highly recommended by our server. (As a side note: both are the owners' "interpretation" of pho and ramen - they are very unlike the real thing...) Purported as handmade, the noodles were unlike anything I had before - very bitter and very gritty. Bland, undercooked - I can take... but this; I've never had anything that tasted so full of baking soda! They completely overpowered and flavored the broth with a strong, non-appealing aftertaste. The ramen broth in itself was much too thick as well. Neither of us could stomach more than a few bites of our dishes, which is a shame because the meat (fois gras meatballs, pork belly), was delicious!! It was just the noodles that ruined the overall flavor. We ended up splitting wings to make up for the noodles, which tasted much better! The staff/service at this restaurant, however, are wonderful. The bar layout of this place provides a comfortable & cozy atmosphere as well. In conclusion, if you are looking for a place to eat good noodles - I would direct you to the nearby Chinatown. If Cheu can better their noodle recipe (or expand their meat selections - I'm telling you, that pork belly was good!) - only then would I be back!
(3)
Josh S.
Nooooooodles!
(4)
John B.
Pork belly buns should be required on every visit. The broccoli is outstanding, I've loved every noodle dish I've tried and they always have creative specials. I wish there were more stars to give.
(5)
Eileen H.
Worth checking out if you're a ramen or noodle soup fan, but nothing to rave about. This place strays from the traditional preparation of ramen, but hasn't quite nailed down all of its twists. There are slight things here and there that are off (or maybe I am just a purist), and after I finished my dishes I was either left wondering if I liked their twists (i.e. the matzo ball) or wishing I had the traditional instead (marinated egg vs. the soft poached egg they give you). That said, their apps are a completely different story. The dumpling we got were the creamy corn and bacon, which tasted like corn chowder in a dumpling. That's not a great description, but if you are a corn chowder fan, you will love these dumplings! Surprisingly sweet and creamy, with just a hint of salty ummami from the bacon. They also had a BBQ pig tail dish, which looks almost like ribs. For some reason, I was expect curly octopus like tentacles on my place. The dish itself was very fatty, but the sauce was out of this world. In my opinion, the music was just awful, hipster music and the volume changed from being barely tolerable to an intolerable volume. Same thing with the lights, as they kept randomly dimming. Not sure what that's about, but it made for an anxious dining experience.
(3)
Ann X.
Dumplings in spicy oil? truffle aioli fries? Pork belly buns for only $2.5?! This gives momofuku a run for their money! I don't think it gets any better than this! Not only that, the owner Ben Puchowitz's passion and dedication shows in his food and he is very creative in his undertakings to perfect a menu that provides variety for the "foodie palette" as well as a different spin on food. The noodles brings together the perfect blend of szechuan, thai and chinese flavors to create a blissful, delicious flavor. In addition, they have a wide selection of beers including an IPA called flying dog snake dog. They also serve fresh juices such as dragonfruit, etc. Overall I give this place a 5!! Great tastes overall -- a must try, would definitely come back again for the baos and garlic wings!!
(5)
Sarah R.
Amazing cozy spot to go to on a cold winters night. Coconut curry noodles were divine, the host was hilarious and the music was fun. Their menu is small and so is the restaurant so be prepared to wait or go early. Would have loved a few more vegetarian options.
(4)
David E.
Reminds me of a Japanese ramen shop with an American twist. The miso ramen is fairly close to traditional and I like the poached egg. The unique dish was the Jewish version of ramen with brisket and matzah ball.
(5)
Dan W.
So I came here after all the hoopla on the foobooz site and because Matyson is an awesome byob(and who doesn't love delicious noodles). I have to say, had the burger and pork belly buns and they were excellent. Also had the BBQ crisp appetizer that had a great flavor yet it needed something to soak up the sauce. Finally had the lamb braised noodles and they were great. Again I wanted to soak up every ounce of the sauce. They should go against the norm and serve a nice crusty bread- blasphemy you might say but seriously something must be done to soak up these flavors. Now onto the bad part, the prices. Way too expensive for everything. Nan Zhou hand drawn noodles Isn't that far away and their delicious noodles are 3-5 bucks depending on either the peanut or soy pork sauce; Cheu's prices are around 11-15, and small to boot. Also sampan isn't far away with a great priced happy hour. I know Cheu is just starting up, so hopefully after a time they will be a little more affordable. This place is great with a comfy feel and a warm and inviting staff. I will be back, just not often or I'll be broke.
(4)
Pat M.
You can't go wrong with anything on the menu at cheu. The ingredients are fresh and thoughtfully added to make each dish well rounded. I do suggest the brisket ramen. Also the dumplings are always a good choice. Service is very quick and friendly. Good craft beer selection as well. One of my favorite places to eat in Philly.
(5)
M C.
Okay. So I've been on a small hiatus from Yelp but now I'm back and reeling on the new flavors landing in Philly. And speaking of new flavors, the Ramen scene seems to have gained popularity in Philadelphia. So, it's hard for me to dis on a place and especially Cheu since I love Ben Puchowitz's restaurant Matyson. I also really want to like Cheu because its ambience reminds of the BEST noodle bar in D.C. Toki. But the ambience is all it has going for it right now, especially after being charged $14 for a large bowl of a minimal amount of noodles in my Cold Sesame noodle order. How do you mess up Cold Sesame Noodles? And how do you warrant charging $14 for half the bowl of noodles? Was I paying for the ambience alone? I ordered Cold Sesame noodles on a really hot day in July thinking its your basic Asian meal, not too much can go wrong there and it won't break the bank. BOY was I wrong! First of all, the point of a noodle bar is overflowing noodles in your bowl not the other way around. And even though you don't want to stay authentic to a tradition of cooking ramen, the basics are still important. My noodles were too al dente. The pork belly was a nice touch but if that was the reason for the $14 bill then no thank you. The kimchee cucumber on top covered with chili oil was a nice touch but it was poorly done,the kimchee lacked the original balance of just enough sourness to just enouph spice to give it its umph. Instead it was doused with chili oil that took away from the flavor of the noodles. And even though Laban praised this dish as close to authentic my authentic asian palette states otherwise. For now I'll stick to the lesser of two evils and frequent the Ramen chain that is Terakawa. It's broth is on point and its noodles overflow the bowl. Ben, a small suggestion, don't stray too far from traditional flavoring when your dealing with oriental cuisine and don't rush to add too many culinary delights to the menu before mastering what your "noodle bar" is named after.
(2)
Michele R.
Use the Jin Ga as a mixer, try the fish ribs, & do NOT sit in front of the range at the bar unless you want a grease burn. :-)
(4)
Maeve M.
INCREDIBLE. The black garlic wings, nutty broccoli and - how is this even real??! - matzo ball brisket all blew my mind. Wacky and adventurous, Cheu rivals the best uber-authentic ramen joints I've been to. Great ambiance and the super friendly wait staff rounds it out. I only regret I was driving and couldn't try the awesome-looking cocktails. Philly people, go here!
(5)
John B.
I really like this place. Their Thai squash noodle soup is really fusion done right. I also love their bolognese noodle. The best part about their restaurant is the atmosphere. You sit at the bar you see the actions and the bar tables have a hook underneath for your coat (to which I exclaimed they really thought of everything!!)
(5)
Cory H.
Philly is doing it right with this place. Had recommended drinks that were delicious (bourbon with the daily made apple/ginger juice - awesome!) and we got the specials of the day as well. Glass noodles with tuna, beef dumplings, and then we each got our choice of ramen. Both amazing.
(5)
Julia W.
Ever since I happened upon Cheu Noodle Bar's Instagram accout a few weeks ago, I've been itching to check it out. From the pictures posted to Instagram alone, I could tell that their chef/owners constantly change up their menu, and everything looked so darn tasty. I finally had an opportunity to check it out this past week, and I'm happy that my friend and I decided to check it out on a weekday (Wednesday night) because the space is quite cosy and the bar not quite big enough had we wanted to grab a drink as we waited (about 10 mins). It was totally worth the snowy trek across town - we sat at the bar and ordered a couple beers as we looked over the menu. Sitting there, we had an opportunity to really soak in the hipster-ness of the place. I wouldn't describe myself as hipster, but I remember thinking that I was glad that I had taken a little time to pick out what I was going to wear that night. It was by no means dressy, but it's definitely not a place I'd wear sweats to. Anywho, when I go to a restaurant for the first time, I generally go big, so my friend and I ordered 3 appetizers and 2 entrees. To start we had the broccoli, black garlic wings, and a pork belly bun. And for our entrees we shared the yakisoba and brisket ramen. I was nervous that it might be too much food, but we had no problem finishing everything. The wings came out first, and boy were they meaty. Honestly neither of us had ever had black garlic so weren't sure how garlicky the wings would be (and I love garlic), so honestly it was my own fault that the wings weren't quite garlicky enough for me. That being said, the cilantro, sesame seeds, and sweet and savory sticky sauce was delicious and the wings super meaty. I'm glad we tried the pork belly bun, but honestly since we split it I can't really give a fair assessment of it. I think I may have to go back and eat an entire one for myself before I pass judgment. Preliminarily, however, it was as good of a pork belly bun as I've ever had. We both LOVED the broccoli appetizer. To be fair, I LOVE broccoli in pretty much any circumstance, but I thought it was cooked perfectly, and the fresh peanuts and sauce were a great compliment to broccoli's natural nuttiness. I will definitely be going back for more. Now, the entrees were tasty and filling and perfect for the frigid cold night that we went, but I can't say that I was blown away. The yakisoba was stick-to-your-bones good, especially with the creamy egg on top, but I didn't think it was seasoned as well as it could have been. The tofu was cooked perfectly, and the noodles not overdone, but it felt like some flavor was missing. The brisket ramen was flavorful and comforting, but I was a bit disappointed by how fatty the meat was. That being said, we slurped up every last drop of the broth. Next time I head to Cheu Noodle Bar - and there will definitely be a next time - I want to try their miso ramen and other entrees. I'm seriously loving their Instagram postings, so I'll definitely be keeping tabs on what specials they have and try to head over when I see something that looks especially tasty.
(4)
Steve M.
So Cheu's... Cheu's is small. Like, really small. If you're eating with two people and want to eat at the bar, then you're probably ok, but for four... four's tough. That said, we somehow got our party of four seated at one of the five tables in under ten minutes. The staff was incredibly attentive and friendly, and the ambiance of the place is vibrant and bustling. Unfortunately the food didn't fully live up to my high hopes and the fun of the interior. First, the good... - Black Garlic Wings: This was maybe my favorite dish of the night. An absolutely delicious sauce coating but not soaking a mound of thick, crispy fried wings. Not greasy, just salty and garlicky and addictive. - Ramen Noodles: I could eat this all day long. Pork shoulder, egg, sea beans and maybe the most delicious miso broth I've ever had. A big bowl of out-of-this-world. The pork was a tiny bit overcooked but I can live with that. - BBQ Pig Tails with Peach Kimchi: These were just what they should be: thick nuggets of pork soaked in sweet barbecue sauce. The peach kimchi... well either I sacrificed that to my sharing partners or I ate it and just didn't taste it, I'm hoping it's the former. I would have loved if this were more spicy, but still... delicious. ... and then the less-than-good: - Buns (Pork Belly / Fried Chicken): I got to sample each of these buns, and I wasn't blown away by either, I'm sad to say. I loved the little biscuit they were served on but found myself missing the classic steamed bao bun's texture, and the fillings just didn't light up my mouth like a more classic bun does (with hoisin and pickled veggies). - Dumplings in Chili Oil: Our dumplings of the night were pork and almond, two flavors I love but have never had together. They were good... but not out-of-this-world good as I'd hoped. I love dumplings, pork, almonds and chili oil, but somehow this didn't come together into the bold flavor I'd expected. Not quite spicy, not quite sweet, not quite salty... just almost-there on all fronts. - Lettuce Wraps with Foie Gras Meatballs and Plum BBQ: These were just not good. Dry meatballs, almost-no plum BBQ sauce, way too much veggie and lettuce to the point that the heart of the dish (the foie and plum) were lost. Plus they were served in a kind of pile, not in four distinct wraps, all so buried in veggies that it was hard to find how to pick it up and share it. This one was a miss. Brisket Noodles: A moderately good matzoh ball in a chili broth that you'd only know was a chili broth if I told you. The brisket itself was well-cooked, but the rest was a little bit boring. The online menu calls it a "Chile" broth so maybe it's just a non-spiced South American soup I'm not familiar with... but my money's on that being a typo.
(3)
Fiona S.
I went on a Sunday at 3:30, and it was surprisingly busy! I got the brussel sprouts with fermented squash to share and the coconut curry noodles, which were both delicious! I was afraid it would be too spicy, but it was perfect. Loved the hipster atmosphere and not-so-traditional Asian cuisine.
(5)
Chris J.
went here twice, got the miso ramen both times, and thought it was significantly better the second time. absurdly good the second time. cheeseburger buns are dope
(4)
Laura T.
Absolute must go. The dishes are always evolving and somehow keep getting better. Hard to pick favorites but the black garlic wings and the pig tails are standouts. Just tried the yakisoba and can't imagine a more delicious noodle dish.
(5)
Joe A.
We ate at Cheu for the first time yesterday and it was mighty impressive. The place is small with only a few tables and seating along the bar with a view of the open kitchen. We started with the buns appetizer, which I thought being it's a Asian Fusion cuisine would be more like Dim Sum, but the buns are comparable to sliders. We had the pork belly and the mushroom buns. The flavor was excellent and they clearly could be addictive if you order more than a few. We also had the noodles, Coconut Curry and Lamb Neck. Both were excellent. Great flavor and presentation and nicely spicy but you can add some heat with the chili oil or sriracha condiments on the table. The service was very attentive and the kitchen is immaculate. This place is really great and a nice addition to the middle village neighborhood.
(5)
Matt M.
"I thought that poached egg looked shady" A review of Cheu; 255 S 10th st. April 24, 2014 Cheu offers a modern take on classic asian dishes including BBQ pork and kimchi burrito, Bolognasian noodles, and the now infamous Miso Ramen. Aside from the pallet wood decor, the atmosphere is pleasent and relaxed, the food is great, the service is quick, and the prices are only slightly unreasonable. Having had a hair cut appointment down the street and a few extra dollars in the bank, I decided to treat myself for lunch today. 12:30 is the peak hours so my seat was directly next to the bar access and prep station. Watching the crotchety young "chef" prepare meatballs, pigs feat and other raw products a few feet from my meal was not all that appetizing. My Miso Ramen came only a few minutes after ordering, as the plump cooked shuffled through her station to concurrently make many of the same dish. Mine was only on the order-out bench for a few brief seconds until it was passed to me and the rest is history as they say. The noodle had a red and white miso based broth, seabeans, fermented garlic, braised pork shoulder, and a poached egg -- which was where I began. The meal itself was delicious and the music was pleasing and eclectic, I stirred and slurped down the dish quickly -- half due to hunger and half to get back to work within my typical hour break. Back at the office it was back to work to make the deadline tonight. A rendering cooking on this computer, one done on another, and some floor plans to fire out for tomorrow afternoon. All the movement had me a little queasy. I sat down at one of my stations half the office away to watch the computer render a few frames and let my stomach rest. Then came the headache, acute at first, then pulsing. My palms became sweaty and I knew it was just a matter of time. A few minutes in the bathroom and my lunch came forth like it was made from the excriment of a cow with a terrible case of BSE. Overall I would give the restaurant a restaurant a 2/10 with a generous five point deduction for food poisoning.
(1)
Daniel O.
Hands down my favorite place to eat in all of Philadelphia. The dumplings are always a must and always wonderfully creative, they've ranged from beef to loaded baked potato (which tastes like the best pirogi you will ever have.) The service is top notch, the brisket ramen is coco bananas good. My only complaint is that it's a little small so there can sometimes be a wait, but it's always worth it.
(5)
Katie H.
OMG. CHEU. I had a fantastic meal at Cheu. I'm not a very adventurous eater, so I was so terrified of trying the seared octopus, which was the special about a week or so ago. It was AMAZING. Literally, I wish I could've had an entire entree of it. It didn't taste fishy at all! I also got the Brisket bun, and it was amazing. It tasted like home cooking. I also got the brisket noodle bowl (I guess I was in a brisket mood, huh?) and that was amazing. A little spicy, but I'm very sensitive to spicy food, so don't listen to my opinion on those kinds of things! I love the ambiance of Cheu. Yes, it's small, but it is also very homey and I love being able to see the entire meal prep! Definitely going back!
(5)
Z B.
Small place with tight seating. The menu was okay selection wise, and the items we ordered (wings, brisket, rice cake, dumplings, curry noodles) were all okay. The best part about the place for me was the service.
(3)
Jae A.
Had a take out miso ramen. I certainly appreciated the broth with deep enough flavor and pork shoulder. Its ambience and rest of menu also intrigued me. I only wish I had enough time to enjoy the bowl sitting down at bar with a drink. Certainly worth of my returning visit! Hipefully, next time I will enjoy there.
(4)
Matt M.
I don't understand all the 3 star reviews on here. This is a solid new spot with great apps and homemade noodles for their soups. They make a perfect soft boiled egg that goes in some of the soup dishes, that I guess scared a few people? Also their kimchi is the best I've had so far in philly. Friendly service, fair prices, BYOB, fresh juices everyday and unique food combinations. We had the crispy rice cakes, kimchi, fish ribs, ramen noodles and hand torn noodles with lamb. I would definitely go back, remembering to bring a 6-pack and I need to try the wings, I hear they are awesome.
(4)
Steve T.
I grabbed some lunch with co-workers here and we were all very satisfied with the decision. The meal was absolutely delicious and service was pretty fast. My only complaint is that the portion size for the dumplings is a tad small. Other than that, I'll be visiting them again in no time. I recommend the Hand Torn with an egg. It's pretty incredible.
(4)
Vivian T.
Yummy white boy asian fusion. totally correct. I love their creative fusion options. Their ramen is really yummy. I have already been here twice and I came here the second time all ready to try their maztah ball and kimchi ramen. The server totally sold me on the special and I ended up ordering their pastrami ramen, which was totally amazing. Thick cuts of pastrami topped with a oozy poached egg on a bed of ramen- what is there not to love? I love their creative trials and I'm so glad they are willing to take risks to fuse white and asian cuisine- totally great. We also got their Ma po pork shoulder with rice cakes...and I totally loved it. I was most surprised by how spicy it was. I totally enjoyed it but I was surprised that a "white" place would serve something as spicy as that (normal spicy by asian standard). It was great. The spicy pork shoulder coupled with sticky browned hot rice cakes...chewy and satisfying...amazing all around. I also love their specials that includes unique dumplings. We got the date and pork dumplings topped with crunchy quinoa- again love their creativity that keeps my taste buds guessing! I now cannot wait to come back again just to try with matzah ball ramen open- but I'm sure I'll get distracted and order their special again. YAY! :)
(4)
Michael F.
Some foodie friends have been talking this place up to me so I finally decided to check it out, and it was definitely worth it. The dumplings of the day were Pork and Mung Bean, and they were decent. The dumpling dough is perfectly chewy and excellent as far as thickness. The filling I thought was a little under seasoned, but when I rolled it around in the Chili Oil, it was quite tasty. I also had the burger, which I thought was an unusual item to have on the menu for a noodle bar, but thought it would be interesting to try. The burger is on more of a denser bread than a typical bun, and the mustard greens and acidic sauces worked great together. The burger had a lot of Eastern flavors, but was still a burger, a well cooked one, at that. Enjoyed a quick tasty lunch for 12 bucks. As the temperatures rise this summer, I'll probably try the cold noodles and I think the ramen is calling for me this winter.
(4)
Kim S.
My boyfriend and I decided to try all the ramen places in the city and compare them. After reading all the dope reviews we were hopeful. We came with 2 other friends and not one of us thought it was anything special. The wings were a little better than average. The miso ramen was bland, and so was the brisket broth (although the brisket was alright), and I'm not sure what they were even trying to do with the Bolognasian. And I love watercress! The drinks were again, too pricey for what it deserves, even in Center City. All for of us left disappointed that we spent the money on such a big letdown. So to sum it up, this place is boiled down to one word. OVERRATED.
(2)
M L.
I was torn whether to give Cheu 3 or 4 stars. I liked the food, but nothing I ordered was especially amazing. Everything was reasonably tasty. I opted to order pickup because there always seems to be people waiting for a seat outside...figured if I'm going to guarantee food before 8pm I better order it to go. The folks in Cheu are incredibly nice and friendly. I felt a very warm atmosphere inside. The lighting was low, which is what I'd expect for dinner time but still on the dark side for me. The music was a tad loud for my taste during dinner but their taste in music was great...hip place, cool neighborhood find. Now the food. The pork belly bun was tasty, but the bun was grilled, so the texture was not the soft, luscious, pillowy bite I was hoping for. The pork itself was great. There was some kind of mayo sauce and pickles that added a nice texture and flavor. Next the kimchi. I should know better than to order kimchi EVER. No one makes kimchi as good as my mom. It was ok. I won't fault Cheu for kimchi because it was more an interpretation. Lovely presentation and as a cabbage side dish it was fine. The black garlic wings were good, but I wish they were saltier or spicier or something, just seemed to almost be right. The wings themselves were perfectly cooked though so I really appreciated the care they took. Now the mains. I tried both the ramen and the brisket (by the way, I didn't eat all of this myself, luckily I was ordering for others so I got to try a lot of things). The brisket is great. Definitely my favorite thing; perfectly cooked egg, right choice of noodles and lovely broth. Fall-apart brisket and matzo were perfect accompaniments. The ramen was good too. Not the best ramen I've had but I'm terribly spoiled with ramen. I think it was a good version, but not a rich and salty as I personally prefer. Would I eat here again? Yes! Do I recommend it? Yes! I have a tough palette to please, I love very spicy and salty foods, so when I eat "Asian fusion" fare, I'm generally quite displeased, but Cheu had some lovely elements and it is still a new place so I'd like to keep trying it to see how it develops over time.
(3)
Lisa E.
I'd give this place more stars if I could! I've loved this place from the very beginning. These guys know how to make noodles and how to pair them perfectly in all of their dishes. To be honest, I've been here more times than I can count now, and I've had a taste of basically the entire menu. Everything is always delicious! The ramen is a classic staple made here. All ingredients are fresh and perfectly paired with one another. It's also fun to watch them put this dish together - so much care is put into the presentation, too. The dumplings are also a highlight on the menu. Three little dumplings are served with chili oil and stuffed with whatever ingredients they are serving for the day - the combinations are awesome. I had a pork and pickle one a while back, it was divine! Other great appetizers are the black garlic wings and the bbq pig tails. Man, they know how to make sauces and put them together on these dishes. The broccoli with Vietnamese sausage is my go-to order, as well. This dish never fails with deliciousness and flavors! The staff is great, and they love their customers. It's a great open concept kitchen and the music is always turned up! Sit down at the bar, watch them cook, and enjoy an astouding meal!
(5)
Jeff B.
For the price, it's a decent cultural exploration into an odd style of dining. The restaurant is very packed even at off times sure to a lack of seating, and the tables are so small you'll kick the person across from you at least a few times. The food itself is an interesting mix of American cuisine and Asian culinary style, which provides a fresh experience, but the novelty end quickly as you realize the dish lacks both the true flavors of Asian and doesn't stand out as the best brisket you've ever eaten. All in all the restaurant wasn't a bad place to eat, but it's refusal to conform to the authenticity of its adopted styles is both its selling point and its downfall.
(3)
Eileen T.
We ate at Cheu Noodle for the first time last week. The place is small (10 seats at tables and maybe 10-12 seats at the bar) and it is a popular place but tables turn quickly. The energy is great, and the food is really good and affordable. My husband and I split these dishes: Lamb neck noodles, Chinese sausage and beef dumplings, Charred Brussels spouts. Each dish was tasty and well-prepared. They only offer one kind of beer on tap, but it was very good. We will definitely go back.
(4)
Lan H.
First and foremost: my brisket noodles had one of the most tender brisket slices my mouth had ever encountered. Yay! Please do not take my review as one by a novice who doesn't quite appreciate the hipster scenery that makes up Cheu Noodle Bar. On the contrary, take it as one by an open-minded Yelper who doesn't feel so comfortable having a bowl of noodle soup at a bar-like establishment. I wanted to try to like the atmosphere so badly - no doubt I enjoyed watching the chefs incessantly prepare the food. Entertainment to say the least :-) Ok, I will shut up and stop writing so that I can think about coming back to Cheu and trying out more of the food. I work close by, so it's not like I can avoid the possibility of re-visiting ;-)
(3)
Stephanie H.
I don't want to say how good this place is because I don't want it to get more busy but.. damn, this is the best noodle bar!
(5)
Alli S.
This place is delicious. Loved every bite. Brisket, miso ramen and coconut curry were terrific, as were the dumplings and buns. I went a few months ago and I can't believe I haven't been back yet, as I have actually had cravings since then based on that one visit. I think some people need to keep in mind that it's not supposed to be a traditional noodle bar experience...these guys are cooking what they like to eat. Some of the flavors are what I would call "stoner food." That is not an insult - far from it!
(4)
Nelli C.
I would have given this place 4 stars had it not been for 2 things that really bothered me. So background to how we came up to this place. Came here with my boyfriend when we were in Philadelphia for a business trip. The place is small and cozy. When we got there, it was 9pm and had been walking around in 20degree weather, so we were down for something warm. Here is where half a star leaves the rating. The hostess did not look like she wanted anyone coming in. She had a little attitude when she told us to stand by the ramen wall. When seats were available, the hostess took her sweet time cleaning up despite people waiting to be seated. I understand the place is a little cramped but it does not take 10mins to clean a table, especially if the table is literally 3x3. The waiter and waitress were wonderful and after we had ordered I was watching the chef cook. The other half star for the following: The entire time the chef was cooking, she would pull her phone out and text. That's disgusting! She wasn't wearing gloves also. The chef is picking up up ingredients with her hands that she just used to text and puts them into the bowls they're serving! Now onto the food. My bf and both got the miso ramen with the spicy bean paste as an add on. The broth was good but after adding the spicy bean paste and mixing in the egg, it got creamy and even better. If I was back in Philadelphia, I might consider coming back but probably if it was a last resort.
(3)
Allison S.
Wonderful Lunch Fantastic Food, Friendly Service, they were so accomodating, we had a party of 4 . They recognised one of our Parties Birthdays, shich was greatly appreciated and One of the guests was on a Low Carb diet and you would think that would be a challenge at a Noodle place but Fear Not the Staff and Kitchen are totally accomodating Making the Best Low Carb Soup you will Ever have. We will surely be back!!Thank you
(5)
Christine B.
I was lucky enough to get a preview at one of the Matyson pop-ups, so I was really looking forward to Cheu. I finally got a chance to go on a rainy Thursday for lunch when I had a meeting at Pennsylvania Hospital. The bar counter is nice for eating solo. Pretty sure Shawn was my server part of the time, and he was super friendly. I tried the dumplings in chili oil which were a brisket, onion, and date combination. These were some of the best dumplings I've ever had. They should do dim sum on the weekends. I also tried the ramen which was a huge bowl of noodles, egg, pork belly, and sea beans. I've been to Japan, and I know they aren't doing traditional food, but all I really care about is taste, and this was really good. It didn't taste too salty either, although I got really thirsty in the afternoon so I suppose it was on the saltier side. A lot of people around me had the brisket noodles, and someone ordered the BBQ pork and kimchi burrito which looked awesome. The kitchen is totally open so you can watch everyone cooking. I really enjoyed everything about this spot and I'll be going back for dinner soon!
(4)
Christian L.
Very accommodating service and tasty food. Really good informal place to go with friends, definitely friendly on the budget. A nice twist on a staple food group (ramen), and makes for a good lunch too. It's nice they serve beer.
(4)
Carly B.
This place deserves a solid four star, which is pretty good considering the fact that most Asian-fusion restaurants that I've been to are, in my opinion, REALLY bad. Most of the appetizers on the menu are very good. I would recommend: Tomato + Watermelon salad Black Garlic Wings BBQ Pig Tails Crispy Rice Cakes I've only had the ramen, so I can't really say much about their noodles. The ramen is very delicious; the broth is rich and, unlike many noodle bars, not terribly salty. The pork is nice and tender, and the raw egg is a nice touch. Their freshly brewed iced teas are also good. I had the Jasmine Thai-Basil tea; a bit too subtle for my taste but nevertheless refreshing. However, they could have put the iced tea in a bigger glass, or maybe refill it. Service was also really good. Both attentive and friendly. The food is not exceptional, but I would definitely go back.
(4)
Mia W.
The coconut curry is amazing!!! Very cute, small place, with great food and beer selections. Great for a casual date.
(4)
Ellen H.
This place rules!!! The black garlic sauce on the wings is incredible. I wish they delivered so i could have it at work right now! And the staff is super friendly and fun. Everyone in philly needs to go here!
(5)
Alyson C.
Went on a Wednesday night and it was packed. Had a cozy seat at the bar. Me and the bf shared a couple beers and small plates to start. The mushroom buns were a delish vegetarian option that didn't feel "vegetarian". We shared a bowl of ramen, which was pretty disappointing for a ramen bar. The broth was really lacking in flavor and depth. Overall, it was a decent, trendy place with good service, but I just don't see what all the hype is about.
(3)
Huong N.
This is a cute little comfy bar with great service and delicious food. The dumplings are amazing. Great music! Upbeat and great vibes and energy in here and yummy cocktails :) if ever in Philly again I will be back!!!
(5)
rey b.
i would pilgrimage pretty damn far for a stellar bowl of ramen, so this was an obvious choice when my friend brought it up as an idea for a saturday lunch. went in with high hopes that this would be my new spot, since so many downtown korean spots closed in the last few years. yes, i know ktown is not that far. we shared the dumplings & i had the pork ramen. i really wanted to love this bowl of ramen, but i didn't. i could live on ramen, i truly could, but not this ramen. i am thinking i need to come back to give this place another chance. i know i have been spoiled by totto & ippudo, so i really wanted cheu to be the local hero! the broth was bland & the texture of the noodles did not have the texture i was hoping for. the dumplings were flavorful & i would definitely order them again. i like the owners kept to the intimate noodle house environment, small & cozy. some of my favorite noodle houses require adjustment to ideal personal space. the service was attentive. all in all, this place is probably worth it's weight, but not for the ramen. maybe i am just a purist when it comes to noodles...leave the trendy embellishments at the door & bring the rayu!
(3)
Carla W.
Wings are crispy, flavorful paradise. Brisket ramen is something I will crave and return for. Really cool spot and interesting twist on many dishes you could get "traditional" style a million other places. It's nice to be surprised. Matzoh balls, foie gras meatballs, scrapple- all on the menu. There's a lot of delicious twists and turns and much I will return to try. The best part is the service. One of the owners saw I was preggers and made sure I got my Ramen without the egg and offered the bag of dry noodles they give as a snack while you wait so that I could check that the ingredients were all safe for me. As you can see, I haven't written many reviews but this place was worth a mention for the service alone. The menu is an added perk.
(5)
Stephen S.
I've always been a fan of supporting new restaurants when they open up in my neighborhood. I popped by Cheu Noodle Bar the first week to see if it was worthy of adding to my regular eating rotation. I really wanted to like this place. When my wife and I walked in, the decor was modern, fresh, and clean. The background music was well chosen and added to the hip ambiance. In terms of the food, it could really use some work both in terms of taste and pricing. We started out with the Broccoli and peanut appetizer which was actually quite tasty. Unfortunately the portion was minuscule and was finished in nearly three bites. For a $7 broccoli appetizer, I'm expecting a little more product on the plate. I mean how much does broccoli cost now a days anyway? If you walked a few blocks down the street, you could get some calamari or a tasty salad at Kanella BYOB for $8. For the next course, we both tried the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup. It was a decent sized bowl of soup but the broth lacked the depth and character of other Pho soups that we've tried. The meat also had a bit too much fat that needed to be picked off before being consumed. You can have the same sized bowl of soup at Pho 75 (BYOB) on Washington Ave. for a mere $5.75 versus the $13 we paid at Cheu. On a positive note, the service was friendly and the owners and servers were very interested in making sure that you had everything you needed. I just couldn't stomach paying over $40 for 2 bowls of soup and some broccoli. From reading these reviews, I see that I'm in the minority, but I just feel like these ratings are padded or something. I mean I'm no statistics major, but take a look at the "ratings distribution" it just seems a bit abnormal. April and May the reviews were mixed and averaged out to 3 starts. In June the ratings went through the roof... go figure?
(2)
Doodly D.
This place is good for what it is: an american take on asian street food. It is not a ramen place, it does not serve "authentic ramen" (which I think most American believe is Hakata ramen?). It does, however, serve high quality tasty street food that is different from everywhere else. Their pork belly is great, either in noodles or in bun form. Their lamb noodles is superb, the pickled mustard greens is a great contrast to the chewy wide hand torned noodles and lamb. My only complaint is that the place is expensive.
(5)
Isaac T.
Wings and lamb neck noodles are great
(5)
Christy B.
I went to 2 new restaurants this weekend; one a local, very large, highly regarded sports bar, and the other a brand-new, teeny-tiny spot that opened basically on my front door. Out of the two, I couldn't wait to get home and Yelp about one-- the currently unmarked treasure that is Cheu noodle bar. We went a little late on Sunday night, and was surprised at how tiny the spot was. There was a wait, but fortunately it moved quickly and we were seated at the bar in under 10 minutes. Our waitress was cute and attentive, and very familiar with the menu. She was able to point us in the right direction for menu choices, and every dish was more delicious than the last. To start we had sweet and sour cucumber, garlic broccoli, and some sort of eggplant dish. All three were unlike anything I've tasted before, and they were all amazing. Then our main courses came; I got the Duck Foie Gras pho, and he got the lamb neck noodles. Even though the mix of fancy elements with Asian street food was a little intimidating to me, the taste was out of this world. I want to go back right now and repeat this entire dining experience, and my dining companion asked if this place could be visited frequently in our dinner spot rotations. Endearingly, the bar faces the the cooking area, and we were lucky enough to watch the head-chef in action. This place was amazing, and I can't wait to get back and eat more of exactly everything I got last time, plus some new sides. :)
(5)
Nhu V.
If you're looking for a bowl of Vietnamese pho or steam buns, this is not the place for you. You would be happier going to a place in Chinatown. You will not be able to find pho with overbundance of rice noodle, steak and meatball. Instead, you'll get homemade ramen; foie gras meatballs that have the perfect balance of the richness of foie gras and the texture of a meatball; slices of duck flank steak that are softer than filet mignon and look nothing like duck; and amazing flavors that are packed in every bite. I find the techniques and skills that go into making an Asian dish foreign to Asians extremely remarkable. Every dish we ordered was a pleasant surprise. There was so little Korean in my favorite Korean dishes - fried chicken, rice cake and kimchi - that this might be the only restaurant where I can find my new favorite "Korean dishes." I believe it was intentional that chef Ben did not do a perfect replica. With that, please don't judge the restaurant based on "authenticity." I haven't seen a poached egg perfected until I've eaten here (no clear eggwhite, the yolk is between liquid and solid so that when you take a bite of the yolk, it doesn't run but remain in shape). It was not meant to be a seasoned hanjuku tamago. As far as cost goes, the quality of ingredient and taste is much better than Chifa and Morimoto at a more affordable price.
(5)
Van L.
I went on a Friday night with a friend and fortunately did not have to wait. It was surprising to see how small and intimate it was. The interior was really neat and the atmosphere was casual and inviting. On to the food, started off with the pork belly bun--was phenomenal. As the night went on, we settled with some cold sesame noodles, garlic wings, and pork dumplings in chili oil. The food was great but for those prices, one could definitely go to Han Dynasty for cheaper and better cold sesame noodles, Soho for the wings, and any joint in Chinatown for the dumplings. Don't get me wrong the people at Cheu are on the right track but their dishes just needs that extra kick of flavor.
(3)
B. P.
The dumpling of the day was chicken and watercress and not very good. We ordered two different noodle soups. The miso broth was pretty good though I didn't really like raw veggies in the soup. The other noodle soup we got (brisket) was terrible- no flavor at all.
(3)
Jeff M.
Very good. The wings were very tasty and the matzoh ball brisket ramen bowl was pretty amazing. The pork belly bun was good too, but it is not on the traditional bun and was on the smaller side.
(5)
Sophia S.
I came here with a group of four and had a great experience. There are tons of interesting appetizers to try--we had dumplings with corn and mushrooms, wings, and some specials that are escaping me. Each of us also got an order of noodles. These are not chinatown noodle house portions, but they also aren't chinatown noodle house ingredients. Interesting, fresh, and tasty. Plus its a great deal and BYO to boot. Great addition to 10th street!
(4)
Lili B.
First time at this place and I was extremely satisfied with the food and the service. My friend and I went there on a rainy friday evening and the place was just packed. We waited about 10 minutes to be seated and got to look at the menu while waiting. We ordered 2 pork belly sandwichs, the duck foie gras meatball, and a pork belly ramen soup (we just shared everything). Since i bookmarked this place, I have been waiting to try the pork belly sandwich based on the pictures so my expecting were pretty high and i was not disapointed. it was just delicious. The meatball were tasty and the ramen soup is definitely something I will order again. The service was just Exceptional. The waitress was on top of her game. I told her a little late I was very sensible to spicy food and she was like: " if you find it spicy, i will just ask to have a new one made". I will definitely go to this place again (and a definite plus: it is BYOB")
(5)
Colin G.
2nd time there..it's great. easy take-out option is a plus
(4)
O B.
Ate the kimchi (okay) , seaweed seasame cucumber noodles (good) , miso mushroom asparagus noodles (good), and long beans (best of the dishes I tried). The food would have been tasty, but all of the dishes were extremely salty!! Would have been better with less salt. Ate several hours ago and I still cannot quench my thirst despite drinking lots of water. Venue is tight. Since it was crowded got take out instead. If you are eating with a vegetarian, I would not recommend it. It seems like the big attraction for this venue is their meat.
(3)
Susanne F.
Cheu is a must go to. Their ramen and Brisket noodles are divine! I could eat either of these dishes once a week, easily. I'm a bit sad they removed the Bahn Mi but I will live. The mix and fusion of foods is really delicious as well as unexpected. Looking forward to the winter and eating here a lot.
(4)
R. M.
Just finished dining at Cheu noodle. I live right across the street and was excited to try it out. Throughout the week I had been salivating at the thought of a nice restaurant moving across the street. I think all of this salivating made me so hungry that upon returning home from Cheu I was still hungry. I am a petite 5 foot 2 girl. Usually it doesn't take much to fill me up but today, it just was not the case. I did share some of my meal with a friend but they did not eat much of it. I ordered the wings which were great. They were the right amount of crispiness. Following this, I had the dumplings and the Lamb which was all great. However, after spending 30 dollars, I can only justify going here after work instead of Sampan's Happy Hour because it is literally across the street from me.
(3)
Frank L C.
Casual atmosphere, BYOB while they are waiting for a license. We had an exdellent meal, noodles and dumplings. The dumplings were excellent, the ramen decent, and the lamb with glass noodles superb. Atmosphere was a bit noisy, but that is very consistent with the customer base--young, hip, and cool.
(4)
Francis G.
For the price I feel this place is a little overrated. The food is mediocre and the drinks are ok. I can't complain about but I'm also not raving. I think the portions are a hot small for what you pay. A bowl a noodles should be somewhat filling to the average adult. I wasn't disappointed per say, it was just an all around Meh considering all the hype.
(3)
Claudia B.
i walked over at 645 on a sunday evening to pick up some noodles on my way home. 55 minutes later i left without my noodles having been harassed by an incredibly rude manager and having paid my bill 2 minutes after arriving as asked. i pity his poor abused staff. the boss was determined to serve everyone who's order came in but had a seat before i got my silly noodle bowl. really? had i been told that that was the policy upon arrival i obviously would have thanked them and left. they kept saying almost ready.... inexcusable. shame on him!
(1)
Douglas D.
Food taste good. But, damn, can I get some noodles with my noodles?
(2)
Katie C.
Foods Ok but the wait is not! The place fits 20 ppl max, how can they not handle that? Me and from the sounds of it, all the other neighbors, are OVER IT. You want some real soup? Pho ha blows this place away, with no wait :)
(2)
Eric R.
Cheu is awesome. The brisket matzo ball pho is unreal and the buns are phenomenal. Go here now.
(4)
Lee F.
While the wait was pretty long, it was certainly worth it for the best noodles I have ever had. Every item we ordered was delicious, but the best were the curry noodles. Even though the place was completely packed the staff was very attentive and friendly. Had a great selection of beers and ciders plus a few interesting cocktails I am looking forward to trying next time. The place is very noisy and they pack it pretty tightly, so it's certainly not for every occasion but if you are looking for good noodles you won't find anything better.
(5)
Holly T.
Cheu Noodle Bar is by far the best eating experience I've had recently. We had overdone it the day before, so we were craving a light but delicious meal, and Cheu Noodle Bar hit the spot. We came for lunch on a weekday and I was worried there would be a line out the door, but we managed to get lucky and snagged a prime table by the windows. We started with an order of the dumplings, which that day consisted of chicken, mushroom, and corn. They were absolutely wonderful. We also shared an order of the broccoli appetizer, served with Vietnamese sausage and peanuts; it was a delicious combination of flavors. It was a warm summer day, so we shared an order of the cold jade noodles. The noodles were delightful in flavor, complemented by fresh veggies and chilled crab meat, and very refreshing. We washed everything down with a few craft cans, our only regret being that we could not eat the entire menu in one setting. We'll be back!
(5)
Steve I.
Had a really fantastic lunch at this small place. The servers and staff were very friendly and efficient. The food was excellent. We arrived at 1:15 on a Friday and the place was not crowded I believe that when they a full it could be a little tight, but the food makes up for any lack of space. This is a real Asian Fusion place, the lamb dumplings had just the right amount of heat kick from a chile oil base. The lamb was very flavorful. The real fusion item was the Brisket matzo ball kimchi soup with egg noodles, one of if not the best matzo ball soups I have ever had, again the soup had just the right amount of heat and very tender flavorful brisket. The Broccoli with Vietnamese sausage with peanut topping was a fresh interesting combination that without the peanuts would have been at home on any Italian table. The cold sesame noodles were good but did not stand out as much as the other items we tried.Next visit I have to try the Cheu Fries with miso truffle, they looked fantastic.
(4)
Gerard Z.
Great place. Not a ton to it, just a noodle bar done right with innovation and little pomp. Price is right, food is delicious, service is great. Broccoli and brisket noodles are musts.
(4)
robert f.
Some of the best dishes we've had. The duck tacos and the "bolognasian" was also terrific.
(5)
Ancy T.
I like this place - hipster galore! The black garlic wings and the miso Ramen are a must. The staff is SO FRIENDLY, service is great and food takes no time at all. They are always busy, but their service is so efficient that it's not a terrible wait. Their drinks are also on point. I'm not a huge fan of the dumplings and I didn't really like the meatballs in spicy crab broth - i actually thought the meatballs were terrible. I know my favorite items here so I'd definitely go back.
(3)
Matt And Dene M.
I had the dumplings in chili oil and brisket. The dumplings were okay, nothing spectacular. They did have tiny pleasant crunchy pieces of something on top. Panko maybe? The kimchi, Matzo ball, with the brisket were delicious. They brisket had a great flavor. I had the sense that another flavor would have put the meal over the top to awesome. Maybe an herb or another spice? The salt factor was a tad high for my liking. The meal was good enough to go again to try another option. Next time I will get take-out because honestly I can't forgive the wait time.
(3)
Stefanie Y.
Cheu has really come into its own. When I was last here half a year ago, I was less-than-impressed, but this time, the staff was friendlier and the ramen was close to perfect. We came for a late lunch, minutes before they were supposed to close at 3pm. The waiter still good-naturedly accommodated us, providing fast and attentive service. The noodles were chewy, and whereas last time they were a little clumpy, this time, they were perfect. The broth was not too salty and somehow managed to be full flavored and (refreshingly) light at the same time. The meat was meltingly tender, though a little broken-up for my tastes, and the soft-cooked egg was perfect. We also ordered a special grapefruit juice, whose tart flavor complimented the ramen and served nicely as a palate cleanser. After eating ramen, I often fall into a sodium stupor and feel mildly ill for at least half a day, but after Cheu ramen, I felt pleasantly full. The attentive service and delicious ramen made for a much-improved experience.
(4)
Manna F.
I had a positive experience at Cheu Noodle Bar, but for me, it did not live up to the hype. As others will surely tell you, do not expect anything similar to Japanese ramen. As my boyfriend and I are Japanese, it was very difficult for us to divorce the idea of a bowl of noodles from ramen, so perhaps this was the reason I cannot give Cheu a perfect rating. However, it's definitely an adventurous time. We ordered the beef dumplings, Brisket noodles, and the Spicy Shrimp Broth noodles. The dumplings had a wonderful gingery bite and the chili oil was not too strong. However, I would remove the fried quinoa if I could as they tended to get stuck in your teeth and linger in your mouth far longer than the enjoyment of the dumpling. The soup of the brisket noodles had strong hints of Korean cuisine and was flavored similarly to the sour and spicy taste of kimchi. The brisket was perfectly soft and I was surprised at how well the matzo ball worked with the broth. The spicy shrimp broth noodles were a bit of a let down as the hero of the dish, the fried shrimp balls were minuscule and did not add too much to the experience. The broth was clearer, light, and had a lot of Vietnamese notes. The combination of raw onions, bean sprouts, and shrimp balls was not a home-run for me. The vibe and service is excellent, and this place definitely worth at least one try.
So I've been to Cheu a number of times and it's usually great. But this past time was an interesting and unpleasant experience. I left quite unsatisfied. Service - weird and subpar to their norm. Looking past the fact the our waitress forgot to put in our order of noodles and kept us waiting for an extra 20-30 minutes. And looking past the fact that given the delay, they talked up this "discount" they were giving us (literally spoke about it 3x to us even though it was completely unsolicited) but it turned out to be a generous "discount" of $5 on a $50+ bill. I got a poor suggestion for my order. It's the food that matters and when my appetite is left unsatisfied that's a deal breaker for me. Food - usually their dumplings are awesome. Cheeseburger dumplings: flavor is too overwhelming. We left the last one b/c we weren't fans and they were so shocked they just left the plate on our table the entire meal....finally they cleared it at the end and even then the bus boy asked us again, for the 5th time, if we wanted it. No. We didn't or else it wouldn't still be in the plate. Coconut Noodles: weird. Not a good weird. When I asked the waitress what she thought she told me it was good but she always adds something to it. Little did I know I NEEDED to add something to it to make it a satisfying meal. It is very spicy. Hotness took over the flavor and I'm more about flavor than burning my tongue. Not in it for the thrill...in it for the taste. It really just tasted like hot sauce with a dab of coconut water. Some basil/mint flavoring but not enough basil/min could save it. Wasn't horrible but certainly wasn't good or even satisfying. The worst is leaving a restaurant hungry. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unless you wanted to add so much to it, making it a different dish. Which in that case you could just order a different dish. I would stick with the classics. In conclusion, stick with the classics and you'll be very happy. If you don't have your noddles but everyone that was seated 20 min after you has their noddles ... ask about it. And when they offer a completely unsolicited discount expect it to be so meager it's almost embarrassing they mentioned it. Other than that I would have given them 4 stars!!!
(2)
Alex A.
Good ramen. Have tried this place 3 times, trying some ting different every time. Haven't been dissapointed. Every ramen shop will be a little different. My favorite places are still on the west coast, but I'm glad cheu noodles is here. Def recommend
(4)
Nicole H.
Delicious ramen, duh. The dumplings (whatever the special is, just get it) were also tasty. The place is very, very small - I'd call it cramped - so be prepared. There's also often a long wait, though I was there on a Tuesday night around 6 pm and was lucky to get at able for two without a wait. Only other negative is I do think it's just a tad overpriced. I mean, it is still soup and noodles (with perhaps a little protein), so leaving down over $20 for a soup and a few dumplings is a little more than I would've liked. But it's by no means not worth it - if you're a ramen fan, or are thinking of trying it, Cheu is a fantastic choice.
(4)
Payal P.
Can't wait to go back! First time here while in the neighborhood and having heard such great things I decided to go for dinner. The wait staff is super friendly, the open kitchen rocks and the noise level is on point! I got their beer on tap, I forget the name but I believe a local IPA that was priced well. Then to start I got a mushroom bun that was so good I'm sad it was only 1 and a 3-biter. For my dish I got the cold sesame 3.0 I was debating between 2 and the waitress told me she preferred this one but I wasn't going wrong either way. She warned me it was a cold dish. When it arrived it was room temp which I didn't mind as I usually don't like cold foods. I opted to add mustard greens on it and they were amazing! I like the chili oil supplied on the table, it added the pop I was looking for. Yup, can't wait to return!
(5)
Yun W.
This noodle place would get 3 yelp stars at most if it were in the Bay Area. It's a good thing that it has relatively little competition in Philly, and actually is quite popular here. We were a party of two and came on a rainy Thursday around 7:30pm. Surprisingly, there was a crowd (a lot of people wanted soup on a rainy day!) and we had to wait for a short time (~15 minutes). Pork belly bun - 2 stars - this was pretty disappointing. The pork belly wasn't very flavorful, and the bread was more English-muffin like than the traditional bun. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/cheu… ) Duck tacos hoisin, banana blossom, cucumber - 2 stars - Not quite what I expected. The hoisin sauce and duck worked fine, however, the duck meat itself had an odd taste - it was either not fresh or undercooked. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/cheu… ) Miso Ramen - 4 stars - I liked the combination of sprouts, egg, seaweed. The veggies could have been more leafy (vs a stalk in the soup), and the pork could have been thinly sliced vs chunks, but not bad overall. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/cheu… ) Come here if you must, but I personally think Ramen Bar in University City is much better.
(2)
Margo K.
HUGE Cheu fan. My review is based on two dinner visits and many more day dreams, including one that is happening now. The restaurant is small, clean, cozy, and fun. The service is efficient and friendly. The tables are packed in, but this doesn't take away from the experience. The menu is small, which reassures you that you can't go wrong no matter what you decide to order. During my first visit, I went with the pork belly bun, and the Brisket ramen. Delicious. During my second, I got Yakisoba 2.0 because I can't not get a dish that involves radishes. The ramen portions are such that I can actually finish them in one sitting without feeling stuffed. All of the food looks beautiful when it's served (#eatingfortheinsta). I can't think of anything more I would want out of a noodle place, or any place for that matter. I'll come back again and again, especially for their ever changing specials.
(5)
John R.
This place almost hit my Five star sweet spot! Haha! The only reason why I just can't do five stars was the dishwear to be completely blunt and maybe shallow? This to me is such a minor point but when a place is teetering on the brink of greatness it matters, IMHO! What didn't I like about the dishes? Well, when I was in college I was in a fraternity and we were too cheap and rowdy to have nice things so all of our meals used these cheap awful plastic cups, and when I ordered my $8 drink, it arrived in one of these horrid little vessels. I also abhor those cheap, wooden, break-apart chopsticks used in take out Chinese places, and when I ordered my $15-$20 bowl of wheat noodles with an egg in it, I was expected to eat it with the awful take-out chopsticks. Needless to say after dropping 100 bones on myself and my two guests, I was a little more than pissed off that I spent that on cheap noodles with cheap egg, served with bottom of the barrel utensils, and frat boy cheap glassware. For the profit margin this place has I expect a better investment in the experience/ambiance/decor and I for that reason I am not excited to go back in the near future. I will say that I did give them four stars, because aside from the insulting, cheap-at-the-expense-of-the-customers-experience, masquerading as 'hipster' dishware, The place actually did have some talent when it comes to combining flavors. The Miso Ramen was really good and flavorful, and I was told they started as a wing place so I ordered the black pepper wings, and I must say they were to die for. Best wings I've ever had. Come to think of it, if they quadrupled the wing quantity and greatly lowered the price I'd give them five stars and come back every week. LOL.
(4)
Andrew Y.
4-stars! Yayyyyy!! I am TOTALLY a fan of this place! My friend had reference a post for the best ramen locations to try in various cities across the states. Cheu Noodle Bar came up as one of these locations. My first time here was about 6 months ago, and it did not disappoint. Great location, close to city center! Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this establishment again, and it was as great as the first time! My dish of choice? Miso ramen with extra pork belly. Seating is somewhat limited, as the location is rather small, however if you get a chance to visit Philly, this is definitely a must try! Well done Cheu Noodle Bar! 4-stars! Well-deserved!~
(4)
Claire L.
Best noodles! Miso ramen is my favorite. Dumplings in chili oil are also delicious. The wait for a seat can be very long (45-60 minutes) but it's so worth it.
(5)
Shintaro K.
What I had: Miso ramen. Benchmarks: Terakawa, Cozara and Nom Nom Ramen....but not really. I respect their original approach to ramen as opposed to (falsely) claiming authenticity. That is why my comps are not Sumire (Sapporo), Santoka (Asahikawa) or Ajiyoshi (Sendai) ... Ippudo's Akamaru (if you call that miso). Out of the gate, let me say that this is probably my favorite place for ramen in Philly. You are probably wondering then, why only 3 stars? Well, here's the breakdown: Noodles: Classic Sapporo - Nishiyama style. Textured, thicker noodle with sodium carbonate additive. Noodles were cooked appropriately. Soup: Clean, uncomplicated, single animal broth...perhaps chicken? Miso used was uninteresting. So here's the tough part - "balance". The classic Nishiyama noodle was developed to pair with a heavy tonkotsu centric Sapporo miso style developed in the 1950's. The balance between the soup x noodles is just not there. Next - "miso". I do understand that artisan miso is hard to get in the US, but using so-so meee-so makes it a disappointing experience. NOTE FOR OTHER YELPERS. 1. Real kimchee gets the sour taste from fermentation. 2. Sprouts and egg are NOT supposed to cook through. This ain't pho.
(3)
Lilli C.
On a Friday night at around 8PM, the place was a bit busy. Luckily we were able to wait at Locust Bar and they called us in about 30 minutes when there was a table ready. The service here was fantastic- the waiter was super chill, like an old buddy you'd grab a beer with. I loved my brisket ramen that also came with kimchi and a perfectly cooked matzo ball. The brisket was super tender and the broth was quite flavorful. The chili garlic wings were also fantastic - crispy and huge. My boyfriend got the spicy crab noodle special they had which I didn't like as much. The noodles were thick chow fun noodles that were sort of clumped together and the broth tasted like a vat of chili oil. Next time I'd like to try the more traditional miso ramen though- I was lured by the excitement of the non-traditional brisket ramen this time.
(4)
Amanda C.
I write this 3 star review with caveats on both ends. If it were just for the service we received today, this would be a 2 star review at best. If it were just for the food, I'd probably be with the rest of the crowd hovering around 4 stars. But when you wait 55 minutes for takeout, while everyone who entered the restaurant AFTER you is already eating....and you're treated like a nuisance for daring to be a 6 person party at 12:15...and ordering a third soda ellicits a grand sigh...it's kind of hard to give a place full props for their delicious miso broth, perfectly soft cooked egg or tender pork shoulder. Even soft, sticky pork belly buns that melt in your mouth are hard to enjoy when you are 20 minutes late from your hour work lunch and you still have to eat at your desk. My advice? Go. Get this food. In fact, call ahead no matter what time of day so they have time to prepare your noodles. Because they are, in fact, delicious. (As my cohort pointed out, this is not authentic Japanese ramen, but rather a hipster hybrid ramen.) But please, oh, please don't try to come at peak times and place a big order, because you just might stress out the noodle team.
(3)
Michael B.
Cheu on this. Four out-of-town friends in need of a late lunch spot in Center City thanked me no fewer than eight times over the course of the meal for suggesting Cheu. And I hadn't even been there before (I had only tried their breakfast dumplings at the Bacon Beer Fest back in December, which stole the entire show). At lunch, everything we ate was packed with delicate flavors that you may not expect from a couple of Phila heads who open up an Asian noodle bar. Now, Cheu is a tricky place to eat veggie, but the Yakisoba noodles are veg and very tasty, especially with a perfectly runny coddled egg on top. I would cheu-cheu-cheuuuuuuuse Cheu again for lunch any day of the week! (If you got that reference, we are friends; if you don't, well, we can still be friends). NOTE: I can't speak to the source of their meats here - and this is something about which I am extremely passionate and concerned when I order animal products at restaurants. I tried calling on my walk over from Fairmount, with the intention of getting the information I wanted in private and sparing some awkward stares at the table from friends I hadn't seen in a while. Unfortunately, the server who answered the phone did not know, and asked me to call back on a weekday, when they were less busy. This I will do - but I do wish it were common practice in Philadelphia for all employees to have the capacity to answer questions regarding food sourcing on the first try (the same thing has happened to me on numerous occasions as of late - and it's getting a little frustrating). Double-note: As other reviews have stated, I found the service to be a bit rushed and frazzled as well. They're friendly enough, but they sort of pushed us to order a lot more food than I think we needed without giving us much of a chance to refuse, and did appear a little stressed. Better service would have garnished the review with a fifth star. But folks, the food really speaks for itself; I almost give Cheu a free pass on service imperfections..
(4)
Ian M.
I keep telling myself to stop eating here to avoid getting sick of it, yet I don't stop and somehow never get tired of it. I've been going pretty consistently over the last year and a half and have always been very satisfied with whatever I order. The dumplings are always delectable and the ramen, while unconventional, hits the spot every time. I almost never venture from their Japanese matzo ball soup which is just so damn good. There's always a good craft beer on draft and an extensive cocktail list as well. The only complaint is that unfortunately the place has blown up in recent months and there is almost always a guaranteed wait every time you go. So it goes. Keep doing you Cheu Noodle Bar
(5)
Minette Y.
The noodles are seriously great here, and its almost too hard decide which bowl to get since the combinations are unique and enticing (not your typical bowls of ramen!). One thing you shouldn't think twice about forgoing are the the real real winner of the menu: the black garlic wings.
(4)
Monique B.
Tiny spot, which is great for Ramen in my opinion. The soup was tasty, and the noodles were perfectly cooked. I added pork belly to mine and it was great as well. I'll be back.
(4)
Vidushi B.
I had high expectations of this place, having read the reviews in advance. I was craving ramen and decided to come here on a Monday night. There definitely is a quirky atmosphere to this place, and it was pretty busy for a Monday night. The servers were all incredibly nice, and the service remained great throughout the meal. We ordered the rice cakes to start. These weren't really what I expected, they were balls of rice in a kind of sauce. They were a little bland for my taste, which was weird considering the menu said they were spicy. They weren't bad, but I wouldn't choose to order them again. For my entree, I got the Miso Ramen, which my server said is the most popular dish. I was a little bit disappointed by this. It was also pretty bland, and really nothing to write home about. Overall, the food I had was pretty mediocre. I'm thinking of trying it again on another day and ordering something different, and hopefully it'll be better.
(3)
Jessie H.
This place is kind of small- small tables of 2 and 3-4 people. We were sitting pretty fast on a Friday night so that was good. For appetizers, I got the following: Black Garlic Wings - shishito peppers, lime, cilantro- These wings were good but kind of dry. Really flavorful though so I liked it. Tuna Poke- I tried ordering this but they said their menu hadn't been revised yet and they no longer served this. Made me pretty sad because I loved tuna poke. Pork Belly bun- LOVE LOVE LOVE! the pork belly was all fat so I loved it! Dumplings- These were pretty dry and not tasty, I think it needed more salt or some other flavor. For noodles I got the brisket noodle- the brisket was lean and kind of hard to chew. This is average, nothing special. Broth was ok. I didn't really finish this. I ordered an additional egg which came poached, for some reason I thought it would be hard boiled. I'd come back for the wings and pork belly, not the noodles.
(3)
Nick J.
This is a great little whole in the wall and while they don't have much seating, you get to have an excellent experience once you are able to sit down! The server was excellent and even though she could have been a bit more attentive, she was very nice and made good recommendations. Appetizers: The wings were great overall, although I really wished they were a little spicier to balance out the sweet. I will probably ask next time I go, as they seem very willing to customize to your liking. The dumplings in chili oil were just awesome, the day I went they were beef and long hot as the filling and I could have eaten twice as many. Noodle Bowls: The Coconut Curry was very good and at the recommendation of the server I added pork shoulder (which wasn't an option on the menu but was only +$2). I thoroughly enjoyed the dish overall and would happily eat it again. The Sichuan was quite good and very spicy! I warn you now, do not get this unless you like spicy, it is almost to the point where it over-powers the other flavors (it probably would for many). This dish doesn't really have a broth to speak of, just lots of hand torn noodles. Highly recommended and I will absolutely be returning.
(5)
Bill O.
The food here is great, it's cool to watch the chefs work in the background as you drink and dine, and everyone was friendly. Good drink selection and the food was outstanding.
(5)
Tyler S.
I want to have Ben Puchowitz's babies. He and his sidekick (co owner) Shawn really made this a great place with amazing food. I'm so amazed that even now being open for a few months both guys are there working during the Thursday lunch hour. I've actually eaten here about 7 times and every time they are both there. I'm really speechless over how much I love this place and the fact they keep updating the menu is great because everything Ben touches is gold. Perfect example is I hate chicken wings. I hate food that you have to work for , I'm not a hunter gatherer. Well, their black garlic chicken wings make me want to take off my pants and do a dance. I dream of those amazing bites of heaven. I'm actually shedding a tear as I yelp on my flight back to florida because I don't know when I'll get to eat those again. Oh Ben , will you come open up a cheu in the culinary black hole that is south Florida. Please ?!
(5)
Ahmad W.
The Black Garlic wings were good, and the staff was super friendly. Very small but nice and the food was very good.
(4)
Gabby M.
This place is absolutely wonderful! Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, the food and service were also great. The Yokisoba noodles are a much more delicate and sophisticated take on what you think of when you see the item at grocery stores; it is very special. The service was caring and attentive but not overwhelming. I am going to make this one of my regular places!
(5)
Veg L.
I love noodles, and I love Asian foods, so I was excited to try this place. I was in Philly traveling alone, and went on a Sunday afternoon. I had walked quite a bit before, so their special drink watermelon juice was very refreshing, though I thought it was a bit too pricey ($5 or something). I would have loved to try one of their cocktails, but I had to drive. For the noodle, I wanted to get soft-shell crab, but they said they're out of the crab so it'll be shrimp balls instead, so I went for it. It was delicious! I could tell that they made shrimp balls fresh, and I liked the fresh cilantro in them. If I'm back in Philly and crave for some creative, good Asian noodles, I'd definitely be back. It was also solo friendly, so that was a plus.
(4)
Chrissy H.
Loved the appetizers, especially the dumplings and the buns! Was nervous to choose an entree because of everything looking very spicy, but it all turned out well and very delicious.
(4)
Laur A.
Holy cripes- I have waited a while to review this place for fear that it will become more crowded than it already is.... But to put it simply- I'm addicted to this place. I love it. I need it. I gotta have it 2x a week. My favorite is the coconut curry ramen dish and you gotta order the dumplings. I'm jumping out of my skin waiting for their new place "Bing Bing Dim Sum" to open as it's going to be down the street from me. This place deserves no less Than 5 stars for the food. So. Dang. Good.
(5)
Jen O.
This was the best restaurant experience I've had in recent memory. I went on Tuesday evening with my boyfriend. There were no tables available, and they said it would be a 15-minutes wait, and we were welcomed to wait near the bar, but I felt like we'd be in the way since the place was hopping. They took my number and we had a beer at Varga while we waited. Within the next maybe 10 minutes they called to say the table was ready. Every interaction and every morsel of food was amazing. Kudos to our server Emmy for being awesome. We ordered the broccoli, the dumpling special (pork and beef in chili oil), the pigtails, and for noodles we got the short rib and the miso. There's not much point in describing the taste of each except to say they tasted amazing. Emmy made a point to tell us that there are best sellers, and then there are staff favorites. Go with the staff favorites.
(5)
Monica L.
PROS: Delicious, high-quality food, cozy ambiance CONS: Small venue, somewhat pricey for the portions The small pork belly, cheeseburger, and mushroom-filled fluffy, warm buns were mind-blowingly flavorful, but maybe overpriced at $3 a piece. The well-dressed crispy rice cakes were both crispy on the outside and interestingly chewy on the inside. Finally, I got the vegetarian yakisoba, which was delicious, nicely textured, and well-accompanied by vegetal goodness. Overall, Cheu is the best noodle house I've been to so far in Philly.
(5)
Joshua W.
Great noodle bar whether you like them brothy or not. Wide range of noodles and dishes. Personal favorite are the yakisoba and their broccoli. Menu changes (bring back the hand torn!) but always yummy. Can be a bit of a wait cause it small and they don't do reservations, but that's just cause the food is awesome and they don't need to. Go on the early side or during the week and keep the party small and you won't have too much trouble.
(5)
Christine T.
After seeing this as a thrillest top 25 ramen places in the city, my bf and I instantly wanted to try it out. It is really a hole in the wall as there isn't much seating, but this is the atmosphere I expect from a ramen place. If there is a wait, the restaurant will put your name on a list and can call you when your spot is ready. We tried the Pork Belly buns which had a buttery bread to it and not the normal "man-toe" bread you would expect. It was a good change and we enjoyed it. I ordered the lychee white iced tea, which was good but for $3 in a tiny cup isn't worth it to me. I was told I could get a refill, but that was never offered again. We then got the Miso Ramen & Brisket which were okay. I mean its interesting and decent, but we decided that we prefer Terakawa in Chinatown more and of course NYC Ramen (Toto and Ippudo) are still million times better. We still can't figure out why it was listed as a top 25 though
(3)
Khanh L.
Pretty damn good!!! I was craving ramen, so we went. We had the wings, dumplings, miso ramen , and the curry coconut ramen. The black garlic wings were amazing, so good, not too sweet just salty enough. Chicken was moist and tender. Dumplings, forgettable, forgotten, they weren't awful, just meh. Miso ramen, broth was balanced, had depth of flavour. It was really good. Lots of things to pick at in the bowl, so many ways to combine it, fun to eat. The curry coconut ramen was ok, the idea was interested but I thought the broth was a bit thick. In my mind I was thinking more like a south east asian seafood curry type broth lightened with coconut milk, but it came out more coconut creamy than seafood curry. The flavour was ok, it just didn't fly. all in all, if I ever go back to Philly I would definitely stop by, it's quick, it's cheap and it's good :)
(4)
Daniel B.
I hate mushrooms. Cheu made me like mushrooms.
(5)
Amanda M.
Love this place! Everything I've had is delicious. My favorite is the coconut curry with soft egg. Highly recommended. Had to bump it down a star bc of the incredibly rude hostess last night (9/19/14). If it wasn't for that, everything else about this place has been 5 stars every time I've been there.
(4)
Jeanne T.
Yum yum yum!!!! Very memorable!!! Still thinking about the delicious wings and Shenzhen noodles!!! Got to watch the chefs doing their maguc, an impressive team. Small place but full of fabulous flavor!
(5)
Sara N.
My brother and I had a quick debate at the bar whether it is better to be authentic or delicious, and we both agreed delicious wins, any day of the week. This statement was empirically proven at Cheu Noodle Bar. With that said, our new go-to is the fall-apart brisket ramen, but go big, and add extra pork shoulder. As a bonus, start with the mushroom bun, but skip the dumplings. All in all, fresh ingredients and creative twists allows a return visit (or many) to Cheu Noodle Bar.
(4)
Tara G.
I stopped in at Cheu last week with my mom before catching a show at the Walnut Street Theater. We were running a little late, so we asked if they could have us in and out quickly. They were very accommodating. This place is very, very small. There's a little bar and maybe 5 tables inside. Luckily, there were 2 seats for us at the end of the bar. We just wanted some munchies to share, so we ordered 2 pork belly buns, dumplings in chili oil (brisket and dates inside) and the black garlic wings. Everything was really delicious. Everything was great, but I especially loved those wings. They were really fantastic- fried super crispy with that lovely sweetish black garlic sauce. I saw a couple of people eating some tasty looking ramen, and I was pretty jealous that I didn't have the time to try some. For my next visit, I will definitely make sure that I have more time so that I can try their inventive soups.
(4)
Sally c.
Absolutely delicious! Reasonably priced, great service..go! You won't regret it. Yum!
(5)
Luca I.
So last night was my first time dinning here, I have to say food was fantastic! We obviously ordered noodles and they where great, but what hit the spot for me where those pig tails and side broccoli plate. Good stuff all around, food, staff and atmosphere! Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Edward C.
A great place to eat. Cozy and hip, however, I couldn't bare the rap music with profanity. Aside from that, it's a great little place. Would have given it a 5 star. The ambience is pretty cool. Service is great
(4)
Becky J.
Love Cheu. Always tasty, service is great. I work nearby and come here for lunch frequently. The dumplings are great.
(5)
Mr. L.
Everything here is exceptional. The only obstacle standing in the way of me giving Cheu 5 stars is their slightly hefty price tag. A bowl of Ramen, no matter how exceptional it may be (and everything here IS) shouldn't cost upwards of $15. That being said, it is absolutely worth every filthy cent. Although truly everything is incredible, your order for 2-4 people should consist of: 1 pork belly bun 1 mushroom bun special dumplings of the day black garlic wings sour broth- pork ramen with a pork belly and egg ad-on Miso Ramen Hand torn- with lamb's neck and an add-on egg If you're an industry monkey like me, go on Mondays, they give an industry discount! Great fellows doin' great food. Beer selection could improve a little, but it's satisfactory overall.
(4)
Mo P.
Worth the trip for the best ramen in the city. The dumplings in chili oil are a great way to start the meal. Soooo good! Tender and moist on the inside and very fresh. I ordered the brisket kimchi matzo ball noodle soup. Best ramen in PHL! Matzo in ramen is perfect with a nice thick but of brisket that falls apart with chopsticks. Did I mention that the matzo ball was light and tender? The broth.... Oh the broth. The nectar of the gods is one description another is balanced perfection that the pundits would term Umami. Screw them. This is da bomb. Enough said. Little pricey for Ramen but it is upscale Ramen and worth the dough so shell it out and plan on a little wait. Eating at the bar is fun to watch the cooks perform their cooking ballet.
(5)
Kevin T.
Intense taste, super salty, minuscule portions. Come for the flavor if you like strong flavors. The mix of flavors in the noodle soup are interesting. However, prices are significantly higher than other ramen places in town, while portions about half of the average. Do not come for dinner if you don't want to be starving at midnight.
(3)
Lindsay C.
We decided to check this place out around 2pm on a Saturday - bad idea. We had to wait about 20 minutes, not knowing there were only 3 tables and the bar inside. There's also really no room to wait inside so keep the weather in mind as well. The restaurant is small and a bit cramped. The food was delicious. I loved the ramen; however, the dumplings were a bit bland. The service was quick and friendly, although we waited a bit long for our meals. I think the many of the items were a bit overpriced, but not outrageously so.
(3)
Paul L.
It's hard not to pay attention to Cheu, not only are they a block away from home, if you like them on FaceBook, they tell you what they are serving for lunch, what they are serving for dinner everyday. The menu changes all the time, there are specials, there are events. You get a sense that the place is really happening. Especially the lunch post makes you look forward to dinner all day, it's a catch all. The fact that the place is still packed 4 months after its opening is a testament on how well the place is doing. I might have given an unfair review to Cheu last time, because they really just opened and haven't really gain a footing yet but what I like about Cheu is that they are continuously working on refining their dishes while trying to be consistent on service and quality. They have a liquor license now, which I'm sure makes everybody happy. The weaker dishes gave way to new innovative dishes. Portions seems to be slightly bigger and more satisfying. I find the willingness to please their clients impressive. I haven't tried all their new plates yet, since the menu change everyday, I have to time my visit but what I've had are pretty good. The fish ribs has become one of my all time favorite dish. Crispy skin with a slightly sweet tamarind glaze, while the skin is crispy the meat is not dry, it's perfectly cooked. Just take out the few bones and chomp down on the whole thing. My plate came with some awesome charred corn Elotes style, which I understand they are so good that they are now its own appetizers. I thought the scrapple was so good before but now they have added a mustard sauce with sweet cubes of melons. It does elevate the dish to another level. The mustard added some acidity and the melons added a great sweet contrast. Pig tails are nuggets of goodness, they reminded me of Chinese BBQ ribs except with smaller bones which makes them fun to nibble. I thought the dumplings were ok, the stuffing changes everyday so some days you'll get better one than others. Since most people come in pairs, how about serving 4 instead of 3? I'm a little torn about the Jade noodles, I like the composition but I feel like it's missing a wedge of lime or a pinch of shredded red pickled ginger for dimension's sakes. Service is still impeccable. I'm very happy to have them in my neighborhood. I'm eager to come back for the beef tongue fried rice, cross my fingers that it comes back soon.
(5)
Aviad R.
Overall 4 stars, but the brisket noodles itself would have been 5!! Started with the beef dumplings in chili oil, potato latke and mushroom bahn mi sandwich. All of them were decent nothing too spectacular. The brisket noodles were GREAT!! The kimchi was spicy and the dish had the right amount of sweet, sour, fat and flavor. The matzah ball is an interesting part, not sold on it but give them props for going with it. Meat was cooked perfectly and highly recommend this dish. Small place so get there early or you'll be waiting.
(4)
Zachary A.
Awesome beef ginger dumplings awesome wings awesome broccoli with soy sauce peanuts and Vietnamese sausage awesome ramen and hand drawn noodle Soop great service every time can get tight (pretty much always is tight ) but music is on point juices and beer are spot as well ... Great spot
(5)
Robert D.
Great food. Awesome atmosphere. We had the special of the night and were not disappointed. The duck taco appetizer is phenomenal as well. Highly recommended. The cocktails were very good too, although slightly expensive.
(5)
Nicole L.
Great place for a late-night bite, with friendly staff and a funky ambiance which lends itself to the quirks of this small restaurant. The black garlic wings were phenomenal, but not so impressed with the cold sesame noodles. My dining companion was plenty pleased with his ramen, though. Steeper than usual prices, but have to admire the inventive fusion in the food and the overall experience was good. I'll have to come back for another visit to see how the food has progressed.
(3)
Kate S.
This place is worth the wait! The ever-changing dumplings dunked in chili oil are flawless. The chicken wings are also something I order nearly ever time I go. Get the hand-torn noodles or matza ball brisket soup! This is a place where I bring out of town guests- a small hole-in-the-wall cafe they wouldn't stumble upon themselves.
(5)
Kelsey G.
Hands down one of my favorite places in the city. The yakisoba noodles are my jam. The buns are also incredible. I recommend the mushroom, but I'm also a vegetarian; however they do have a variety of meat buns like pork belly and cheeseburger. The service is awesome and super friendly. Music is always on point. The drink selection never lets me down. If you haven't already, come to cheu. If not, that's cool. Less of a wait for me.
(5)
JB Y.
Perfect place. Casual and friendly staff, really chill atmosphere and food was fantastic. Cheeseburger bun and pork belly bun were amazingly tasty, brisket matza ball kimchi ramen was amazing. I definitely recommend it for casual very tasty dining.
(5)
Patrick M.
Yummy ramen and very tasty dumplings. Their menu is simple yet has a lot of layers, if that makes sense. The broth, which to me is the heart of good noodle soup is yummy and very satisfying, not overly salty. I had the oxtail special with an extra helping of greens, and a side order of dumplings in chili oil. There were several other items I would have liked to try but will save them for the next trip. Kindof a younger hip crowd but the vibe is nice and warm ramen takes the edge off of the cold.
(5)
Miguel F.
Came for a little late night dinner after a long day of homework. Got the spicy crab with the hand drawn noodles and an added an egg. Excellent! The broccoli appetizer was excellent as well. Great service great food and awesome music.. Can't go wrong! Definitely coming back!
(5)
Ilana R.
Delicious and totally hit the spot. Did not expect an hour wait on what seemed like a pretty quiet Tuesday night in the city,...but great food and good prices. Love that the servers recommend their favorites and so cool to sit while watching them make their awesome creations, and hand pulling all the noodles. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Alex G.
Loved the noodles, charred brussels sprouts, beer options, decor, and service. The overall character is superb. When you have non-Asians run an Asian-themed noodle bar, greatness happens. Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Jake H.
Was looking for a quick fulfilling tasty meal after moving in to new apartment. Fulfilled! girlfriend and I split 3 small plates - Black Garlic Wings, Dumplings (daily special- potato pork and curry), Buns (mushroom and Pork) then moved onto Cold Sesame for our noodle dish. I had a beer. Price was reasonable at under 50$ after tip. Leftover noodles for breakfast. Flavors in both Dumpling and wings were outstanding. Dumplings were a little dense but great flavor. Wings were perfectly cooked and the levels of flavor each had their own unique character. The buns were interesting. The tops were a little burnt, mushroom was by far better than pork. Sesame noodles were tasty, an interesting spice to them but the flavors and textures came together to create a very unique and tasty version of this classic dish. The setup of this place is fairly awesome. You can watch the line as they cycle the pleasantly presented dishes from ingredient to plate through. The staff is friendly and efficient. We must have finished 8 pitchers of water but never had to wait for it to be refilled, they were on it. They were happy to discuss their favorite dishes and make sure we were happy with the choices. Visually the restaurant is kinda cool. loved the mural and the ramen artwork. Constructive feedback - was a bit warm and could use some more cooling down, especially to entice me to eat ramen on a warm day. Also DESSERT! With the rest of the tastes you guys have achieved I was left to imagine what sweet concoction you could come up with. An original take on Mango Pudding perhaps? Will be back and looking forward to exploring the rest of the menu!
(4)
Jason R.
Totally Unique Totally Delicious! The Noodle Bar gives off a New York vibe. Warehouse like (a small warehouse if there is such a thing.) There are places to sit at the bar and if you're lucky one of only a few tables by the front of the restaurant. The music is pretty loud which didn't bother me but I can see it being irritating to some. I love how you can see the chefs cook out in the open. Really cool. Of the appetizers, I ordered the the Black Garlic Wings. They were a bigger and meatier wing than I typically prefer but it was a very good and unique appetizer none the less. They came with shishito peppers (not spicy), lime, and cilantro. Squeeze the lime onto the sticky sesame sauce and you're in business. For my main entree I throughly enjoyed the Brisket Noodle Soup with Matzo ball, Kimchi, Sesame Chili Broth, and Bok Choy. The broth had the perfect amount of heat. The kimchi really made this dish special. A bit more Kimchi would've been great as I found myself wanting more after I devoured the small amount. The brisket was tender but had some edge fat that I found myself biting around. Leaner meat would be great as the soup seasoning wouldn't disrupt the advantage of a flavorful fatty piece of meat. The matzo ball was not too firm and not too mushy. It was delicious. Overall I was pleased and would certainly return. This isn't a place to go with a large group due to its size. Start working on your chop stick skills so you can have many well balanced bites as you will attempt to put together small pieces of meat, matzo ball, noodle, bok choy, and kimchi within the larger sized deep spoon for some magical mouthfuls. Fyi, desserts are not served here for those with a sweet tooth. You would probably be full anyway.
(4)
Thuy C.
I was in the city and hungry. I went on yelp and decided to finally check some of my bookmarks off. I was in the mood for Asian and Cheu's dumplings and ramen pictures had me salivating. Sure enough I made my way over there. They had a nice crowd. The place was fairly small, hip and trendy. They offered a great selection of beers. I sat at the bar, my waiter greeted me and offered some of their special of the day. I ended up with the miso ramen and beef and cilantro dumplings. The dumplings came out first, really nice presentation. There was 4 dumplings and after trying 1 I could say that they need to work on the dumpling's skin because it was too thick and floury, the beef was dry, and the hot oil overpowered the delicate dumplings. Then my big bowl of miso ramen came out and the broth was good, creamy, thick, dense but after awhile it became a little salty. I didn't like how the pork had a cha siu flavor and it was also shredded, it was a little too bbq for the miso ramen. Also their egg is pouched and not completely cooked so when you poke into it, the egg yolk ran all throughout the broth which is something I did not like. All in all, this place is a very American inspired ramen bar. I probably will not be back for a second visit. I prefer Terakawa Ramen in Chinatown just because I feel like their ramen is definitely more authentic than Cheu's.
(2)
Brad W.
Cheu is excellent. We had their bun of the day, which was brisket with horseradish cream. We had their dumplings, and we each had a noodle bowl (crab borth, and the other was short rib). Everything was very tasty and tempature hot. Quaint little place. Nice beer selection. Speedy service. Awesome experience.
(4)
Ryan B.
Gotta love this place and you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't. So much flavor. Great service and atmosphere.
(4)
Bust A B.
Simple menu. Good food. Decent coctail selection. Ok beer selection. Great music and ambiance. Not a ton of seating.
(4)
Patrick H.
One of kind. The Ramen is amazing. Its crowded, small, and cash only, but still totally worth it.
(5)
Andrew W.
I stopped by Cheu for a lunch last week with a work friend. They've seemed to put as many tables into their small space as possible... but it didn't feel overly crowded even when filled. The food was really good, definitely a different take on noodles and kim chi than I've been used to, but the service was a bit slow during the lunch hour. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, though, since they indicated that they were down two staff members when we walked in. (Good job managing expectations on their part, there) All in all, it was a nice lunch spot... I'll definitely head back to try some of the other food items.
(4)
Meredith B.
I've heard all about Cheu Noodle Bar from friends who have had great things to say. I've had it bookmarked for some time now to come check out... I'm so glad I did. We came for lunch and decided to order a few items and share them all. Dumplings in chili oil - they were fantastic duck dumplings with a good amount of tasty moist meat served in chili oil. I would order these daily if I could. Daily Banh Mi - soft shell crab banh mi was served with the usual slaw and sauce on a roll. I added a little siracha to mine to kick it up a notch. I've never had a soft shell crab banh mi before - I really enjoyed it and hope to see it more often. Cold Sesame Noodles - also very good. Exactly what you would expect. We didn't order the cold noodles with any protein since we thought we might be over ordering on the food. We ordered the correct amount of food for two hungry people.. next time I'd like to order it with pork belly and switch it up a bit. Black Garlic Wings - I really really liked these. They were nice and meaty (def not skimping on the quality here). I'm excited to come back and check out Cheu's for dinner sometime. I've heard they pack a fun crowd with great tunes.
(4)
Lindsay H.
Cheu's has been bookmarked ever since it opened for me so naturally, I was thrilled when I enjoyed my meal with some fellow yelpers last Friday night. Two of us got there early and were not expecting the size at all. I knew it'd be tiny but we're talking 4 tables and a counter and there were 4 of us trying to eat. They estimated the wait as best they could and to our surprise, 10 mins later, we were seated at the only 4 top. A noodle bar miracle! What we ordered: Broccoli with thai sausage- loved this. Fried chicken and pork belly buns- to my surprise, I liked the chicken better though both were pretty tasty and had a yummy pickled cucumber slaw on top that totally added great crunch. Dumplings in chili oil- definitely good but I love Han Dynasty's more. The Black Garlic Wings- the winner. Totally lived up to the hype. The were huge, crispy and delicious. BBQ pig tails- these were also great. I loved the sauce. It was sweet! Noodle dishes- Ramen Brisket Both of the noodle dishes were very good though I would have liked a little more depth of flavor with the broth. I also thought that the meat in each were a tad overcooked to my liking BUT that being said, i enjoyed both. I think I found myself being a little more critical of the noodle dishes since, well, it's a noodle bar. To sum up, I was totally thrilled with my Cheu's experience. Everything was really tasty and I really enjoyed. For my next visit, I'll likely go with no more than two people...I doubt I'll ever be as lucky to get a table as the first visit again. Something to consider.
(4)
Casey R.
I finally got back to Cheu after tasting their food at the pop-ups two years ago. I was surprised to find it was even better than I remember! I started my meal with a Sixpoint Bengali Tiger IPA which I have found pairs very well with spicy food. We got the brussels sprouts to start which were great with the pepitas and pickled squash. I had been wondering about the squash since a friend told me about it and it definitely was a fun variation. For my entree I got the vegetarian coconut curry. The broth was very flavorful and the noodles were divine. As luck would have it we had made plans to have dinner on a week night that turned out to be the last snow of the year so the ramen style dish was the perfect compliment. I also tried a sip of the their juice of the day which was really flavorful! I will definitely be back here soon.
(5)
Katie W.
My friend and I have been going to Cheu since they opened. We love the wings, dumplings, miso ramen, and coconut curry noodles! We've never had a bad meal, it is consistently delicious and keeps us coming back! Unfortunately, we are now hesitant to continue ordering take-out due to some recent poor customer service. I was unable to view the menu from their website on my phone, and the online menus that were available must not be up to date. When I called this evening and had a couple questions, the woman taking my order was very rude and abrupt. She did not help me with my questions and asked me to look online and call back when I made up my mind. This is the second time we've encountered rude customer service from the staff who take the phone orders. We would like to continue dining with Cheu because of the great food, but are very reluctant to support a place that does not treat customers respectfully.
(3)
Cristie K.
Went here with a couple of friends, and the food was exceptional, until they made us leave. Yep, they declined our drink order after we had finished our food, which didn't even take an hour, saying the owner needed to flip the table for the next party. Fortunately, we're industry people, so we understood, but it left a really sour taste in our mouth. What if we wanted to order more food?... They essentially kicked us out after paying almost $200, which has never happened to any of us in any other restaurant. It's sad to say we won't be back.
(2)
Nancy P.
I know ramen and noodle places have been all the rage lately so I wanted to check out Cheu Noodle Bar. I was curious about the different interpretation by others. I was excited by all the good comments about the pork belly. The place itself is pretty small and cozy. I love the lamps over the bar! My party of three were seated at the bar (and YES, there are coat hooks under the bar). I ordered a pork belly bun to start off with. It is really tiny, like the size of a two bite brownie. I wasn't really expecting such a fried and greasy "bun" or like some flat fried dough. There was a sauce inside along with cilantro and pickles with the pork belly. Honestly, I couldn't taste the pork belly with all of that greasiness. It was pretty disappointing. We also order the black wings. While it was nicely crisp, the sauce was super potent while the actual chicken had no flavor. We also ordered the brisket ramen and the pork ramen. I didn't like the super super soft poached egg, borderline gross. The broth had a nice kick but the noodles were chewy. Brisket was tender but matzo ball was weird and unappetizing..like a wet sock. Nothing special about the pork ramen broth. While the servers were really nice and the place is still a BYOB (for now), the food wasn't my cup of tea. It was pretty pricey for an unsatisfying meal. Definitely not a place I'd go to for a ramen craving.
(2)
Joanne T.
Yay! I'm a fan, but not of their prices and cramped space. We opted to get ramen for dinner in the city. This was our first time venturing for ramen. I hopped onto yelp and decided to head over here. I remember reading about this place on foobooz before so i was curious. Plus it seemed more fun than the other ramen places. It was almost a perfect night. We got parking right across the street and seated immediately at the bar. Sad to say i kept on bumming elbows with the woman next to me. I wish there was a bit more elbow room. Note to the owners: elbow room is a necessity when eating noodles! Just try eating with your elbows tucked in, not so fun eh?!? Also, i would have to minus points for the bartender. He served me a flight of the sake (one was soju). However, he did not shake the sake. It was a nigori, i mean how could he not know. Sad to say i just let it go, usually i would have mentioned something but it was just a shot. Okay i've vented. We ordered the mung bean and the chicken bun. Both were delicious and the bun was not of the white dough kind that was expected. This one was more of the brown flakey kind. Nevertheless it was good and i would order it again. They did forget to bring out the special cheeseburger bun that the bf ordered. Next was the garlic flavored wings. The carnivorous bf devoured it. I had the smoked fish ribs. This has got to be one of the best thing i ever ate. It was a paku which is a cousin of the piranha. The dish was very flavorful. The skin was crispy and perfect. It was definitely a party in my mouth. We ordered the pork and miso cod ramen. The cod was cooked perfectly with a little crispness. The noodles were cooked al dente, it was great. The broth was mediocre, i'm trying to remember it but there was really nothing memorable about it. The bf finished his bowl completely. Yikes! we got the bill and for 2 people it was about 86 with tip. What a pricey ramen experience!
(4)
Sal W.
I'm not really sure what this noodle house is trying to be. Supposed it is Asian food but a) there isn't a single Asian working there b) most of their very limited menu is "Asian inspired" with a lot of non Asian additives to it. Like matzo balls, really? Had Bolognesea ($12) which was pretty tasty for being a unique dish. Had it not had horseradish on top of it I might have thought it was an Italian dish. Also tried some Pork belly sliders and I thought they were pretty nasty and way overpriced. Not only was it super greasy, but the meat seemed low quality and it was literally 2 bites for $3 The place is very small and cramped. Most of the seating is at the bar (hence the noodle bar) but it was a very uncomfortable bar area. Not only did I have a thousand people rubbing by my back as they were walking by, my knees were slammed into the bar and I had to lean over to eat. The bar counter just not come out far enough. Also, the food preparation was very slow and service was really non existent because you pour your own water. They could have doubled the amount of noodles in the dish and the cost would have been insignificant to them and my star rating would have gone up one and I would probably eat there again. Food Quality/Taste = 3 Stars Portion Size Given Price = 2 Stars Price = 2 Stars Experience with Staff = 3 Stars Decor = 2 Star Wait Time = 2 Stars
(2)
Enid C.
You can just call me Natalie Imbruglia, 'cause I am torn. Cheu Noodle Bar is a cool place. Service is friendly and the ambiance is chill. The hanging lamps were created by one of the owner's glass-blowing brothers. Canned craft beers and other libations will soon be available to knock back with. The hand-torn collage on the back wall adds a touch of funk. They serve up raw Shin Ramyun as a complimentary appetizer (awesome idea). One must keep in mind that this is not meant to be an Asian restaurant. Rather, it is two American men identifying aspects of various Asian cuisines and recreating it according to what tastes good to them. Taking this into account, Cheu successfully accomplishes what it set out to accomplish - providing a cool atmosphere for people to enjoy what the owners personally like about Asian food. But Asian food it is not. The noodles are a bit too chewy (though props for being made in-house), and the flavor combinations are heavy on the "sweet and sour" aspect so characteristic of Asian fusion. The ramen broth is better than some other ramen joints in Philly, but it could stand to be more complex. The pork belly is fatty and delicious, but the flimsy poached egg is a bit of a travesty ramenly-speaking. I preferred the cumin-seasoned lamb neck (served with hand-torn noodles), even if the noodles were a bit too large and stuck together. The black garlic wings were the highlight of the meal. Crispy and juicy, similar to Korean fried chicken, but a little greasier (in a good way). So yes, Cheu is a really cool place. And the owners did a great job of creating dishes they liked. That just isn't quite in line with what I personally like. It happens. I'd come here again to hang out and have a drink, maybe order some wings. For other food, I'd probably just walk to Hand Drawn.
(3)
Max P.
There's no need to write a bunch of stuff about noodles here. Just go, order some food and you'll be happy. It's easy if you try.
(5)
Ben W.
Great ramen. Great service, great atmosphere and great beer and wine selection. There Brussels sprouts and wings appetizers are a must. I prefer the miso over the coconut curry but both are good. This place is a must go.
(5)
Stacey K.
First off, the staff here is awesome and the food is just as amazing. I love the Brisket Ramen - it makes me so glad I am no longer a vegetarian! ;) I recently tried their dumpling appetizer and it was the perfect starter to a delicious, hearty meal. I love Cheu and can't wait to come again!
(5)
Lily Z.
My friend and I decided to check this place out one night after hearing many good things. Oh what a disappointment it turned out to be. I ordered the Cold Sesame Noodle which came out first. First bite, bland. Mixed it around some more to blend in the sauce. Second bite, bland. Had to add in some spicy sauce to help myself finish the rest. My friend ordered the Yakisoba. He said the noodles were oily and bland. I was thinking to myself what's going on here?! I tried the noodles myself and indeed it was another bland bowl of noodles. Sigh. Cute, small place. Service is average. Atmosphere is chill. Food is just bland. Sad to say that we were not impressed w the food and don't think we'll be back again.
(2)
BostonBestEats X.
Keeping it simple is often the key to brilliance, and with a short focussed menu of 5 apps, 6 different kinds of noodle dishes, and a few et ceteras (hmm...scrapple in ramen!?!?!?), all packaged in a cool space with lots of counter seating and a giant 'Eat More Noodles' mural as backdrop, Cheu accomplishes this goal. This is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated openings of 2013, a 'noodle bar' from partners Chef Ben Puchowitz (of Matyson fame, one of our favorite BYOBs) and his buddy Shawn Darragh. Their pop-ups last year were apparently a smash success, with a line down the street, so we made a point of stopping by Cheu early on opening day to see what the excitement was all about. We arrived exactly at opening (3PM), and were immediately seated at the counter with a few others (there are also several tables, for total of ~30 seats). It was mostly full by the time we left, but there was rarely a line, and we left before the dinner rush. Between the two of us, we tried (see photos): ~Complementary spiced crumbled instant ramen, fairly spicy, and something David Chang would appreciate (if you watched 'In the Mind of a Chef' on PBS). ~Garlic black wings with shishito peppers ($8/4)--Actually we got 5, 3 drumettes and 2 wingettes, which were crispy, meaty, with a light dose of a sticky sweet soy sauce, and some mildly spicy peppers. My favorite dish, I could make a meal out of these. KILLER! ~Pork belly and hamburger buns ($7/2)--We could choose any combination from 3 different buns (including the mung bean that we didn't try). These are tiny two-biters that look smaller than the photos I've seen online, but are very tasty. The Angus beef was topped with Wisconsin cheddar and house-made pickles. The pork belly was also topped with pickles. The buns are a bit strange, a bit like tiny English muffins, if that makes any sense, toasted in a skillet. My favorite was the pork belly, which like the pork with ramen below was melt-in-your mouth. ~Pork belly with house-made ramen noodles, egg, sea beans, greens ($12)--A very very intense broth (I suspect borderline too intense for some), but overall a very good dish. The ramen was perfectly al dente and the egg appeared to be soft poached. A good sized bowl, but not huge. I added in some of the pho fixin's below. ~Duck pho with foie gras meatballs, turnips, fixin's--I only tried a little of this, but it seemed like the pho was pretty similar to the ramen above. Thinly sliced, very tender duck, and melt-in-your mouth meatballs, although I can't say I got any foie flavor. The broth is much milder than than the pork belly's above. Comes with the usual pho accompaniments of basil and mung beans, lime, and also pickled white radish (I think). Of the two noodle dishes, I think I preferred the lighter broth of the duck pho. Cheu's mish-mass of Chef Benny's whatever "I think tastes best" manages to avoid the ongoing 'Raman Wars', where ramen is stylistically divided into smaller and smaller subgroups and aficionados endlessly (and nonsensically) argue about which ramen shop more is more authentic. Come on guys, who cares if it is 'authentic', if it tastes good? And Cheu's noodles definitely taste great! Or maybe Cheu defines a new subgroup: 'Philly Style' ramen! [Speaking of 'Raman Wars', to reviewer #3, Ron N, who is apparently an expert on what is and is not ramen, that "asparagus" you didn't like is actually sea beans. But it does kinda look like asparagus, which would be really weird, ramen or not.] Currently BYOB (we brought some Guinness), with sodas, etc available, but planning to get a liquor license (big orange placard on the door). Service was quick, friendly and efficient, with Shawn greeting customers at the front. Parking is fairly easy in a few local lots. Some nice photos and background from Zagat: blog.zagat.com/2013/03/s… Cilantro!
(5)
Katie L.
In our striving to experience all that Philadelphia has to offer in terms of ramen, my Significant Gentleman and I made our pilgrimage to the newly-opened Cheu. I have to agree with all of the previous reviewers about the Shin Ramen snack which was hella spicy. Yes, it's a cheap way to keep your hungry customers from eating their own fists (a 90 minute wait on a Saturday night - could have been worse), but that's the kind of thing I like to do at home because I just can't help myself, so thumbs up for that. Dennis L hit it head-on when he said "The buns are delicious, but not $7 for 2 delicious." Seriously. We also had the broccoli & sausage appetizer which was pretty tasty, but not $7 tasty. It's a shame because a lot of the tastes on the appetizer menu looked really intriguing but perhaps not worth the price. As for Mr. Significant's brisket, he reported that the meat was a high for him (although I can't vouch as he didn't share - tisk tisk - but a sign that it really was that good, I suppose.) In fact, all of the meats were the best part of the meal (the pork belly in the bun, the sausage in the broccoli.) I had the duck pho (not true pho as others have pointed out), but the foie gras meatballs in this dish absolutely shine. I'd like to take home about a dozen of those and never leave the house again until they roll me out the door. Oh, and also the egg in the brisket was nearly perfect. We love our runny eggs. (Could I just get a bowl full of ramen noodles and eggs? Somebody open up that kind of shop...) Overall, Cheu was satisfying but there were things that didn't shine as much as other places. Music was a little loud, prices were a little high, but go ahead and try it. It's definitely worth seeing what it's all about.
(3)
Brad P.
Cheu Noodle Bar is a small, casual noodle place with friendly service and funny lamps above the bar. Since Matzo balls improve everything, it is only logical that they would be one day added to a ramen noodle dish. It is hard for me to express how happy the brisket noodle made me at this place. The hot sauce is good in the ramen but not so good on anything else. Also, take care with your force level so that you don't splatter hot sauce everywhere and make a stupid mess of things. The wings are just OK. They are like 7 bucks for a very small number of wings and nothing really stuck out about them as amazing. They had a nice glaze but at the end of the day, I would've been happier with the wings at my other favorite haunts.
(4)
Jeff G.
Really enjoyed the brisket bowl and the matzoh ball was a nice touch. Music was really jamming for lunch time and it was hard to hear the nice man taking my order. I'd like to try other items on the menu and will be back.
(4)
Joey L.
Small place and good luck finding a spot to eat on a busy day. We had the garlic wings, beef special dumpling of the day, pork belly bun, ramen miso bowl and crab broth noodle soup.
(5)
Sarah P.
This place is excellent. My only wish is that they had more! seating. Waited 45 minutes at 9 p.m. on a Friday night, and I didn't even mind. Well worth it- friendly, knowledgable staff and well-priced.
(5)
Indie D.
Ok I feel deceived. I went to this place based on the yelp reviews from my fellow Philadelphians. "This place is awesome" you guys said. "This place is tasty" I read. "This place was built by the food gods themselves and carved out of the purest gold and marble found on earth!" they all said... Ok I made the last part up, but the rest of those quotes are LIES! I ventured to Cheu yesterday with my fellow country women and was very excited to try a few menu items. Namely the ramen(yuck), wings(meh) and dumplings(what the hey??) Firstly this place is the perfect setting to catch a airborne illness. You're practically sitting in the next persons lap. Seats fill up pretty fast so if that happens you have to wait, but there's no place to wait!!!!! After waiting in the smallest of corners, we got a table and I greedily ordered several items. The wings were pretty meh. They're top with black sauce, sesame seeds and peppers. Needed salt. The dumpling in chili oil were a joke. Chili oil should be hot. Mine was stuffed with BBQ pork and rice. Interesting yes, delicious hell no. It tasted like crunchiness in very very mild oil. The temperature setting was on -10. The bowl labeled ramen. wtf? Please change the name to "We tried and here is our failure". The pork was REALLY DRY, i dont know how that is possible when it was sitting in liquid. The broth was overly creamy. The egg was under cooked. The bok choy was random and chewy. There was way to many of those onion thingys lol. I honestly couldn't wait to leave. Now now I understand this isn't a "Ramen place". I however think you shouldn't name something ramen if it tastes like milk water. That's just rude!
(1)
Edward S.
Eh, I went to cheu noodle bar three times, and I'm not that impressed. I feel like at a very basic level a noodle bar should probably make their own noodles, and they don't. For $12 or $13 bucks for a bowl of soup, the serving and product just doesn't wow me. There are countless places in Chinatown that serve far superior broth and noodle soups for half the price. That being said, I did enjoy the brisket and liked the combo of Jewish/Asian fusion. I get that they are doing a fusion and it's not traditional, but then it should at least be outstanding. For $20-$30 a person with drinks to eat here, I just don't get the hype.
(2)
Arthur S.
I came in for lunch around 1:00 in the afternoon on a Monday. It was really busy, there was a wait to sit and I didn't realize it was so small inside. I decided to just order soup to go. Personally, I thought it was way too stuffy in there.. I honestly don't know if I could comfortably sit and eat a meal there.. Especially at the bar. I ordered their brisket and matzo ball soup in a chili broth. It didn't take me long to get home, so everything was still hot. The brisket was wonderful.. But everything else fell short. I really didn't care for the noodles at all.. They seemed stuck together and not properly made.. It reminded me of tagliatelle pasta I make at home before I learned how to properly execute the process. The broth was weak in seasoning all together. The matzo ball took on the flavor of the broth so i didn't really care for it. It was really disappointing after so many good reviews from friends.. Maybe their recent increase in popularity is making their food quality and consistency suffer? That being said, the staff was very nice and I got my food quickly despite how busy they were. I always give places another chance, so I'll have to go back a few times and perhaps edit my review.. Although, I can assure you I will be taking my food to go.
(2)
Gautam T.
With all the hype I was hoping to eat some Ramen that was extremely delicious. I will admit it was very tasty, but I was disappointed in the amount of choices I had. I eat everything from beef to seafood to veggies, unfortunately my girlfriend doesn't and ordering for a person who only eats chicken and vegetables; Cheu falls a little short. I ordered the lamb noodles and ordered the pork shoulder ramen without the pork for my girlfriend. We both enjoyed it however the pork ramen was very bland so we had to add a healthy serving of Sriracha to make it to our liking. This place is good if you're a full on carnivore like myself, alas I now have to be more selective on the types of restaurants I choose when I go out my girl. It sucks!!! Anyway sorry for getting side tracked. I had to give it a 3 just because of the lack of menu choices and vegetarian options.
(3)
Matt D.
My 200th review was a good one! Cheu lives up to the hype and is a wonderful addition to this part of the city. I love the decor and vibe of the place. It has a distinctly unique urban, Asian diner feel to it. The staff is welcoming and accommodating, and the chefs behind the counter are fun to observe. We started with the dumplings of the day, which were brisket, onion, date, and liver with moderately hot chili oil sauce w/ green onions. They were delicious and unlike anything I've had before. The chili oil made them borderline greasy, but still well worth ordering. We moved on to the cheeseburger and pork belly buns, which were flavorful and unique (a trend is forming with that description). They were cooked nicely, but I would have liked a little more of the pickled garnish. My dining companion disagrees.... Then came the wings that are carrying a lot of hype on the food blogs. I had very high expectations, and surprisingly, I was not disappointed. These are excellent, triple fried, jumbo wings with a deep flavor profile. Sticky, Asian, salty, oniony, garlicy, spicey, soy-ey! We shared the hand-drawn noodles with lamb neck, pickled greens, and dates. It was delicious, and the pickled greens added an unusual level of flavor that I was not expecting. Everything was served piping hot, and watching it come together made for some great food theater. This review will go to five-stars if the second visit is as good as this one. Next up on our list is the broccoli, octopus, and brisket.
(4)
Dave B.
Recently learned about this noodle heaven during South Street Food Truck festival on 8/15/2013 where we ordered the famous black garlic wings, they were juicy, hot and delish. We went back to the restaurant to try the other dishes on Monday 8/19. The location is cute, fun and trendy and wait staff were amazing. We started we the dumpling special and it was soooo good, I wanted to order more. I had a delicious ramen noodle soup, it really satisfied my craving for a hot soupy lunch specially that I wasn't feeling that well. I can't wait to return and try out all the other menu items. This place is way better than the other noodle hut in Chinatown.
(4)
John C.
Great place in Center City. It's always packed and you can tell why. First time I went there I got the Coconut Curry and I vowed to work my way through their entire menu. Great flavor and friendly staff.
(5)
Dan R.
Cheu Noodle Bar's Black Garlic Wings are likely to have ruined many future Sunday football delivery orders for me. These things are criminally delicious. I think I could eat an infinity times infinity of them. Perfectly crispy skin, juicy dark meat in every bite, shishito peppers on the side (a personal fav), and that sweet-meets-salty mystery sauce?! With pigskin season around the corner, I'll never be able to enjoy future boring BBQ and buffalo wings quite the same. Luckily, Cheu is no one-trick winged pony. Their Charred Corn is a messy, but inspired take on elote. I was surprised to see how well truffle oil paired with corn on the cob, although those who worship everything truffle probably just scoffed at such initial skepticism. And while I was hoping for bigger chunks of crab meat, my Cold Jade Noodle entree got better with every dash of sriracha, every chopstick-clasped peanut (the real winning taste here). Cheu is a small, casual space that doesn't take reservations. We only waited maybe 15 minutes for a seat at the bar, but in that time, the staff let us place drink orders (the special was $4 Foster's 24 oz. "oil cans") and guzzle brews on the sidewalk. They had a great beer selection otherwise (Oskar Blues Mama's Little Yella Pils, 21st Amendment Watermelon Wheat, and Allagash Tripel, to name a few), but I opted for value pick this time around. I'm typically a traditionalist when it comes to noodle joints, but Cheu's creativity was just too delicious to ignore. Now give me infinity more Black Garlic Wings, please.
(4)
Perry H.
Finally got the chance to stop by Cheu this past weekend. Definitely one of those situations where you're super excited to find a new favorite spot, but know its so close to home that you're going to want to go 2-3 times a week. We snagged a seat at a table but now regret that as the counter seems the way to go if you are lucky enough to get a spot. Next time. There's a solid drink menu with cocktails, canned craft beer, sake, wine....definitely impressed with all the Sixpoint choices, even had Resin on special. Kudos to the two old timers that decided to go for the last two... My wife and I split as much food as possible to get a good sampling of the menu and we weren't disappointed with a single thing. We started with fresh tomatoes with yuzu, ricotta, watermelon, and mint along with the charred corn with miso truffle, and black vinegar. Both were incredible and very different. Either dish would bring me back. We then had a pork belly bun and a cheeseburger bun. These were almost like perfect little (southern) biscuits....my god I could eat 20. The BBQ pig tails with peach kimchi and seasame...finger-licking good. Then we finished off splitting the brisket noodle bowl with matzo ball, kimchi, egg noodles, chili broth. The homemade chili oil spiced this up nicely and I can't wait to have this in the winter. Man, soooo good. I love love love this place and can't wait to go back. I don't know if we ordered super well or if this place is really just that good.
(5)
Erica B.
We just discovered Cheu this weekend, after hearing that chef Ben Puchowitz was nominated as one of James Beard's Rising Star Chefs of the Year, and I will most certainly be going back as soon as possible. First of all, it's a really cool place. We sat down at the long bar and got to watch the chefs do their thing right in the middle of the restaurant. The ramen mural running along the wall was great, as was all the decorations hanging from the rafters and the collage stuck on the wall. The beer list is incredibly impressive and INCREDIBLY affordable- I got 2 beers from Florida that I have yet to find anywhere else, each for $4.50. They are mostly bottled or canned, but it really fits in with the laid back atmosphere. Now onto the good stuff: the food. We started with fried pigs tails, which came coated in a sticky, spicy sauce and topped with sesame seeds. They were piping hot, and extremely meaty (I've had pigs tails in the past that were really fatty). It reminded me of really juicy, wonderful bacon. My boyfriend got the miso ramen, with came with a disk of pulled pork that you broke up and mixed into the soup as well as with a soft boiled egg. The egg, when broken, turned the broth into this creamy blend that went great with the tofu. And I'm not a tofu fan. I could have drank that broth all day. But the best dish of the night was the hand torn noodles, pulled right in front of us and served with lamb neck and pickled greens. It had the gamey taste from the lamb with a nice bite of salt that was PERFECT with the greens. Sweet, tangy, rich, my word it was so good. And the chunks of lamb were so meaty and tender. I would tell anyone to try this dish, and I most certainly am getting it again. This is unlike anything I've had in Philadelphia yet, especially right in the heart of Center City. Get there now!
(5)
Gerald F.
Nice. For apps we had pork dumplings and Brussels sprouts and fish ribs-- all Awsome. Then curried noodles. The curry may have been created by the chef, certainly the dish was, with cilantro hot chili and a blend of spices that were really top notch. One bok choy added to the aroma. Special ramen in beef cream sauce and yakisoba, a toasted sesame oil Asian herb dish for the two dishes by my partners who accompanied me. We all loved everything.
(5)
Anabel D.
Like some spice in your noddles? This is the place. Great vibe to this place and the staff is on point! Will come back for sure.
I had the Ramen, their dumplings of the day (smoked pork + mushrooms), and their bun of the day (tempura pig ears with kimchi). While their Ramen was alright, their appetizers were GREAT! Just so you know, they told me their noodles were made in house which I think is a great factor they should stress more about... house made noodles rather than mass produced store noodles definitely makes it better! It was also nice that they give you a little snack before your meal; for my friends and I we got a small saucer of honey lime chili popcorn. It was a little stale (and we ate it when the restaurant opened for the day...so I suspect this was not freshly made for the day), but the flavor was great. But onto the food: RAMEN ($12): - Noodles itself were good and had the thick semi springy texture of fresh noodles that I like; I wish there was a little more of it though. If I didn't have appetizers with it, I don't think I would have been that full with just this Ramen bowl itself. - Broth was average... wasn't terrible but it was a bit on the bland side, I had to add some sriracha to give it a little kick. - Cha siu they used was more like Chinese style red pieces of cha siu which was not too bad since the meat was tender. But I wish they used Japanese style cha siu for ramen?? There was no fatty meat in the pork at all. - There was also a poached egg and some veggies in the ramen. It would be nice if they could someday make ajitsuke eggs though for their ramen! That'd really be a delicious plus. DUMPLINGS ($3): They're made in house! There was three in the bowl, it is small-ish like dimsum sized, and come in chili oil. The skin had a nice semi chewy texture to it, and the filling of smoked pork and mushroom WAS AMAZING I loved it so much. I wish there was more because it was so good and delightfully flavorful. BUN ($2 EACH) I had the pig ear with kimchi special of the day just because it sounded interesting... Their buns come a bit smaller than typical Asian buns but I forgave it for the interesting flavor combos they had. They make their bun bread a tiny bit different, as in they pan fry it or something to give it a crunchy texture? I like the way they make their bun though, and the insides of tempura pig eared with kimchi was quite delish! Delightfull crunchy with good flavor mix. My friends got the normal pork belly bun, and I think the only criticism they had about it was that the fat-to-meat proportion of the pork belly was too high! Almost 3/5 fat and 2/5 meat. I would have knocked this restaurant to 3 stars, if it wasn't for the redeeming facts that they make their noodles in-house and their unique and very delicious appetizers! I think Cheu Noodle Bar really has potential if they fixed their broth to be more flavorful, as ramen should be the star of the restaurant seeing that they're a noodle bar.
(4)
Noosh E.
Small cozy place serving delicious Ramen soup and appetizers. I've tried the brisket a few times and it has been consistently good. Love getting the black garlic wings. I also enjoy watching the food being made at the bar. The only thing is that this place is super crowed in the evenings during the weekend, there isn't a lot of room to wait there so you will need to wait somewhere else. First time we went - we waited one and half hour....but was worth it! It helps that they have super friendly servers.
(4)
Angie K.
I give this place 3 stars AT BEST. I honestly think the food was 2-star, but the cool decor, atmosphere and the creativity bump this place up another. As others have mentioned, I came in knowing that the noodles at this place would not be authentic. That's fine by me, as long as Cheu's interpretation was tasty. However, I was disappointed, even with my bar low. The Pork Belly Buns- were good, but a bit on the greasy side because they pan-fried the buns itself. Then you top the pork belly, and you get a the heaviest single bite you can get. Pork belly was good, but I've had better, at many places. I felt like the pork belly itself was lacking something. I added their house spicy sauce (on the table) to cut through some of the greasiness. The Pork Belly Ramen (I love pork belly, can you tell?) broth was lacking depth. The noodles were a bit hard and gritty. The sea beans were CRAZY salty. The pork belly was the same as those in the buns- good, but nothing I haven't had before. If I were to come back, I would try the other dishes because I do feel the menu items are inventive. However, I would be reluctant to go back anytime soon.
(3)
Eileen O.
This place actually lived up to the hype. Chef Ben Puchowitz was recently named a semi-finalist for the James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year Award. Went for dinner on a Wednesday with a friend and had a great meal. We started with the Brussel sprout/brisket dumplings and pork belly buns - delicious. I had the brisket and noodles - wonderful and not too spicy. Affordable, good food.
Black Garlic Wings. Just wanted to highlight those real quick. Just silly good. Probably the best wings I've had anywhere. If you don't order these you're a gosh darn buffoon. The rest of the food was just decent, but man were those wings great. I love the concept of Cheu and hope it's a gateway into more people enjoying this type of food. Thing is though, you get get better versions of a lot of this stuff 5 blocks north but you have to buy it in a dirty shop from someone who doesn't speak English very well. The bun, for instance, were smallish here and even at $2 probably too much. Ramen and brisket for over $10? Nah. Just didn't blow me away, but I'll likely be back if I'm in the neighborhood and hungry. Love that they serve lunch now. Interior is cool, BYO is a huge plus and just strikes as a nice place to chill. Overall solid jawn.
(4)
Cori C.
I was pretty impressed that the staff found us a spot in this teeny tiny and popular spot. It was a bit like eating on a train at rush hour, but it was an experience. The food was good - I appreciated the attention they took creating an imaginative menu. I arrived here starving after getting off the bus and left stuffed and happy.
(4)
Elizabeth J.
The best meal that I had in Philly. I had two dinners there and they were both amazing! The vibe was cool, the noodles perfect, the drinks delicious, the service friendly and the appetizers all delicious. Couldn't recommend a better place to eat.
(5)
Adam D.
I came to Cheu's with five coworkers for dinner on a Tuesday night. We were hoping to get seated around 7:00 pm, but there was a long wait and we didn't end up sitting down until 8ish. The waiter felt bad that we had waited so long (and our table was small even when we did sit) that he gave us a free round of sake for the table. That was just the beginning of a great meal with fun and friendly service and delicious food. I wouldn't recommend coming with a group bigger than six, and the smaller your group the easier it will be to get seated. But it's worth the wait! We had the dumplings, the fries, pork belly buns, brisket soup, and the miso soup - all were fabulous!
(5)
Timothy I.
Solid food. Wings were great. Miso ramen was missing something--I think it was a little heavy in the dashi. The service was great and very accomodating. Will go back to try the brisket at some point.
(4)
Jennifer C.
Wow! My husband frequents Cheu on the regular and I finally made it there last night and am so happy that I did! From the vibe of the place to the service to the food, everything was awesome! I recommend checking out the Yakisoba noodles.
(5)
Joe Y.
The appetizers here did not disappoint. I tried their signature buns, served on biscuit goodness and one of three filling options: pork, cheeseburger, and mushroom. I also had the dumplings were made of curry beef and potatoes; however, the kitchen mixes up this dish on the daily and perhaps hourly. Within a few hours of ordering, the daily dumpling dish had changed. However, the noodles were pretty standard. I had the duck pho which wasn't anything fantastic. Honestly, I would stick to the appetizers here.
(4)
Mark K.
First, let me say that the food here is outstanding, and I have been there twice. Fine. That said, I will never return. Why restaurnters still don't get that one dines out for the enjoyment of the food and the company of others, and that is almost impossible when music is blaring and bouncing off the walls, made worse in this case by the intimate size of the room. And to be told that the volume could not be turned down because the manager- who was absent- wanted it that way, as did the customers. Anyone ever survey the room? Patrons have to yell to be heard across the miniscule tables. So, no matter how good the food, I never return a third time: I always give a second chance! I am accused of being an old fogey, but I can't believe ANYONE, at ANY age, enjoys having to speak loudly during a dining experience. I am done.
(2)
Tram P.
Save your money or walk up three blocks to Hiro Ramen. My experience at Cheu's made me miss Chef Andy Ricker and his amazing dishes at Pok Pok (Portland and NYC). What is extraordinary about Ricker is he spent a lot of time in Thailand and learned all the subtle nuances to Thai cooking and methods. There is something to be said about learning another culture's cuisine. The broth in the ramen noodle dish was flat. That in my opinion is one of the worst things with food. The broth is THE glue - the singular thing that pulls all the other mundane ingredients together. I checked out Cheu's menu online and read that the chefs aren't trying to be "authentic" but rather are "keeping it real" which sounds like a cop out to me.
(2)
Henry P.
The Burger buns are amazing. I didn't even know you can make beef taste so good. Their dumplings are delicious. The Miso Ramen was okay. The bill does rack up.
(4)
Thanh T.
I had high hopes for this place, but it doesn't really cut it. I had some really awesome noodle dishes in my time and this was just a notch down from okay. I got a glass of pinot noir and the brisket noodle soup. First of all, the pinot noir was in the wrong glass. This was the first time I ever got wine in a glass cup instead of a wine glass at a restaurant. This is a $8 glass of wine... at least give it to me in the right glass. Next, the brisket noodle soup was disappointing. The broth was bland and not spicy, the noodles were kinda soggy, however, the brisket was pretty good. I'm not going back here again. I can make better noodle soup at home with instant ramen and a few added ingredients.
(2)
Amanda G.
Plates: Beef and Rice Dumplings with Miso Ramen Bowl and Brisket Bowl. Really enjoyed the service we had here at CheU as it was our first time here. The food was very delicious and different really than anything I've ever had before. The service was wonderful, the workers were really good at making you feel at home. The only complaint I had was that the atmosphere was very cramped and you had to push yourself between chairs to get to your table. Other than that, my experience here was a wonderful one and we will definitely be back in the future. Also, I absolutely loved the way that the restaurant looked, it was very unique and artsy.
(4)
Emily H.
Second time visiting. It was the perfect meal for the first night that felt like fall was returning. Kept it simple this time with a spicy bulleit cocktail that was delicious. We followed it up with an order of miso ramen and the crab broth ramen. Both were delicious. The miso had a great smokey taste and the crab had a great heat that really added depth of flavor. Good news. We noticed they do take out. Can't wait to hit this place up at bring it back home!
(5)
Christopher D.
Finally had lunch at the noodle Mecca, sans noodles. I started with dumplings, duck and scallion were the flavor of the day. The pillows of flavor were good, but the oil they were floating in left a lot to be desired. And it wasn't especially hot either. The broccoli and Vietnamese sausage was tasty though I would have preferred the sausage in larger chunks. It was a satisfying lunch, and proved that you can have a great meal at Cheu without having noodles or soup. Not cheap, ($16.00 including iced tea before tip) but good food never is. Look forward to returning.
(3)
David R.
Brisket ramen with a matzo ball was goooooood.
(5)
Brian T.
Great! I tried to go to anotehr restaurant, but didn't feel like dealing with the whole BYOB thing as I was in town on business and unprepared for that. I passed by and caught this awesome noodle bar with great hip hop playing. Sign me up! I had the bacon, egg and cheese dumplings and this awesome duck Pho with Foie Gras meatballs. SUCH a good meal! I will for sure be back!
(5)
Youssouf C.
I've been here twice - once randomly after it somehow made it on my list of places to go try out. The second time the day after with a few more friends just because I loved it so much. Cheu doesn't claim to be authentic Japanese food - what it does aspire to is something close to authentic but with dynamic variants and unique flavors. The hand-torn lamb bowl has succulent perfectly cook chunks of lamb neck and the dates bring a mild and very pleasant sweetness. I also tried miso ramen which I loved for its intense flavor. I can only say that I wasn't a huge fan of the watermelon ginger juice, but it was solid and the fact that they had something like that available made me content enough. Service was great, atmosphere awesome, interior small and intimate. Cheu is bold and that's why it will become one of my staple Philly places.
(5)
AF A.
For the first time in my life I had a craving for Ramen. This place was well reviewed and worth the mile walk I made to it. I had the brisket and Kim chi noodle bowl. Perfect amount of spice. Brisket was tender enough that I was able to pinch pieces off with chop sticks. Will absolutely be going back to this spot.
(5)
Huyennnn D.
Found this little place on yelp while craving for hand drawn noodles. We ordered the dumplings TO START. The dumplings actually came out last after our pork kimchee burrito and miso ramen. The waiter said there was some mix up in the kitchen. (it wasnt even that busy) Everything was just OK. I'm not a fan of burritos but the pork and kimchee burrito was surpringly good. the miso ramen however was too salty and the egg was barely cooked. I know we are suppose to eat the noodles with the broth to balance out the flavors but i'm those types that like to enjoy my broth. There are other ramen places in philly i rather go to.
(3)
Bill D.
Incredible noodles!! Everything I tasted here was outstanding including the hand torn noodles with lamb. The place is a little crowded and doesn't have many places to hang out while waiting... but it was worth it.
(5)
Reid C.
The place is clearly doing well. I went for lunch and they quickly filled up in a matter of minutes. Sure, it's small, but it's clear that they do their best to accommodate as many people as they can. I sat at the bar. Behind is the kitchen where Ben and his crew are hard at work and the aromas of their food alone will warm you up. The beer selection is awesome: craft IPAs, crisp pilsners, dark stouts, again it was lunch so I wasn't drinking, but if I ever came for dinner... The duck tacos were good. I took one bite and knew that they needed a little something, so I picked up the lime slice on the plate, gave each a quick squirt and boom, very tasty. Definitely looking forward to trying other apps next time. Next up, what I came for: noodles in a big bowl of hot broth. It was cold out and I had been walking around most of the morning so I figured this would be perfect. It was pretty perfect. Ahh ramen. Extra noodles? Yes please. Pork belly for only a couple of extra bucks? Yup! The pork belly was vital. A little chili paste, a couple of squirts of fresh lime and I went to town. After I was done, I felt great. When I left the building, it just felt a little warmer outside. Next time I'll come by with some friends for dinner. Dark beer and hot noodles would be perfect for any bleak and chilly winter night (or any night).
(5)
Michael M.
I live by here and have been here twice. Both times were pretty average, so I don't get the hype. The place is very hip and usually packed, which is a good indicator, but the food generally was unimpressive. I liked the dumpling appetizer, but it was nothing to write home about. The noodle dish I got was the spicy crab. I didn't taste much crab and it wasn't all that spicy, but the noodles themselves were good. I wish I could give 2.5 stars. For the money, I'd head a few blocks north to Chinatown to get something more authentic.
(2)
Rob B.
Pho always feels like a lot of work for me but this was great stuff. Lots of peppery flavor-al dente noodles. Juicy, melt in your mouth brisket. Also LOVE the dumpling of the day-chive pork dumplings in a smoky chili oil sauce. Amazing fries w garlic sauce and some Japanese elements (fish flakes). Omg! This food is good!! Made with great care and love.
(5)
Danielle L.
Not sure what all the hype is about. They succeed at being different, but not being flavorful. We had the dumplings in chili oil, the miso ramen, and the brisket matzo ball soup. The dumplings were the best and most flavorful part of our meal. The meat in the noodles were both very good but unable to compensate for the lackluster broth. All in all, our meal was not bad, but just not memorable either. There are way better options in Center City, especially with Chinatown so close by. The miso ramen brought me back to memories of my days in Japan eating $3.50 bowls of ramen. And even those had more flavor.
(2)
Michelle T.
I enjoyed their rendition of pork belly bao bun, with the fluffy flaky bun they used. I could eat the duck tacos all day - I loved the banana blossom and cucumber. My miso ramen as nice and flavorful. However, my pork in the ramen was more salty compared to my friend's miso ramen. I guess they can improve the consistency of the dishes they put out.
(4)
Professor Roger K.
A wise man once uttered the phrase "all that glitters is gold." As my lover and I strolled along 10th Street, sipping sazeracs and laughing voraciously, we came upon Cheu Noodle Bar. Suddenly, I thrust my lover against the wall, such was the level of my passions. My bodily humours flowed at a fever pitch as my lover screamed in tongues. The air around us seemed to almost glitter, and we knew, right then, that Cheu Noodle Bar was gold. Later we learned that our sazeracs quite mistakenly were made using Scrubbing Bubbles. We entered immediately, taking a seat at the counter, where we forlornly gazed upon the humble chefs preparing sumptuous helpings of ramens and other exotic fares. The black garlic wings were so divine I could hear several Walt Whitman poems being whispered in the ambiance. I quickly hid several in my lover's Norman Porter leather bag, as never a more perfect accouterment for a lover's lovemaking had been conceived in this world. Corn Rangoon that tasted as if prepared by Confucius himself. Crab Gazpacho Ramen flowed freely down my chest and legs as my lover fed me yakisoba, dangling noodles into my mouth as a screamed in passion. I was both a god and an animal, a mouse and a man. As the kind maitre 'd walked us to the door, noodles growing erect in my beard, my lover grabbed my hand, and my passions were ignited once again.
(5)
Stevie V.
If you are looking for Japanese ramen and you know your stuff, this is probably not the right place for you... I got the miso ramen here and it probably was the one of the worst i had. Taste wise, it is not a bad dish if you dont know what japanese ramen is supposed to taste like. However, it tasted like someone roughly tried to copy the traditional japanese dish and it has a long way to go. Only reason i gave them 3 stars is because overall, their menu was interesting and their appetizers were decent. I think they have the right mind but all their ramen has to step up if they wanna compete with the other joints around them
(3)
Wonsuk C.
Quirky place with really good ramen! It dispelled my thought that Caucasian run ramen places suck. My friend and I both got the miso ramen which was excellent. Every component of the dish blended well together but was also good when eaten individually. We went right before the dinner rush (~4pm). Perfect timing if you want to avoid the dinner crowds. Quirky decor. Good music.
(5)
Angelique L.
First time here for early dinner. Sat at the actual bar part, was greeted immediately. Ordered a pineapple jalapeño vanilla juice- which was surprisingly sweeter than I expected. Ordered dumplings and the crispy pork belly rice. The food came crazy quick. The rice wasn't piping hot, but the pork belly was. It was pretty good, but the dumplings were my favorite. Piping hot and flavorful. It's a very small place so get here off peak times, if not, you will wait. I might come back to try actual noodles- having severe regret as the miso ramen looked great!
(4)
Justine J.
Hmm, I'm not too sure what all the hype is would this place. It's really hipster, but that has nothing to do with my opinion on the place. The spicy beef dumplings were actually quite bad. There was barely any beef. It was just stuffed potato so it was essentially an oversized perogie with too much potato. Imagine wrapping a baked potato in a thin sheet of dough. That's what it felt like it was. I do however, like the duck tacos and the pork belly burger. I got the coconut curry ramen and I just did not care for it. I really don't know what else to say about it, but I just did not like their ramen. I came with my family and we each got a different ramen dish and just none of them tickled my fancy. Seating is very limited though. Theres only a few tables, bar seating, and a stand up area.
(2)
Leslie W.
The space is tight (as in, I had difficulty finding a spot for 1 on a Tuesday night) so I would suggest going during a weeknight as its first come first serve. I sat at the bar area which faces the kitchen. Its an entertaining spot as you can watch them put together the dishes, but its also a tight squeeze and can get a bit precarious with bowls of ramen and slurping broth. I had the matzo ball ramen which was interesting. The broth was flavorful and a bit spicy and the noodles were fresh and cooked perfectly. I wasn't a fan of the brisket, but that may just be my tastes. It was a little mushy and didn't have a lot of flavor. Overall it was really tasty and I was wishing I had more once I reached the bottom of the bowl. I hear they have some new menu items as of last week so I'll be back to visit soon and I'll be trying something new. Overall I was very happy!
(4)
Aleks K.
I tried the miso ramen and the won tons in chili oil. The ramen broth was thick and unctuous, filled with noodles, greens, soft egg that melted in once I poked it open, sprouts and a huge piece of pork. Delicious. Something like I've never had before and I'm glad I gave it a go. Came here based on bookmarking it at some point without even checking the menu. The won tons were soft and very filled, topped with deep fried quinoa for crunchiness which was awesome. I was surprised by the crunch and it was so welcome. Not spicy at all. $19 for both.
(4)
Alex G.
Loved the noodles, charred brussels sprouts, beer options, decor, and service. The overall character is superb. When you have non-Asians run an Asian-themed noodle bar, greatness happens. Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Dan S.
Cheu serves up some of the tastiest noodle dishes around. I'm a huge fan of noodles in general, and Cheu is one of my go to places to satisfy my noodle cravings. They are always hopping during lunch time, but I like call ahead for some take out during the lunch hour. There specials are always delicious, including the drink specials. My favorite dish is the Miso Ramen. The broth is fantastic and the pork shoulder is cooked perfectly. I just tried the Yaki Soba though, and it's coming up as a close second. Yum all around!
(5)
Shira S.
I still love Cheu for everything, but I'm sad to say that they changed their coconut curry recipe (which was my favorite) and now I'm sad because it just ain't the same. Cheu please bring back the original coconut currryyyyyyyyyyy!
(4)
Juliana K.
Over a year later, I have returned and still cannot give Cheu more than a 3.5 (maybe). The Miso Ramen was okay. The broth was delicious. I liked the poached egg. I wish the pork shoulder was less minced and more chunky. The Short Rib Mazeman was also decent. The short rib is tender and is better than the pork shoulder in the miso ramen. Much less brothy. Both ramen dishes tasted good. Fresh noodles, but nothing was mind blowing. Nothing was worth $13 a bowl, especially the inattentive service. We went on a Sunday afternoon that was not busy (because usually this place is VERY packed since it's small). With 4-5 staff just hanging out and such a small space, you'd think they would be more attentive. Otherwise the space is cool. Great music. They do have a bar. I'm not dying to go back again.
(3)
Kelly C.
i love the decor, i love the vibe of this place!! but noodles..? eeeehhh here's what they seriously messed up on-- serving a bowl of noodles (to me) that's not piping steamy HOT!! and people might think "that is so trivial.." NO! b/c of this.. my bean sprouts did not cook.. keep in mind, my egg was also only half cooked.. the high temperature of the soup was supposed to complete the cooking when served. #2, i gradually slowed down my slurping toward the 2nd half because it was getting cold and frankly, it just wasn't too appetizing anymore.. there were other things that bothered me too like how little soup they gave you lol.. but i'll stop here so i don't sound like a complete jerk. so being #12 out of 50 on foobooz, i was holding a certain level of expectations.. i see lots of potential here and i did have a fun dining experience with my friend.. but i rather take my money else where.. on the plus side, i did enjoy the dumplings (braised ribs with eggplant)-- it's always a plus when i can taste what they say it is inside lol
(3)
Lilli M.
Expect a wait if you're here. When they say a 25-minute wait, they mean it. My friend and I tried to come here twice and both times, there was a 25-minute wait so we decided to wait the second time. Unfortunately, there's only one small bench and really absolutely nothing else around, so you can't even get froyo or something, you're sort of just left standing around outside. (You can't stand around inside either bc there's no space) Once we were finally seated, I realized why there was a consistent wait. This place has pretty limited seating. Including the bar area, there are only about 20 seats total. The bar area is somewhat cramped so you're literally elbow to elbow with those on either side of you. At the bar, you're also naturally facing the somewhat small kitchen. I like watching cooks at work and I saw that they make their own noodles, which is nice. I got the miso ramen ($13). It was good and the broth was flavorful and not too salty but I thought the portion size and the amount of meat was a little lacking for that price. I'd probably come back but do not come if you're starving because there will likely be a wait and if you outlast the wait, then I'd advise getting extra meat or noodles with your ramen.
(4)
Jody P.
Fun atmosphere paired with great fusion food. My Coconut Curry was very flavorful with noodles that were cooked perfectly. I couldn't stop talking about how perfect the noodles were; chewy and still bouncy, but just enough past al dente to not be too hard. The fresh basil was fresh and addictive. The Pig Tail had the perfect amount of sauce, was tender, and plated attractively. They create new dumplings every day, ours were Szechuan beef. The dumplings were two bites a piece, tightly packed with spiced beef, and resting in chili oil. The red-orange atmosphere is very fun with hand illustrations everywhere. They play a combination of throw backs like Poison and more contemporary like vampire weekend. The space is small but our wait was under 10 minutes on a Monday night
(5)
Joseph R.
We were driving around South Philly doing some stuff at Ikea and needed a place to have some food when my wife goes "OOH I KNOW, CHEU NOODLE BAR!" This is the place Cheu holds in our dinner repertoire. Whenever you're not eating there, you wish you were eating there. We've been to Cheu three or four times now. It's a great restaurant in a great space. The noodles are addictive, the beer and wine list is plentiful, and the vibe is fun. We've never had a wait to get in, but we've also never gone during the height of the dinner rush. I can only speak for our own experiences, but every time we go, it's great. The menu has about 6 or 7 main bowls on it, some spicy, some mild, some brothy, some not. The strongest bowls are the top two on the menu, the miso with pork shoulder and the brisket, but the rest are pretty good too. I try to vary what I get to give all the bowls a try, and last time I went I had the coconut curry bowl, whose broth was just the right amount of spicy. There are small plates on the menu too, like dumplings and buns. But the bowls are the star, and they deserve the honor. If you're in this part of Center City and need a dinner option, this is a great place to go.
(4)
Sara S.
Cheu was a really nice change from Phó or generic Chinese takeout. I ordered to take out, the black garlic wings, the miso Ramen for myself and the Brisket for my husband. So I'm quite certain that the review would warrant 4-5 stars if we dined in. But we didn't and this is how the meal went down. The wings fresh out of the kitchen I'm sure are crispy-crunchy perfect. After sitting in a to-go container for 15 min before I got there; they couldn't help but be soggy. But they're so good that it didn't matter. I'll definitely be ordering them again. My ramen was tasty. The noodles are chewy, and have a perfect bite to them. The miso broth wasn't my favorite. It was mellow, the pork shoulder was melt in your mouth tender; the flavor was very subtle. Combined I feel as though it was all just very subdued, but nice- flavors. I'm more likely to go back to try the dumplings and some other items off the menu. Looking forward to an outstanding dine-in experience!!
(3)
Juan M.
Great little place and (great =awesome and little=small) friendly service and a meal worth the wait. Open kitchen so you can watch the chefs kick it out! Try either the pork ramen soup or the short beef rib soup you will not be disappointed. No place to stand around if you have to wait but don't give up you'll be glad you didn't Do like we did wait in the car they'll call you when your table is ready. A little pricey but what do you expect for a place that's #12 on philly' stop 50.
(4)
John C.
Food: Ok, not memorable. My girlfriend and I ordered the black garlic chicken wings, spicy crab noodles and miso ramen. The black garlic chicken wings were an interesting take on wings. They were encrusted with sesame seeds, topped with a tasty sauce and garnished with cilantro. The noodle dishes were good but I had higher expectations after reading previous reviews. Atmosphere/ Service Very cramped, seating at the bar isn't very comfortable. The ambient music can be a bit loud at times. It has a hipster vibe to the decor, so if that's your jam you'll feel comfortable here. It took a while after we were seated at the bar to be greeted by the staff.
(3)
Derek W.
This is the ultimate antidote to a cold Philadelphia winter. And, based on recent visits, it's clear that the greater the blanket of snow and ice that covers the city, the longer the wait for scarce counter and small table space at Cheu. The block is quiet, the exterior fairly nondescript, but open the door and pull back the heavy curtain and you are thrown into a teeming mass of eager foodie fanatics. The narrow, crowded kitchen is brimming with electric energy, all in full view: steam rising from pots, broth being ladled in every direction, gas flames leaping around small pans on the stove, and noodles torn with artful precision. Everything that emerges from the kitchen is a unique, creative, and fresh concoction with a masterful balance of the five basic tastes. The appetizer special was a dazzling combination of sauteed mustard greens, toasted farro, and miso dressing, topped with a handful of crispy fried lotus, a fabulous flavor and texture scheme. The regular menu features a small plate (which could really be a meal) consisting of broccoli sauteed with ample morsels of Vietnamese sausage and tossed with crushed peanuts and unidentifiable but magical spices. Both of our noodle dishes were superb and completely different. The spicy shrimp noodles come in a bowl crowded with bean sprouts, green onion, greens, and shaved daikon, topped with lightly fried shrimp balls. The broth had the red hue and subtle kick of chilis and the noodles were microscopically thin. The stars of the Sichuan bowl are thick, delicious, hand-torn wheat noodles coated in hot bean paste and stir-fried to a slight crisp. Interspersed with the noodles are bright greens and diced fresh tofu, and the dish is finished with sesame seeds and ribbons of cucumber. Despite the rather raucous and cramped setting, the staff at Cheu are meticulous and generous in providing individual attention. My revelation of a mushroom allergy touched off a vigorous discussion about which dishes could be created with different combinations of broths and sauces to avoid fungi. On my second visit, a friendly Cheu employee noted my overcoat covered and dripping with melting snow (as, no doubt, did everyone there), grabbed it and whisked it back to a secret hiding spot in the back of the house to dry. One note of caution: avoid making a visual estimate of the wait times for a table. Diners tend to leave their names and then disperse into neighborhood bars to await phone calls summoning them to eat.
(5)
Dave L.
Wow, this was amazing. Probably not "authentic", but ridiculously good. I had the noodles with beef brisket and matzoh balls...who knew they make such a stunning combination? Others in my party had the miso ramen and the coconut curry - all equally delicious. But perhaps the star of the show were the dumplings. Ah, the dumplings. I don't know how to begin to describe them...like no other dumplings I have ever had. YOU MUST TRY THEM. BTW, this is a tiny little hole-in-the wall place on 10th between Spruce and Locust...they don't take reservations so go there, put your name in, and walk down the street to Varga bar to wait it out. Or order a drink and stand in the ridiculously narrow passage between the kitchen and handful of tables at the front of the restaurant.
(5)
Ainsley A.
Nestled right in Washington Square, next to Jefferson, lies this gem of an Asian fusion restaurant. Let me start off by saying this place is TINY, MINISCULE, the size of a bathroom. Perfect for a date spot or a dinner with a friend, but not for groups; be prepared to sit at the bar and not a table (this is the best seat in the house due to the open kitchen.) We started off with a few apps: the black garlic chicken wings, complete with shishito peppers, lime and cilantro- the cheeseburger, pork belly and mushroom bun, and the roasted broccoli with Vietnamese sausage, peanuts and soy. The chicken wings had the perfect crunch and flavor to them; the peppers that accompanied them were not spicy but packed with flavor and added a little extra flair to the dish. Each bun was perfectly seasoned- my favorite being the mushroom (the pork belly's texture was not for me, but the taste was rich and delectable// the cheeseburger was perfectly medium rare and the flakey crust enhanced a simple dish). We each ordered a different noodle dish and I was lucky enough to try each one. I wanted a dry noodle dish (not a soupy one) and one with an abundance of vegetables so I opted for the yakisoba noodles. A poached egg lay on top of the mountain of pan fried noodles and when broken and mixed into the dish, enhanced not only the noodles but also the snow peas, asparagus and smoked tofu. I am not a tofu person as I am a raging carnivore BUT this was amazing. My sister had the coconut curry noodle dish which had the perfect amount of spice and flavor. But the star of the evening was my sister's boyfriend's dish: the bolognasian. Think of an Asian version of an Italian meat bolognese. I wish I could eat this all day everyday. The hint of horseradish mixed in with the minced pork amplified this dish- took it to another level. The watercress was a refreshing touch and the thick flat noodles gave the dish a different texture compared to the thin ramen. Definitely will be back again- I NEED that bolognasian.
(5)
Maria C.
I have only been once, but I thought it was delicious, and fairly affordable. The service was great, but I would not recommend this place to someone who is not willing to get cozy with other people, it is a tiny restaurant with very limited seats. The food was good, I had the coconut curry noodles, and they were delicious. I was a little disappointed that because of an allergy, I really only had two choices for a meal - but was very happy with what I ate. The server was accommodating and willing to ask questions, the food came out quick, and they came to check in several times. The person I was with Yakisoba and absolutely loved it! If I were going to go back, I would make sure to only go with one other person and expect to wait for quit a while, as they are often super busy (a sign of their food being great). It is also pretty loud, just because it is so tight, so if you are trying to get to know someone, you may want to go elsewhere.
(4)
Tiffany T.
Unfortunately I only had 1 item so it's hard for me to give this place a full review -- but I will note that I liked it enough, or that it intrigued me enough that I'd go back to try some other things. I got the Miso ramen with pork, $14, so with tax and tip it'll run you around $18 to $20 depending on your tipping methods. Kind of steep for one person! I know I'm pinching pennies here, but I think Terrakawa runs around $11 and it actually does kind of make a difference - esp when I wouldn't say that this is THAT much better than Terrakawa, if at all. The good - the noodles were cooked perfectly al dente, much appreciated. The egg was also perfectly soft and runny on the inside --( don't except the soft boiled egg) keep in mind this WAS perfectly cooked. They don't go for the traditional Japanese ramen, that's not their concept. So I loved it for what it was! The broth was a little sweet for my liking, maybe a personal preference but I like it a tad more savory and salty Overall takeaway? I don't doubt for one second that they make pretty darn good food, but there's a bit of a price tag on it. $10 for wings ( which I've heard are phenomenal) , $5 for some wontons, and I forget the price on the pork or mushroom buns. I think I'll come back with a partner and split it next time. You will be REALLY full from ramen, I had to stuff it. I'd be happier splitting and trying more items next time! ** Also, this place only seats 24 people so either be ready to wait, or come right when they open for lunch at 12!! Groups, not recommended
(3)
Emily W.
Part of the appeal of this place is that it's so damn tiny. No matter where you sit, you feel the good vibes from the kitchen. It's as if the servers feel that energy too because they flit from table to table, making sure everyone is happy, well-fed, and in need of nothing except maybe another order of those dumplings.... Some of the flavor combos may be a little experimental, but they work because they tap into the basics of craveable foods- a bit salty, a lot umami, a little fatty, and just a tad sweet. Oh, and a teensy bit spicy. Your taste-buds do a little happy dance. The brisket dumplings are a must-order if they have them as a special, and the broccoli will convert any veggie-skeptic. I ordered the coconut curry ramen with extra veggies. It was delicious but even better when I squeezed in some extra lime juice to brighten up the broth and cut a little richness of the coconut and peanut sambal. Speaking of peanut sambal, that stuff is worthy of being bottled, sold, and devoured at home by the spoonful. It's a fun place to take an out-of-towner curious about the new Philly food scene or which is more likely the case, to just treat yo self on these cold winter nights....
(4)
Laura G.
What an awesome find!! I passed this numerous times on my way to my favorite dum sum spot and one day decided to take a detour into Cheu. Well I'm so thankful. Came in around 630 and there were a couple of seats at the bar. Such a tiny place, so expect a wait. We ordered black garlic wings to split and pork belly buns. The wings are mouth watering. The pork buns are decent but I have trouble liking any after having sampan's. I ordered the spicy shrimp ball soup. It was pretty good. Soup definitely isn't my favorite which sways my opinion a little. I was pretty full half way through my soup and was able to take some home. Next time I definitely want to check out their dumplings.
(4)
Stephanie S.
Wow what a disappointment! The place had such good reviews on yelp, I guess I may have walked in with a higher expectation. Even though the restaurant was tiny and there was virtually no ventilation, (and I was sitting right in front of the open kitchen where I could see the chef cooking right in front of me) I couldn't smell the food from where I was sitting. Okay, that's a little weird. I ordered a bowl of ramen and a side of dumplings in chilly oil. The dumplings were okay, but may be it needed to be seasoned a little bit more? The flavor just seemed like something was missing. Ramen was equally bland. The noodle itself was excellent, had a very nice texture to it. And the pork shoulder that came with the ramen was very very good. But when you ate everything together, the combination of the flavors just wasn't doing it for me. It was just very ironic, since the chef was putting tons of sauce and other condiments to the noodle bowl, but I just felt like the whole dish was bland. I really wish I liked this place. I loved the decor and the feel of the restaurant, and the presentation of the food is stunning. But the food is bad, and I probably won't be back.
(2)
Suzie L.
I enjoyed dining here as it's really cozy and has the trendy feel that's not super Asian vibe. I ordered the black garlic chicken wings, the pork buns and the brisket ramen. The chicken wings are good, they have a dense cornstarch type of batter and the sauce they drizzle is salty and sweet. I think I've been spoiled by bonchon/soho crispy chicken so any friend chicken in comparison doesn't even stand a chance. For what it was, it was ok. The pork buns were delicious with the buns steamed to melt in your mouth (yum!) and the brisket ramen was delicious. I overall enjoyed the two. I had to get the egg in my ramen to thicken up the broth a bit as I like hearty broths with my noodles. I was a bit hesitant to try a matzo ball in my ramen but surprisingly it was really good. Overall, it's a fun place to hit up with a friend but beware the price is a bit steep for asian ramen.
(4)
Jordan H.
The teamwork style of service is always just what you need, the beer specials are always interesting and affordable, and there are reasons they have won awards for their food. We always enjoy our meals here! Great spot for a date with delicious food and an exciting atmosphere with such an eclectic selection of music!
(5)
Stefanie Y.
Cheu has really come into its own. When I was last here half a year ago, I was less-than-impressed, but this time, the staff was friendlier and the ramen was close to perfect. We came for a late lunch, minutes before they were supposed to close at 3pm. The waiter still good-naturedly accommodated us, providing fast and attentive service. The noodles were chewy, and whereas last time they were a little clumpy, this time, they were perfect. The broth was not too salty and somehow managed to be full flavored and (refreshingly) light at the same time. The meat was meltingly tender, though a little broken-up for my tastes, and the soft-cooked egg was perfect. We also ordered a special grapefruit juice, whose tart flavor complimented the ramen and served nicely as a palate cleanser. After eating ramen, I often fall into a sodium stupor and feel mildly ill for at least half a day, but after Cheu ramen, I felt pleasantly full. The attentive service and delicious ramen made for a much-improved experience.
(4)
Tina K.
Can't wait to go back to Cheu Noodle Bar! And I actually just got back from eating there. That's how cool this place is. My friend and I went straight to Cheu Noodle Bar after we finished our last final exam. We heeded other Yelpers' recommendation and ordered the black garlic wings for appetizer. I also ordered a mushroom bun and a bowl of brisket noodle soup because I love to try out different foods, while she ordered a bowl of miso ramen for her entree. Heads up: we loved everything on the table! As we were waiting for our orders, we noticed the unique interior. There were beautiful paper lanterns, as well as these cylindrical lanterns that were actually lit up hanging from the ceiling to decorate the place. The cylindrical lanterns have drawings in graphic novel style and enhance the casual ambience. Then our black garlic wings arrived, and we could feast more than just our eyes. Mushroom bun: I normally hate cucumbers (even when I wear cucumber slices for eye mask; it's the smell I'm telling you), but I didn't mind the cucumber slices in my mushroom bun. The sauce masked the smell of cucumber I hate so whole-heartedly. Black garlic wings: There were six wings per order, plenty to share between 2-3 people. The sauce on the black garlic wings was delicious, but the toppings of green onion, cilantro, and lime juice elevated the flavors. Brisket noodle: The beef brisket pulled apart easily, and the hot broth was perfect to dispel the winter cold. Moreover, the kimchi actually complemented the broth really well. The hand-pulled noodle was not bad. I tried the top of the matzo ball that wasn't exposed to the broth first, and it was good, but when I tried the part that's soaked in the broth, it was as if all the planets in the solar system were perfectly aligned. In another word: magical. Matzo didn't have a strong flavor to begin with, but the flavors of the broth contrasted and highlighted that of the matzo. They're like a couple who is better together than individually. Brangelina, anyone? Miso ramen: I tried my friend's miso ramen and was glad I didn't order it. It wasn't bad; I'm just not a big fan of pork. I know it's a fusion restaurant, but I usually go to authentic Japanese ramen bars, so... yeah... She loved it, though. To each her own. We actually arrived at 2:50 pm not knowing that the place closes from 3-5 pm. However, we were still seated, so kudos to them! This establishment is tiny; I counted all the seats, table and counter, and there were only 20 seats unless there are more toward the back or upstairs that I didn't see. If there really are only 20 seats, well, I wouldn't come here for dinner because it's likely to be packed.
(4)
Tina D.
My first time here, and I love it! Love noodles and broth have right amount of spices, and vegetables. Simple cute place and very friendly servers! I got amazing coconut curry noodle soup! It was spicy enough, great broth and grilled corn is great! I love that they had mint and let in this soup also! Noodles taste exactly like homemade (egg based noodles) and they easily soak the flavor of the broth! I usually don't take leftovers home, especially soups, but this one I did! Although I had it not for long cause I gave it to homeless guy on the street, I'm sure he will love it! Anyway, prices are fair, $11 for coconut curry soup and i ordered shrimp and extra noodles($2), the bowl of extra noodles was huge, and soup itself is pretty big. they also have beers, wine and very interesting coctails. They cook infront of you and from the bar you can see that kitchen is very clean. Definitely will be back to try other stuff they have on the menu! And enjoy it!
(5)
Manna F.
I had a positive experience at Cheu Noodle Bar, but for me, it did not live up to the hype. As others will surely tell you, do not expect anything similar to Japanese ramen. As my boyfriend and I are Japanese, it was very difficult for us to divorce the idea of a bowl of noodles from ramen, so perhaps this was the reason I cannot give Cheu a perfect rating. However, it's definitely an adventurous time. We ordered the beef dumplings, Brisket noodles, and the Spicy Shrimp Broth noodles. The dumplings had a wonderful gingery bite and the chili oil was not too strong. However, I would remove the fried quinoa if I could as they tended to get stuck in your teeth and linger in your mouth far longer than the enjoyment of the dumpling. The soup of the brisket noodles had strong hints of Korean cuisine and was flavored similarly to the sour and spicy taste of kimchi. The brisket was perfectly soft and I was surprised at how well the matzo ball worked with the broth. The spicy shrimp broth noodles were a bit of a let down as the hero of the dish, the fried shrimp balls were minuscule and did not add too much to the experience. The broth was clearer, light, and had a lot of Vietnamese notes. The combination of raw onions, bean sprouts, and shrimp balls was not a home-run for me. The vibe and service is excellent, and this place definitely worth at least one try.
I love this place. Top recs: the coconut curry and the wings. The wings are insane. Be aware of: how absurdly heavy the kimchi/matzo ball soup is. It's a LOT. Other good stuff: the service, dumplings, great beers on draft. It's not cheap. There's usually a wait. They'll give away your table if you don't get there quick enough. But the flavors and overall atmosphere of Cheu will make your belly sing! Note: the place is VERY small but will accommodate groups if you make a reservation and get there at 6pm or before. We had six for Zack's birthday and it was quite cozy.
(5)
Ancy T.
I like this place - hipster galore! The black garlic wings and the miso Ramen are a must. The staff is SO FRIENDLY, service is great and food takes no time at all. They are always busy, but their service is so efficient that it's not a terrible wait. Their drinks are also on point. I'm not a huge fan of the dumplings and I didn't really like the meatballs in spicy crab broth - i actually thought the meatballs were terrible. I know my favorite items here so I'd definitely go back.
(3)
Jenn A.
So I've been to Cheu a number of times and it's usually great. But this past time was an interesting and unpleasant experience. I left quite unsatisfied. Service - weird and subpar to their norm. Looking past the fact the our waitress forgot to put in our order of noodles and kept us waiting for an extra 20-30 minutes. And looking past the fact that given the delay, they talked up this "discount" they were giving us (literally spoke about it 3x to us even though it was completely unsolicited) but it turned out to be a generous "discount" of $5 on a $50+ bill. I got a poor suggestion for my order. It's the food that matters and when my appetite is left unsatisfied that's a deal breaker for me. Food - usually their dumplings are awesome. Cheeseburger dumplings: flavor is too overwhelming. We left the last one b/c we weren't fans and they were so shocked they just left the plate on our table the entire meal....finally they cleared it at the end and even then the bus boy asked us again, for the 5th time, if we wanted it. No. We didn't or else it wouldn't still be in the plate. Coconut Noodles: weird. Not a good weird. When I asked the waitress what she thought she told me it was good but she always adds something to it. Little did I know I NEEDED to add something to it to make it a satisfying meal. It is very spicy. Hotness took over the flavor and I'm more about flavor than burning my tongue. Not in it for the thrill...in it for the taste. It really just tasted like hot sauce with a dab of coconut water. Some basil/mint flavoring but not enough basil/min could save it. Wasn't horrible but certainly wasn't good or even satisfying. The worst is leaving a restaurant hungry. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unless you wanted to add so much to it, making it a different dish. Which in that case you could just order a different dish. I would stick with the classics. In conclusion, stick with the classics and you'll be very happy. If you don't have your noddles but everyone that was seated 20 min after you has their noddles ... ask about it. And when they offer a completely unsolicited discount expect it to be so meager it's almost embarrassing they mentioned it. Other than that I would have given them 4 stars!!!
(2)
Alex A.
Good ramen. Have tried this place 3 times, trying some ting different every time. Haven't been dissapointed. Every ramen shop will be a little different. My favorite places are still on the west coast, but I'm glad cheu noodles is here. Def recommend
(4)
Nicole H.
Delicious ramen, duh. The dumplings (whatever the special is, just get it) were also tasty. The place is very, very small - I'd call it cramped - so be prepared. There's also often a long wait, though I was there on a Tuesday night around 6 pm and was lucky to get at able for two without a wait. Only other negative is I do think it's just a tad overpriced. I mean, it is still soup and noodles (with perhaps a little protein), so leaving down over $20 for a soup and a few dumplings is a little more than I would've liked. But it's by no means not worth it - if you're a ramen fan, or are thinking of trying it, Cheu is a fantastic choice.
(4)
Mimi L.
Alittle disappointed with the food. Service was slow and alittle lacking. Lets talk about the food. I had the mini pork belly burger or bun. That was a rendition of a bun mi... Not so good. Bread was crispy but flavor combo was blend. The chicken wings were ok. Served with cilantro and sesame seeds were ok. I got the pomegranate mint tea. This tasted like the tazo tea packets. Guess, I drink alot of tazo stuff. Lol The miso ramen was alittle blend and cold. My soup was subpar and just ok. I have had ramen else where and it was delicious. I was really hoping this place would be just as good but was disappointed. I did take a sip of my friends curry chicken ramen and it was just ok. Wish my review for this place was higher in rating but the food was just ok. Nothing bad but nothing great.
(3)
Angel K.
I still love Cheu. And even if it continues to offer delicious food I'm giving it one less star because it's been less consistent. There was one particular chef recently (no longer there, I believe) who was under-frying the chicken wings and not paying attention to the fine details that make food at Cheu great, like forgetting about the quinoa on the dumplings. Some things that have improved: staff and perfectly cooked noodles. Some things that I miss: dumplings (the new ones are good too but I find them less delicate, a bit too doughy, and I also miss the dumpling rotation), some toppings that have mysteriously disappeared from the noodle dishes, consistency on the broths, and real glasses. Because the broth has been so so, I recently had the cold sesame noodles and they were delicious. Much better than the last time I had tried them. The sauce was a perfect mix of spicy and sour, and the cucumbers were crunchy and refreshing. But there was too little topping for the noodles and by the time I made it through half the bowl, I only had noodles and sauce. Maybe adding some chopped kimchi or a protein (like a hard boiled egg) might make the full bowl more enjoyable.
(4)
Jeanne T.
Yum yum yum!!!! Very memorable!!! Still thinking about the delicious wings and Shenzhen noodles!!! Got to watch the chefs doing their maguc, an impressive team. Small place but full of fabulous flavor!
(5)
Sara N.
My brother and I had a quick debate at the bar whether it is better to be authentic or delicious, and we both agreed delicious wins, any day of the week. This statement was empirically proven at Cheu Noodle Bar. With that said, our new go-to is the fall-apart brisket ramen, but go big, and add extra pork shoulder. As a bonus, start with the mushroom bun, but skip the dumplings. All in all, fresh ingredients and creative twists allows a return visit (or many) to Cheu Noodle Bar.
(4)
Noosh E.
Small cozy place serving delicious Ramen soup and appetizers. I've tried the brisket a few times and it has been consistently good. Love getting the black garlic wings. I also enjoy watching the food being made at the bar. The only thing is that this place is super crowed in the evenings during the weekend, there isn't a lot of room to wait there so you will need to wait somewhere else. First time we went - we waited one and half hour....but was worth it! It helps that they have super friendly servers.
(4)
Payal P.
Can't wait to go back! First time here while in the neighborhood and having heard such great things I decided to go for dinner. The wait staff is super friendly, the open kitchen rocks and the noise level is on point! I got their beer on tap, I forget the name but I believe a local IPA that was priced well. Then to start I got a mushroom bun that was so good I'm sad it was only 1 and a 3-biter. For my dish I got the cold sesame 3.0 I was debating between 2 and the waitress told me she preferred this one but I wasn't going wrong either way. She warned me it was a cold dish. When it arrived it was room temp which I didn't mind as I usually don't like cold foods. I opted to add mustard greens on it and they were amazing! I like the chili oil supplied on the table, it added the pop I was looking for. Yup, can't wait to return!
(5)
Yun W.
This noodle place would get 3 yelp stars at most if it were in the Bay Area. It's a good thing that it has relatively little competition in Philly, and actually is quite popular here. We were a party of two and came on a rainy Thursday around 7:30pm. Surprisingly, there was a crowd (a lot of people wanted soup on a rainy day!) and we had to wait for a short time (~15 minutes). Pork belly bun - 2 stars - this was pretty disappointing. The pork belly wasn't very flavorful, and the bread was more English-muffin like than the traditional bun. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/cheu… ) Duck tacos hoisin, banana blossom, cucumber - 2 stars - Not quite what I expected. The hoisin sauce and duck worked fine, however, the duck meat itself had an odd taste - it was either not fresh or undercooked. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/cheu… ) Miso Ramen - 4 stars - I liked the combination of sprouts, egg, seaweed. The veggies could have been more leafy (vs a stalk in the soup), and the pork could have been thinly sliced vs chunks, but not bad overall. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/cheu… ) Come here if you must, but I personally think Ramen Bar in University City is much better.
(2)
Margo K.
HUGE Cheu fan. My review is based on two dinner visits and many more day dreams, including one that is happening now. The restaurant is small, clean, cozy, and fun. The service is efficient and friendly. The tables are packed in, but this doesn't take away from the experience. The menu is small, which reassures you that you can't go wrong no matter what you decide to order. During my first visit, I went with the pork belly bun, and the Brisket ramen. Delicious. During my second, I got Yakisoba 2.0 because I can't not get a dish that involves radishes. The ramen portions are such that I can actually finish them in one sitting without feeling stuffed. All of the food looks beautiful when it's served (#eatingfortheinsta). I can't think of anything more I would want out of a noodle place, or any place for that matter. I'll come back again and again, especially for their ever changing specials.
(5)
John R.
This place almost hit my Five star sweet spot! Haha! The only reason why I just can't do five stars was the dishwear to be completely blunt and maybe shallow? This to me is such a minor point but when a place is teetering on the brink of greatness it matters, IMHO! What didn't I like about the dishes? Well, when I was in college I was in a fraternity and we were too cheap and rowdy to have nice things so all of our meals used these cheap awful plastic cups, and when I ordered my $8 drink, it arrived in one of these horrid little vessels. I also abhor those cheap, wooden, break-apart chopsticks used in take out Chinese places, and when I ordered my $15-$20 bowl of wheat noodles with an egg in it, I was expected to eat it with the awful take-out chopsticks. Needless to say after dropping 100 bones on myself and my two guests, I was a little more than pissed off that I spent that on cheap noodles with cheap egg, served with bottom of the barrel utensils, and frat boy cheap glassware. For the profit margin this place has I expect a better investment in the experience/ambiance/decor and I for that reason I am not excited to go back in the near future. I will say that I did give them four stars, because aside from the insulting, cheap-at-the-expense-of-the-customers-experience, masquerading as 'hipster' dishware, The place actually did have some talent when it comes to combining flavors. The Miso Ramen was really good and flavorful, and I was told they started as a wing place so I ordered the black pepper wings, and I must say they were to die for. Best wings I've ever had. Come to think of it, if they quadrupled the wing quantity and greatly lowered the price I'd give them five stars and come back every week. LOL.
(4)
Andrew Y.
4-stars! Yayyyyy!! I am TOTALLY a fan of this place! My friend had reference a post for the best ramen locations to try in various cities across the states. Cheu Noodle Bar came up as one of these locations. My first time here was about 6 months ago, and it did not disappoint. Great location, close to city center! Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this establishment again, and it was as great as the first time! My dish of choice? Miso ramen with extra pork belly. Seating is somewhat limited, as the location is rather small, however if you get a chance to visit Philly, this is definitely a must try! Well done Cheu Noodle Bar! 4-stars! Well-deserved!~
(4)
Claire L.
Best noodles! Miso ramen is my favorite. Dumplings in chili oil are also delicious. The wait for a seat can be very long (45-60 minutes) but it's so worth it.
(5)
Shauna G.
Doth mine eyes deceive me? Or did they slightly lower their drink prices? Not sure, but I swore I paid double digits for my Jin-Ja bourbon situation last time and this time it was $9.50. Also the perfection that was the broccoli topped the brussels sprouts (both yummy, but I found the brussels a wee bit salty for my taste). And if I could give the Cheu staff six stars, you bet I would.
(4)
Shintaro K.
What I had: Miso ramen. Benchmarks: Terakawa, Cozara and Nom Nom Ramen....but not really. I respect their original approach to ramen as opposed to (falsely) claiming authenticity. That is why my comps are not Sumire (Sapporo), Santoka (Asahikawa) or Ajiyoshi (Sendai) ... Ippudo's Akamaru (if you call that miso). Out of the gate, let me say that this is probably my favorite place for ramen in Philly. You are probably wondering then, why only 3 stars? Well, here's the breakdown: Noodles: Classic Sapporo - Nishiyama style. Textured, thicker noodle with sodium carbonate additive. Noodles were cooked appropriately. Soup: Clean, uncomplicated, single animal broth...perhaps chicken? Miso used was uninteresting. So here's the tough part - "balance". The classic Nishiyama noodle was developed to pair with a heavy tonkotsu centric Sapporo miso style developed in the 1950's. The balance between the soup x noodles is just not there. Next - "miso". I do understand that artisan miso is hard to get in the US, but using so-so meee-so makes it a disappointing experience. NOTE FOR OTHER YELPERS. 1. Real kimchee gets the sour taste from fermentation. 2. Sprouts and egg are NOT supposed to cook through. This ain't pho.
(3)
Lilli C.
On a Friday night at around 8PM, the place was a bit busy. Luckily we were able to wait at Locust Bar and they called us in about 30 minutes when there was a table ready. The service here was fantastic- the waiter was super chill, like an old buddy you'd grab a beer with. I loved my brisket ramen that also came with kimchi and a perfectly cooked matzo ball. The brisket was super tender and the broth was quite flavorful. The chili garlic wings were also fantastic - crispy and huge. My boyfriend got the spicy crab noodle special they had which I didn't like as much. The noodles were thick chow fun noodles that were sort of clumped together and the broth tasted like a vat of chili oil. Next time I'd like to try the more traditional miso ramen though- I was lured by the excitement of the non-traditional brisket ramen this time.
(4)
Amanda C.
I write this 3 star review with caveats on both ends. If it were just for the service we received today, this would be a 2 star review at best. If it were just for the food, I'd probably be with the rest of the crowd hovering around 4 stars. But when you wait 55 minutes for takeout, while everyone who entered the restaurant AFTER you is already eating....and you're treated like a nuisance for daring to be a 6 person party at 12:15...and ordering a third soda ellicits a grand sigh...it's kind of hard to give a place full props for their delicious miso broth, perfectly soft cooked egg or tender pork shoulder. Even soft, sticky pork belly buns that melt in your mouth are hard to enjoy when you are 20 minutes late from your hour work lunch and you still have to eat at your desk. My advice? Go. Get this food. In fact, call ahead no matter what time of day so they have time to prepare your noodles. Because they are, in fact, delicious. (As my cohort pointed out, this is not authentic Japanese ramen, but rather a hipster hybrid ramen.) But please, oh, please don't try to come at peak times and place a big order, because you just might stress out the noodle team.
(3)
Michael B.
Cheu on this. Four out-of-town friends in need of a late lunch spot in Center City thanked me no fewer than eight times over the course of the meal for suggesting Cheu. And I hadn't even been there before (I had only tried their breakfast dumplings at the Bacon Beer Fest back in December, which stole the entire show). At lunch, everything we ate was packed with delicate flavors that you may not expect from a couple of Phila heads who open up an Asian noodle bar. Now, Cheu is a tricky place to eat veggie, but the Yakisoba noodles are veg and very tasty, especially with a perfectly runny coddled egg on top. I would cheu-cheu-cheuuuuuuuse Cheu again for lunch any day of the week! (If you got that reference, we are friends; if you don't, well, we can still be friends). NOTE: I can't speak to the source of their meats here - and this is something about which I am extremely passionate and concerned when I order animal products at restaurants. I tried calling on my walk over from Fairmount, with the intention of getting the information I wanted in private and sparing some awkward stares at the table from friends I hadn't seen in a while. Unfortunately, the server who answered the phone did not know, and asked me to call back on a weekday, when they were less busy. This I will do - but I do wish it were common practice in Philadelphia for all employees to have the capacity to answer questions regarding food sourcing on the first try (the same thing has happened to me on numerous occasions as of late - and it's getting a little frustrating). Double-note: As other reviews have stated, I found the service to be a bit rushed and frazzled as well. They're friendly enough, but they sort of pushed us to order a lot more food than I think we needed without giving us much of a chance to refuse, and did appear a little stressed. Better service would have garnished the review with a fifth star. But folks, the food really speaks for itself; I almost give Cheu a free pass on service imperfections..
(4)
Ian M.
I keep telling myself to stop eating here to avoid getting sick of it, yet I don't stop and somehow never get tired of it. I've been going pretty consistently over the last year and a half and have always been very satisfied with whatever I order. The dumplings are always delectable and the ramen, while unconventional, hits the spot every time. I almost never venture from their Japanese matzo ball soup which is just so damn good. There's always a good craft beer on draft and an extensive cocktail list as well. The only complaint is that unfortunately the place has blown up in recent months and there is almost always a guaranteed wait every time you go. So it goes. Keep doing you Cheu Noodle Bar
(5)
Minette Y.
The noodles are seriously great here, and its almost too hard decide which bowl to get since the combinations are unique and enticing (not your typical bowls of ramen!). One thing you shouldn't think twice about forgoing are the the real real winner of the menu: the black garlic wings.
(4)
Monique B.
Tiny spot, which is great for Ramen in my opinion. The soup was tasty, and the noodles were perfectly cooked. I added pork belly to mine and it was great as well. I'll be back.
(4)
Vidushi B.
I had high expectations of this place, having read the reviews in advance. I was craving ramen and decided to come here on a Monday night. There definitely is a quirky atmosphere to this place, and it was pretty busy for a Monday night. The servers were all incredibly nice, and the service remained great throughout the meal. We ordered the rice cakes to start. These weren't really what I expected, they were balls of rice in a kind of sauce. They were a little bland for my taste, which was weird considering the menu said they were spicy. They weren't bad, but I wouldn't choose to order them again. For my entree, I got the Miso Ramen, which my server said is the most popular dish. I was a little bit disappointed by this. It was also pretty bland, and really nothing to write home about. Overall, the food I had was pretty mediocre. I'm thinking of trying it again on another day and ordering something different, and hopefully it'll be better.
(3)
Jessie H.
This place is kind of small- small tables of 2 and 3-4 people. We were sitting pretty fast on a Friday night so that was good. For appetizers, I got the following: Black Garlic Wings - shishito peppers, lime, cilantro- These wings were good but kind of dry. Really flavorful though so I liked it. Tuna Poke- I tried ordering this but they said their menu hadn't been revised yet and they no longer served this. Made me pretty sad because I loved tuna poke. Pork Belly bun- LOVE LOVE LOVE! the pork belly was all fat so I loved it! Dumplings- These were pretty dry and not tasty, I think it needed more salt or some other flavor. For noodles I got the brisket noodle- the brisket was lean and kind of hard to chew. This is average, nothing special. Broth was ok. I didn't really finish this. I ordered an additional egg which came poached, for some reason I thought it would be hard boiled. I'd come back for the wings and pork belly, not the noodles.
(3)
Nick J.
This is a great little whole in the wall and while they don't have much seating, you get to have an excellent experience once you are able to sit down! The server was excellent and even though she could have been a bit more attentive, she was very nice and made good recommendations. Appetizers: The wings were great overall, although I really wished they were a little spicier to balance out the sweet. I will probably ask next time I go, as they seem very willing to customize to your liking. The dumplings in chili oil were just awesome, the day I went they were beef and long hot as the filling and I could have eaten twice as many. Noodle Bowls: The Coconut Curry was very good and at the recommendation of the server I added pork shoulder (which wasn't an option on the menu but was only +$2). I thoroughly enjoyed the dish overall and would happily eat it again. The Sichuan was quite good and very spicy! I warn you now, do not get this unless you like spicy, it is almost to the point where it over-powers the other flavors (it probably would for many). This dish doesn't really have a broth to speak of, just lots of hand torn noodles. Highly recommended and I will absolutely be returning.
(5)
Bill O.
The food here is great, it's cool to watch the chefs work in the background as you drink and dine, and everyone was friendly. Good drink selection and the food was outstanding.
(5)
Larissa G.
I finally made it to Cheu last Sunday and couldn't be more pleased with my experience. Knowing it is a small place, Cheu was chosen off the "to eat" list because my boyfriend and I were both starving, but it was around 3pm. I thought it would be a good idea to go on an off time, and it was perfect. Everyone else was right- it is small. However, it is also so much cuter than I was expecting! The mural wall with bright colors and dangling Christmas lights gave a very endearing feel. We were so pleased to be offered bar seats too, so we could watch all the chefs in action. After reading so much about the black garlic wings, I was bummed when my boyfriend begged to order the fries to start. However, this disappointment quickly faded to joy when I tasted the fries. They were perfectly cooked and covered in miso aoli with shredded tuna flakes on top. Sounds weird, tastes ridiculously good. We split the miso ramen bowl and the brisket with matzo ball. I loved that this place was unauthentic, especially since you are unapologetically warned of this fact on both the menu and the website. All you traditional ramen haters can go eat at your traditional places because I haven't had a noodle bowl this good anywhere else in Philly! I liked the miso broth better and the pickled veggies on top were divine. My advice: add a soft egg to anything you order! Yum! We slurped down every bit of both bowls, even with sweat on our brows. (If they have air conditioning here, it definitely wasn't on...). The only negative I have heard prior that deterred me was that there weren't any hot noodle bowls that were vegetarian. However, there was definitely one on the menu, and the option to add tofu too. So maybe some things have changed, or maybe my roommate just wasn't reading the menu closely enough... who knows. The bottom line: Cheu, I love you.
(5)
H. I.
Tiny place crammed with big flavor! There's only 4 actual tables, if I remember correctly, in the front of the restaurant and the rest of the seating is at the long bar so it's best to come by yourself, or with 2-3 people, max. 4 if you're willing to wait for a table. The fun part of sitting at the bar is watching all the food being cooked right in front of you! The black garlic wings are a must try. They are crispy and savory, perfect starter to split between 2 people. I ordered the coconut curry noodle bowl and added shrimp balls. The coconut broth was delicious. I was apprehensive about "shrimp meatballs" but they were so good I couldn't even tell they were shrimp! My friend ordered the brisket bowl which was also delicious, the brisket was very tender. I ended up taking some leftovers home as the portion was pretty large. Can't wait to come back!
(4)
Michael F.
After about a 45 minute wait, my friends and I were seated at one of the few tables in the small restaurant. I ordered the dumplings and the brisket ramen. Dumplings were delicious, perfect thickness of skin surrounding the juiciness of the beef and brisket. Brisket ramen was great as well. Noodles were fantastic, beef was good, and the matzah ball provided interesting texture and foreigness to the traditionally japanese dish. Overall, the many flavors I experienced that night were amazing, however the smaller portion size, long wait, and cramped space made me reconsider a 5 star.
(4)
Dave B.
As I was walking out of Cheu last night it was irrefutably clear to me that I had just had one of the most enjoyable dining experiences in recent memory. The buns (mini burgers) were incredibly satisfying while also tasting quite original. While burgers are ubiquitous in our culture, these came across as fresh and unlike any other I've tried. The dumplings, while not as original, were just as satisfying. While these two appetizers really impressed me, the BBQ pig tails were easily my favorite of the 3 apps that we ordered. The meat fell right off the bone and was incredibly juicy. While we didn't try the famous garlic wings this time, they are surely on the radar for our next trip. The entrees were excellent as well. My girlfriend got the brisket and I got the bolognasian. We felt both were excellent and ultimately agreed that the bolognasian was the stronger of the two. We are both fans of heartier tasting sauces. Perhaps most importantly, the atmosphere and service of this place was excellent. Our server wasn't only helpful but gave off the impression that she would rather be nowhere else in the world than serving at this restaurant. The enthusiasm was something that really enchanted our experience. I recommend to anyone who is looking for an exceptional, while also very casual, dinner spot with friends or family. Cheu is not to be missed!
(5)
Tagli B.
This tiny place is packed with a line out the door. We were brought here by friends who are regulars and really wanted us to try it. We put our name on the list- no reservations taken and she told us about 45 minutes. They offered us drinks which we took out to the sidewalk to wait, as there is NO ROOM at the in the doorway. Four of us waited about 35 minutes for a table on a Thursday night-. When we left at 9:45 there were still people waiting. We tried the special dumplings which were great. Being the first time, I had to go wtih the basic pork and noodles. This did not disappoint. Huge bowl of flavorful broth loaded with noodles, pork belly and greens. Loved it. All the dishes were really good. Service was fast and attentive without being rushed. It is tiny so expect loud and busy but a fun place. I will be back to try more.
(4)
Liza K.
After trying a few ramen places with crazy variety in their selections and stellar broth, I was not too excited about the ramen I got at Cheu. Maybe it's a matter of taste, but personally, I was not a fan of their thick noodles, and extremely salty broth. The service was great, and they had a nice selection of beers! The friend I went with loved it, and has been many times. Honestly, I'm just sorry I wasn't a bigger fan. But I hope others try it for themselves. I might just be an oddball out on this one.
(3)
molly n.
It's fusion, it's noodles, it's awesome. It wasn't crowded for lunch on a weekday, considering its size and how AWESOME the noodles are. I had the beef matzo.
(5)
Caroline L.
I loved Cheu for it's spicy cocktails, delicious and creative noodle dishes, and it's atmosphere that's festive. We were fortunate to get a good table by the window by arriving early on a Friday night. They had spicy cocktails, flavored with flavors of ginger and cayenne. I tried the Bullit (not sure if I spelled it correctly). It lived up to its promise and had a back-of-the-throat spiciness. Yet, it looked like an innocent, pale-colored cocktail. Loved that drink and resisted ordering a third. I tried the brisket noodles, which had a matzoh ball and kimchi within. The eclecticness of the dish appealed to me. I liked the dish a lot although having two starches--noodles and matzoh ball competing didn't make conceptual sense. But I liked having a bonus--matzoh ball--and it was delicious.
(4)
Jennifer T.
This place has some of the best ramen noodles I've ever tasted...like seriously. Just to be clear, I'm talking about the actual noodles that they use in their ramen entrees. The soups and flavorings that they offer are good (I've tried the curry and miso) but the real star is the noodles. The noodles taste so fresh and chewy...and bouncy...and toothesome...I hope I'm getting my point across correctly because I'm at a loss for words on how to describe the noodle greatness. Their chicken wing appetizer is nice as well although the blackened garlic sauce tastes a little more tangy and sweet than garlicy. Not a huge fan of the loaded baked potato (rotating flavors?) dumpling appetizers or the lychee iced tea (weak in the tea flavor and the lychee flavor) but their noodles are good enough to make up for that. Did I mention that the decor of this place is awesome? A cool mix of rock and retro and Asian, this place made me want to stay and hang out all night. Be forewarned that there is very limited seating though, and you'll probably have to wait a while for a table.
(4)
Duong T.
Just went to Chew today, pretty busy for a Wednesday night. Me and my friend got there at 6pm and the whole place was packed (they open at 5). We waited 10mins for a table and got seated right away. The service and inside are nice, I love the decorations, very unique and creative. However, the food, in my opinion, was not up to the hype. I may be more hard on Asian fusion restaurants especially cuz I'm Asian and grew up eating asian food, so I always feel skeptical about American- Asian restaurant. We ordered a lot for 2, dumplings (cheeseburger), garlic wings, pork belly bun, brisket noodle and spicy shrimp noodle. - Dumplings: pretty good, the filling are fresh and juicy, i like the crunchy quinoa on top. - Chicken: the breading is crunchy but not evenly coated with the sauce, and I don't think they marinated the chicken before deep frying it so it was very bland. (Yes I am a chicken critique, since I love em' so much) I think they tried to mimic Korean style soy garlic but the execution was way below the expectation, and I dont know how many reviews praised their chicken. - Pork belly bun: very much like Vietnamese Banh Mi, but the meat was not very well seasoned. And for 3 dollars, I could get a whole taste in south philly for a real Banh mi. - Brisket: the broth is like kim chi juice, and the brisket was very "safe"- steak like- not the fatty type you see in any Chinese or vietnamese noodle place. I was excited to try the hand drawn noodle and i think it was a mistake. The noodle was very soft and weird shaped, and I couldn't eat them after a bit. Mayb if I kept the original noodle that come with it I would be more satisfied. - Spicy shirmp: not that spicy, and it was a little sour flavor, much like sweet and sour thin soup, but not yet that level. I loveee the shrimp balls and I think they were the best out of the meal. Very tasty and flavorful. Overall a nice experience, with the service and decor. But I may not coming back cuz I'm more of a foodie, and Sampan is definitely my number one Asian fusion place right now.
(3)
Steven J.
Excellent food and shockingly a place where you can eat regularly without breaking the bank! Seems like every trendy new place is going to run $80-$100 per person. You can try to spend that here, but you'd find yourself hard pressed to do so. Solid food reminds me of a great ramen place I go to when I'm in San Francisco except it's staffed by a bump of hipsters. Sorry. When did PBR become the hipster signature calling card? Who made that decision? Someone should open a place and serve some Miller High Life just to be different. The place is TINY. Not recommended for large parties. Four max, but best bet is to be a party of two or else you might wait a while. Looking forward to going back soon.
(5)
Andres L.
Great little noodle bar. Had the Brisket and Miso Ramen as well as a pork belly bun. The bun had a nice crisp to it all around. The dough and pork was very crispy. Worth a try, nothing to drool over. The noodle dishes were very good with the exception of the kimchi in the Brisket. It was very sour and took away from the beauty of the dish. Overall pretty good first experience at a noodle bar.
(4)
Kaivan S.
Generally a bit of a wait during prime times. Can go very right or very wrong here. Definitely do not recommend the larger noodle dishes as they are a bit bland but he appetizers and smaller plates are phenomenal. Get the dumplings. Cool spot, young/hip ambiance. Not the best service.
(4)
John P.
As someone who loves noodles, ramen, pho... I can't say I can understand the hype about this place. It's got a good vibe and the place seems to always be packed, but the taste and pricing don't jive with the ratings. I was really looking forward to trying out this neighborhood joint but after 2 visits, I cannot say that I would visit again anytime soon. The last lunch visit our group's bowls were all quite salty (and they were different orders/dishes). The salt dominated so heavily that adding a bowl of hot water didn't improve any and it was hard to enjoy even on a hungry stomach (btw, I think they were insulted that we thought it was so salty but that's what it was.) this would mark the 2nd time I thought my ramen was too salty (2nd time topped the first). The hipster interiors is vibrant, but if you sit at the corner of the bar table, be ready to be interrupted constantly and bumped on by people trying to get by. The salt was unfortunately too unforgiving for me, eventhough a little extra salt is my personal guilty pleasure.
(2)
Dennis L.
I came back here for another try after the thrillist list of the top ramen places in the US placed Cheu's Shortrib and Matza Ball Ramen near the top. We started with the Hawaiian Poke which came with small fresh cubes of tuna with mango and some sort of vinegarette. It was tasty and very refreshing. So the ramen itself was pretty amazing. I ordered it with a soft boiled egg, which was prepared weird. I would've preferred the Japanese style, but it was like a poached egg or something. The broth was rich and hearty, the short rib cooked and seasoned to perfection, the veggies were nice, the noodles were a great consistency, but my only qualm was with the kim chi or pickled cabbage. It was bad kim chi, if that's what they were attempting. I would have preferred they that they didn't attempt it if it was going to be such a poor copy. It was just sour, the spices weren't right. I mean I guess they get some credit for their attempt, but the execution was poor.
(4)
Patrick M.
Yummy ramen and very tasty dumplings. Their menu is simple yet has a lot of layers, if that makes sense. The broth, which to me is the heart of good noodle soup is yummy and very satisfying, not overly salty. I had the oxtail special with an extra helping of greens, and a side order of dumplings in chili oil. There were several other items I would have liked to try but will save them for the next trip. Kindof a younger hip crowd but the vibe is nice and warm ramen takes the edge off of the cold.
(5)
Miguel F.
Came for a little late night dinner after a long day of homework. Got the spicy crab with the hand drawn noodles and an added an egg. Excellent! The broccoli appetizer was excellent as well. Great service great food and awesome music.. Can't go wrong! Definitely coming back!
(5)
Ilana R.
Delicious and totally hit the spot. Did not expect an hour wait on what seemed like a pretty quiet Tuesday night in the city,...but great food and good prices. Love that the servers recommend their favorites and so cool to sit while watching them make their awesome creations, and hand pulling all the noodles. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Mike W.
Dude, wow. Took my fiance here on Saturday night because she was feeling pretty down and wanted a taste of home. The wait can be a little daunting, but they take your name and call you when your table is ready, so you can go get a drink at bars nearby, and they even recommend some for you! We sat at the counter and ordered the dumpling special of beef & ginger to start, followed by hand torn noodles with lamb neck and the miso ramen noodles with pork shoulder. The dumplings were small, but tasty little bite sized bits of joy. They were doused in chili oil, but not so much so that it overwhelmed the dumplings, and the ginger flavor really packed a punch. The hand torn noodles were amazing. I liken them to a version of Asian papardelle. The sauce was slightly sweet, so I spiced it up with some sriracha. The lamb neck pieces were mondo tender and super flavorful. The best part may have been the pickled mustard greens. They were super crunchy and had quite a kick from the vinegar that really cut through the richness of the noodles and sauce. I added a soft cooked egg to mine, and the runny yolk meshed well with the noodles as well. The miso ramen may even have been better than the hand torn noodles. The broth was super tasty. The depth of flavor was insane. It hit on all levels, and definitely provided that umami euphoria. The pork shoulder was very flavorful and tender as well, and an egg always finishes off the noodle bowl nicely. I love watching the chefs work here and i love the atmosphere. Cheu does its own thing, and I love them for that. Place really is a treat and well worth the wait. Awesome food to warm you up during the cold.
(5)
Suzy D.
3.5 stars It's funny how you measure relationships. Justin, ramen and I have come a long way. I remember the first time we went to Toki ( yelp.com/biz/toki-underg… ) together to get ramen. His proposal to go grab noodle soup was somewhat appalling but I really liked him so I didn't want to outright reject the idea. I was also pretty drunk so I went with it, heh. I ate some of the noodles and picked out a lot of the meat from the bowl that we shared. That was a big hint that he liked me too; if a man who loves meat as much as Justin does lets you steal all of his pork cheek, you must be special. Nowadays Justin, ramen and I are like a happy but dysfunctional family. Ramen and I don't always get along but when we do, we really do, and Justin is the go between to make sure we get along. It's true love when Justin will find a way to go eat at a new ramen place without me as a taste test before he determines if I'll like it and can take me there. May sound odd but it means I don't have to eat gross food. I should have added "boyfriend is a ramen taste tester" to my list of things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving. Justin and I had both researched where to eat in Philly and dinner on our first night was to be at Khmer Kitchen. However, our late lunch pushed dinner back a bit and when we arrived, just past 8:30pm, they had just stopped seating for dinner. We looked through our bookmarks and headed towards Cheu which wasn't too far away and was still open. Plus, it wasn't much further to Monk's which was our final destination for the evening. Even on a Friday night without reservations the wait wasn't too long. They actually quoted us a much longer wait time than it was and in the 15 or 20 minutes we waited on the bench outside the door we laughed at all of the people coming up expecting a table immediately. A bunch of normal people with a "do you know who I am" type of attitude annoyed that they couldn't immediately get a seat in a small highly rated restaurant. We were seated at the counter right in front of the bar with adorable cartoon-decorated lamps above. We had a great view of the open kitchen and I was very impressed at how efficiently the two in the kitchen worked, and even more so that the chef was a woman (I don't understand why females are so underrepresented in the culinary world). Not only did the duo quickly put out good food that was well presented, but they did it all while managing takeout orders as well. Cheu is a bit too fusion-y for the type of ramen I like but the food was still decent. We ordered the daily dumplings (one type per day, four dumplings served in chili oil for $5). Not bad but I was still too full from lunch and was hoping that I'd like the ramen (ya know, since Justin hadn't tried it out for me yet) so I just ate one and gave my other one to Justin who happily finished it. Round two was the brisket ramen (with matzo ball, kimchi, sesame chili broth for $13). I think the dumplings ended up being the better part of the meal though since the matzo ball in the ramen was just texturally weird to me. The broth was well developed though and I think I'd like their product more if I'd had more traditional option. That being said, I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars because I get the sense that Cheu doesn't give a shit if people like their fusion food or not, they're gonna do what they want, and I respect that.
(4)
Andrew T.
Restaurant experiences like Cheu make it a pleasure to return to write reviews; it was a wonderful experience eating there and quizzing the staff while they worked and toiled behind the bar counter at the multiple kitchen stations. The best food for me remains to be between $10-$20 price range; Cheu follows this golden rule with its $13 noodle bowl menu choices. Brisket Matzah Ball Soup with Kimchi and bok choy; a full bodied hearty broth with a nice spice note that i enjoyed mixing and matching my easy to break down matzah ball and falling apart brisket. I downed my soup so fast i burnt my tongue as I filled my small saucer of a spoon on repeat and honestly didn't care much I didn't want to lose the heat my soup was expertly served at. Pork belly on a small bun with a delicate crunch and potent cilantro note for a finish was worth the $3. I could eat what I ate to the point where I pass out; I love noodles and I loved eating the heavenly ramen concoctions that they've crafted up.
(5)
Anthony L.
Food was great. We had the black garlic wings(which were apparently Best in Philly), pork belly sandwiches, brisket noodles and hand torn noodles. The wings were lightly fried and packed with great flavor. Pork belly sandwiches were small but were decent. Each sandwich is essentially a two-bite portion. Brisket noodles were really good. The broth had a nice spicyness to it. My wife loved the hand torn noodles. I'm a fan of the food but I am not a fan of how cramped the place is (as everyone else has mentioned). I was constantly having people bump into my back while sitting at the bar. Not a huge deal as I am still giving the experience 4/5 stars. The servers and staff there were accomodating, friendly and knew the menu well. Dustin took really good care of us.
(4)
Soyoung K.
I don't even know what everyone who has anything negative to say about this place are saying. Cheu noodle bar is everything I did not expect in a very good way. The restaurant itself is in a very convenient location by the Jefferson hospital. Super easy find!! It's a very cozy space with a few tables and a long bar seating. I was lucky to be seated so quickly as they only take walk-in's. Between the two visits I've had so far, I tried their brisket ramen, pork ramen, and coconut curry ramen. All were very excellent!!! Matzo ball in a ramen? Jesus, that was great. I also loved that the buns were actually butter biscuits. It's probably taking my cholesterol level through the roof but hey, who cares when you're slurping on a delicious bowl of ramen noodles, eh? We tried mushroom buns and the pork belly buns. Both were...again...GREAT. Last but not least, I love the simplicity of everything. A comprehensive menu from drinks to food. Simple layout. Simply hardworking staff, fun designs throughout the restaurant. (Love the lamp shades, really) You must try this place. A MUST! p.s. Playlist game on point, too.
(5)
Rachael P.
Recently, I watched David Chang's Inside the Mind of a Chef special on Ramen and set my mind to finding a great bowl in Philly. It was a rather warm day by December standards but I needed a little winter warmer so hiked across town to find this little spot. When I arrived the line was out the door but since I had a random day off by myself decided to see if I could sneak a seat at the counter. Their traditional Ramen was amazing. The poached egg yolk made the broth super decadent and I loved the addition of pickled ginger to the onion and miso flavor. Definitely something special that I could not make for myself at home. I spent the next few days telling my friends about my discovery and how I would like to go back to try more menu items. Only wish they had a west side location :)
(4)
Adrian S.
One of my favorite places to eat in Philadelphia hands down! This ramen spot is about food creativity and not Japanese ramen authenticity. The description states this so if you're looking for this don't be disappointed. I'm a huge fan of attention to detail with my dishes and this place does just that. They combine all of the best ingredients and create dishes that are adventurous, but not pretentious. It's a tiny hole in the wall where most seats are in view of the kitchen so you can see just how much love goes into every dish. The staff is always friendly and they have a really good craft beer selection, some good wines and sake, as well as some funky cocktails that will keep your date happy. My favorites are the dumplings, the pig tails, the garlic wings and the Miso Ramen.
(5)
Andrew T.
Truly a special place! It's hard to elaborate much more on what's already been said, but the hype is justified. Fantastic ramen, dumplings, and other Asian-inspired cuisine. It is not "textbook" style and doesn't claim to be; I'm glad they have their own takes on every menu item. The prices are amazing, as well. My girlfriend and I usually order 2 appetizers, some noodles with multiple add-ons, and a beer or two, and we usually average around $50-60 for a very satisfying, well-portioned meal. The restaurant itself is very small, so don't come expecting to easily fit a group any bigger than 4. There's a fairly long bar with about 10 seats, with tightly packed tables in the corners. It's best as a "table for 2" spot to enjoy one-on-one conversation. I appreciate the staff's friendliness and speed in even the busiest times. They're all willing to assist and help with any requests. Don't let the wait times deter you - you may find yourself being told that a table will take an hour or more during dinner hours, but head around the corner to Strangelove's or any other bar in the immediate area and grab a beer for the wait. It is worth it.
(5)
Justin L.
Went on the whim after reading reviews. It's good and has no flaws in but don't get me wrong, there is a bit of hype here. Got the dumplings and brisket bowl. If you want a more authentic version, better and for a 1/3 of the price, head to Chinatown or Washington Ave...sometime you gotta look past Philly Mags top 50.
(3)
Elena C.
Our meal: Apps: 1) Dumplings; 2) Cheeseburger bun; 3) Pork Belly bun Entree: 1) Brisket Ramen; 2) Spicy Shrimp Ramen The Pros: - Egg: Cooked perfectly, runny in the middle. Just the way I like it! - Noodles: I loved the chewy texture of the noodle in the Brisket Ramen and the al dente texture of the Spicy Shrimp Ramen. - Atmosphere: Cool and edgy. Good music playing in the background. Servers were very nice and friendly. The Cons: - Noodle to Broth Ratio: Very disappointing. Both our ramen bowls needed more broth. I've tons of ramens in my lifetime. The one thing I always make sure I do is to make sure I have the right noodle to broth ratio. - Spice level: Both ramens claimed to be spicy, but I think Shin Ramen is spicier than these bowls.
(4)
bill m.
Tight quarters but delicious food. The black garlic chicken wings were amazing, so tender in the middle and crispy outside. Dumplings in Chili oil also great. Pork belly bao's were spot on also. For an entree we got the short rib noodle bowl. Didn't feel Asian but was awesome. Very nice waitstaff. Will definitely return
(5)
Sook K.
Is rather pay A LOT LESS MONEY and go eat better authentic food in chinatown, $5 for a boa bun????? Really? I mean come on. Hesitant to try Bing Bing, at $5-$7 for ONE dim sum plate I can't imagine what the bill would be. My husband and I get our fill of dim sum in chinatown for a total of $30. Great places opening up but way-too-high prices for not-better-than-cheaper-authentic-food.
(3)
Will W.
Even for a non-wing lover the wings are absurdly good. Enjoyed the vibe, throw back hip-hop, tattooed servers. My short rib ramen bowl was good not great but other than how busy it was on a weekday evening, it was a very good spot.
(4)
David B.
I can see how this place averages 4 stars. Let me preface this review with saying that I will come back and try this again when it's not a polar vortex Tuesday when apparently that's the busiest day of the year and my group waited from 7:30 until 10pm for seating and for the food to arrive. If you are coming to cheu noodle bar for authentic ramen you are making a bad choice. If you are coming for a hipsterized Americanized version of noodle soup with pork or crab or "curry" based broth you might be making a good choice. The prices are high considering the comparison for noodle soups out there. Hand drawn noodles in Chinatown or Nom Nom easily outcompete on price to food. The miso ramen which is their flagship bowl I suppose is lacking in depth of porkiness and the half cooked egg while it isn't authentic is actually quite a good rendition. The noodles are far from true ramen noodles, but they are good. The biggest shortcut is the pork shoulder. If I'm paying $13 for ramen, it really should have 4 slices of fork tender pork belly and an insane amount of broth. Thankfully, even though I'm a meager 165 lbs, I had also ordered a second bowl. The spicy crab broth had the potential to be amazing. It wasn't particularly "crabby" and that could have really been spectacular. The meatballs were simple and tasty though and the hand drawn noodles were actually the best thing I ate that evening. Nevertheless, the broth was just too vinegary and has a lot of room for improvement. The biggest issue this place is suffering from is staff and service. They are actually all quite pleasant but there is about 8 people working there and literally only 1 person is assembling the bowls of soup. She was lightning fast but they need to focus more staff on soup and less on running around accomplishing less important tasks of a noodle bar. No one is coming here for the beer selection or tito's vodka, guys. While this review won't hurt Cheu because they have an endless supply of Jefferson students and residents who won't walk an extra 3 blocks to get to Chinatown and save $3. It's just too easy to swagger into this place. It's good, but they need to really focus on their core dishes and expand their noodle bowl seating. Try spicy noodles at Nom Nom instead and I think you'll be a convert.
(3)
M W.
Do not quite understand the hype about this place... Ordered their famous dumplings in chili sauce, wings and ramen and was all okay. Still prefer Nom Nom's over this :\
(2)
Anna Y.
This place is small, actually it's tiny. But it's cool! check out the wall mural ! I like their business philosophy, check it out on the back of their menu. As for the food, Asian fusion , that's all I can tell you. Miso Ramen - The broth was actually decent, it's creamy and tasty. The pork shoulder falls apart with the grab of chopsticks. nicely done. Brisket Ramen - two big slices of Brisket, quantity over powers quality. To be honest Brisket was flavorless. This bowl contains Kimichi, kimichi with ramen how interesting.
(3)
Brian S.
What a great addition to the Philly dining scene. This small gem has maybe four tables for two and two tables for four (one's in the back), but the bar is the place to sit. There you can watch the three chefs at work and gaze up at the interesting art lamps above your head. If that's not enough to occupy you look behind you and you can see "ramen art" just below a mural. The menu is split into smaller plates and noodle bowls. For starters, our favorites are the dumplings (usually some type of brisket with dates/and or nuts), the BBQ pig tails, and the charred brussels. The fish "ribs" we tried were so-so. As far as the noodle bowls go, make sure to try the homemade hand torn noodle bowl with lamb neck, pickled mustard greens, and dates. It's really good. My wife likes the brisket bowl with the matzo ball, kimchee, and sesame broth but not being a ramen fan, I will stick to my hand torn noodles. The cute, energetic waitress is great, the staff is friendly, and the food comes out quickly. The only negatives are that if you order a lot of food it can get a bit pricey and they don't open up until 1 PM on Saturdays for lunch. But absolutely worth a visit. Oh. I forgot. You gotta check out the bathroom (specifically the sign in it). Even if you don't have to go.
(4)
Victoria L.
This low-key hipster restaurant is quite possibly the best Asian fusion place. Going for the complete opposite of most Asian fusion places' clean, modern route, this small place has bright red walls, quirky decorations, and an alternative rock soundtrack. The menu is very small with about five appetizers, a couple choices of dumplings, and some larger dishes. My friend and I didn't come as hungry as we would have liked to be, so we got dumplings and hand torn noodles to share. The dumplings are so satisfying with a great textural element sprinkled on top. I wish the chili sauce was a little spicier true to Asian flavors. The hand torn noodles were perrrrrfectly cooked, which is hard to come by in a lot of Asian cuisine. (I think of overdone noodles slightly congealed and stuck together.) The sauce is very savory and rich with chunks of lamb and tangy bites of pickled greens to cut the richness. I would order this a thousand times again. The beer list was pretty great and it's awesome that they have a daily beer special. Gotta come back to try the pork belly buns and, when it's cooler, the ramen.
(5)
Jordan P.
I left Cheu with a bad taste in my mouth, though I can't say it's the fault of the ramen. Dealing with an unexpectedly warm October evening, our initial plans of "warming up with some yummy broth" were not necessary, but we had a craving, and the only thing that could sate my buddy and I was ca-noodling at Cheu. We strolled in around 7:20 and the place was nowhere close to full. There were about 3 people at the bar and two sitting down, so we were immediately seated at the window. The inside of Cheu is warm and welcoming, the chalkboard showing off the daily specials (tea, beers, food, etc). A carafe of ice water was brought to our table, menus placed in front of us, and we were excited for a night out. Cue when things took a turn for the questionable. I'm not sure if this is standard fare for Cheu, or just due to being a little bare bones, but we had two servers visiting our table periodically. I initially thought maybe one would just be to refresh our water, but they (a man and a woman) would follow after the other often less than a minute behind, asking the same questions. "Have you decided on a drink?" ..... "Can I get you ladies some drinks?" Wait. Didn't I just tell that guy we weren't ready yet? "Can I get that plate off the table for you yet?" (Oh, no, we're still working on it, thanks.) .... "Hey, want me to clear that plate for you, girls?" No, we haven't even taken another bite since that lady stopped by... what is happening? If they looked even moderately similar, I'd have felt insane deja vu that would've suggested that I, too, was insane. As far as food goes, we enjoyed the shaved kale with dates, pepitas, and cheese curds, coconut curry (for my vegetarian pal) and classic miso ramen with pork shoulder. The curry was spicy and delicious, heavy on the broth and the heat. The more classic-style ramen was definitely jonesing for a little kick, added with chili oil and sriracha. Our duo of servers were attentive, almost to a fault. Like... interrupting us to check in, desiring seemingly bite to bite updates. That being said, the bites were quite tasty. The pork shoulder was a little tough, but otherwise all quite good. We enjoyed our cans of beer and our food, which was swept away immediately the second we finished our food. Our male server came over to let us know that, despite receiving our check, "No hurry though, take your time." Five minutes later, the moment after we placed our card down for the check, the female server came over and, despite our earlier server letting us know "no hurry" she told us, in no uncertain terms, that "because we have a waiting list, we need you to leave the table." Ex-SQUEEZE ME? WHAT IS HAPPENING?! Shocked by the sudden change in what we were supposed to do, we left, my friend just barely finishing the last of her drink. I felt like this behavior totally ruined the experience for me, which was not going too poorly up to the point. But now, whenever I think of Cheu, I won't remember the ramen slipping through my chopsticks or the curdy kale. I will remember a rude, confusing waitress hustling me out the door as soon as we put down our tip. If I had the ability to take the tip back and reduce it, I would.
(2)
Gary L.
I came to Cheu Noodle Bar after seeing it on a list of must-eats in Philadelphia, so I had really high expectations for this place! When I walked in, the ambience was pretty much what'd you expect for a Saturday night, with groups of friends sitting at tables and parties of 1-2 sitting at the bar. The wait was initially quoted as an hour, but someone finished up early and I only waited about 15 minutes to be seated. They had an interesting selection of beers and cocktails, but I wasn't thirsty so much as hungry so I passed on the drinks. The menu was very simple and straightforward, and I ordered the crab broth noodles and dumplings in chili oil. The dumplings in chili oil came first, there were 4 cute dumplings in a small bowl. They were very tasty, but were different than what I was expecting. Growing up in Asia, dumplings usually have higher fat content and are easier to chew, but I guess the meat in these dumplings were leaner and took a bit longer to chew through. The crab broth noodles came shortly after, and I must say I was pretty disappointed. I passed over the miso ramen for these noodles, and the soup in this broth was a bit spicy and sour, but wasn't as brothy as they claimed. The hand-drawn noodles were quite tasty and bouncy, but to me they were ruined by the broth. Overall, I'd give the dumplings a 4, the noodles a 2.5, and the overall experience a 3.5. If I do come back next time, I'll try the miso ramen instead!
(3)
Barry S.
One of my favorite places in the city for sure. On weekend nights there will be a wait. I'm confused why people are so perplexed by this. It's popular and it's great food. Not to mention they will take your number and call/text you when it's your time to be seated. The dumpling special is always always great. I'm personally partial to the brisket. Can't say no to a good matzo ball. Also they always have some good beer specials and a juice special to mix with your hard liquor of choice.
(5)
Mark D.
As a former Philly resident living in San Francisco, I've often found myself defending the Philly food scene to a sea (or Bay) of non-believers. Cheu is a prime example of why I think the Philly food scene can hold its own. Cheu is not the average noodle shop. They would be the first to say that they don't make "authentic" noodles (though they are fully capable of making a good bowl of ramen: see miso ramen). Instead, they eschew traditional ramen flavors in favor of what is, simply put, good eating. We started with the beef dumplings which were done perfectly right with the touch of crunchy quinoa giving a surprising touch. The chicken wings were subtle yet complex in their flavor. The pigtails were a revelation, the salty, fatty crunch balanced by the well spiced and perfectly sour pickled tomatoes. I had the brisket noodle which was what I would imagine a Jewish-Korean-Japanese family would eat on a rainy day. As strange as that may sound, it works wonderfully here. And might I commend their soft boiled egg too. If the mark of a cook is how well they can execute an egg, do these Philly boys deliver! Velvety, rich, it proved how egg can be luxurious and move seductively in a bowl. I also tried the spicy crab broth which harkened to soup flavors I've had in Filipino/Malaysian/Vietnamese cuisines. This is the kind of place that would thrive in SF and were it over there, I'd eat here all the time. To those from SF, think Mission Chinese does noodles. I'd even go as far as saying that it's better than most Asian places doing noodles. As I kept saying throughout my meal, what a phenomenal little surprise.
(5)
Emily L.
Rarely do you find somewhere that you can categorize as 'noodle fusion', but look no further for Cheu is the answer to your 'noodle fusion' dreams. The most apparent fusion, at least for myself, comes in the form of Jewish comfort food. The brisket and matzo ball noodle soup is unbelievable, the matzo ball rivals my mother's, which is sort of a big deal When you go, I encourage you to get at least one order of their dumplings. Hopefully you get lucky and they're the brisket, onion, date (the notorious b.o.d). Then move into an app like their renowned chicken wings or pig tails. Then get your noodle on and go crazy. Enjoy the great atmosphere and bumpin sound track with a cold Tsingtao or jasmine mint iced tea while you wait.... You'll probably have to wait. You should wait.
(4)
Jordan R.
Went here with no expectations and was blown away. My girlfriend recommended we go and I gave her my enthusiatic "meh, whatever" typical response. Went on a Sunday around 7pm, maybe a 15 minute way to get in. We got almost everything on the menu, I'll list everything we got in order from best to worst (not that anything was bad but some things were better than others). 1. Wings 2. Pork Belly Bun 3. Broccoli with vietnamese sausage 4. Poke 5. Hot oil dumplings 6. Spicy crab broth noodles Our waiter was really helpful and great to chat with. Recommend sitting at the bar because you get to watch two amazing chefs work like a well oiled machine. I'm currently in a severe food coma and I couldn't be happier.
(5)
Aruna A.
I have been reading and reading and hearing and hearing that Cheu Noodle Bar is off the hook amazing. So I finally decided to swing by and see what all the fuss is about... Well, what is all the fuss about? The fuss is about the YUMMY FOOD THAT THEY HAVE. And the decent beer list. And the fun music. And the daily rotating juice and ice tea. THAT IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT. Basically, this place is awesome. I had the coconut curry noodles, and I added an egg to it. Boy was it yummy. Really well flavored, not too spicy, and definitely well made. My friend ordered the yakisoba, which I found to be equally flavorful and yummy. The beer list is really well cultivated. The service was good. My only complaint would be that this place is TINY. I mean the size of a postage stamp tiny. Teensy weensy. It's really yummy, but it's not good for large parties. Also, if you get there at peak time, you may be waiting a bit. Can't wait to go back again and again!
(4)
Steve L.
Cheu's has to be one of the top 5 meals I have ever eaten. Everything about this place is amazing, from the food, to the service, to the signs in the bathroom. If I didn't live 600+ miles away from here, I would be here at least 2-3 times per week. My dining companion Liz and I set out on a mission to try as many items as we could in one meal. We succeded. We ended up enjoying the nightly dumpling special (among the best I have ever had), the broccoli, the black garlic wings, all three of their buns (get the pork belly), the Boloanasian, and the brisket (complete with a matzo ball). To top it off, they have daily, fresh pressed juice concoctions that you can easily throw a few shots into. Each dish was just as amazing as the last. Of all of the great eateries in Philly, this one shot right to the top of the list.
(5)
Melissa P.
Watcheu doing tonight? No plans? Maybe you should cheu-se Cheu's. I'd been dying to go to this place for a while, having followed all the buzz about the name change and seeing all you savvy mavericks checking in over the last few months. I was thrilled when my dining club decided to make it the site of our last dining club meal for a while (one of us is going away). I was very satisfied but not blown away: 3.5 star food, bumped up to 4 for service. Warning: this is a tiny spot with very little non-bar seating. We waited for our table of 4 for a while...But the waiter (Brian) was great about allowing us to go get a drink and calling us when the table was about to leave and actually ready. After that he continued to joke, make great recommendations, and generally just be awesome. The food came out quickly, courses perfectly spaced out. The carafe of water at our table was great (but could have been filled more often). All the flavors were very different and interesting, but it's still Asian fusion, not straight up Asian, which is minus 1 star in my book. FOOOOOOOOD: We got (roughly in order of preference, by course).. Small plates/Veggies -Charred Corn- really? I'm raving about corn? Yea. I am. It was awesome. and truffly, and saucy. and crunchy. and just delicious. Must-try. -Pork belly and cheeseburger buns- toasty delicious bun bread, seasoned cucumbers and sauce perfectly accompanied the juicy pork belly and cheeseburger ball. Highly recommend. -Broccoli with peanut and Vietnamese sausage- biggest complaint was having to use chopsticks to get every bit of what was left in that bowl. Torture! Perfectly seasoned and cooked crunchy. -Long Beans-These Szechwan peppercorns are no joke. similar flavor to some Handy Nasty dishes, and just as hot! Great, unique flavor though. NOODLES -Cold Jade Noodle- great flavor, crunch, chewy noodles, awesome combination of flavors and the crowd favorite. -Hand torn with lamb-huge fat noodles basically in a BBQish sauce. Super tender lamb. -Cold Sesame Noodles- so fresh and delicious, nothing like Handy nasty's though. -Ramen- we weren't impressed with this. It was good, but just not anything exciting or amazing. Dessert -Finished off with a sesame doughnut which I really enjoyed. Crispy outside, mushy inside, hint of banana? Overall, would recommend for a casual lunch/dinner with a friend, probably not a first date or with someone you're really trying to impress though. I'll probably come back again at some point, but I'm not rushing back. The bill wasn't too painful at all, and we were super stuffed.
(4)
Andrew H.
Broth is watery. Their chicken was under cooked. The vegetables were raw and made the soup taste earthy. There was not much depth to the flavor. They crack a raw egg into the soup and the soup wasn't hot enough to cook the egg thoroughly. I get that they aren't trying to do Asian cuisine and That may be what disappointed me, however at the end of day the food lacked flavor and the cooking techniques were lazy. When your doing a soup of any kind you can tell when people take short cuts.
(1)
Fatima M.
Me and my girlfriend are considering making this our regular spot. Pros. The ramen is great! The wings everyone is talking about are so delicious. I'm hoping to try everything on the menu. It's cute no seriously the only way I can describe this noodle bar is cute its like if a bunch of american teens got together and opened a noodle shop cute. I like that I can also watched the chefs make the food if I am at the bar it makes the experience a bit more interactive, I know I'm reaching but it's honestly like watching the cooking channel and them handing the food to you when its done. The drinks are daring and cool looking, okay im not much of a drinker in fact I prefer for my drinks to taste like anything but alcohol but still they are great to look at. Cons. It's a little tight. But in today's economy most new restaurants are and I'm here for that. So leave more good reviews and hopefully in enough time they get a bigger spot. This is more of an unpopular request but maybe a sake lemonade or sangria for us sweet cocktail lovers or a sweet cider on the beer menu. It's a little pricey for ramen I say that only because I realize that I pay so much because I need an appetizer with it or I won't be full. I always leave wanting more food.
(4)
Phil A.
Very good food. I had BBQ pig tails, the yakisoba and a cocktail. Everything was delicious! Obvious care in their work and attention to detail. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Robert P.
My single favorite place to eat. I think they put some thing addictive in their food because it's the only thing I constantly crave. Pig tails are unbelievable. To think I didn't even want to try them. Wings I've managed to duplicate at home but I still order them. Matzo ball brisket Ramen with extra noodles that the last meal I ever want to have. I like sitting at the bar. Cleanest kitchen ever and Ben the chef is a machine. I love watching him work. Try their new restaurant it's wonderful too.
(5)
Shari A.
Oh no! Trouble in paradise. I love their food but they changed the recipes. Not sure why on earth they would do that. The coconut broth was completely diluted and flavorless. The addition of tofu, heirloom tomatoes and corn does not make sense what so ever. The lamb special noodles were good but a bit on the dry side. Hope they switch back to their original recipes. Please don't fix something that's not broken!!!!
(1)
Ahmad W.
The Black Garlic wings were good, and the staff was super friendly. Very small but nice and the food was very good.
(4)
Gabby M.
This place is absolutely wonderful! Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, the food and service were also great. The Yokisoba noodles are a much more delicate and sophisticated take on what you think of when you see the item at grocery stores; it is very special. The service was caring and attentive but not overwhelming. I am going to make this one of my regular places!
(5)
Matthew H.
I have been meaning to hit Cheu for a while now, ever since they opened but like most places I usually wait a while and let them settle in and get things how they want them. I recently read the Sun Noodles article on Eater and saw that Cheu Noodle was one of their customers so I finally said to myself we are going. We rolled in on a Saturday mid-day not too long after Cheu opened (they open at noon on Saturdays). There were a few people already in the place but since it's so small to begin with it doesn't take much to fill it up. We opted to sit a the counter and have a view of the small kitchen and watch the chefs work. Pretty cool as usual. We started off with the special dumplings which were beef and black bean, you get 4 to an order and they are awesome! They come soaked in a little bit of chili oil so they have a little bit of spice but not too much, I was so happy to start off this way. Next we ordered a pork belly and cheeseburger bun. For those of you that have been to Momofuku Noodle Bar in NYC, you know that they do steamed buns, Cheu does grilled buns so they are different but not in a bad way, in a good way. The buns were a little crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and the pork belly was perfect. The main event involved the Miso Ramen which came with pork shoulder but I also added pork belly and we did the cold sesame noodles with shrimp. Both were stellar, the noodles were ridiculous of course and the broth was divine, that was my favorite part. I have to say that in my opinion Cheu's ramen beats Noodle Bar's hands down. The soft boiled egg was perfect and the pork shoulder was awesome. The cold noodles were equally as good and overall it was a fantastic meal. We will be heading back soon, but if you are going on the weekends get there before 1:30ish because when we drove by later on there were about 15 people standing outside waiting.
(5)
Beth K.
The wings really are all that they are cracked up to be - same with the noodles. Don't expect stellar service though.
(4)
Janice K.
I've dined in twice and got take-out once. BRISKET NOODLE (matzo ball, brisket, kimchi and sesame chili broth) GET THIS. It's SOOO good!! My noodle standard is pretty high and the noodles were cooked perfectly, not too much and not too little. Brisket is soft, tender and just DELICIOUS. Broth is also perfect. I also tried adding an extra egg for $1 which is a veryyy good addition. Just do it!! The portion is real nice too but there's also an option of adding an extra noodle for $2 that I might try next time to prolong my period of bliss. I've tried the award-winning black garlic wings as well but I didn't really understand the hype and what was soooo special about those wings, however. It was decent but not the best I've ever had. So 5 stars for the noodles and 3 stars for the wings! This place is pretty small so the wait can be a while since everyone wants to come eat here... but it's sooo worth the wait! My take-out experience wasn't as good as dining in; they still packed my noodles to make sure they didn't get soggy but something about it wasn't the same... Maybe the temperature of the broth, and the lack of chili pepper and the spicy/sriracha sauce they have there.
(4)
Summer J.
CHEU Noodle Bar I braved a blizzard. The like of one that has my feet in frozen agony as I sit in the preposterously small, cramped and busy restaurant, and it is a stretch to call it that. I was told to stand and wait by the wall as soon as I walked in so it wasn't exactly a warm welcome. I was seated eventually but was not greeted or asked if I had been there before or needed help with the menu. I got literally 10 seconds before I was asked what I wanted to order without offering me specials or suggestions. Judging by the state of the kitchen and how hard the chefs are working to keep up with the demand. The front of the house are doing a good job of ruining the business for them all on their own. In my haste I decided to try their buns. One of each of their four varieties. The oyster one smelled funny. As if it wasn't the freshest oyster. The mushroom was pitiful and was not satisfying. A variety of mushrooms and more of it would have made a better mushroom bun. The pork belly was a bit of a let down as the fat wasn't rendered properly. It was fatty and flabby. Not very appetizing. The so called cheeseburger bun was the best of the buns. It tastes very much like a cheeseburger or a slider by the size. However, I felt it was not the best or most creative representation of Asian American fusion. 20 minutes in. I put in another order of their most popular dish as recommended by the server following my questioning. I would have liked to have had my request for a smaller portion of the ramen considered as I am dining by myself and their ramen bowls are behemoth in size. However, I was declined without much thought. May this bowl of ramen prove to be their saving grace. Because as of now I'm an unhappy customer that is not likely to return. 7 minutes in. My bowl of miso ramen arrives and immediately I feel discouraged and disheartened at the sight of the utterly undercooked egg. I dig in to taste the broth regardless. The broth is the key, the cornerstone of a decent ramen. Have a lacking broth and you might as well as close up shop and turn to exile. Unfortunately the broth is simply salty. Lacks any depth flavor or complexity. A sodden shame. CHEU Noodle... You have ccertainly lost me as a cheuing customer.
(2)
Michael B.
Had dinner for the first time at Cheu on Saturday night. There was about a one-hour wait and it was absolutely 100% worth it. It gave us some time to hang and take in the vibe. First of all, the scene is cool. Great ambience and great music. It is an urban, funky noodle bar that is very approachable. The food... Well the food was absolutely amazing. Kung po beef dumplings to start. Total flavor explosion. I could have left right there and been happy, even with the one-hour wait. Of course we did not and the Short-Rib Mazeman put me over the edge. The noodles were brilliant with a perfect texture that held up against the limited broth. The short ribs were outstanding. I particularly enjoyed the soft boiled egg which set the whole dish off in my book. Two noodle bowls and an appetizer for $35. Sweet! Top to bottom, this is a top 10 eating experience for me. Everything was spot on and truly delicious.
(4)
Anne K.
I've been meaning to check this place out for a while - Philly's been stepping up its ramen game, yay! However... Cheu is not a ramen shop. They serve a variety of noodle dishes - only one of which is actually ramen. The miso ramen was good, but I probably wouldn't come back to Cheu for it. I'd definitely return to explore some of the other items on the menu, like the black garlic wings and the coconut curry noodles. I also had the pork belly bun, which was really... crispy. I'm really partial to the traditional soft white buns and the buns at Cheu taste more like a fried biscuit. I thought the filling could have more flavor too - the pickles were a bit bland and the sauce felt like an afterthought.
(3)
Lauren P.
My roommate and I went last night after reading about it on Thrillist- we usually go to Nom Nom Ramen. We arrived around 8 and were surprised we had to wait 30 mins to be seated. We sat sat the bar which was awesome! We first ordered the dumplings (beef that night) and they were excellent. We added in more oil that was on the bar- game changer, it was so good! We then both got the brisket ramen, because it's what Thrillist told us to. It was a 7/10. The brisket had a huge layer of fat on top, which turned me off. There was also some sort of pickled cabbage or something that I could do without. The broth was awesome and the noodles were great. Overall, I would go back if I was around that neighborhood.
(4)
Jacqui S.
Small place, small menu but definitely not small in flavor. They def know how to do it right here.
(5)
Marie W.
I love noodles, but I'm not sure what all the hype is about here. 1 1/2 hour wait to get in. No exaggeration. Then when we got the call that our table was ready we had to settle our bill at the bar we were camped out at. Apparently we weren't fast enough. We got another call in a couple minutes to see if we were on our way. Inside everyone was nice. I liked the mix of classic rock & classic hip-hop. The menu was straight forward. I enjoyed the pork & mushroom "buns" best. FYI: they're actually tiny sandwiches & if it was less crowded & easier to get a seat I'd come back just for beers & buns. I thought the dumplings were fine, but a bit too greasy. The brussel sprouts were nice in a 2014 kind of way. The miso ramen was also fine, but it wasn't breath-taking. Towards the end of meal I felt pretty rushed to get the rest of our food to go. I guess they have no choice w/ the huge wait. Oh, wait, they could take reservations.
(3)
Sylvia O.
This place is really good but it is a tight squeeze in there. It is almost always packed. Their menu is simple, yet delicious. I really enjoy their french fries!
(4)
L R.
I loved this place. Went there on an impromptu date-night Monday and thought it was great. I liked that you could see the guys cooking right from the bar. Was fun to watch. Cheu's ambiance is cool. It's got a sense of humor, dimly lit, and even has treated ramen noodle packs as tiles on the wall. Subtle, but cheeky. I like it. The food was great. It was a mashup of different cultures but well executed. I had the beef dumplings with chili oil, which were great. Then I ordered the brisket ramen, of course with a matzoh ball. It was great. Nice robust broth, good greens, kimchi (always kimchi, always.) and good brisket. Plus the noodles were good. I want to go back and it's only been two days. Really cool. Big fan.
(4)
JC J.
Highly recommend this spot for a quick meal with one or two friends (maximum 2 - the restaurant is very small and does not take reservations). The service is just okay, but the restaurant's cool atmosphere makes up for it. The best thing to order here in my opinion is the bun (esp the mushroom bun). The noodle dishes are good, but not outstanding. The iced tea is great and I really like how the flavor changes on a daily basis.
(3)
Abby W.
The brisket bowl with the matzoh ball was very interesting, but a little heavy. The pork bun was awesome. Overall the food was excellent and I would definitely go back.
(4)
Kelly L.
I believe that this place possibly serves the best ramen in Philadelphia centre city. I had the miso ramen and garlic chicken wings. Both dishes were really good! This place is a little smaller so their capacity for seating are slightly more limited. It was very interesting to watch the chef prepare our food (it was a great free appetiser to make you hungrier if you ask me). I guess the only bad experience I had there was my male server with semi red-Mohawk hairstyle was a little unfriendly in my (and my friend's) opinion.
(4)
Llana C.
Went here last Saturday and I haven't stopped thinking about the noodles since. I am equal parts happy and sad that this place is right near my gym. I had the coconut curry (it was phenomenal) and sat at the bar. It was so amazing watching them prepare everything! -1 star for the service. It wasn't bad, but the environment was stressful and I could tell our server was overwhelmed. I would be too if I was the only waitress in a full restaurant! The Brussel sprouts were yummy, and I'm not even a Brussel sprout lover! The decor is modern and eclectic. Will definitely be back, I just hope it isn't as crowded and/or better staffed.
(4)
Matt And Dene M.
I had the dumplings in chili oil and brisket. The dumplings were okay, nothing spectacular. They did have tiny pleasant crunchy pieces of something on top. Panko maybe? The kimchi, Matzo ball, with the brisket were delicious. They brisket had a great flavor. I had the sense that another flavor would have put the meal over the top to awesome. Maybe an herb or another spice? The salt factor was a tad high for my liking. The meal was good enough to go again to try another option. Next time I will get take-out because honestly I can't forgive the wait time.
(3)
Yiwen S.
if you're going to cheu noodle bar for ramen, you might be disappointed. the owners, ben and shawn, have their philosophy written flat out as you enter the small restaurant. they state that they are two white guys trying to run an asian fusion restaurant, and that although their cuisine is informed by asian tradition, it is not defined by it. basically, have an open mind and don't think about whether this is "authentic" asian food or not. if you take the food at face value instead of trying to define or categorize it, you can judge the food simply for how it tastes, not how it is SUPPOSED to taste. now, with that in mind, i ordered the brisket noodles to try something different. the brisket was a bit dry, but the matzo ball and kimchi were good on their own. but i felt like together, the flavors didn't mesh well and the dish never came together as a whole. the miso ramen was actually decent (if non-traditional), but i've had so many bowls of miso ramen in my life that it truly has to be spectacular to blow me away. my vegetarian friend had the cold sesame 3.0 and said she really enjoyed it. i love soy as much as the next vegetarian, but i'm never one to opt out of a meat dish when it's available. if you don't want to wait, grab a few of your friends (3 or more to be exact) and make an early dinner reservation (between 5-6:30pm). we made a 5:30pm reservation and didn't have to wait at all. overall, my impression is that the food is decent and the service is excellent. but i probably won't be back, because it is a little too "fusion" aka experimental. and my palate prefers something more traditional asian in taste.
(3)
Kim L.
Lives up to the hype. My boyfriend and I walked in on a Friday night and only had to wait a few minutes for a seat. We ordered drinks (I highly recommend the Spicy Bulleit if you're a bourbon fan!) and one of each of the buns - pork belly, mushroom, and beef - while we waited for our noodles. I ordered the miso ramen with high expectations in tow, and I didn't put my spoon down until I thought my stomach might explode. The pork shoulder was so tender and the broth was flavorful and delicious. My boyfriend got the yakisoba noodles and since we're carnivores, he added pork belly. I stole quite a few bites and I loved the texture of the soupless noodles. High quality ingredients and well thought out dishes! The staff is also great - very laid back and eager to help with suggestions. They switch up their menu frequently so I'm excited to come back and try some more of their creations!
(4)
Peter C.
Since I ordered carry out and didn't get to experience a full service, I feel like I can't give this place 5 stars. However, the food by itself is close to 5 star worthy. I ordered the Miso Ramen and dumplings in chili oil appetizer (pork and potato). The dumplings were really tasty; smooth in texture, and lightly spiced. The ramen was excellent even though the dish might be better suited for cooler weather. The noodles were chewy and the broth was rich and surprisingly creamy. I will definitely be back to get the full experience, albeit with no more than three people. The seating area is quite small. Overall, great value for money and well worth a visit!
(4)
Joseph D.
Having done the ramen tour of the East and West coast as well as a few cities in Japan. Cheu definitely ranks up in my top 3 of semi-non-traditional ramen. The other menus items are equally as good. A fun environment with great food and music.
(5)
Vy D.
I absolutely love noodles. So I just had to come here once I heard about Cheu's existence. Reading the reviews and descriptions beforehand, I knew the noodles and food aren't authentic in origin but rather the creations of an excellent chef's culinary imagination. That chef happens to have cooked at one of the best restaurants (Matyson) in the city. Despite my general apprehension of Asian fusion cuisine, I ventured into Cheu's Noodle Bar fearlessly..fueled by my obsession of noodles. The inside is really small. Exactly how a noodle bar should be like. There's about 3-4 tables besides the stools. Overall, clean and modern look and yet had a very nice cultural and down to earth feel about it. Great first impression as you walk into the place. We ordered the following appetizers: *Black Garlic Wings w/ shishito peppers (4) $ 8: Great tasting garlic flavors on the outside. Had a nice crunch. Although lacked flavors inside. *Burger & Pork Belly Buns $7: The buns are fried briefly on the outside. The pork belly was absolutely delicious. It was tender and flavorful. Really melted in your mouth. Exactly how it should be. The bun itself wasn't anything special. *Eggplant w/ crispy garlic, herbs, tamarind $7: I'm not a huge eggplant fan so I can't really comment. Maybe you are and will love this dish! We ordered the following noodles: PORK BELLY RAMEN W/ POUCHED EGG, SEA BEANS, GREENS $12: THE GOOD: Once again, the pork belly was really good. Definitely the standout of the entire experience. THE BAD: The broth wasn't horrible. If you never have authentic ramen before, you might actually think it's delicious. My taste buds are spoiled from the likes of Ippudo and Totto. The broth lacked a certain richness and depth. THE UGLY: The ramen was chewier and harder than I liked. Not used to eating ramen with this type of noodles. DUCK PHO w/ FOIE GRAS MEATBALLS $13: I don't really understand why this is called Pho because nothing about it taste like Pho. Instead of the traditional rice noodles, Cheu decided to use the exact ramen noodles for the duck "pho" as well...speechless. Aficionados of Pho will be offended. The meatballs were tasty. If you are a fan of pho...be warned! Prices are on the heavier side. Service was friendly and accommodating. Ultimately- Come here with an open heart about how the food here is conceptionized and prepared and you'll love it more. Read this: Nothing about Cheu is traditional. I genuinely attempted my best to like the noodle bar but years of eating authentic ramen and pho ruined this experience for me. I wholeheartedly laud owners Ben and Shawn for coming up with this uber cool idea and having the courage to make it a reality. Wish them nothing but success! Will definitely come back one day to see how the food has evolved!
(3)
Brian D.
This place is better than the majority of ramen shops in NYC. Their miso ramen with pork shoulder, sea beans, black garlic and soft poached egg was one of the tastiest ramen bowls I've had. The ramen was light and clean, unlike the fatty, oily ramen found at so many places in NY. And the pork belly bun...the pork belly melts in your mouth and the buns were so light and airy. The beef dumplings in chili oil were also delicious. It doesn't hurt that Cheu has serious hipster cred! I can't wait to try their other restaurant- Bing Bing Dim Sum.
(4)
Ashley S.
I'm gonna have to disagree with most people including my Yelp friends (yikes!) and say that I really didn't care for this place. I came here with my boyfriend and a couple friends for dinner one night recently, and sadly we weren't impressed. I'm a big fan of Asian noodle soups, so I was really excited to try this place, too! I got the coconut curry noodle soup which sounded promising. The curry broth flavor was initially pretty good, but it was soon overpowered by the huge glob of peanut sauce they put in the bowl. In general, I like peanut sauce but I found the flavor combo really weird, and the peanut sauce was thick and jelly-like in texture, which I found gross. I ate about half of the soup and then gave up. My boyfriend and another friend ordered the brisket soup. Neither of them liked the dish again due to the "off" flavor. My other friend who ordered the hand torn soup did enjoy her meal, though. On to the drinks...I'm not a big fan of canned beer to begin with, but I figured I'd give a new one a try. They have several options, but I didn't find any standouts on the list. I decided to go with the Brewers Art brown ale which I found to be super bitter. I wasn't excited about any of the other beer options, so I decided to stop there. One of my friends didn't like the beer she chose either. Also, the place is quite small and only has a couple tables up front, so the four of us had to sit side by side at the bar. It was hard to have a conversation with the whole group because it was pretty loud in there. Overall, I was just disappointed because I've heard so many good things about Cheu. Given my experience, I probably won't be back. I will just have to stick to the more traditional Asian noodle soup places that I love!
(2)
Tamiz M.
Been here more than once and it was decent for the most part. I got food poisoning once from bad lamb here and it was a nightmare but tried to view it as a mistake. However I just had a poor take-out experience. Ordered the brisket and paid full price (13$) which isn't cheap and only got a small slice of brisket and no matzo ball which is honestly the whole reason I ordered it. Kind of a huge bummer when you walk 8 blocks to get some dinner and drop a bunch of money only to be disappointed and hungry. I don't understand how half the meal is forgotten, I'd like to think they check stuff like that. The times they got things right it was very good, though mistakes are getting more and more frequent and causing illness hunger, so I feel like I need to stop going as they also don't respond well to complaints I understand.
(2)
Steve E.
This is hands down my favorite restaurant in Philly. We come here at least once a month and always get the same thing (spicy crab / shrimp broth ramen and the matzah ball / brisket ramen). Best place to have great service and get a good meal
(5)
Nicole M.
Wow! Less than an hour after arriving in Philly for my first time, I was told about this place and just had to check it out. We were able to snag 4 seats at the bar in less than 10 minutes on a Sunday evening. This service was spectacular and the beer options were just right. I ordered the coconut curry and LOVED it. I was worried about it being too spicy, but I made a simple request to the kitchen to go light on the heat, and it came out perfect. My boyfriend ordered the Shoyu ramen on special and it was fantastic as well. We definitely plan to hit this place up again before we head back to home to Las Vegas.
(5)
Brian D.
What you have here is the lovechild of two obvious nerds. Equal parts dedication, curiosity, humor, food science and a downright disregard to convention, this place is to Asian food what Tired Hands Brewing Co. is to beer. Meaning, it's fairly apparent after spending just a few minutes inside that it's their weird world - you're just living in it. The staff is fast-paced, fun and very open to being actual humans if you care to engage them (that is, of course, if you're into that sort of thing). The music is always good, loud and fitting (how often do you get to enjoy 'Po' Folks' by the Nappy Roots while crushing a bowl of pork shoulder and ramen noodles?). The drinks are nuanced. And after having sampled nearly everything on their menu at least once, it wouldn't be hard to share specifics as to why this place deserves such unabashed praise for existing. But then again, why take the fun out of it? Every inch of this tiny, bustling, cramped-as-hell space screams "Hey! We give a shit about what we do!", so go experience it already. Leave your expectations on the curb. Forget everything you just read. Try and find a seat. Order a dish or three. Drink a beer. Shut your f*cking mouth and eat the f*cking magic. Oh yeah, and don't fall asleep on their rotating list of housemade juice. It doesn't get a lot of attention living under the shadow of their foodstuffs, but it damn well deserves some. Real life is happening here. It's palpable. And it's awesome to see so many people clambering just to bare witness.
(5)
Charmaine W.
Ate here for lunch on a Friday afternoon alone. Very cute eclectic vibe. I had never had ramen or this style of food and the bartender was very helpful with helping me navigate the menu. I got the miso ramen and black garlic wings. Both were great pretty fast and attentive service.
(5)
Cindy C.
After reading all the reviews on Yelp I came in with very high expectations. Though the service was exceptional, the food was a bit lacking. I tried their miso ramen, and it took forever to come out. Granted it was a busy night. There was barely any broth in our bowl and the noodle was not cooked entirely. The broth was rather salty, it felt like it was scooped from the bottom of the pot. I also had high hopes for the black garlic wings, but they were not very warm when they were served. The sauce was again too salty for my taste and the chicken didn't really have a crispy texture. Lastly, my friend pointed out that there is only one real ramen on the menu.
(2)
Hillary D.
Much better than I expected. The miso ramen was delicious and as close to how ramen in Japan would taste. The place is small, but most people finish quickly. It has a nice vibe (the bathroom was probably the most decorated part). Would definitely come back. Didn't get a chance to try the small plates but will do that next time!
(4)
Edward C.
A great place to eat. Cozy and hip, however, I couldn't bare the rap music with profanity. Aside from that, it's a great little place. Would have given it a 5 star. The ambience is pretty cool. Service is great
(4)
Mary M.
This place was just absolutely stellar on every level. My husband and I stopped in for lunch last Friday after hearing quite the buzz. The buzz is well deserved. Grafitti/collage combined with dry ramen noodles being used as a wall decoration was just too flippin' adorable. Pork was the dumpling special of the day and chicken was the Bahn Mi of the day. So we ordered both of those and the ramen. THESE ARE THE BEST DUMPLINGS I HAVE EVER HAD. And I have eaten a lot of incarnations of dumplings at a lot of different places. The texture was superb and it absolutely melted in my mouth. So flavorful. We asked for chili oil on the side (I was worried about Han Dynasty level heat) but it's relatively mild. The ramen was brilliant as well. It had such an interesting taste; it is a miso based broth but it had this flavor that was just so unique and worked so well. Cheu poaches the egg instead of soft boiling and that was also a great touch and lets the egg mix infuse with the broth. The Bahn Mi was also delicious and loved the spicy mayo as a condiment. Unfortunately I have an aversion to cilantro and that ended up overpowering the dish. If you love cilantro then you would probably love this. Service was nice and attentive, the noodle bar overlooks the kitchen so you can see them preparing your dishes. Seriously just a fab addition to Philly's noodle scene. A great, small casual dining spot. Cannot wait to go back!
(5)
Daniel T.
Had a quick lunch here on Saturday. Had to check it out after it was on a list of the 21 best ramen places in the country, and I love ramen. It's a cool little shop, funny thing - there are no Asian employees lol. Not that it matters, just saying! I had the pork belly buns and miso ramen. The buns were pretty good - B+. The miso ramen was very good - A, although it was expensive at $13/bowl. Wouldn't mind stopping by again if I am in Philly.
(4)
Alick W.
Cheu is a great noodle bar. It is not a traditional ramen place but they put their own special twist on their dishes that make Cheu unique and sets them apart. There are a few tables and then a bar area to sit at. The waitress was really nice and food came out pretty quickly. I got the miso ramen which was very good, a little pricier and on the smaller side than other ramen places, but the variety of add ons and taste make it worth it. I also had their specials which were a mango green iced tea that was very refreshing and their pork, beef mushroom dumplings that had great flavor and taste. I would definitely come back here to try some of their other noodle dishes.
(5)
Tyler S.
I want to have Ben Puchowitz's babies. He and his sidekick (co owner) Shawn really made this a great place with amazing food. I'm so amazed that even now being open for a few months both guys are there working during the Thursday lunch hour. I've actually eaten here about 7 times and every time they are both there. I'm really speechless over how much I love this place and the fact they keep updating the menu is great because everything Ben touches is gold. Perfect example is I hate chicken wings. I hate food that you have to work for , I'm not a hunter gatherer. Well, their black garlic chicken wings make me want to take off my pants and do a dance. I dream of those amazing bites of heaven. I'm actually shedding a tear as I yelp on my flight back to florida because I don't know when I'll get to eat those again. Oh Ben , will you come open up a cheu in the culinary black hole that is south Florida. Please ?!
(5)
Ron H.
Smaller but funky interior. Classic rock to classic Tribe Called Quest playing at a nice level in the background. Limited seating with the majority at the bar which is literally "in the kitchen". It was 75 deg outside and what felt like 95 inside. In addition to my group complaining, we even heard the waitress commenting on how hot it was inside...this is not a place to go when it's hot out! Dumplings: 3 meatball sized pork dumpling in a mild chili sauce. Meat seamed on the mild side for flavor, but the wrapper was well cooked and they were stuffed full of meat. The sauce they sat in was a 1 on a scale of 1-10...if the menu didn't list it as a chili sauce, I wouldn't have known.. Black garlic Wings are average sized chicken wings drenched in a dark and sticky sauce. The wings were cooked well done without being dried out. The exterior wasn't crunchy, but not soggy...so I have to say they had good technique, but the sauce is a little flat, tasting like a generic canned Hoison sauce, and then covered in sesame seeds. I'm not sure where the black garlic came in as I tasted none. A good, just not spectacular or memorable. Crispy rice cakes: tatertot sized and tossed in a mild dark sauce with sesame seeds and sauteed myshrooms and cubes of pork...the dish fell flat for me lacking any complex flavors or heat. I'd bet this was the same sauce as the wings, only both sauces were so bland there was nothing distinct enough to help identify them. We each at two of them and left the bowl. This really isn't a dish even worth trying again Ramen with pork: Served in a miso broth with broccoli spears, a soft egg and noodles. The pork itself was cut slices off of a roast with the fat just before the rendered point. This may sound appetizing, but what you get is a ton of gelatenous fat and a little uncooked eggwhite floating around and the texture in your mouth is enough to make you want to gag. I picked out the actual meat pieces of the pork and it has a good flavor, I was not a fan of the miso broth, but if you're a fan of miso soup you'll like it. The veggies were cooked perfectly as were the noodles, I just wish there were more of them in the dish. If the pork had been seared a little in a pan before placing in the bowl, it might have been a totally different experience, but watching the chef and seeing how he handled each dish, I have no reason to believe this isn't exactly how he wanted the dish served. Ramen with briskit: same experience as the Ramen with pork, just with pieces of Brisket instead...at least the briskit was cooked and edible. The service was good, food came out fast and everyone was friendly. I have a hard time giving it 2 stars for the food, it was edible, but none of the dishes were anything I wanted to finish, and I grabbed food somewhere else after we left. So, why the 3 stars? Well, the overall experience is pleasant and fun and this is really a great place to take a new date. It's fun and hip with good music and the menu is very adventerous (I'm sure you date has never seen Pig Ears on the menu before!). You could ask that your bowl come with extra greens/noodles (minus the egg) and some leaner cuts of meat, but you shouldn't have to. If you're an easy going couple, come here and have fun and enjoy the whole experience, just plan on getting appetizers before at another place...oh, and bring your own watergun and mister if it's not a winter month!
(3)
Veg L.
I love noodles, and I love Asian foods, so I was excited to try this place. I was in Philly traveling alone, and went on a Sunday afternoon. I had walked quite a bit before, so their special drink watermelon juice was very refreshing, though I thought it was a bit too pricey ($5 or something). I would have loved to try one of their cocktails, but I had to drive. For the noodle, I wanted to get soft-shell crab, but they said they're out of the crab so it'll be shrimp balls instead, so I went for it. It was delicious! I could tell that they made shrimp balls fresh, and I liked the fresh cilantro in them. If I'm back in Philly and crave for some creative, good Asian noodles, I'd definitely be back. It was also solo friendly, so that was a plus.
(4)
Chrissy H.
Loved the appetizers, especially the dumplings and the buns! Was nervous to choose an entree because of everything looking very spicy, but it all turned out well and very delicious.
(4)
Laur A.
Holy cripes- I have waited a while to review this place for fear that it will become more crowded than it already is.... But to put it simply- I'm addicted to this place. I love it. I need it. I gotta have it 2x a week. My favorite is the coconut curry ramen dish and you gotta order the dumplings. I'm jumping out of my skin waiting for their new place "Bing Bing Dim Sum" to open as it's going to be down the street from me. This place deserves no less Than 5 stars for the food. So. Dang. Good.
(5)
Sarah P.
I love this place. You walk in and you can tell it's going to be good. Counter seating, great music, and the staff is friendly and seems to really enjoy being there. I crave the miso ramen everyday. The broth is soo good. (I need to learn how to make this at home.) I like adding a matzoh ball to it. The fish ribs and fries are also delicious. Each day they change their house made dumplings, fresh juice combo, and daily iced tea. They have a really interesting cocktail list, spirits, sake, and canned craft beers.
(5)
Alexandra R.
Sooooo good. So good, I'm coming back here tomorrow. We had the dumplings, pork belly bun and the curry and regular miso both with pork belly. Everything was fresh and delicious!
(5)
Steve C.
Really like the food here. They keep it interesting with their rotating assortment of dumplings. Their lamb noodle dish is amazing!
(5)
Katie P.
Here are the go-to's: Dumplings Kimchi Burrito Yakisoba All three of these had interesting bold flavors, that I would totally come back for. As for the ramen, I give it a 3 star rating- I've had my fair share of mind blowing ramen (Ippudo NYC) and I don't think it stands up to it.... but I'd totally come back for the 3 items above as these were totally on point.
(4)
Minoru M.
Kimchi ramen is my favorite.
(4)
Jen O.
This was the best restaurant experience I've had in recent memory. I went on Tuesday evening with my boyfriend. There were no tables available, and they said it would be a 15-minutes wait, and we were welcomed to wait near the bar, but I felt like we'd be in the way since the place was hopping. They took my number and we had a beer at Varga while we waited. Within the next maybe 10 minutes they called to say the table was ready. Every interaction and every morsel of food was amazing. Kudos to our server Emmy for being awesome. We ordered the broccoli, the dumpling special (pork and beef in chili oil), the pigtails, and for noodles we got the short rib and the miso. There's not much point in describing the taste of each except to say they tasted amazing. Emmy made a point to tell us that there are best sellers, and then there are staff favorites. Go with the staff favorites.
(5)
Monica L.
PROS: Delicious, high-quality food, cozy ambiance CONS: Small venue, somewhat pricey for the portions The small pork belly, cheeseburger, and mushroom-filled fluffy, warm buns were mind-blowingly flavorful, but maybe overpriced at $3 a piece. The well-dressed crispy rice cakes were both crispy on the outside and interestingly chewy on the inside. Finally, I got the vegetarian yakisoba, which was delicious, nicely textured, and well-accompanied by vegetal goodness. Overall, Cheu is the best noodle house I've been to so far in Philly.
(5)
Joshua W.
Great noodle bar whether you like them brothy or not. Wide range of noodles and dishes. Personal favorite are the yakisoba and their broccoli. Menu changes (bring back the hand torn!) but always yummy. Can be a bit of a wait cause it small and they don't do reservations, but that's just cause the food is awesome and they don't need to. Go on the early side or during the week and keep the party small and you won't have too much trouble.
(5)
Christine T.
After seeing this as a thrillest top 25 ramen places in the city, my bf and I instantly wanted to try it out. It is really a hole in the wall as there isn't much seating, but this is the atmosphere I expect from a ramen place. If there is a wait, the restaurant will put your name on a list and can call you when your spot is ready. We tried the Pork Belly buns which had a buttery bread to it and not the normal "man-toe" bread you would expect. It was a good change and we enjoyed it. I ordered the lychee white iced tea, which was good but for $3 in a tiny cup isn't worth it to me. I was told I could get a refill, but that was never offered again. We then got the Miso Ramen & Brisket which were okay. I mean its interesting and decent, but we decided that we prefer Terakawa in Chinatown more and of course NYC Ramen (Toto and Ippudo) are still million times better. We still can't figure out why it was listed as a top 25 though
(3)
Khanh L.
Pretty damn good!!! I was craving ramen, so we went. We had the wings, dumplings, miso ramen , and the curry coconut ramen. The black garlic wings were amazing, so good, not too sweet just salty enough. Chicken was moist and tender. Dumplings, forgettable, forgotten, they weren't awful, just meh. Miso ramen, broth was balanced, had depth of flavour. It was really good. Lots of things to pick at in the bowl, so many ways to combine it, fun to eat. The curry coconut ramen was ok, the idea was interested but I thought the broth was a bit thick. In my mind I was thinking more like a south east asian seafood curry type broth lightened with coconut milk, but it came out more coconut creamy than seafood curry. The flavour was ok, it just didn't fly. all in all, if I ever go back to Philly I would definitely stop by, it's quick, it's cheap and it's good :)
(4)
Daniel B.
I hate mushrooms. Cheu made me like mushrooms.
(5)
Amanda M.
Love this place! Everything I've had is delicious. My favorite is the coconut curry with soft egg. Highly recommended. Had to bump it down a star bc of the incredibly rude hostess last night (9/19/14). If it wasn't for that, everything else about this place has been 5 stars every time I've been there.
(4)
Tara G.
I stopped in at Cheu last week with my mom before catching a show at the Walnut Street Theater. We were running a little late, so we asked if they could have us in and out quickly. They were very accommodating. This place is very, very small. There's a little bar and maybe 5 tables inside. Luckily, there were 2 seats for us at the end of the bar. We just wanted some munchies to share, so we ordered 2 pork belly buns, dumplings in chili oil (brisket and dates inside) and the black garlic wings. Everything was really delicious. Everything was great, but I especially loved those wings. They were really fantastic- fried super crispy with that lovely sweetish black garlic sauce. I saw a couple of people eating some tasty looking ramen, and I was pretty jealous that I didn't have the time to try some. For my next visit, I will definitely make sure that I have more time so that I can try their inventive soups.
(4)
Sally c.
Absolutely delicious! Reasonably priced, great service..go! You won't regret it. Yum!
(5)
Luca I.
So last night was my first time dinning here, I have to say food was fantastic! We obviously ordered noodles and they where great, but what hit the spot for me where those pig tails and side broccoli plate. Good stuff all around, food, staff and atmosphere! Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Vinny P.
After watching the popups, the name change and finally settling on a location, I made my way to Cheu Noodle Bar on a Friday evening with a buddy to see what it was all about. What I found was a very cool, fun, fresh take on a noodle bar and I'll be returning. The space here is a bit tight and most likely you'll have a wait on a Friday or Saturday evening. We chose to wait it out at Varga (conveniently located down the street) while our table cleared out. It didn't take terribly long before we were at our seats and ordering. I was very impressed with the black garlic wings. Heat and sweet were the tastes that hit my mouth but I did feel the dish was put together nicely. The wings were cooked perfectly and it wasn't too sauced. It had just enough to leave a nice impression. The dumplings (potato, egg, cheese, chili oil) were not my favorite due to the filling combo, but I would not be opposed to trying more of their dumplings (if they change). The star for me was the lamb neck hand torn noodle dish. The spice on the lamb was killer, and it was falling apart while I tried to eat it. The mustard greens and dates brought those other flavor punches that made this dish truly excellent. I would come back and eat here just for this. The spot is fun, the music is great (I heard mostly A Tribe Called Quest) and the kitchen worked really well together in the space they have. I think these guys are doing a great job and I hope they will be in Philly for a while.
(4)
Miwako S.
They did a fine job creating a ramen. The noodle was a little uncooked and I wished the chef didn't take time putting stuff on top after the noodles and soup put in the bowl. The speed is life when it comes to putting everything in a ramen bowl so it is served sizzling hot. But the pork was tender and the soup was good.
(3)
Zoe P.
If there's one thing that my husband loves, it's ramen. It's a guaranteed excuse for us to eat out if I can find someplace we haven't tried that has ramen on the menu. So when his stomach started rumbling Sunday late afternoon I suggested we check out Cheu's menu so that I didn't have to rush to cook dinner. The place was packed and it was only 5pm, which clearly spoke to the quality of the food. A quick peek at the menu and we were ordering their Miso Ramen (pork shoulder, egg, sea beans, black garlic) and Hand Torn Noodles (lamb neck, pickled mustard greens, dates) to share together. The two large bowls came out pretty quickly, and we dove right in, chopsticks eagerly grasping at noodles thick and thin. One bite in my husband declared that these were the best noodles he's had from a ramen place in Philly (or any other noodle dish, for that matter). The flavors in both dishes were superb - the roasted meats were tender and juicy, the noodles had just the right amount of bite. In the lamb dish, the pickled greens gave a great bright flavor contrast to the smokier flavors. Both were hearty and enough for the two of us, although the other dishes were very tempting. We'll be back another time for sure - he's hooked on those noodles now!
(4)
Joe K.
Go here. Food was perfect. Not salty like some people have said (Don't believe those reviews now). Adequate alcohol options. Parents liked it a lot and they're pickier than me. Got the wings, dumplings, miso ramen, crab broth and yakisoba. All good. Definitely going back to try the other items on the menu.
(5)
J S.
Had a few pre Kodaline show options n chose this spot since the reviews seemed good n my friend also told me it was good the one time she went. Haven't been to a noodle bar in months since I was at naruto in ny which was awesome. This place is small but the table turnover is quick so the wait isn't that long. We got a Rivertown Greatful white beer while waiting which was good then got seated not long after. The table we got was the closest to the door n we were greeted by server who gave us the special item of the day - Szechuan type green beans. Then after she walked away another server came up to give us the specials but he stopped once we told him we already were informed lol. We ordered the black garlic wings to start which were ok..I expected fried wings for sum reason but they were ok...the pork bun n cheeseburger buns were next which good but nothing compared to the ones at Momofuku...they are sliders n the bun is a biscuit tasting bun which is good but was disappointing going from the cheeseburger bun which was ok slider size to the pork bun which was like a subway sandwich which in my mind blows cos it's all bread n no filling...the pork is good but they need to triple the portion size...the brisket matzo ball ramen was good but not excellent. With kimchi being in there I expected n wanted it to be spicy but it wasn't. My friends beans were good but she would of preferred a ramen bowl instead. The other thing would be that it took a bit for a server to come back when we were ready to leave n this made us late for the show. I do wish I tried the dumplings and maybe I will if I go back but first impression doesn't live up to the good reviews I've glanced at
(3)
Lindsay C.
We decided to check this place out around 2pm on a Saturday - bad idea. We had to wait about 20 minutes, not knowing there were only 3 tables and the bar inside. There's also really no room to wait inside so keep the weather in mind as well. The restaurant is small and a bit cramped. The food was delicious. I loved the ramen; however, the dumplings were a bit bland. The service was quick and friendly, although we waited a bit long for our meals. I think the many of the items were a bit overpriced, but not outrageously so.
(3)
Nicole L.
Great place for a late-night bite, with friendly staff and a funky ambiance which lends itself to the quirks of this small restaurant. The black garlic wings were phenomenal, but not so impressed with the cold sesame noodles. My dining companion was plenty pleased with his ramen, though. Steeper than usual prices, but have to admire the inventive fusion in the food and the overall experience was good. I'll have to come back for another visit to see how the food has progressed.
(3)
Kate S.
This place is worth the wait! The ever-changing dumplings dunked in chili oil are flawless. The chicken wings are also something I order nearly ever time I go. Get the hand-torn noodles or matza ball brisket soup! This is a place where I bring out of town guests- a small hole-in-the-wall cafe they wouldn't stumble upon themselves.
(5)
Krystal H.
I've been here a handful of times now. The only complaint I have is that it's tough to get in. And it's tough to get in because it's SO SO GOOD. If you do find yourself on the wait list they take your phone number down and call you when your table is ready, which allows you to head to a nearby bar for a pint. I had been trying to get my boyfriend to go for awhile now but he kept being all Ben Stein about it until I guess he was sick of me suggesting it. We went ~7p on a Sunday and there were 4 tables ahead of us. 15-20min later we were seated at the bar. The staff is helpful, pleasant, warm, comfortable and just a joy to speak with. Someone came over quickly to say hello, get our drink order and tell us about the specials. We ordered and then watched the chefs RUN that place. They're prompt, precise and hard working. They waste no time and the place runs like a dream. Generally when you eat somewhere you don't get a feel for what's happening in the kitchen. I really appreciate being able to watch the magic happen and I have so much respect for the two women I watched pump out so many meals tonight, each more delicious than the last. One chef in particular was paying attention to our pace for eating and sent our small plates out one at a time so nothing was ever sitting there getting cold. This allowed us to fully enjoy each plate without feeling rushed. We ordered the following: Wings, 1 mushroom & 1 pork Belly Bun, Broccoli with Vietnamese sausage, Tuna Poke with watermelon, Hot oil dumplings and Spicy crab broth noodles. Would get all of these time and time again with one exception. Wasn't crazy about the hot oil dumplings (they reminded me of cheeseburgers) and I didn't taste any crab in the Spicy Crab broth noodles (was still delicious). That said, this place isn't meant to be "authentic" anything; it's Asian fusion. They do what they want and they do it well. Good music, good people, good ambiance. You just get a good vibe being here. This place is one of my favorite spots to grab a bite in Philly and I'd recommend it to anyone! Even my Ben Stein boyfriend loved the place. That's saying something.
(5)
Mo P.
Worth the trip for the best ramen in the city. The dumplings in chili oil are a great way to start the meal. Soooo good! Tender and moist on the inside and very fresh. I ordered the brisket kimchi matzo ball noodle soup. Best ramen in PHL! Matzo in ramen is perfect with a nice thick but of brisket that falls apart with chopsticks. Did I mention that the matzo ball was light and tender? The broth.... Oh the broth. The nectar of the gods is one description another is balanced perfection that the pundits would term Umami. Screw them. This is da bomb. Enough said. Little pricey for Ramen but it is upscale Ramen and worth the dough so shell it out and plan on a little wait. Eating at the bar is fun to watch the cooks perform their cooking ballet.
(5)
Kevin T.
Intense taste, super salty, minuscule portions. Come for the flavor if you like strong flavors. The mix of flavors in the noodle soup are interesting. However, prices are significantly higher than other ramen places in town, while portions about half of the average. Do not come for dinner if you don't want to be starving at midnight.
(3)
Paul L.
It's hard not to pay attention to Cheu, not only are they a block away from home, if you like them on FaceBook, they tell you what they are serving for lunch, what they are serving for dinner everyday. The menu changes all the time, there are specials, there are events. You get a sense that the place is really happening. Especially the lunch post makes you look forward to dinner all day, it's a catch all. The fact that the place is still packed 4 months after its opening is a testament on how well the place is doing. I might have given an unfair review to Cheu last time, because they really just opened and haven't really gain a footing yet but what I like about Cheu is that they are continuously working on refining their dishes while trying to be consistent on service and quality. They have a liquor license now, which I'm sure makes everybody happy. The weaker dishes gave way to new innovative dishes. Portions seems to be slightly bigger and more satisfying. I find the willingness to please their clients impressive. I haven't tried all their new plates yet, since the menu change everyday, I have to time my visit but what I've had are pretty good. The fish ribs has become one of my all time favorite dish. Crispy skin with a slightly sweet tamarind glaze, while the skin is crispy the meat is not dry, it's perfectly cooked. Just take out the few bones and chomp down on the whole thing. My plate came with some awesome charred corn Elotes style, which I understand they are so good that they are now its own appetizers. I thought the scrapple was so good before but now they have added a mustard sauce with sweet cubes of melons. It does elevate the dish to another level. The mustard added some acidity and the melons added a great sweet contrast. Pig tails are nuggets of goodness, they reminded me of Chinese BBQ ribs except with smaller bones which makes them fun to nibble. I thought the dumplings were ok, the stuffing changes everyday so some days you'll get better one than others. Since most people come in pairs, how about serving 4 instead of 3? I'm a little torn about the Jade noodles, I like the composition but I feel like it's missing a wedge of lime or a pinch of shredded red pickled ginger for dimension's sakes. Service is still impeccable. I'm very happy to have them in my neighborhood. I'm eager to come back for the beef tongue fried rice, cross my fingers that it comes back soon.
(5)
Aviad R.
Overall 4 stars, but the brisket noodles itself would have been 5!! Started with the beef dumplings in chili oil, potato latke and mushroom bahn mi sandwich. All of them were decent nothing too spectacular. The brisket noodles were GREAT!! The kimchi was spicy and the dish had the right amount of sweet, sour, fat and flavor. The matzah ball is an interesting part, not sold on it but give them props for going with it. Meat was cooked perfectly and highly recommend this dish. Small place so get there early or you'll be waiting.
(4)
Zachary A.
Awesome beef ginger dumplings awesome wings awesome broccoli with soy sauce peanuts and Vietnamese sausage awesome ramen and hand drawn noodle Soop great service every time can get tight (pretty much always is tight ) but music is on point juices and beer are spot as well ... Great spot
(5)
Robert D.
Great food. Awesome atmosphere. We had the special of the night and were not disappointed. The duck taco appetizer is phenomenal as well. Highly recommended. The cocktails were very good too, although slightly expensive.
(5)
Jake H.
Was looking for a quick fulfilling tasty meal after moving in to new apartment. Fulfilled! girlfriend and I split 3 small plates - Black Garlic Wings, Dumplings (daily special- potato pork and curry), Buns (mushroom and Pork) then moved onto Cold Sesame for our noodle dish. I had a beer. Price was reasonable at under 50$ after tip. Leftover noodles for breakfast. Flavors in both Dumpling and wings were outstanding. Dumplings were a little dense but great flavor. Wings were perfectly cooked and the levels of flavor each had their own unique character. The buns were interesting. The tops were a little burnt, mushroom was by far better than pork. Sesame noodles were tasty, an interesting spice to them but the flavors and textures came together to create a very unique and tasty version of this classic dish. The setup of this place is fairly awesome. You can watch the line as they cycle the pleasantly presented dishes from ingredient to plate through. The staff is friendly and efficient. We must have finished 8 pitchers of water but never had to wait for it to be refilled, they were on it. They were happy to discuss their favorite dishes and make sure we were happy with the choices. Visually the restaurant is kinda cool. loved the mural and the ramen artwork. Constructive feedback - was a bit warm and could use some more cooling down, especially to entice me to eat ramen on a warm day. Also DESSERT! With the rest of the tastes you guys have achieved I was left to imagine what sweet concoction you could come up with. An original take on Mango Pudding perhaps? Will be back and looking forward to exploring the rest of the menu!
(4)
Jason R.
Totally Unique Totally Delicious! The Noodle Bar gives off a New York vibe. Warehouse like (a small warehouse if there is such a thing.) There are places to sit at the bar and if you're lucky one of only a few tables by the front of the restaurant. The music is pretty loud which didn't bother me but I can see it being irritating to some. I love how you can see the chefs cook out in the open. Really cool. Of the appetizers, I ordered the the Black Garlic Wings. They were a bigger and meatier wing than I typically prefer but it was a very good and unique appetizer none the less. They came with shishito peppers (not spicy), lime, and cilantro. Squeeze the lime onto the sticky sesame sauce and you're in business. For my main entree I throughly enjoyed the Brisket Noodle Soup with Matzo ball, Kimchi, Sesame Chili Broth, and Bok Choy. The broth had the perfect amount of heat. The kimchi really made this dish special. A bit more Kimchi would've been great as I found myself wanting more after I devoured the small amount. The brisket was tender but had some edge fat that I found myself biting around. Leaner meat would be great as the soup seasoning wouldn't disrupt the advantage of a flavorful fatty piece of meat. The matzo ball was not too firm and not too mushy. It was delicious. Overall I was pleased and would certainly return. This isn't a place to go with a large group due to its size. Start working on your chop stick skills so you can have many well balanced bites as you will attempt to put together small pieces of meat, matzo ball, noodle, bok choy, and kimchi within the larger sized deep spoon for some magical mouthfuls. Fyi, desserts are not served here for those with a sweet tooth. You would probably be full anyway.
(4)
Thuy C.
I was in the city and hungry. I went on yelp and decided to finally check some of my bookmarks off. I was in the mood for Asian and Cheu's dumplings and ramen pictures had me salivating. Sure enough I made my way over there. They had a nice crowd. The place was fairly small, hip and trendy. They offered a great selection of beers. I sat at the bar, my waiter greeted me and offered some of their special of the day. I ended up with the miso ramen and beef and cilantro dumplings. The dumplings came out first, really nice presentation. There was 4 dumplings and after trying 1 I could say that they need to work on the dumpling's skin because it was too thick and floury, the beef was dry, and the hot oil overpowered the delicate dumplings. Then my big bowl of miso ramen came out and the broth was good, creamy, thick, dense but after awhile it became a little salty. I didn't like how the pork had a cha siu flavor and it was also shredded, it was a little too bbq for the miso ramen. Also their egg is pouched and not completely cooked so when you poke into it, the egg yolk ran all throughout the broth which is something I did not like. All in all, this place is a very American inspired ramen bar. I probably will not be back for a second visit. I prefer Terakawa Ramen in Chinatown just because I feel like their ramen is definitely more authentic than Cheu's.
(2)
Brad W.
Cheu is excellent. We had their bun of the day, which was brisket with horseradish cream. We had their dumplings, and we each had a noodle bowl (crab borth, and the other was short rib). Everything was very tasty and tempature hot. Quaint little place. Nice beer selection. Speedy service. Awesome experience.
(4)
Ryan B.
Gotta love this place and you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't. So much flavor. Great service and atmosphere.
(4)
Bust A B.
Simple menu. Good food. Decent coctail selection. Ok beer selection. Great music and ambiance. Not a ton of seating.
(4)
Patrick H.
One of kind. The Ramen is amazing. Its crowded, small, and cash only, but still totally worth it.
(5)
Meredith B.
I've heard all about Cheu Noodle Bar from friends who have had great things to say. I've had it bookmarked for some time now to come check out... I'm so glad I did. We came for lunch and decided to order a few items and share them all. Dumplings in chili oil - they were fantastic duck dumplings with a good amount of tasty moist meat served in chili oil. I would order these daily if I could. Daily Banh Mi - soft shell crab banh mi was served with the usual slaw and sauce on a roll. I added a little siracha to mine to kick it up a notch. I've never had a soft shell crab banh mi before - I really enjoyed it and hope to see it more often. Cold Sesame Noodles - also very good. Exactly what you would expect. We didn't order the cold noodles with any protein since we thought we might be over ordering on the food. We ordered the correct amount of food for two hungry people.. next time I'd like to order it with pork belly and switch it up a bit. Black Garlic Wings - I really really liked these. They were nice and meaty (def not skimping on the quality here). I'm excited to come back and check out Cheu's for dinner sometime. I've heard they pack a fun crowd with great tunes.
(4)
Lindsay H.
Cheu's has been bookmarked ever since it opened for me so naturally, I was thrilled when I enjoyed my meal with some fellow yelpers last Friday night. Two of us got there early and were not expecting the size at all. I knew it'd be tiny but we're talking 4 tables and a counter and there were 4 of us trying to eat. They estimated the wait as best they could and to our surprise, 10 mins later, we were seated at the only 4 top. A noodle bar miracle! What we ordered: Broccoli with thai sausage- loved this. Fried chicken and pork belly buns- to my surprise, I liked the chicken better though both were pretty tasty and had a yummy pickled cucumber slaw on top that totally added great crunch. Dumplings in chili oil- definitely good but I love Han Dynasty's more. The Black Garlic Wings- the winner. Totally lived up to the hype. The were huge, crispy and delicious. BBQ pig tails- these were also great. I loved the sauce. It was sweet! Noodle dishes- Ramen Brisket Both of the noodle dishes were very good though I would have liked a little more depth of flavor with the broth. I also thought that the meat in each were a tad overcooked to my liking BUT that being said, i enjoyed both. I think I found myself being a little more critical of the noodle dishes since, well, it's a noodle bar. To sum up, I was totally thrilled with my Cheu's experience. Everything was really tasty and I really enjoyed. For my next visit, I'll likely go with no more than two people...I doubt I'll ever be as lucky to get a table as the first visit again. Something to consider.
(4)
Casey R.
I finally got back to Cheu after tasting their food at the pop-ups two years ago. I was surprised to find it was even better than I remember! I started my meal with a Sixpoint Bengali Tiger IPA which I have found pairs very well with spicy food. We got the brussels sprouts to start which were great with the pepitas and pickled squash. I had been wondering about the squash since a friend told me about it and it definitely was a fun variation. For my entree I got the vegetarian coconut curry. The broth was very flavorful and the noodles were divine. As luck would have it we had made plans to have dinner on a week night that turned out to be the last snow of the year so the ramen style dish was the perfect compliment. I also tried a sip of the their juice of the day which was really flavorful! I will definitely be back here soon.
(5)
Katie W.
My friend and I have been going to Cheu since they opened. We love the wings, dumplings, miso ramen, and coconut curry noodles! We've never had a bad meal, it is consistently delicious and keeps us coming back! Unfortunately, we are now hesitant to continue ordering take-out due to some recent poor customer service. I was unable to view the menu from their website on my phone, and the online menus that were available must not be up to date. When I called this evening and had a couple questions, the woman taking my order was very rude and abrupt. She did not help me with my questions and asked me to look online and call back when I made up my mind. This is the second time we've encountered rude customer service from the staff who take the phone orders. We would like to continue dining with Cheu because of the great food, but are very reluctant to support a place that does not treat customers respectfully.
(3)
Cristie K.
Went here with a couple of friends, and the food was exceptional, until they made us leave. Yep, they declined our drink order after we had finished our food, which didn't even take an hour, saying the owner needed to flip the table for the next party. Fortunately, we're industry people, so we understood, but it left a really sour taste in our mouth. What if we wanted to order more food?... They essentially kicked us out after paying almost $200, which has never happened to any of us in any other restaurant. It's sad to say we won't be back.
(2)
Nancy P.
I know ramen and noodle places have been all the rage lately so I wanted to check out Cheu Noodle Bar. I was curious about the different interpretation by others. I was excited by all the good comments about the pork belly. The place itself is pretty small and cozy. I love the lamps over the bar! My party of three were seated at the bar (and YES, there are coat hooks under the bar). I ordered a pork belly bun to start off with. It is really tiny, like the size of a two bite brownie. I wasn't really expecting such a fried and greasy "bun" or like some flat fried dough. There was a sauce inside along with cilantro and pickles with the pork belly. Honestly, I couldn't taste the pork belly with all of that greasiness. It was pretty disappointing. We also order the black wings. While it was nicely crisp, the sauce was super potent while the actual chicken had no flavor. We also ordered the brisket ramen and the pork ramen. I didn't like the super super soft poached egg, borderline gross. The broth had a nice kick but the noodles were chewy. Brisket was tender but matzo ball was weird and unappetizing..like a wet sock. Nothing special about the pork ramen broth. While the servers were really nice and the place is still a BYOB (for now), the food wasn't my cup of tea. It was pretty pricey for an unsatisfying meal. Definitely not a place I'd go to for a ramen craving.
(2)
Joanne T.
Yay! I'm a fan, but not of their prices and cramped space. We opted to get ramen for dinner in the city. This was our first time venturing for ramen. I hopped onto yelp and decided to head over here. I remember reading about this place on foobooz before so i was curious. Plus it seemed more fun than the other ramen places. It was almost a perfect night. We got parking right across the street and seated immediately at the bar. Sad to say i kept on bumming elbows with the woman next to me. I wish there was a bit more elbow room. Note to the owners: elbow room is a necessity when eating noodles! Just try eating with your elbows tucked in, not so fun eh?!? Also, i would have to minus points for the bartender. He served me a flight of the sake (one was soju). However, he did not shake the sake. It was a nigori, i mean how could he not know. Sad to say i just let it go, usually i would have mentioned something but it was just a shot. Okay i've vented. We ordered the mung bean and the chicken bun. Both were delicious and the bun was not of the white dough kind that was expected. This one was more of the brown flakey kind. Nevertheless it was good and i would order it again. They did forget to bring out the special cheeseburger bun that the bf ordered. Next was the garlic flavored wings. The carnivorous bf devoured it. I had the smoked fish ribs. This has got to be one of the best thing i ever ate. It was a paku which is a cousin of the piranha. The dish was very flavorful. The skin was crispy and perfect. It was definitely a party in my mouth. We ordered the pork and miso cod ramen. The cod was cooked perfectly with a little crispness. The noodles were cooked al dente, it was great. The broth was mediocre, i'm trying to remember it but there was really nothing memorable about it. The bf finished his bowl completely. Yikes! we got the bill and for 2 people it was about 86 with tip. What a pricey ramen experience!
(4)
Sal W.
I'm not really sure what this noodle house is trying to be. Supposed it is Asian food but a) there isn't a single Asian working there b) most of their very limited menu is "Asian inspired" with a lot of non Asian additives to it. Like matzo balls, really? Had Bolognesea ($12) which was pretty tasty for being a unique dish. Had it not had horseradish on top of it I might have thought it was an Italian dish. Also tried some Pork belly sliders and I thought they were pretty nasty and way overpriced. Not only was it super greasy, but the meat seemed low quality and it was literally 2 bites for $3 The place is very small and cramped. Most of the seating is at the bar (hence the noodle bar) but it was a very uncomfortable bar area. Not only did I have a thousand people rubbing by my back as they were walking by, my knees were slammed into the bar and I had to lean over to eat. The bar counter just not come out far enough. Also, the food preparation was very slow and service was really non existent because you pour your own water. They could have doubled the amount of noodles in the dish and the cost would have been insignificant to them and my star rating would have gone up one and I would probably eat there again. Food Quality/Taste = 3 Stars Portion Size Given Price = 2 Stars Price = 2 Stars Experience with Staff = 3 Stars Decor = 2 Star Wait Time = 2 Stars
(2)
Enid C.
You can just call me Natalie Imbruglia, 'cause I am torn. Cheu Noodle Bar is a cool place. Service is friendly and the ambiance is chill. The hanging lamps were created by one of the owner's glass-blowing brothers. Canned craft beers and other libations will soon be available to knock back with. The hand-torn collage on the back wall adds a touch of funk. They serve up raw Shin Ramyun as a complimentary appetizer (awesome idea). One must keep in mind that this is not meant to be an Asian restaurant. Rather, it is two American men identifying aspects of various Asian cuisines and recreating it according to what tastes good to them. Taking this into account, Cheu successfully accomplishes what it set out to accomplish - providing a cool atmosphere for people to enjoy what the owners personally like about Asian food. But Asian food it is not. The noodles are a bit too chewy (though props for being made in-house), and the flavor combinations are heavy on the "sweet and sour" aspect so characteristic of Asian fusion. The ramen broth is better than some other ramen joints in Philly, but it could stand to be more complex. The pork belly is fatty and delicious, but the flimsy poached egg is a bit of a travesty ramenly-speaking. I preferred the cumin-seasoned lamb neck (served with hand-torn noodles), even if the noodles were a bit too large and stuck together. The black garlic wings were the highlight of the meal. Crispy and juicy, similar to Korean fried chicken, but a little greasier (in a good way). So yes, Cheu is a really cool place. And the owners did a great job of creating dishes they liked. That just isn't quite in line with what I personally like. It happens. I'd come here again to hang out and have a drink, maybe order some wings. For other food, I'd probably just walk to Hand Drawn.
(3)
Max P.
There's no need to write a bunch of stuff about noodles here. Just go, order some food and you'll be happy. It's easy if you try.
(5)
Dave B.
Recently learned about this noodle heaven during South Street Food Truck festival on 8/15/2013 where we ordered the famous black garlic wings, they were juicy, hot and delish. We went back to the restaurant to try the other dishes on Monday 8/19. The location is cute, fun and trendy and wait staff were amazing. We started we the dumpling special and it was soooo good, I wanted to order more. I had a delicious ramen noodle soup, it really satisfied my craving for a hot soupy lunch specially that I wasn't feeling that well. I can't wait to return and try out all the other menu items. This place is way better than the other noodle hut in Chinatown.
(4)
John C.
Great place in Center City. It's always packed and you can tell why. First time I went there I got the Coconut Curry and I vowed to work my way through their entire menu. Great flavor and friendly staff.
(5)
BostonBestEats X.
Keeping it simple is often the key to brilliance, and with a short focussed menu of 5 apps, 6 different kinds of noodle dishes, and a few et ceteras (hmm...scrapple in ramen!?!?!?), all packaged in a cool space with lots of counter seating and a giant 'Eat More Noodles' mural as backdrop, Cheu accomplishes this goal. This is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated openings of 2013, a 'noodle bar' from partners Chef Ben Puchowitz (of Matyson fame, one of our favorite BYOBs) and his buddy Shawn Darragh. Their pop-ups last year were apparently a smash success, with a line down the street, so we made a point of stopping by Cheu early on opening day to see what the excitement was all about. We arrived exactly at opening (3PM), and were immediately seated at the counter with a few others (there are also several tables, for total of ~30 seats). It was mostly full by the time we left, but there was rarely a line, and we left before the dinner rush. Between the two of us, we tried (see photos): ~Complementary spiced crumbled instant ramen, fairly spicy, and something David Chang would appreciate (if you watched 'In the Mind of a Chef' on PBS). ~Garlic black wings with shishito peppers ($8/4)--Actually we got 5, 3 drumettes and 2 wingettes, which were crispy, meaty, with a light dose of a sticky sweet soy sauce, and some mildly spicy peppers. My favorite dish, I could make a meal out of these. KILLER! ~Pork belly and hamburger buns ($7/2)--We could choose any combination from 3 different buns (including the mung bean that we didn't try). These are tiny two-biters that look smaller than the photos I've seen online, but are very tasty. The Angus beef was topped with Wisconsin cheddar and house-made pickles. The pork belly was also topped with pickles. The buns are a bit strange, a bit like tiny English muffins, if that makes any sense, toasted in a skillet. My favorite was the pork belly, which like the pork with ramen below was melt-in-your mouth. ~Pork belly with house-made ramen noodles, egg, sea beans, greens ($12)--A very very intense broth (I suspect borderline too intense for some), but overall a very good dish. The ramen was perfectly al dente and the egg appeared to be soft poached. A good sized bowl, but not huge. I added in some of the pho fixin's below. ~Duck pho with foie gras meatballs, turnips, fixin's--I only tried a little of this, but it seemed like the pho was pretty similar to the ramen above. Thinly sliced, very tender duck, and melt-in-your mouth meatballs, although I can't say I got any foie flavor. The broth is much milder than than the pork belly's above. Comes with the usual pho accompaniments of basil and mung beans, lime, and also pickled white radish (I think). Of the two noodle dishes, I think I preferred the lighter broth of the duck pho. Cheu's mish-mass of Chef Benny's whatever "I think tastes best" manages to avoid the ongoing 'Raman Wars', where ramen is stylistically divided into smaller and smaller subgroups and aficionados endlessly (and nonsensically) argue about which ramen shop more is more authentic. Come on guys, who cares if it is 'authentic', if it tastes good? And Cheu's noodles definitely taste great! Or maybe Cheu defines a new subgroup: 'Philly Style' ramen! [Speaking of 'Raman Wars', to reviewer #3, Ron N, who is apparently an expert on what is and is not ramen, that "asparagus" you didn't like is actually sea beans. But it does kinda look like asparagus, which would be really weird, ramen or not.] Currently BYOB (we brought some Guinness), with sodas, etc available, but planning to get a liquor license (big orange placard on the door). Service was quick, friendly and efficient, with Shawn greeting customers at the front. Parking is fairly easy in a few local lots. Some nice photos and background from Zagat: blog.zagat.com/2013/03/s… Cilantro!
(5)
Katie L.
In our striving to experience all that Philadelphia has to offer in terms of ramen, my Significant Gentleman and I made our pilgrimage to the newly-opened Cheu. I have to agree with all of the previous reviewers about the Shin Ramen snack which was hella spicy. Yes, it's a cheap way to keep your hungry customers from eating their own fists (a 90 minute wait on a Saturday night - could have been worse), but that's the kind of thing I like to do at home because I just can't help myself, so thumbs up for that. Dennis L hit it head-on when he said "The buns are delicious, but not $7 for 2 delicious." Seriously. We also had the broccoli & sausage appetizer which was pretty tasty, but not $7 tasty. It's a shame because a lot of the tastes on the appetizer menu looked really intriguing but perhaps not worth the price. As for Mr. Significant's brisket, he reported that the meat was a high for him (although I can't vouch as he didn't share - tisk tisk - but a sign that it really was that good, I suppose.) In fact, all of the meats were the best part of the meal (the pork belly in the bun, the sausage in the broccoli.) I had the duck pho (not true pho as others have pointed out), but the foie gras meatballs in this dish absolutely shine. I'd like to take home about a dozen of those and never leave the house again until they roll me out the door. Oh, and also the egg in the brisket was nearly perfect. We love our runny eggs. (Could I just get a bowl full of ramen noodles and eggs? Somebody open up that kind of shop...) Overall, Cheu was satisfying but there were things that didn't shine as much as other places. Music was a little loud, prices were a little high, but go ahead and try it. It's definitely worth seeing what it's all about.
(3)
Brad P.
Cheu Noodle Bar is a small, casual noodle place with friendly service and funny lamps above the bar. Since Matzo balls improve everything, it is only logical that they would be one day added to a ramen noodle dish. It is hard for me to express how happy the brisket noodle made me at this place. The hot sauce is good in the ramen but not so good on anything else. Also, take care with your force level so that you don't splatter hot sauce everywhere and make a stupid mess of things. The wings are just OK. They are like 7 bucks for a very small number of wings and nothing really stuck out about them as amazing. They had a nice glaze but at the end of the day, I would've been happier with the wings at my other favorite haunts.
(4)
Ben W.
Great ramen. Great service, great atmosphere and great beer and wine selection. There Brussels sprouts and wings appetizers are a must. I prefer the miso over the coconut curry but both are good. This place is a must go.
(5)
Stacey K.
First off, the staff here is awesome and the food is just as amazing. I love the Brisket Ramen - it makes me so glad I am no longer a vegetarian! ;) I recently tried their dumpling appetizer and it was the perfect starter to a delicious, hearty meal. I love Cheu and can't wait to come again!
(5)
Indie D.
Ok I feel deceived. I went to this place based on the yelp reviews from my fellow Philadelphians. "This place is awesome" you guys said. "This place is tasty" I read. "This place was built by the food gods themselves and carved out of the purest gold and marble found on earth!" they all said... Ok I made the last part up, but the rest of those quotes are LIES! I ventured to Cheu yesterday with my fellow country women and was very excited to try a few menu items. Namely the ramen(yuck), wings(meh) and dumplings(what the hey??) Firstly this place is the perfect setting to catch a airborne illness. You're practically sitting in the next persons lap. Seats fill up pretty fast so if that happens you have to wait, but there's no place to wait!!!!! After waiting in the smallest of corners, we got a table and I greedily ordered several items. The wings were pretty meh. They're top with black sauce, sesame seeds and peppers. Needed salt. The dumpling in chili oil were a joke. Chili oil should be hot. Mine was stuffed with BBQ pork and rice. Interesting yes, delicious hell no. It tasted like crunchiness in very very mild oil. The temperature setting was on -10. The bowl labeled ramen. wtf? Please change the name to "We tried and here is our failure". The pork was REALLY DRY, i dont know how that is possible when it was sitting in liquid. The broth was overly creamy. The egg was under cooked. The bok choy was random and chewy. There was way to many of those onion thingys lol. I honestly couldn't wait to leave. Now now I understand this isn't a "Ramen place". I however think you shouldn't name something ramen if it tastes like milk water. That's just rude!
(1)
Edward S.
Eh, I went to cheu noodle bar three times, and I'm not that impressed. I feel like at a very basic level a noodle bar should probably make their own noodles, and they don't. For $12 or $13 bucks for a bowl of soup, the serving and product just doesn't wow me. There are countless places in Chinatown that serve far superior broth and noodle soups for half the price. That being said, I did enjoy the brisket and liked the combo of Jewish/Asian fusion. I get that they are doing a fusion and it's not traditional, but then it should at least be outstanding. For $20-$30 a person with drinks to eat here, I just don't get the hype.
(2)
Arthur S.
I came in for lunch around 1:00 in the afternoon on a Monday. It was really busy, there was a wait to sit and I didn't realize it was so small inside. I decided to just order soup to go. Personally, I thought it was way too stuffy in there.. I honestly don't know if I could comfortably sit and eat a meal there.. Especially at the bar. I ordered their brisket and matzo ball soup in a chili broth. It didn't take me long to get home, so everything was still hot. The brisket was wonderful.. But everything else fell short. I really didn't care for the noodles at all.. They seemed stuck together and not properly made.. It reminded me of tagliatelle pasta I make at home before I learned how to properly execute the process. The broth was weak in seasoning all together. The matzo ball took on the flavor of the broth so i didn't really care for it. It was really disappointing after so many good reviews from friends.. Maybe their recent increase in popularity is making their food quality and consistency suffer? That being said, the staff was very nice and I got my food quickly despite how busy they were. I always give places another chance, so I'll have to go back a few times and perhaps edit my review.. Although, I can assure you I will be taking my food to go.
(2)
Gautam T.
With all the hype I was hoping to eat some Ramen that was extremely delicious. I will admit it was very tasty, but I was disappointed in the amount of choices I had. I eat everything from beef to seafood to veggies, unfortunately my girlfriend doesn't and ordering for a person who only eats chicken and vegetables; Cheu falls a little short. I ordered the lamb noodles and ordered the pork shoulder ramen without the pork for my girlfriend. We both enjoyed it however the pork ramen was very bland so we had to add a healthy serving of Sriracha to make it to our liking. This place is good if you're a full on carnivore like myself, alas I now have to be more selective on the types of restaurants I choose when I go out my girl. It sucks!!! Anyway sorry for getting side tracked. I had to give it a 3 just because of the lack of menu choices and vegetarian options.
(3)
Matt D.
My 200th review was a good one! Cheu lives up to the hype and is a wonderful addition to this part of the city. I love the decor and vibe of the place. It has a distinctly unique urban, Asian diner feel to it. The staff is welcoming and accommodating, and the chefs behind the counter are fun to observe. We started with the dumplings of the day, which were brisket, onion, date, and liver with moderately hot chili oil sauce w/ green onions. They were delicious and unlike anything I've had before. The chili oil made them borderline greasy, but still well worth ordering. We moved on to the cheeseburger and pork belly buns, which were flavorful and unique (a trend is forming with that description). They were cooked nicely, but I would have liked a little more of the pickled garnish. My dining companion disagrees.... Then came the wings that are carrying a lot of hype on the food blogs. I had very high expectations, and surprisingly, I was not disappointed. These are excellent, triple fried, jumbo wings with a deep flavor profile. Sticky, Asian, salty, oniony, garlicy, spicey, soy-ey! We shared the hand-drawn noodles with lamb neck, pickled greens, and dates. It was delicious, and the pickled greens added an unusual level of flavor that I was not expecting. Everything was served piping hot, and watching it come together made for some great food theater. This review will go to five-stars if the second visit is as good as this one. Next up on our list is the broccoli, octopus, and brisket.
(4)
Becky J.
Love Cheu. Always tasty, service is great. I work nearby and come here for lunch frequently. The dumplings are great.
(5)
Mr. L.
Everything here is exceptional. The only obstacle standing in the way of me giving Cheu 5 stars is their slightly hefty price tag. A bowl of Ramen, no matter how exceptional it may be (and everything here IS) shouldn't cost upwards of $15. That being said, it is absolutely worth every filthy cent. Although truly everything is incredible, your order for 2-4 people should consist of: 1 pork belly bun 1 mushroom bun special dumplings of the day black garlic wings sour broth- pork ramen with a pork belly and egg ad-on Miso Ramen Hand torn- with lamb's neck and an add-on egg If you're an industry monkey like me, go on Mondays, they give an industry discount! Great fellows doin' great food. Beer selection could improve a little, but it's satisfactory overall.
(4)
Dan R.
Cheu Noodle Bar's Black Garlic Wings are likely to have ruined many future Sunday football delivery orders for me. These things are criminally delicious. I think I could eat an infinity times infinity of them. Perfectly crispy skin, juicy dark meat in every bite, shishito peppers on the side (a personal fav), and that sweet-meets-salty mystery sauce?! With pigskin season around the corner, I'll never be able to enjoy future boring BBQ and buffalo wings quite the same. Luckily, Cheu is no one-trick winged pony. Their Charred Corn is a messy, but inspired take on elote. I was surprised to see how well truffle oil paired with corn on the cob, although those who worship everything truffle probably just scoffed at such initial skepticism. And while I was hoping for bigger chunks of crab meat, my Cold Jade Noodle entree got better with every dash of sriracha, every chopstick-clasped peanut (the real winning taste here). Cheu is a small, casual space that doesn't take reservations. We only waited maybe 15 minutes for a seat at the bar, but in that time, the staff let us place drink orders (the special was $4 Foster's 24 oz. "oil cans") and guzzle brews on the sidewalk. They had a great beer selection otherwise (Oskar Blues Mama's Little Yella Pils, 21st Amendment Watermelon Wheat, and Allagash Tripel, to name a few), but I opted for value pick this time around. I'm typically a traditionalist when it comes to noodle joints, but Cheu's creativity was just too delicious to ignore. Now give me infinity more Black Garlic Wings, please.
(4)
Perry H.
Finally got the chance to stop by Cheu this past weekend. Definitely one of those situations where you're super excited to find a new favorite spot, but know its so close to home that you're going to want to go 2-3 times a week. We snagged a seat at a table but now regret that as the counter seems the way to go if you are lucky enough to get a spot. Next time. There's a solid drink menu with cocktails, canned craft beer, sake, wine....definitely impressed with all the Sixpoint choices, even had Resin on special. Kudos to the two old timers that decided to go for the last two... My wife and I split as much food as possible to get a good sampling of the menu and we weren't disappointed with a single thing. We started with fresh tomatoes with yuzu, ricotta, watermelon, and mint along with the charred corn with miso truffle, and black vinegar. Both were incredible and very different. Either dish would bring me back. We then had a pork belly bun and a cheeseburger bun. These were almost like perfect little (southern) biscuits....my god I could eat 20. The BBQ pig tails with peach kimchi and seasame...finger-licking good. Then we finished off splitting the brisket noodle bowl with matzo ball, kimchi, egg noodles, chili broth. The homemade chili oil spiced this up nicely and I can't wait to have this in the winter. Man, soooo good. I love love love this place and can't wait to go back. I don't know if we ordered super well or if this place is really just that good.
(5)
Erica B.
We just discovered Cheu this weekend, after hearing that chef Ben Puchowitz was nominated as one of James Beard's Rising Star Chefs of the Year, and I will most certainly be going back as soon as possible. First of all, it's a really cool place. We sat down at the long bar and got to watch the chefs do their thing right in the middle of the restaurant. The ramen mural running along the wall was great, as was all the decorations hanging from the rafters and the collage stuck on the wall. The beer list is incredibly impressive and INCREDIBLY affordable- I got 2 beers from Florida that I have yet to find anywhere else, each for $4.50. They are mostly bottled or canned, but it really fits in with the laid back atmosphere. Now onto the good stuff: the food. We started with fried pigs tails, which came coated in a sticky, spicy sauce and topped with sesame seeds. They were piping hot, and extremely meaty (I've had pigs tails in the past that were really fatty). It reminded me of really juicy, wonderful bacon. My boyfriend got the miso ramen, with came with a disk of pulled pork that you broke up and mixed into the soup as well as with a soft boiled egg. The egg, when broken, turned the broth into this creamy blend that went great with the tofu. And I'm not a tofu fan. I could have drank that broth all day. But the best dish of the night was the hand torn noodles, pulled right in front of us and served with lamb neck and pickled greens. It had the gamey taste from the lamb with a nice bite of salt that was PERFECT with the greens. Sweet, tangy, rich, my word it was so good. And the chunks of lamb were so meaty and tender. I would tell anyone to try this dish, and I most certainly am getting it again. This is unlike anything I've had in Philadelphia yet, especially right in the heart of Center City. Get there now!
(5)
Gerald F.
Nice. For apps we had pork dumplings and Brussels sprouts and fish ribs-- all Awsome. Then curried noodles. The curry may have been created by the chef, certainly the dish was, with cilantro hot chili and a blend of spices that were really top notch. One bok choy added to the aroma. Special ramen in beef cream sauce and yakisoba, a toasted sesame oil Asian herb dish for the two dishes by my partners who accompanied me. We all loved everything.
(5)
Anabel D.
Like some spice in your noddles? This is the place. Great vibe to this place and the staff is on point! Will come back for sure.
My friend and I decided to check this place out one night after hearing many good things. Oh what a disappointment it turned out to be. I ordered the Cold Sesame Noodle which came out first. First bite, bland. Mixed it around some more to blend in the sauce. Second bite, bland. Had to add in some spicy sauce to help myself finish the rest. My friend ordered the Yakisoba. He said the noodles were oily and bland. I was thinking to myself what's going on here?! I tried the noodles myself and indeed it was another bland bowl of noodles. Sigh. Cute, small place. Service is average. Atmosphere is chill. Food is just bland. Sad to say that we were not impressed w the food and don't think we'll be back again.
(2)
Asdy W.
I had the Ramen, their dumplings of the day (smoked pork + mushrooms), and their bun of the day (tempura pig ears with kimchi). While their Ramen was alright, their appetizers were GREAT! Just so you know, they told me their noodles were made in house which I think is a great factor they should stress more about... house made noodles rather than mass produced store noodles definitely makes it better! It was also nice that they give you a little snack before your meal; for my friends and I we got a small saucer of honey lime chili popcorn. It was a little stale (and we ate it when the restaurant opened for the day...so I suspect this was not freshly made for the day), but the flavor was great. But onto the food: RAMEN ($12): - Noodles itself were good and had the thick semi springy texture of fresh noodles that I like; I wish there was a little more of it though. If I didn't have appetizers with it, I don't think I would have been that full with just this Ramen bowl itself. - Broth was average... wasn't terrible but it was a bit on the bland side, I had to add some sriracha to give it a little kick. - Cha siu they used was more like Chinese style red pieces of cha siu which was not too bad since the meat was tender. But I wish they used Japanese style cha siu for ramen?? There was no fatty meat in the pork at all. - There was also a poached egg and some veggies in the ramen. It would be nice if they could someday make ajitsuke eggs though for their ramen! That'd really be a delicious plus. DUMPLINGS ($3): They're made in house! There was three in the bowl, it is small-ish like dimsum sized, and come in chili oil. The skin had a nice semi chewy texture to it, and the filling of smoked pork and mushroom WAS AMAZING I loved it so much. I wish there was more because it was so good and delightfully flavorful. BUN ($2 EACH) I had the pig ear with kimchi special of the day just because it sounded interesting... Their buns come a bit smaller than typical Asian buns but I forgave it for the interesting flavor combos they had. They make their bun bread a tiny bit different, as in they pan fry it or something to give it a crunchy texture? I like the way they make their bun though, and the insides of tempura pig eared with kimchi was quite delish! Delightfull crunchy with good flavor mix. My friends got the normal pork belly bun, and I think the only criticism they had about it was that the fat-to-meat proportion of the pork belly was too high! Almost 3/5 fat and 2/5 meat. I would have knocked this restaurant to 3 stars, if it wasn't for the redeeming facts that they make their noodles in-house and their unique and very delicious appetizers! I think Cheu Noodle Bar really has potential if they fixed their broth to be more flavorful, as ramen should be the star of the restaurant seeing that they're a noodle bar.
(4)
Angie K.
I give this place 3 stars AT BEST. I honestly think the food was 2-star, but the cool decor, atmosphere and the creativity bump this place up another. As others have mentioned, I came in knowing that the noodles at this place would not be authentic. That's fine by me, as long as Cheu's interpretation was tasty. However, I was disappointed, even with my bar low. The Pork Belly Buns- were good, but a bit on the greasy side because they pan-fried the buns itself. Then you top the pork belly, and you get a the heaviest single bite you can get. Pork belly was good, but I've had better, at many places. I felt like the pork belly itself was lacking something. I added their house spicy sauce (on the table) to cut through some of the greasiness. The Pork Belly Ramen (I love pork belly, can you tell?) broth was lacking depth. The noodles were a bit hard and gritty. The sea beans were CRAZY salty. The pork belly was the same as those in the buns- good, but nothing I haven't had before. If I were to come back, I would try the other dishes because I do feel the menu items are inventive. However, I would be reluctant to go back anytime soon.
(3)
Eileen O.
This place actually lived up to the hype. Chef Ben Puchowitz was recently named a semi-finalist for the James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year Award. Went for dinner on a Wednesday with a friend and had a great meal. We started with the Brussel sprout/brisket dumplings and pork belly buns - delicious. I had the brisket and noodles - wonderful and not too spicy. Affordable, good food.
Black Garlic Wings. Just wanted to highlight those real quick. Just silly good. Probably the best wings I've had anywhere. If you don't order these you're a gosh darn buffoon. The rest of the food was just decent, but man were those wings great. I love the concept of Cheu and hope it's a gateway into more people enjoying this type of food. Thing is though, you get get better versions of a lot of this stuff 5 blocks north but you have to buy it in a dirty shop from someone who doesn't speak English very well. The bun, for instance, were smallish here and even at $2 probably too much. Ramen and brisket for over $10? Nah. Just didn't blow me away, but I'll likely be back if I'm in the neighborhood and hungry. Love that they serve lunch now. Interior is cool, BYO is a huge plus and just strikes as a nice place to chill. Overall solid jawn.
(4)
Jeff G.
Really enjoyed the brisket bowl and the matzoh ball was a nice touch. Music was really jamming for lunch time and it was hard to hear the nice man taking my order. I'd like to try other items on the menu and will be back.
(4)
Joey L.
Small place and good luck finding a spot to eat on a busy day. We had the garlic wings, beef special dumpling of the day, pork belly bun, ramen miso bowl and crab broth noodle soup.
(5)
Sarah P.
This place is excellent. My only wish is that they had more! seating. Waited 45 minutes at 9 p.m. on a Friday night, and I didn't even mind. Well worth it- friendly, knowledgable staff and well-priced.
(5)
Cori C.
I was pretty impressed that the staff found us a spot in this teeny tiny and popular spot. It was a bit like eating on a train at rush hour, but it was an experience. The food was good - I appreciated the attention they took creating an imaginative menu. I arrived here starving after getting off the bus and left stuffed and happy.
(4)
Elizabeth J.
The best meal that I had in Philly. I had two dinners there and they were both amazing! The vibe was cool, the noodles perfect, the drinks delicious, the service friendly and the appetizers all delicious. Couldn't recommend a better place to eat.
(5)
Adam D.
I came to Cheu's with five coworkers for dinner on a Tuesday night. We were hoping to get seated around 7:00 pm, but there was a long wait and we didn't end up sitting down until 8ish. The waiter felt bad that we had waited so long (and our table was small even when we did sit) that he gave us a free round of sake for the table. That was just the beginning of a great meal with fun and friendly service and delicious food. I wouldn't recommend coming with a group bigger than six, and the smaller your group the easier it will be to get seated. But it's worth the wait! We had the dumplings, the fries, pork belly buns, brisket soup, and the miso soup - all were fabulous!
(5)
Timothy I.
Solid food. Wings were great. Miso ramen was missing something--I think it was a little heavy in the dashi. The service was great and very accomodating. Will go back to try the brisket at some point.
(4)
Jennifer C.
Wow! My husband frequents Cheu on the regular and I finally made it there last night and am so happy that I did! From the vibe of the place to the service to the food, everything was awesome! I recommend checking out the Yakisoba noodles.
(5)
Joe Y.
The appetizers here did not disappoint. I tried their signature buns, served on biscuit goodness and one of three filling options: pork, cheeseburger, and mushroom. I also had the dumplings were made of curry beef and potatoes; however, the kitchen mixes up this dish on the daily and perhaps hourly. Within a few hours of ordering, the daily dumpling dish had changed. However, the noodles were pretty standard. I had the duck pho which wasn't anything fantastic. Honestly, I would stick to the appetizers here.
(4)
Mark K.
First, let me say that the food here is outstanding, and I have been there twice. Fine. That said, I will never return. Why restaurnters still don't get that one dines out for the enjoyment of the food and the company of others, and that is almost impossible when music is blaring and bouncing off the walls, made worse in this case by the intimate size of the room. And to be told that the volume could not be turned down because the manager- who was absent- wanted it that way, as did the customers. Anyone ever survey the room? Patrons have to yell to be heard across the miniscule tables. So, no matter how good the food, I never return a third time: I always give a second chance! I am accused of being an old fogey, but I can't believe ANYONE, at ANY age, enjoys having to speak loudly during a dining experience. I am done.
(2)
Tram P.
Save your money or walk up three blocks to Hiro Ramen. My experience at Cheu's made me miss Chef Andy Ricker and his amazing dishes at Pok Pok (Portland and NYC). What is extraordinary about Ricker is he spent a lot of time in Thailand and learned all the subtle nuances to Thai cooking and methods. There is something to be said about learning another culture's cuisine. The broth in the ramen noodle dish was flat. That in my opinion is one of the worst things with food. The broth is THE glue - the singular thing that pulls all the other mundane ingredients together. I checked out Cheu's menu online and read that the chefs aren't trying to be "authentic" but rather are "keeping it real" which sounds like a cop out to me.
(2)
Henry P.
The Burger buns are amazing. I didn't even know you can make beef taste so good. Their dumplings are delicious. The Miso Ramen was okay. The bill does rack up.
(4)
Thanh T.
I had high hopes for this place, but it doesn't really cut it. I had some really awesome noodle dishes in my time and this was just a notch down from okay. I got a glass of pinot noir and the brisket noodle soup. First of all, the pinot noir was in the wrong glass. This was the first time I ever got wine in a glass cup instead of a wine glass at a restaurant. This is a $8 glass of wine... at least give it to me in the right glass. Next, the brisket noodle soup was disappointing. The broth was bland and not spicy, the noodles were kinda soggy, however, the brisket was pretty good. I'm not going back here again. I can make better noodle soup at home with instant ramen and a few added ingredients.
(2)
Amanda G.
Plates: Beef and Rice Dumplings with Miso Ramen Bowl and Brisket Bowl. Really enjoyed the service we had here at CheU as it was our first time here. The food was very delicious and different really than anything I've ever had before. The service was wonderful, the workers were really good at making you feel at home. The only complaint I had was that the atmosphere was very cramped and you had to push yourself between chairs to get to your table. Other than that, my experience here was a wonderful one and we will definitely be back in the future. Also, I absolutely loved the way that the restaurant looked, it was very unique and artsy.
(4)
Emily H.
Second time visiting. It was the perfect meal for the first night that felt like fall was returning. Kept it simple this time with a spicy bulleit cocktail that was delicious. We followed it up with an order of miso ramen and the crab broth ramen. Both were delicious. The miso had a great smokey taste and the crab had a great heat that really added depth of flavor. Good news. We noticed they do take out. Can't wait to hit this place up at bring it back home!
(5)
Christopher D.
Finally had lunch at the noodle Mecca, sans noodles. I started with dumplings, duck and scallion were the flavor of the day. The pillows of flavor were good, but the oil they were floating in left a lot to be desired. And it wasn't especially hot either. The broccoli and Vietnamese sausage was tasty though I would have preferred the sausage in larger chunks. It was a satisfying lunch, and proved that you can have a great meal at Cheu without having noodles or soup. Not cheap, ($16.00 including iced tea before tip) but good food never is. Look forward to returning.
(3)
David R.
Brisket ramen with a matzo ball was goooooood.
(5)
Brian T.
Great! I tried to go to anotehr restaurant, but didn't feel like dealing with the whole BYOB thing as I was in town on business and unprepared for that. I passed by and caught this awesome noodle bar with great hip hop playing. Sign me up! I had the bacon, egg and cheese dumplings and this awesome duck Pho with Foie Gras meatballs. SUCH a good meal! I will for sure be back!
(5)
Youssouf C.
I've been here twice - once randomly after it somehow made it on my list of places to go try out. The second time the day after with a few more friends just because I loved it so much. Cheu doesn't claim to be authentic Japanese food - what it does aspire to is something close to authentic but with dynamic variants and unique flavors. The hand-torn lamb bowl has succulent perfectly cook chunks of lamb neck and the dates bring a mild and very pleasant sweetness. I also tried miso ramen which I loved for its intense flavor. I can only say that I wasn't a huge fan of the watermelon ginger juice, but it was solid and the fact that they had something like that available made me content enough. Service was great, atmosphere awesome, interior small and intimate. Cheu is bold and that's why it will become one of my staple Philly places.
(5)
AF A.
For the first time in my life I had a craving for Ramen. This place was well reviewed and worth the mile walk I made to it. I had the brisket and Kim chi noodle bowl. Perfect amount of spice. Brisket was tender enough that I was able to pinch pieces off with chop sticks. Will absolutely be going back to this spot.
(5)
Reid C.
The place is clearly doing well. I went for lunch and they quickly filled up in a matter of minutes. Sure, it's small, but it's clear that they do their best to accommodate as many people as they can. I sat at the bar. Behind is the kitchen where Ben and his crew are hard at work and the aromas of their food alone will warm you up. The beer selection is awesome: craft IPAs, crisp pilsners, dark stouts, again it was lunch so I wasn't drinking, but if I ever came for dinner... The duck tacos were good. I took one bite and knew that they needed a little something, so I picked up the lime slice on the plate, gave each a quick squirt and boom, very tasty. Definitely looking forward to trying other apps next time. Next up, what I came for: noodles in a big bowl of hot broth. It was cold out and I had been walking around most of the morning so I figured this would be perfect. It was pretty perfect. Ahh ramen. Extra noodles? Yes please. Pork belly for only a couple of extra bucks? Yup! The pork belly was vital. A little chili paste, a couple of squirts of fresh lime and I went to town. After I was done, I felt great. When I left the building, it just felt a little warmer outside. Next time I'll come by with some friends for dinner. Dark beer and hot noodles would be perfect for any bleak and chilly winter night (or any night).
(5)
Michael M.
I live by here and have been here twice. Both times were pretty average, so I don't get the hype. The place is very hip and usually packed, which is a good indicator, but the food generally was unimpressive. I liked the dumpling appetizer, but it was nothing to write home about. The noodle dish I got was the spicy crab. I didn't taste much crab and it wasn't all that spicy, but the noodles themselves were good. I wish I could give 2.5 stars. For the money, I'd head a few blocks north to Chinatown to get something more authentic.
(2)
Reba K.
I really wanted to like this place after reading so many great reviews, but I was pretty disappointed. At our server's recommendation, i got the hand torn noodle dish with lamb neck, pickled mustard greens, and dates. It had this weird sweet taste - presumably from the dates - which i did not enjoy in a savory Asian noodle dish. My friend's miso ramen was pretty unremarkable, if not just straight up salty. After trying Cheu Noodle Bar for myself, I think the good reviews for it on Yelp speak more to the lackluster ramen scene in Philly rather than the excellence of the restaurant.
(2)
Matt S.
Broccoli app was the best thing on the menu we tried (been twice). Entrees are just above average, but not much in choices and way over priced.
(3)
T M.
Lovely atmosphere and our server was excessively friendly but the food was lacking. I was with a friend from Japan and she didn't give it the nod either. I had the Soba noodles and they were very greasy. Her hubby told us afterwards that the Miso is supposed to be good but neither of us had it.
(2)
Minty N.
I have dined here twice and both experiences were awesome. One of the owners happened to remember me the second time I came which was a pleasant surprise, and definitely not something you come across at other local restaurants. The noodle dishes are original and simple it's always interesting to see what their nightly specials are. Definitely give this noodle bar a go if you're even interested in a twist on Asian cuisine!
(5)
Khanh V.
This place is very inventive and creative in their food, fresh and tasty to the eyes. Portions are small and space is small as well and very crowded so be ready to wait. Took two trips to get a spot inside and is not good for groups at all. Also the last time I was there they didn't have a store sign so it was hard to look for it. Overall I like the creativity of the food and funky decor, but wouldn't visit often just because of the wait time and portion size + price.
(3)
Sindhu N.
This place has a great ambience and features an impressive beer list. For appetizers, I had the broccoli and sausage which had a very flavorful peanutty taste. I went with the miso pork ramen for my entree and it was great. The noodles were just the right amount of chewy and the broth was very flavorful. Be warned: like most/all ramen bars, this isn't a place to come and linger. It's a very busy place and sometimes you might feel a little rushed.
(5)
E A.
Amazing ramen and Asian fusion. Everything bursting with flavor. Everything expertly cooked and the service was top notch. How can you not like this place? Yep - a bit small but we were able to get the four of us in comfortably with a 5 minute wait. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Kelly S.
Great service, atmosphere, beer list, food, and not too shabby of a price. We tried the beef dumplings in chili oil, pork buns with pickles and cilantro (great), and cold sesame noodles. Fun place, can't wait to go back.
(5)
Cesar S.
Three stars, because the food was not that good, I went there because it was mention on a food magazine. Just average, but the service is really below average. Despite the fact that is a REALLY small place.
(3)
Stefanie A.
4 for food and drink, which is really most important. 3 for service/ambiance. 2 for misc. For an average of 3. Let me explain... We got to this small, mostly-counter space restaurant before the rush. There were a few tables (all taken) and many counter spaces available. We tried to take the end counter spots, but were asked to sit in the middle. Once we ordered, we were asked to move over one seat to accommodate a couple. After we got our drinks, we were asked to move to accommodate a larger party. After the food was finished, we were asked to scootch down to accommodate a single party. This was super annoying, Cheu--you need your staff to plan accordingly, or have the walks in wait for space to open, not inconvenience your guests. Our irritation was somewhat assuaged with an "I'm sorry' salad. And it worked, somewhat. Because the perfectly ripe tomatoes, sweet watermelon, and homemade ricotta was a delicate combination of flavors and textures. The dumplings were perfectly cooked, though it was a small portion, the ramen with fall-off-the bone pork was flavorful, and the brisket matzoball soup was inventive, and was served in chili broth wit the perfect amount of spice. And the thai iced tea with rum is a fantastic idea and execution. I'm on the fence as to whether I'll go back--can get just as good food, some better, in Chinatown for much less. And no one at Nan Zhou or the choo choo place has never asked me to get up to accommodate another party. And I bet they never will. Might try lunch. Might not.
(3)
Jonny D.
I might have felt different had there been a long wait tonight (Thursday) but we got immediately seated at the bar, which was good enough, and enjoyed some really, truly amazing food. Here's what I ate: the lamb neck (tender as heck with a nice fattiness) with dumpling-noodles (they were so thick and chewy and delicious it really went beyond noodles) with mustard greens (cold and bitter-in-a-good-way, providing a great contrast) and the coup de grace, the dates to provide some sweetness and true depth of flavor. If I can pick a single non-flaw about this dish it's what I wish I had a dozen or so dates in there instead of the 4 that I got. In addition, I had a cheeseburger bun, a pork belly bun, a mung bean bun, and scrapple w/pickles, and dumplings in chili oil, and a pig tail (I was hungry and so were my sharing-happy companions). All of these were completely outstanding. It came out to $20 a head--a bit pricy for the quantity, but when you really get some over-the-top delicious food like this, it's worth spending more than you would for a step down (sorry, Nan Zhou! Yeah, I went there).
(5)
Laura T.
Absolute must go. The dishes are always evolving and somehow keep getting better. Hard to pick favorites but the black garlic wings and the pig tails are standouts. Just tried the yakisoba and can't imagine a more delicious noodle dish.
(5)
Hyun K.
I was pretty excited when I heard that Cheu Noodle had opened up down the block from my apartment. My coworker and I wandered inside one afternoon to try it out. It was crazy small inside and we were seated by the window at a very small table. Our server was polite and explained the menu to us and she brought out a plate of broken up Shin Ramen with the spice on top. I guess it's kind of cute that they use that as a "snack" but I think it's a bit lame too... Anyone can go to their supermarket and pick up a package of Shin Ramen and eat it raw.. It's nothing special. Plus, I could hear people around us complain about how spicy it is. The servers should remind customers about the spice level! The servers do suggest ordering about 3-4 appetizers per 2 people, but just ordering one app, and two noodles, it cost us around $35. Imagine ordering 3-4 apps on top of that! you'll be running a $50 bill for lunch. Crazy. My coworker and I decided to order the mung bean and burger buns, the pork belly ramen, and the duck pho. Our appetizer came out fairly quickly, although they gave us a pork belly bun instead of a burger one. We didn't complain about it. The buns were quite delicious. They came with a cucumber and cilantro on top. The pork belly was nice and juicy, with the right amount of fat on it. While the mung bean bun was tasty as well. My only quip is that they're pretty small. Our noodles took much longer to come out. When they finally did, we were starving! I had the pork belly ramen, and I was really looking forward to it. Which was my biggest downfall..... The broth was terribly watery, the egg was waaaay too under cooked for my taste, and though the noodles are made in house, they're not as great as you would hope. Think Hand Drawn noodle type noodles. I know that Cheu Noodle Bar is aimed towards americanized asian-fusion tastes, but that ramen... phew, what a train wreck. I'm too used to traditional Japanese ramen. It's like they took instant ramen beef flavored soup powder and mixed it in vegetable broth. The only good thing about the dish was the pork belly. My coworker had the duck pho and I tried some of it. It was definitely not your typical pho. The broth was oddly sweet, flat, and of course, watered down like the ramen. The noodles were the same as the ramen as well. The broth wasn't too terrible, which made it 94547563403 times better than the ramen, but this bowl of pho wasn't handed down from Jesus either. I could go to South Philly and pick up a bowl of pho for $7 that tasted a fajillion times better than Cheu Noodle's interpretation. Again, the meat was the only banger of the dish. The duck was great, and the fois grois meatballs were tender and so yummy. Would I go here again? maybe if I was starving and I was standing right in front of the restaurant. The only reason I'm giving it 2 stars instead of 1 is because their meat is delicious and their appys aren't too bad either. Please, please, please, fix your soup or just open up a meat only restaurant.
(2)
Chad W.
I have heard a lot of buzz about Cheu Noodle bar on twitter for weeks. So I was dying to try out one of Philadelphia's highest trending restaurants. The ambience was amazing, and the staff was so friendly. We sat at the bar where we had dumplings to start which were amazing. Then I choose to have the Brisket Ramon Bowl. Honestly was one of the best bowls or meals I have had in recent memory. Just the right amount of spice in the broth, mixed with the noodles, brisket, and a matzoball!! Amazing, can't wait to go back.
(5)
Jenny M.
Being an avid noodle fan, I was enthused to hear about this new noodle bar opening near where I lived! I understood coming into this restaurant that it was 'not-your-typical' Asian fare. But I love trying new things, and was looking forward to see what unique twists to the traditional they would bring. I was, however, very disappointed. This being a noodle place, one would expect the noodles to be the star item of the menu. Alas, this was not the case. We ordered the duck pho and the pork belly ramen, both of which came highly recommended by our server. (As a side note: both are the owners' "interpretation" of pho and ramen - they are very unlike the real thing...) Purported as handmade, the noodles were unlike anything I had before - very bitter and very gritty. Bland, undercooked - I can take... but this; I've never had anything that tasted so full of baking soda! They completely overpowered and flavored the broth with a strong, non-appealing aftertaste. The ramen broth in itself was much too thick as well. Neither of us could stomach more than a few bites of our dishes, which is a shame because the meat (fois gras meatballs, pork belly), was delicious!! It was just the noodles that ruined the overall flavor. We ended up splitting wings to make up for the noodles, which tasted much better! The staff/service at this restaurant, however, are wonderful. The bar layout of this place provides a comfortable & cozy atmosphere as well. In conclusion, if you are looking for a place to eat good noodles - I would direct you to the nearby Chinatown. If Cheu can better their noodle recipe (or expand their meat selections - I'm telling you, that pork belly was good!) - only then would I be back!
(3)
Josh S.
Nooooooodles!
(4)
John B.
Pork belly buns should be required on every visit. The broccoli is outstanding, I've loved every noodle dish I've tried and they always have creative specials. I wish there were more stars to give.
(5)
Eileen H.
Worth checking out if you're a ramen or noodle soup fan, but nothing to rave about. This place strays from the traditional preparation of ramen, but hasn't quite nailed down all of its twists. There are slight things here and there that are off (or maybe I am just a purist), and after I finished my dishes I was either left wondering if I liked their twists (i.e. the matzo ball) or wishing I had the traditional instead (marinated egg vs. the soft poached egg they give you). That said, their apps are a completely different story. The dumpling we got were the creamy corn and bacon, which tasted like corn chowder in a dumpling. That's not a great description, but if you are a corn chowder fan, you will love these dumplings! Surprisingly sweet and creamy, with just a hint of salty ummami from the bacon. They also had a BBQ pig tail dish, which looks almost like ribs. For some reason, I was expect curly octopus like tentacles on my place. The dish itself was very fatty, but the sauce was out of this world. In my opinion, the music was just awful, hipster music and the volume changed from being barely tolerable to an intolerable volume. Same thing with the lights, as they kept randomly dimming. Not sure what that's about, but it made for an anxious dining experience.
(3)
Ann X.
Dumplings in spicy oil? truffle aioli fries? Pork belly buns for only $2.5?! This gives momofuku a run for their money! I don't think it gets any better than this! Not only that, the owner Ben Puchowitz's passion and dedication shows in his food and he is very creative in his undertakings to perfect a menu that provides variety for the "foodie palette" as well as a different spin on food. The noodles brings together the perfect blend of szechuan, thai and chinese flavors to create a blissful, delicious flavor. In addition, they have a wide selection of beers including an IPA called flying dog snake dog. They also serve fresh juices such as dragonfruit, etc. Overall I give this place a 5!! Great tastes overall -- a must try, would definitely come back again for the baos and garlic wings!!
(5)
Sarah R.
Amazing cozy spot to go to on a cold winters night. Coconut curry noodles were divine, the host was hilarious and the music was fun. Their menu is small and so is the restaurant so be prepared to wait or go early. Would have loved a few more vegetarian options.
(4)
David E.
Reminds me of a Japanese ramen shop with an American twist. The miso ramen is fairly close to traditional and I like the poached egg. The unique dish was the Jewish version of ramen with brisket and matzah ball.
(5)
Dan W.
So I came here after all the hoopla on the foobooz site and because Matyson is an awesome byob(and who doesn't love delicious noodles). I have to say, had the burger and pork belly buns and they were excellent. Also had the BBQ crisp appetizer that had a great flavor yet it needed something to soak up the sauce. Finally had the lamb braised noodles and they were great. Again I wanted to soak up every ounce of the sauce. They should go against the norm and serve a nice crusty bread- blasphemy you might say but seriously something must be done to soak up these flavors. Now onto the bad part, the prices. Way too expensive for everything. Nan Zhou hand drawn noodles Isn't that far away and their delicious noodles are 3-5 bucks depending on either the peanut or soy pork sauce; Cheu's prices are around 11-15, and small to boot. Also sampan isn't far away with a great priced happy hour. I know Cheu is just starting up, so hopefully after a time they will be a little more affordable. This place is great with a comfy feel and a warm and inviting staff. I will be back, just not often or I'll be broke.
(4)
Pat M.
You can't go wrong with anything on the menu at cheu. The ingredients are fresh and thoughtfully added to make each dish well rounded. I do suggest the brisket ramen. Also the dumplings are always a good choice. Service is very quick and friendly. Good craft beer selection as well. One of my favorite places to eat in Philly.
(5)
M C.
Okay. So I've been on a small hiatus from Yelp but now I'm back and reeling on the new flavors landing in Philly. And speaking of new flavors, the Ramen scene seems to have gained popularity in Philadelphia. So, it's hard for me to dis on a place and especially Cheu since I love Ben Puchowitz's restaurant Matyson. I also really want to like Cheu because its ambience reminds of the BEST noodle bar in D.C. Toki. But the ambience is all it has going for it right now, especially after being charged $14 for a large bowl of a minimal amount of noodles in my Cold Sesame noodle order. How do you mess up Cold Sesame Noodles? And how do you warrant charging $14 for half the bowl of noodles? Was I paying for the ambience alone? I ordered Cold Sesame noodles on a really hot day in July thinking its your basic Asian meal, not too much can go wrong there and it won't break the bank. BOY was I wrong! First of all, the point of a noodle bar is overflowing noodles in your bowl not the other way around. And even though you don't want to stay authentic to a tradition of cooking ramen, the basics are still important. My noodles were too al dente. The pork belly was a nice touch but if that was the reason for the $14 bill then no thank you. The kimchee cucumber on top covered with chili oil was a nice touch but it was poorly done,the kimchee lacked the original balance of just enough sourness to just enouph spice to give it its umph. Instead it was doused with chili oil that took away from the flavor of the noodles. And even though Laban praised this dish as close to authentic my authentic asian palette states otherwise. For now I'll stick to the lesser of two evils and frequent the Ramen chain that is Terakawa. It's broth is on point and its noodles overflow the bowl. Ben, a small suggestion, don't stray too far from traditional flavoring when your dealing with oriental cuisine and don't rush to add too many culinary delights to the menu before mastering what your "noodle bar" is named after.
(2)
Michele R.
Use the Jin Ga as a mixer, try the fish ribs, & do NOT sit in front of the range at the bar unless you want a grease burn. :-)
(4)
Maeve M.
INCREDIBLE. The black garlic wings, nutty broccoli and - how is this even real??! - matzo ball brisket all blew my mind. Wacky and adventurous, Cheu rivals the best uber-authentic ramen joints I've been to. Great ambiance and the super friendly wait staff rounds it out. I only regret I was driving and couldn't try the awesome-looking cocktails. Philly people, go here!
(5)
John B.
I really like this place. Their Thai squash noodle soup is really fusion done right. I also love their bolognese noodle. The best part about their restaurant is the atmosphere. You sit at the bar you see the actions and the bar tables have a hook underneath for your coat (to which I exclaimed they really thought of everything!!)
(5)
Cory H.
Philly is doing it right with this place. Had recommended drinks that were delicious (bourbon with the daily made apple/ginger juice - awesome!) and we got the specials of the day as well. Glass noodles with tuna, beef dumplings, and then we each got our choice of ramen. Both amazing.
(5)
Julia W.
Ever since I happened upon Cheu Noodle Bar's Instagram accout a few weeks ago, I've been itching to check it out. From the pictures posted to Instagram alone, I could tell that their chef/owners constantly change up their menu, and everything looked so darn tasty. I finally had an opportunity to check it out this past week, and I'm happy that my friend and I decided to check it out on a weekday (Wednesday night) because the space is quite cosy and the bar not quite big enough had we wanted to grab a drink as we waited (about 10 mins). It was totally worth the snowy trek across town - we sat at the bar and ordered a couple beers as we looked over the menu. Sitting there, we had an opportunity to really soak in the hipster-ness of the place. I wouldn't describe myself as hipster, but I remember thinking that I was glad that I had taken a little time to pick out what I was going to wear that night. It was by no means dressy, but it's definitely not a place I'd wear sweats to. Anywho, when I go to a restaurant for the first time, I generally go big, so my friend and I ordered 3 appetizers and 2 entrees. To start we had the broccoli, black garlic wings, and a pork belly bun. And for our entrees we shared the yakisoba and brisket ramen. I was nervous that it might be too much food, but we had no problem finishing everything. The wings came out first, and boy were they meaty. Honestly neither of us had ever had black garlic so weren't sure how garlicky the wings would be (and I love garlic), so honestly it was my own fault that the wings weren't quite garlicky enough for me. That being said, the cilantro, sesame seeds, and sweet and savory sticky sauce was delicious and the wings super meaty. I'm glad we tried the pork belly bun, but honestly since we split it I can't really give a fair assessment of it. I think I may have to go back and eat an entire one for myself before I pass judgment. Preliminarily, however, it was as good of a pork belly bun as I've ever had. We both LOVED the broccoli appetizer. To be fair, I LOVE broccoli in pretty much any circumstance, but I thought it was cooked perfectly, and the fresh peanuts and sauce were a great compliment to broccoli's natural nuttiness. I will definitely be going back for more. Now, the entrees were tasty and filling and perfect for the frigid cold night that we went, but I can't say that I was blown away. The yakisoba was stick-to-your-bones good, especially with the creamy egg on top, but I didn't think it was seasoned as well as it could have been. The tofu was cooked perfectly, and the noodles not overdone, but it felt like some flavor was missing. The brisket ramen was flavorful and comforting, but I was a bit disappointed by how fatty the meat was. That being said, we slurped up every last drop of the broth. Next time I head to Cheu Noodle Bar - and there will definitely be a next time - I want to try their miso ramen and other entrees. I'm seriously loving their Instagram postings, so I'll definitely be keeping tabs on what specials they have and try to head over when I see something that looks especially tasty.
(4)
Steve M.
So Cheu's... Cheu's is small. Like, really small. If you're eating with two people and want to eat at the bar, then you're probably ok, but for four... four's tough. That said, we somehow got our party of four seated at one of the five tables in under ten minutes. The staff was incredibly attentive and friendly, and the ambiance of the place is vibrant and bustling. Unfortunately the food didn't fully live up to my high hopes and the fun of the interior. First, the good... - Black Garlic Wings: This was maybe my favorite dish of the night. An absolutely delicious sauce coating but not soaking a mound of thick, crispy fried wings. Not greasy, just salty and garlicky and addictive. - Ramen Noodles: I could eat this all day long. Pork shoulder, egg, sea beans and maybe the most delicious miso broth I've ever had. A big bowl of out-of-this-world. The pork was a tiny bit overcooked but I can live with that. - BBQ Pig Tails with Peach Kimchi: These were just what they should be: thick nuggets of pork soaked in sweet barbecue sauce. The peach kimchi... well either I sacrificed that to my sharing partners or I ate it and just didn't taste it, I'm hoping it's the former. I would have loved if this were more spicy, but still... delicious. ... and then the less-than-good: - Buns (Pork Belly / Fried Chicken): I got to sample each of these buns, and I wasn't blown away by either, I'm sad to say. I loved the little biscuit they were served on but found myself missing the classic steamed bao bun's texture, and the fillings just didn't light up my mouth like a more classic bun does (with hoisin and pickled veggies). - Dumplings in Chili Oil: Our dumplings of the night were pork and almond, two flavors I love but have never had together. They were good... but not out-of-this-world good as I'd hoped. I love dumplings, pork, almonds and chili oil, but somehow this didn't come together into the bold flavor I'd expected. Not quite spicy, not quite sweet, not quite salty... just almost-there on all fronts. - Lettuce Wraps with Foie Gras Meatballs and Plum BBQ: These were just not good. Dry meatballs, almost-no plum BBQ sauce, way too much veggie and lettuce to the point that the heart of the dish (the foie and plum) were lost. Plus they were served in a kind of pile, not in four distinct wraps, all so buried in veggies that it was hard to find how to pick it up and share it. This one was a miss. Brisket Noodles: A moderately good matzoh ball in a chili broth that you'd only know was a chili broth if I told you. The brisket itself was well-cooked, but the rest was a little bit boring. The online menu calls it a "Chile" broth so maybe it's just a non-spiced South American soup I'm not familiar with... but my money's on that being a typo.
(3)
Fiona S.
I went on a Sunday at 3:30, and it was surprisingly busy! I got the brussel sprouts with fermented squash to share and the coconut curry noodles, which were both delicious! I was afraid it would be too spicy, but it was perfect. Loved the hipster atmosphere and not-so-traditional Asian cuisine.
(5)
Chris J.
went here twice, got the miso ramen both times, and thought it was significantly better the second time. absurdly good the second time. cheeseburger buns are dope
(4)
Joe A.
We ate at Cheu for the first time yesterday and it was mighty impressive. The place is small with only a few tables and seating along the bar with a view of the open kitchen. We started with the buns appetizer, which I thought being it's a Asian Fusion cuisine would be more like Dim Sum, but the buns are comparable to sliders. We had the pork belly and the mushroom buns. The flavor was excellent and they clearly could be addictive if you order more than a few. We also had the noodles, Coconut Curry and Lamb Neck. Both were excellent. Great flavor and presentation and nicely spicy but you can add some heat with the chili oil or sriracha condiments on the table. The service was very attentive and the kitchen is immaculate. This place is really great and a nice addition to the middle village neighborhood.
(5)
Matt M.
"I thought that poached egg looked shady" A review of Cheu; 255 S 10th st. April 24, 2014 Cheu offers a modern take on classic asian dishes including BBQ pork and kimchi burrito, Bolognasian noodles, and the now infamous Miso Ramen. Aside from the pallet wood decor, the atmosphere is pleasent and relaxed, the food is great, the service is quick, and the prices are only slightly unreasonable. Having had a hair cut appointment down the street and a few extra dollars in the bank, I decided to treat myself for lunch today. 12:30 is the peak hours so my seat was directly next to the bar access and prep station. Watching the crotchety young "chef" prepare meatballs, pigs feat and other raw products a few feet from my meal was not all that appetizing. My Miso Ramen came only a few minutes after ordering, as the plump cooked shuffled through her station to concurrently make many of the same dish. Mine was only on the order-out bench for a few brief seconds until it was passed to me and the rest is history as they say. The noodle had a red and white miso based broth, seabeans, fermented garlic, braised pork shoulder, and a poached egg -- which was where I began. The meal itself was delicious and the music was pleasing and eclectic, I stirred and slurped down the dish quickly -- half due to hunger and half to get back to work within my typical hour break. Back at the office it was back to work to make the deadline tonight. A rendering cooking on this computer, one done on another, and some floor plans to fire out for tomorrow afternoon. All the movement had me a little queasy. I sat down at one of my stations half the office away to watch the computer render a few frames and let my stomach rest. Then came the headache, acute at first, then pulsing. My palms became sweaty and I knew it was just a matter of time. A few minutes in the bathroom and my lunch came forth like it was made from the excriment of a cow with a terrible case of BSE. Overall I would give the restaurant a restaurant a 2/10 with a generous five point deduction for food poisoning.
(1)
Daniel O.
Hands down my favorite place to eat in all of Philadelphia. The dumplings are always a must and always wonderfully creative, they've ranged from beef to loaded baked potato (which tastes like the best pirogi you will ever have.) The service is top notch, the brisket ramen is coco bananas good. My only complaint is that it's a little small so there can sometimes be a wait, but it's always worth it.
(5)
Katie H.
OMG. CHEU. I had a fantastic meal at Cheu. I'm not a very adventurous eater, so I was so terrified of trying the seared octopus, which was the special about a week or so ago. It was AMAZING. Literally, I wish I could've had an entire entree of it. It didn't taste fishy at all! I also got the Brisket bun, and it was amazing. It tasted like home cooking. I also got the brisket noodle bowl (I guess I was in a brisket mood, huh?) and that was amazing. A little spicy, but I'm very sensitive to spicy food, so don't listen to my opinion on those kinds of things! I love the ambiance of Cheu. Yes, it's small, but it is also very homey and I love being able to see the entire meal prep! Definitely going back!
(5)
Z B.
Small place with tight seating. The menu was okay selection wise, and the items we ordered (wings, brisket, rice cake, dumplings, curry noodles) were all okay. The best part about the place for me was the service.
(3)
Jae A.
Had a take out miso ramen. I certainly appreciated the broth with deep enough flavor and pork shoulder. Its ambience and rest of menu also intrigued me. I only wish I had enough time to enjoy the bowl sitting down at bar with a drink. Certainly worth of my returning visit! Hipefully, next time I will enjoy there.
(4)
Matt M.
I don't understand all the 3 star reviews on here. This is a solid new spot with great apps and homemade noodles for their soups. They make a perfect soft boiled egg that goes in some of the soup dishes, that I guess scared a few people? Also their kimchi is the best I've had so far in philly. Friendly service, fair prices, BYOB, fresh juices everyday and unique food combinations. We had the crispy rice cakes, kimchi, fish ribs, ramen noodles and hand torn noodles with lamb. I would definitely go back, remembering to bring a 6-pack and I need to try the wings, I hear they are awesome.
(4)
Steve T.
I grabbed some lunch with co-workers here and we were all very satisfied with the decision. The meal was absolutely delicious and service was pretty fast. My only complaint is that the portion size for the dumplings is a tad small. Other than that, I'll be visiting them again in no time. I recommend the Hand Torn with an egg. It's pretty incredible.
(4)
Vivian T.
Yummy white boy asian fusion. totally correct. I love their creative fusion options. Their ramen is really yummy. I have already been here twice and I came here the second time all ready to try their maztah ball and kimchi ramen. The server totally sold me on the special and I ended up ordering their pastrami ramen, which was totally amazing. Thick cuts of pastrami topped with a oozy poached egg on a bed of ramen- what is there not to love? I love their creative trials and I'm so glad they are willing to take risks to fuse white and asian cuisine- totally great. We also got their Ma po pork shoulder with rice cakes...and I totally loved it. I was most surprised by how spicy it was. I totally enjoyed it but I was surprised that a "white" place would serve something as spicy as that (normal spicy by asian standard). It was great. The spicy pork shoulder coupled with sticky browned hot rice cakes...chewy and satisfying...amazing all around. I also love their specials that includes unique dumplings. We got the date and pork dumplings topped with crunchy quinoa- again love their creativity that keeps my taste buds guessing! I now cannot wait to come back again just to try with matzah ball ramen open- but I'm sure I'll get distracted and order their special again. YAY! :)
(4)
Michael F.
Some foodie friends have been talking this place up to me so I finally decided to check it out, and it was definitely worth it. The dumplings of the day were Pork and Mung Bean, and they were decent. The dumpling dough is perfectly chewy and excellent as far as thickness. The filling I thought was a little under seasoned, but when I rolled it around in the Chili Oil, it was quite tasty. I also had the burger, which I thought was an unusual item to have on the menu for a noodle bar, but thought it would be interesting to try. The burger is on more of a denser bread than a typical bun, and the mustard greens and acidic sauces worked great together. The burger had a lot of Eastern flavors, but was still a burger, a well cooked one, at that. Enjoyed a quick tasty lunch for 12 bucks. As the temperatures rise this summer, I'll probably try the cold noodles and I think the ramen is calling for me this winter.
(4)
Kim S.
My boyfriend and I decided to try all the ramen places in the city and compare them. After reading all the dope reviews we were hopeful. We came with 2 other friends and not one of us thought it was anything special. The wings were a little better than average. The miso ramen was bland, and so was the brisket broth (although the brisket was alright), and I'm not sure what they were even trying to do with the Bolognasian. And I love watercress! The drinks were again, too pricey for what it deserves, even in Center City. All for of us left disappointed that we spent the money on such a big letdown. So to sum it up, this place is boiled down to one word. OVERRATED.
(2)
M L.
I was torn whether to give Cheu 3 or 4 stars. I liked the food, but nothing I ordered was especially amazing. Everything was reasonably tasty. I opted to order pickup because there always seems to be people waiting for a seat outside...figured if I'm going to guarantee food before 8pm I better order it to go. The folks in Cheu are incredibly nice and friendly. I felt a very warm atmosphere inside. The lighting was low, which is what I'd expect for dinner time but still on the dark side for me. The music was a tad loud for my taste during dinner but their taste in music was great...hip place, cool neighborhood find. Now the food. The pork belly bun was tasty, but the bun was grilled, so the texture was not the soft, luscious, pillowy bite I was hoping for. The pork itself was great. There was some kind of mayo sauce and pickles that added a nice texture and flavor. Next the kimchi. I should know better than to order kimchi EVER. No one makes kimchi as good as my mom. It was ok. I won't fault Cheu for kimchi because it was more an interpretation. Lovely presentation and as a cabbage side dish it was fine. The black garlic wings were good, but I wish they were saltier or spicier or something, just seemed to almost be right. The wings themselves were perfectly cooked though so I really appreciated the care they took. Now the mains. I tried both the ramen and the brisket (by the way, I didn't eat all of this myself, luckily I was ordering for others so I got to try a lot of things). The brisket is great. Definitely my favorite thing; perfectly cooked egg, right choice of noodles and lovely broth. Fall-apart brisket and matzo were perfect accompaniments. The ramen was good too. Not the best ramen I've had but I'm terribly spoiled with ramen. I think it was a good version, but not a rich and salty as I personally prefer. Would I eat here again? Yes! Do I recommend it? Yes! I have a tough palette to please, I love very spicy and salty foods, so when I eat "Asian fusion" fare, I'm generally quite displeased, but Cheu had some lovely elements and it is still a new place so I'd like to keep trying it to see how it develops over time.
(3)
Lisa E.
I'd give this place more stars if I could! I've loved this place from the very beginning. These guys know how to make noodles and how to pair them perfectly in all of their dishes. To be honest, I've been here more times than I can count now, and I've had a taste of basically the entire menu. Everything is always delicious! The ramen is a classic staple made here. All ingredients are fresh and perfectly paired with one another. It's also fun to watch them put this dish together - so much care is put into the presentation, too. The dumplings are also a highlight on the menu. Three little dumplings are served with chili oil and stuffed with whatever ingredients they are serving for the day - the combinations are awesome. I had a pork and pickle one a while back, it was divine! Other great appetizers are the black garlic wings and the bbq pig tails. Man, they know how to make sauces and put them together on these dishes. The broccoli with Vietnamese sausage is my go-to order, as well. This dish never fails with deliciousness and flavors! The staff is great, and they love their customers. It's a great open concept kitchen and the music is always turned up! Sit down at the bar, watch them cook, and enjoy an astouding meal!
(5)
Jeff B.
For the price, it's a decent cultural exploration into an odd style of dining. The restaurant is very packed even at off times sure to a lack of seating, and the tables are so small you'll kick the person across from you at least a few times. The food itself is an interesting mix of American cuisine and Asian culinary style, which provides a fresh experience, but the novelty end quickly as you realize the dish lacks both the true flavors of Asian and doesn't stand out as the best brisket you've ever eaten. All in all the restaurant wasn't a bad place to eat, but it's refusal to conform to the authenticity of its adopted styles is both its selling point and its downfall.
(3)
Eileen T.
We ate at Cheu Noodle for the first time last week. The place is small (10 seats at tables and maybe 10-12 seats at the bar) and it is a popular place but tables turn quickly. The energy is great, and the food is really good and affordable. My husband and I split these dishes: Lamb neck noodles, Chinese sausage and beef dumplings, Charred Brussels spouts. Each dish was tasty and well-prepared. They only offer one kind of beer on tap, but it was very good. We will definitely go back.
(4)
Lan H.
First and foremost: my brisket noodles had one of the most tender brisket slices my mouth had ever encountered. Yay! Please do not take my review as one by a novice who doesn't quite appreciate the hipster scenery that makes up Cheu Noodle Bar. On the contrary, take it as one by an open-minded Yelper who doesn't feel so comfortable having a bowl of noodle soup at a bar-like establishment. I wanted to try to like the atmosphere so badly - no doubt I enjoyed watching the chefs incessantly prepare the food. Entertainment to say the least :-) Ok, I will shut up and stop writing so that I can think about coming back to Cheu and trying out more of the food. I work close by, so it's not like I can avoid the possibility of re-visiting ;-)
(3)
Stephanie H.
I don't want to say how good this place is because I don't want it to get more busy but.. damn, this is the best noodle bar!
(5)
Alli S.
This place is delicious. Loved every bite. Brisket, miso ramen and coconut curry were terrific, as were the dumplings and buns. I went a few months ago and I can't believe I haven't been back yet, as I have actually had cravings since then based on that one visit. I think some people need to keep in mind that it's not supposed to be a traditional noodle bar experience...these guys are cooking what they like to eat. Some of the flavors are what I would call "stoner food." That is not an insult - far from it!
(4)
Nelli C.
I would have given this place 4 stars had it not been for 2 things that really bothered me. So background to how we came up to this place. Came here with my boyfriend when we were in Philadelphia for a business trip. The place is small and cozy. When we got there, it was 9pm and had been walking around in 20degree weather, so we were down for something warm. Here is where half a star leaves the rating. The hostess did not look like she wanted anyone coming in. She had a little attitude when she told us to stand by the ramen wall. When seats were available, the hostess took her sweet time cleaning up despite people waiting to be seated. I understand the place is a little cramped but it does not take 10mins to clean a table, especially if the table is literally 3x3. The waiter and waitress were wonderful and after we had ordered I was watching the chef cook. The other half star for the following: The entire time the chef was cooking, she would pull her phone out and text. That's disgusting! She wasn't wearing gloves also. The chef is picking up up ingredients with her hands that she just used to text and puts them into the bowls they're serving! Now onto the food. My bf and both got the miso ramen with the spicy bean paste as an add on. The broth was good but after adding the spicy bean paste and mixing in the egg, it got creamy and even better. If I was back in Philadelphia, I might consider coming back but probably if it was a last resort.
(3)
Allison S.
Wonderful Lunch Fantastic Food, Friendly Service, they were so accomodating, we had a party of 4 . They recognised one of our Parties Birthdays, shich was greatly appreciated and One of the guests was on a Low Carb diet and you would think that would be a challenge at a Noodle place but Fear Not the Staff and Kitchen are totally accomodating Making the Best Low Carb Soup you will Ever have. We will surely be back!!Thank you
(5)
Christine B.
I was lucky enough to get a preview at one of the Matyson pop-ups, so I was really looking forward to Cheu. I finally got a chance to go on a rainy Thursday for lunch when I had a meeting at Pennsylvania Hospital. The bar counter is nice for eating solo. Pretty sure Shawn was my server part of the time, and he was super friendly. I tried the dumplings in chili oil which were a brisket, onion, and date combination. These were some of the best dumplings I've ever had. They should do dim sum on the weekends. I also tried the ramen which was a huge bowl of noodles, egg, pork belly, and sea beans. I've been to Japan, and I know they aren't doing traditional food, but all I really care about is taste, and this was really good. It didn't taste too salty either, although I got really thirsty in the afternoon so I suppose it was on the saltier side. A lot of people around me had the brisket noodles, and someone ordered the BBQ pork and kimchi burrito which looked awesome. The kitchen is totally open so you can watch everyone cooking. I really enjoyed everything about this spot and I'll be going back for dinner soon!
(4)
Christian L.
Very accommodating service and tasty food. Really good informal place to go with friends, definitely friendly on the budget. A nice twist on a staple food group (ramen), and makes for a good lunch too. It's nice they serve beer.
(4)
Carly B.
This place deserves a solid four star, which is pretty good considering the fact that most Asian-fusion restaurants that I've been to are, in my opinion, REALLY bad. Most of the appetizers on the menu are very good. I would recommend: Tomato + Watermelon salad Black Garlic Wings BBQ Pig Tails Crispy Rice Cakes I've only had the ramen, so I can't really say much about their noodles. The ramen is very delicious; the broth is rich and, unlike many noodle bars, not terribly salty. The pork is nice and tender, and the raw egg is a nice touch. Their freshly brewed iced teas are also good. I had the Jasmine Thai-Basil tea; a bit too subtle for my taste but nevertheless refreshing. However, they could have put the iced tea in a bigger glass, or maybe refill it. Service was also really good. Both attentive and friendly. The food is not exceptional, but I would definitely go back.
(4)
Mia W.
The coconut curry is amazing!!! Very cute, small place, with great food and beer selections. Great for a casual date.
(4)
Ellen H.
This place rules!!! The black garlic sauce on the wings is incredible. I wish they delivered so i could have it at work right now! And the staff is super friendly and fun. Everyone in philly needs to go here!
(5)
Alyson C.
Went on a Wednesday night and it was packed. Had a cozy seat at the bar. Me and the bf shared a couple beers and small plates to start. The mushroom buns were a delish vegetarian option that didn't feel "vegetarian". We shared a bowl of ramen, which was pretty disappointing for a ramen bar. The broth was really lacking in flavor and depth. Overall, it was a decent, trendy place with good service, but I just don't see what all the hype is about.
(3)
Huong N.
This is a cute little comfy bar with great service and delicious food. The dumplings are amazing. Great music! Upbeat and great vibes and energy in here and yummy cocktails :) if ever in Philly again I will be back!!!
(5)
rey b.
i would pilgrimage pretty damn far for a stellar bowl of ramen, so this was an obvious choice when my friend brought it up as an idea for a saturday lunch. went in with high hopes that this would be my new spot, since so many downtown korean spots closed in the last few years. yes, i know ktown is not that far. we shared the dumplings & i had the pork ramen. i really wanted to love this bowl of ramen, but i didn't. i could live on ramen, i truly could, but not this ramen. i am thinking i need to come back to give this place another chance. i know i have been spoiled by totto & ippudo, so i really wanted cheu to be the local hero! the broth was bland & the texture of the noodles did not have the texture i was hoping for. the dumplings were flavorful & i would definitely order them again. i like the owners kept to the intimate noodle house environment, small & cozy. some of my favorite noodle houses require adjustment to ideal personal space. the service was attentive. all in all, this place is probably worth it's weight, but not for the ramen. maybe i am just a purist when it comes to noodles...leave the trendy embellishments at the door & bring the rayu!
(3)
Carla W.
Wings are crispy, flavorful paradise. Brisket ramen is something I will crave and return for. Really cool spot and interesting twist on many dishes you could get "traditional" style a million other places. It's nice to be surprised. Matzoh balls, foie gras meatballs, scrapple- all on the menu. There's a lot of delicious twists and turns and much I will return to try. The best part is the service. One of the owners saw I was preggers and made sure I got my Ramen without the egg and offered the bag of dry noodles they give as a snack while you wait so that I could check that the ingredients were all safe for me. As you can see, I haven't written many reviews but this place was worth a mention for the service alone. The menu is an added perk.
(5)
Stephen S.
I've always been a fan of supporting new restaurants when they open up in my neighborhood. I popped by Cheu Noodle Bar the first week to see if it was worthy of adding to my regular eating rotation. I really wanted to like this place. When my wife and I walked in, the decor was modern, fresh, and clean. The background music was well chosen and added to the hip ambiance. In terms of the food, it could really use some work both in terms of taste and pricing. We started out with the Broccoli and peanut appetizer which was actually quite tasty. Unfortunately the portion was minuscule and was finished in nearly three bites. For a $7 broccoli appetizer, I'm expecting a little more product on the plate. I mean how much does broccoli cost now a days anyway? If you walked a few blocks down the street, you could get some calamari or a tasty salad at Kanella BYOB for $8. For the next course, we both tried the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup. It was a decent sized bowl of soup but the broth lacked the depth and character of other Pho soups that we've tried. The meat also had a bit too much fat that needed to be picked off before being consumed. You can have the same sized bowl of soup at Pho 75 (BYOB) on Washington Ave. for a mere $5.75 versus the $13 we paid at Cheu. On a positive note, the service was friendly and the owners and servers were very interested in making sure that you had everything you needed. I just couldn't stomach paying over $40 for 2 bowls of soup and some broccoli. From reading these reviews, I see that I'm in the minority, but I just feel like these ratings are padded or something. I mean I'm no statistics major, but take a look at the "ratings distribution" it just seems a bit abnormal. April and May the reviews were mixed and averaged out to 3 starts. In June the ratings went through the roof... go figure?
(2)
Doodly D.
This place is good for what it is: an american take on asian street food. It is not a ramen place, it does not serve "authentic ramen" (which I think most American believe is Hakata ramen?). It does, however, serve high quality tasty street food that is different from everywhere else. Their pork belly is great, either in noodles or in bun form. Their lamb noodles is superb, the pickled mustard greens is a great contrast to the chewy wide hand torned noodles and lamb. My only complaint is that the place is expensive.
(5)
Isaac T.
Wings and lamb neck noodles are great
(5)
Christy B.
I went to 2 new restaurants this weekend; one a local, very large, highly regarded sports bar, and the other a brand-new, teeny-tiny spot that opened basically on my front door. Out of the two, I couldn't wait to get home and Yelp about one-- the currently unmarked treasure that is Cheu noodle bar. We went a little late on Sunday night, and was surprised at how tiny the spot was. There was a wait, but fortunately it moved quickly and we were seated at the bar in under 10 minutes. Our waitress was cute and attentive, and very familiar with the menu. She was able to point us in the right direction for menu choices, and every dish was more delicious than the last. To start we had sweet and sour cucumber, garlic broccoli, and some sort of eggplant dish. All three were unlike anything I've tasted before, and they were all amazing. Then our main courses came; I got the Duck Foie Gras pho, and he got the lamb neck noodles. Even though the mix of fancy elements with Asian street food was a little intimidating to me, the taste was out of this world. I want to go back right now and repeat this entire dining experience, and my dining companion asked if this place could be visited frequently in our dinner spot rotations. Endearingly, the bar faces the the cooking area, and we were lucky enough to watch the head-chef in action. This place was amazing, and I can't wait to get back and eat more of exactly everything I got last time, plus some new sides. :)
(5)
Nhu V.
If you're looking for a bowl of Vietnamese pho or steam buns, this is not the place for you. You would be happier going to a place in Chinatown. You will not be able to find pho with overbundance of rice noodle, steak and meatball. Instead, you'll get homemade ramen; foie gras meatballs that have the perfect balance of the richness of foie gras and the texture of a meatball; slices of duck flank steak that are softer than filet mignon and look nothing like duck; and amazing flavors that are packed in every bite. I find the techniques and skills that go into making an Asian dish foreign to Asians extremely remarkable. Every dish we ordered was a pleasant surprise. There was so little Korean in my favorite Korean dishes - fried chicken, rice cake and kimchi - that this might be the only restaurant where I can find my new favorite "Korean dishes." I believe it was intentional that chef Ben did not do a perfect replica. With that, please don't judge the restaurant based on "authenticity." I haven't seen a poached egg perfected until I've eaten here (no clear eggwhite, the yolk is between liquid and solid so that when you take a bite of the yolk, it doesn't run but remain in shape). It was not meant to be a seasoned hanjuku tamago. As far as cost goes, the quality of ingredient and taste is much better than Chifa and Morimoto at a more affordable price.
(5)
Van L.
I went on a Friday night with a friend and fortunately did not have to wait. It was surprising to see how small and intimate it was. The interior was really neat and the atmosphere was casual and inviting. On to the food, started off with the pork belly bun--was phenomenal. As the night went on, we settled with some cold sesame noodles, garlic wings, and pork dumplings in chili oil. The food was great but for those prices, one could definitely go to Han Dynasty for cheaper and better cold sesame noodles, Soho for the wings, and any joint in Chinatown for the dumplings. Don't get me wrong the people at Cheu are on the right track but their dishes just needs that extra kick of flavor.
(3)
B. P.
The dumpling of the day was chicken and watercress and not very good. We ordered two different noodle soups. The miso broth was pretty good though I didn't really like raw veggies in the soup. The other noodle soup we got (brisket) was terrible- no flavor at all.
(3)
Jeff M.
Very good. The wings were very tasty and the matzoh ball brisket ramen bowl was pretty amazing. The pork belly bun was good too, but it is not on the traditional bun and was on the smaller side.
(5)
Sophia S.
I came here with a group of four and had a great experience. There are tons of interesting appetizers to try--we had dumplings with corn and mushrooms, wings, and some specials that are escaping me. Each of us also got an order of noodles. These are not chinatown noodle house portions, but they also aren't chinatown noodle house ingredients. Interesting, fresh, and tasty. Plus its a great deal and BYO to boot. Great addition to 10th street!
(4)
Lili B.
First time at this place and I was extremely satisfied with the food and the service. My friend and I went there on a rainy friday evening and the place was just packed. We waited about 10 minutes to be seated and got to look at the menu while waiting. We ordered 2 pork belly sandwichs, the duck foie gras meatball, and a pork belly ramen soup (we just shared everything). Since i bookmarked this place, I have been waiting to try the pork belly sandwich based on the pictures so my expecting were pretty high and i was not disapointed. it was just delicious. The meatball were tasty and the ramen soup is definitely something I will order again. The service was just Exceptional. The waitress was on top of her game. I told her a little late I was very sensible to spicy food and she was like: " if you find it spicy, i will just ask to have a new one made". I will definitely go to this place again (and a definite plus: it is BYOB")
(5)
Colin G.
2nd time there..it's great. easy take-out option is a plus
(4)
Rob B.
Pho always feels like a lot of work for me but this was great stuff. Lots of peppery flavor-al dente noodles. Juicy, melt in your mouth brisket. Also LOVE the dumpling of the day-chive pork dumplings in a smoky chili oil sauce. Amazing fries w garlic sauce and some Japanese elements (fish flakes). Omg! This food is good!! Made with great care and love.
(5)
Danielle L.
Not sure what all the hype is about. They succeed at being different, but not being flavorful. We had the dumplings in chili oil, the miso ramen, and the brisket matzo ball soup. The dumplings were the best and most flavorful part of our meal. The meat in the noodles were both very good but unable to compensate for the lackluster broth. All in all, our meal was not bad, but just not memorable either. There are way better options in Center City, especially with Chinatown so close by. The miso ramen brought me back to memories of my days in Japan eating $3.50 bowls of ramen. And even those had more flavor.
(2)
Michelle T.
I enjoyed their rendition of pork belly bao bun, with the fluffy flaky bun they used. I could eat the duck tacos all day - I loved the banana blossom and cucumber. My miso ramen as nice and flavorful. However, my pork in the ramen was more salty compared to my friend's miso ramen. I guess they can improve the consistency of the dishes they put out.
(4)
Huyennnn D.
Found this little place on yelp while craving for hand drawn noodles. We ordered the dumplings TO START. The dumplings actually came out last after our pork kimchee burrito and miso ramen. The waiter said there was some mix up in the kitchen. (it wasnt even that busy) Everything was just OK. I'm not a fan of burritos but the pork and kimchee burrito was surpringly good. the miso ramen however was too salty and the egg was barely cooked. I know we are suppose to eat the noodles with the broth to balance out the flavors but i'm those types that like to enjoy my broth. There are other ramen places in philly i rather go to.
(3)
Bill D.
Incredible noodles!! Everything I tasted here was outstanding including the hand torn noodles with lamb. The place is a little crowded and doesn't have many places to hang out while waiting... but it was worth it.
(5)
Zareen S.
This tiny spot on 10th street is pretty cool and captures the noodle vibe well. Staff, ambience, music and everything else - great. Black Garlic Wings w/ shishito peppers & herbs - this is how I fantasize wings to taste in my mind and lives up to all the raves. sharp asian spice profile with some lime tang, I have never tasted anything like it. A personal favorite, shishito peppers, are yummy to eat as well. I was a bit confused about if I should or should not eat it, but it tasted fabulous, so why not ? Fish Ribs -w/ charred corn, tamarind & herbs - The corns were crunchy and fresh. Im a sucker for crispy fish skin however the fish aspect of this particular type of fish was entirely too overwhelming for me personally. So be prepared ! Thin egg noodles w/ egg, matzo balls & chile broth - The quality of the brisket is phenomenal and cooked to perfection. The broth is spicy and well seasoned w/ generous serving of noodles. Who knew a delicious matzo ball could compliment the whole dish so well. Also that matzo ball was no joke. Loved it. However, the spoon that comes with it is a tad awkward to eat out of. They need a different one thats more easier to eat with. Hand Torn noodle w/ lamb neck, pickled mustard greens & dates - This was my second favorite dish after the wings. The lamb melts in your mouth and its texture compliments the wide noodles perfectly. Lucious and a mouthfull that is bursting with complex flavors of spice, tang and sesame. The pickled mustard greens cuts the richness of the lamb perfectly. They also have a good list of beer and limited, but nice liquor list.
(4)
Mary C.
Stopped in here on a cold day enroute to catch a show in Philadelphia for some noodles. Small place with trendy music, simple menu of not so simple ramen. We were a party of 5 an seated after a very short wait. Wow, beef dumplings and pork belly buns were delicious starters. Miso ramen with shredded pork shoulder and soft cooked egg, torn noodles with lamb and pickled vegetable, crab broth noodles with meatballs and brisket noodles with matzo ball all very different and not what we expected for traditional noodles but wow how delicious!!! A bit pricey with bowl of noodle for between $12-13 a bowl plus extra for more noddles or egg or other extras but certainly worth for uniqueness and tastiness. Didn't try the wings but looked very good - next time for sure.
(4)
Rebecca S.
To say that I am a fan of this place is an understatement. My boyfriend and I went opening day and have been so many times since (8 for him total, 7 for me). We love the food, the owners (Shawn and Ben), the ambiance, and the attitude. Favorites: Pork belly bun (gotten one each time!), buckwheat noodles, hand torn noodles, broccoli, and the scrapple. These guys clearly love this place and are always striving to make new, creative dishes (hence the changes in the menu frequently). I tell all of my friends about this place because it's just that tasty. Can't wait to go again!
(5)
O B.
Ate the kimchi (okay) , seaweed seasame cucumber noodles (good) , miso mushroom asparagus noodles (good), and long beans (best of the dishes I tried). The food would have been tasty, but all of the dishes were extremely salty!! Would have been better with less salt. Ate several hours ago and I still cannot quench my thirst despite drinking lots of water. Venue is tight. Since it was crowded got take out instead. If you are eating with a vegetarian, I would not recommend it. It seems like the big attraction for this venue is their meat.
(3)
Susanne F.
Cheu is a must go to. Their ramen and Brisket noodles are divine! I could eat either of these dishes once a week, easily. I'm a bit sad they removed the Bahn Mi but I will live. The mix and fusion of foods is really delicious as well as unexpected. Looking forward to the winter and eating here a lot.
(4)
R. M.
Just finished dining at Cheu noodle. I live right across the street and was excited to try it out. Throughout the week I had been salivating at the thought of a nice restaurant moving across the street. I think all of this salivating made me so hungry that upon returning home from Cheu I was still hungry. I am a petite 5 foot 2 girl. Usually it doesn't take much to fill me up but today, it just was not the case. I did share some of my meal with a friend but they did not eat much of it. I ordered the wings which were great. They were the right amount of crispiness. Following this, I had the dumplings and the Lamb which was all great. However, after spending 30 dollars, I can only justify going here after work instead of Sampan's Happy Hour because it is literally across the street from me.
(3)
Frank L C.
Casual atmosphere, BYOB while they are waiting for a license. We had an exdellent meal, noodles and dumplings. The dumplings were excellent, the ramen decent, and the lamb with glass noodles superb. Atmosphere was a bit noisy, but that is very consistent with the customer base--young, hip, and cool.
(4)
Francis G.
For the price I feel this place is a little overrated. The food is mediocre and the drinks are ok. I can't complain about but I'm also not raving. I think the portions are a hot small for what you pay. A bowl a noodles should be somewhat filling to the average adult. I wasn't disappointed per say, it was just an all around Meh considering all the hype.
(3)
Claudia B.
i walked over at 645 on a sunday evening to pick up some noodles on my way home. 55 minutes later i left without my noodles having been harassed by an incredibly rude manager and having paid my bill 2 minutes after arriving as asked. i pity his poor abused staff. the boss was determined to serve everyone who's order came in but had a seat before i got my silly noodle bowl. really? had i been told that that was the policy upon arrival i obviously would have thanked them and left. they kept saying almost ready.... inexcusable. shame on him!
(1)
Douglas D.
Food taste good. But, damn, can I get some noodles with my noodles?
(2)
Katie C.
Foods Ok but the wait is not! The place fits 20 ppl max, how can they not handle that? Me and from the sounds of it, all the other neighbors, are OVER IT. You want some real soup? Pho ha blows this place away, with no wait :)
(2)
Eric R.
Cheu is awesome. The brisket matzo ball pho is unreal and the buns are phenomenal. Go here now.
(4)
Lee F.
While the wait was pretty long, it was certainly worth it for the best noodles I have ever had. Every item we ordered was delicious, but the best were the curry noodles. Even though the place was completely packed the staff was very attentive and friendly. Had a great selection of beers and ciders plus a few interesting cocktails I am looking forward to trying next time. The place is very noisy and they pack it pretty tightly, so it's certainly not for every occasion but if you are looking for good noodles you won't find anything better.
(5)
Holly T.
Cheu Noodle Bar is by far the best eating experience I've had recently. We had overdone it the day before, so we were craving a light but delicious meal, and Cheu Noodle Bar hit the spot. We came for lunch on a weekday and I was worried there would be a line out the door, but we managed to get lucky and snagged a prime table by the windows. We started with an order of the dumplings, which that day consisted of chicken, mushroom, and corn. They were absolutely wonderful. We also shared an order of the broccoli appetizer, served with Vietnamese sausage and peanuts; it was a delicious combination of flavors. It was a warm summer day, so we shared an order of the cold jade noodles. The noodles were delightful in flavor, complemented by fresh veggies and chilled crab meat, and very refreshing. We washed everything down with a few craft cans, our only regret being that we could not eat the entire menu in one setting. We'll be back!
(5)
Steve I.
Had a really fantastic lunch at this small place. The servers and staff were very friendly and efficient. The food was excellent. We arrived at 1:15 on a Friday and the place was not crowded I believe that when they a full it could be a little tight, but the food makes up for any lack of space. This is a real Asian Fusion place, the lamb dumplings had just the right amount of heat kick from a chile oil base. The lamb was very flavorful. The real fusion item was the Brisket matzo ball kimchi soup with egg noodles, one of if not the best matzo ball soups I have ever had, again the soup had just the right amount of heat and very tender flavorful brisket. The Broccoli with Vietnamese sausage with peanut topping was a fresh interesting combination that without the peanuts would have been at home on any Italian table. The cold sesame noodles were good but did not stand out as much as the other items we tried.Next visit I have to try the Cheu Fries with miso truffle, they looked fantastic.
(4)
Gerard Z.
Great place. Not a ton to it, just a noodle bar done right with innovation and little pomp. Price is right, food is delicious, service is great. Broccoli and brisket noodles are musts.
(4)
robert f.
Some of the best dishes we've had. The duck tacos and the "bolognasian" was also terrific.
(5)
Trang N.
We came here for the first time for a 40th birthday 'Noodling' party this weekend. I always wanted to go here but with the limited menu, I was afraid I wouldn't find something filling that I would like to eat, boy was I missing out. I was surprised that the space was so small, it's LITERALLY a bar with stools and a couple of two tops. (Duh hence the name I supposed) There is a paper machete wall of pictures of various food items and people- colored christmas lights add to the laid back ambiance. I was really happy with everything that I ate- the staff was really friendly and the bartenders made great drinks. I highly recommend the milky sake- yum! The wings, some sort of goat cheese wonton and miso ramen noodles were delicious! We will be back here again go try out the menu.
(5)
Danan R.
Solid fusion ramen although it's not actually authetic ramen. My yakisoba with soft-cooked soy egg, kimchi, and lamb sausage was good, albeit greasy. There were only a few pieces of the lamb, and I wish that there had been more as it was very tender and flavorful. The noodles themselves were pretty standard and a bit on the greasy side. We also tried the katsu rice bowl which was just okay, although the actual katsu was solid. The fried coating could have been crispier but it was still tasty. The brisket ramen was nice fusion take on a classic with a flavorful broth and chewy noodles. It wasn't served steaming hot but was solid, regardless. The beef croquette special was okay but nothing special. I would stick to the ramen and noodle dishes here. The venue is TINY but the tables turnover very quickly, at least.
(3)
Justine S.
I really really wanted ramen. And I really really wanted to love this place. Not to say it was bad, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. We ordered the brisket matzo ball kimchi ramen and the coconut curry ramen. The toppings and ingredients were all there and sounded fantastic, but the flavors just fell a bit short. The matzo ball itself was delicious, but my brisket, though cooked nicely, tasted a bit bland and the broth was somewhat lacking. As was the coconut curry ramen, I could taste some curry but it just wasn't all there. At least not for me. On the plus side, the noodles had a great texture and the portions were perfect. I also did love the ambiance-- very hipster and chill with friendly workers.
(3)
Abby W.
Fabulous. I can't wait to go back! Met up with the incomparable Sari A for a delicious dinner after work. On a Thursday at 6pm the place was already nearly full but we managed to snag the last two bar seats in the house. This place is teeny tiny, it can't seat more than 25 people I'd guess, so plan accordingly to either wait or get there early. It does get pretty loud when it's full. To drink I went with the mo-CHEU-to, a house twist on a mojito with jalapeno, and she got a spiked juice. They have a daily rotating selection of a fresh house juice blend, as well as a house iced tea. I love it when bars also cater to people who don't drink alcohol! The juice of the day was a pineapple/chai/vanilla blend, which didn't sound super appealing to me but was actually delicious. My drink had a lot of kick- where so often a drink that features jalapeno is timid and disappointing, this was bold, assertive, and very refreshing. I loved it. We shared the popular black garlic chicken wings, which were very good - crispy, substantially meaty, and had a nice glaze. While I was tempted by the crab gazpacho ramen for my entree, I had eaten gazpacho at home every day that week so I went with the item that first caught my eye, the yakisoba. They had just changed up the ingredients so this one had lamb sausage, harissa, pickled mushrooms, and raita. It was like Turkish-Japanese fusion and I loved it. There were some nice crisp-tender pea shoots in there for texture and a pop of green and the flavour combination really worked well together. My partner in crime was also interested in straying from her usual brisket ramen and trying the yakisoba, but she's not crazy about lamb. They happily substituted the brisket for the lamb and she seemed to enjoy it very much. Service was very friendly and personable and we had a great time! I don't have a single complaint - will definitely be back soon with my main squeeze. Total before tip was a very reasonable $56 for both of us and it was plenty of food. The cocktails aren't cheap, around $9, so you can get away even cheaper if you don't drink (but if you like a good cocktail it is worth the splurge!).
(5)
Jenn F.
I would never think brisket, matzo ball, Kimchi, egg and noodles would work but holy cow! Amazing favors, perfect amount of food. Stop by for lunch, no wait and plenty of options. Service was great.
(5)
Andrew W.
I stopped by Cheu for a lunch last week with a work friend. They've seemed to put as many tables into their small space as possible... but it didn't feel overly crowded even when filled. The food was really good, definitely a different take on noodles and kim chi than I've been used to, but the service was a bit slow during the lunch hour. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, though, since they indicated that they were down two staff members when we walked in. (Good job managing expectations on their part, there) All in all, it was a nice lunch spot... I'll definitely head back to try some of the other food items.
(4)
Justin V.
Another disappointing ramen outing on the East Coast. Perhaps I have been spoiled by the plethora of awesome Japanese restaurants out in Los Angeles, but alas I continue. Came here on a beautiful Saturday evening, perhaps 7:30. Come inside and the restaurant as pretty filled and busy, generally a good sign. Interesting atmosphere; a little hipster-esque but the music was an nice mix of genres which was appreciated( example: Dr. Dre - The Next Episode, a West Coast classic). Service was nice and friendly all night. My waiter at the bar was extremely charismatic. Unfortunately the food fell sort of expectation. I am a firm believer that good fusion is extremely difficult to do. Thankfully, I had a dining companion, a recent transplant from China who has never experienced this type of food, with me to discuss thoughts on said food. Black Garlic Wings (2.5/5) - These wings were missing texture to them. The texture was equivalent to eating pre-cooked hot wings that were thrown into the oven for 45 minutes which was extremely off putting. Flavors were bold (and interesting to my friend) and the shishito pepper was a nice addition. Wish there could have been to crunch to these wings. Shrimp Toast (1/5) - Shrimp toast is typically slightly sweet but the shrimp here was lacked flavor. It wasn't seasoned properly to exhume that inherent sweetness from the crustacean.The toast was burnt which led to a bitter, bland tasting small plate. The avocado was lost in the toast and didn't add much. I found the addition of the seaweed to be slightly off-putting as well. Friend agreed that it was a weird tasting dish. Brisket Ramen (2/5) - Noodles came out molto al dente but got better as the noodles sat in the dish. The amount of brisket in this dish is truly sad.Two slices, when combined, about equal the size of your typical business card. I know this is CC Philadelphia but c'mon. $13 for a noodle soup dish, there should be more meat. It's not as if the accompanying side dishes (matzoball, kimchi) were particularly expensive.The kimchi was a welcomed addition but the matzoball just seemed out of place.The base was just a sad salty/spicy dump. There was no essence in the soup. This didn't taste like a soup that was cooked with bones overnight. It tasted like that powdered shit you ate when you were in college. Pork Belly Bowl (3.5/5) - The saving grace of the restaurant came last. It's really hard to go wrong with pork belly. Served here was the breaded and fried version; the first of this type that I've encountered. The piece we received was decent in size and had a fair amount of fat which gave it great flavor. The sauce, which tasted exactly like hoisin, was at times overwhelming with it's sweet flavor and viscosity, but it paired well with the included sliced cucumber (a classic combination). My dining companion thoroughly enjoyed this dish as well. We both agreed it was the strongest of the night. For me, fusion generally comes off as food that I would have made in college when I was high. Here at Cheu, it's unfortunately not too far off. I'll be back to give it another shot when the menu changes up.
(2)
Sarah P.
I went back here for a date night recently and I've decided that I can't let my last review sit at 4 stars- the meal I had was perfection. My boyfriend's first impression of Cheu was warmth and friendliness. The staff chatted with him as he sipped on a beer by himself at the bar (he waited a while for me to bike there from UCity). It's possible they were just being nice because he looked like he got stood up on a date (lol), but he said the hostess and servers kept him entertained the whole time he waited. As for the food, he ordered the yakisoba (subbing tofu for chorizo) and I got the coconut curry with soft egg added in. As an afterthought, we threw in the crispy corn rangoon appetizer. Let me tell you, it was the best damn afterthought I've ever had. These fritters may honestly be up there with the best things I've ever eaten. The crispy coating is light and delicious, contrasted with smooth and creamy goat cheese and corn filling. Pair it with a tangy red miso, and you have perfection. Highly recommend. The yakisoba was similarly fantastic. The queso fresco on top was an interesting choice, but it worked really well with the dish. I swear, the best part of having a significant other is being able to always steal their food. I got the coconut curry, because I remember it being pretty good the last time I ordered it a year ago. I think they've upped their game too, because it was definitely spicier and more flavorful than the first time I tried it. I didn't NEED to add any hot sauce this time (but I did anyway). Pair those flavors with some of the best noodles in town, and you have a great meal. At 40$ for everything, it isn't too expensive either. I think sitting at the noodle bar really changed the experience for me as well: the location places you at the center of all things fun and lively. Plus you get to watch the chefs do their thing. Cheu noodle bar makes for a great date spot, because the small space brings you in close proximity with your dining partner, but the casual atmosphere also doesn't make things feel stuffy or stilted. Already fantasizing about my next trip here.
(5)
Jennifer E.
For an Asian, I have to say that it was an Americanized version of ramen and dumplings. It doesn't taste as great as the reviews have put it. Probably not the best noodle place to go to if you come from an Asian family! Recommend Chinatown instead for really good broth and ramen! Giving it a three star only because the brisket was good.
(3)
Ron G.
Note, take out review: My love for postmates continues to grow, as within 45 minutes, I had hot meal delivered to me from a place I've been meaning to try. The good: My brisket noodle soup and dumplings in chili oil arrived hot. The broth was separate from its components such that the noodles were al dente and when combined together, were just right. The brisket was very good. The dumpling filling (pork) was fresh and better than most. The bad: The broth was very underwhelming. It was certainly salty and savory enough, however, just left a lot to be desired. Considering the broth brings the whole dish together, I really couldn't get through it. The matzo ball addition to the soup seems forced to me, or, I'm just not a matzo fan. The dumplings were cooked well and the filling, as mentioned, was well done, however, the chili oil it was in lacked flavor. I think the rest of the menu seems interesting enough to try again, most likely in person. Noodle soup is probably best enjoyed at the restaurant, so this review may be a bit biased.
(2)
John K.
The melange of all things Jewish and Asian isn't just with relationships (yes, I went there!). The juxtaposition of cuisines is offered from the mind of Chef Ben Puchowitz, who previously helmed the kitchen of reknowned BYO Matyson. His global approach helped propel him forward in 2013, with Cheu Noodle Bar. This isn't Philly's version of Chef Andy Ricker of Pok Pok fame. In other words, this isn't just a non-Asian chef who's simply doing great Asian food. It's a true melange of cuisines. And why not? There are common and, more importantly, complementary elements from both ends of the culinary spectrum. And with the newly opened Bing Bing Dim Sum from the partnership of Chef Puchowitz and Shawn Darragh, I thought it was high time I finished up this review of the original Puchowitz-Darragh production! White Peach Mint Iced Tea [$3] While the mint could have been more pronounced, I appreciated the unsweetened and subtly saccharine approach of the white peach iced tea. Cheu Fries [$8] Miso truffle aioli, fish flake The Cheu fries featured smoky bonito fish flakes on top. Asian poutine? Count me in! While the oft-decried combo of cheese and fish wasn't in this dish, an umami-laden blend of miso truffle aioli replaced the curds. Perhaps a nod to the way the Japanese love mayo with pretty much everything? The fries could have been a bit more crisp, but each bite offered the epitome of umami. Black Garlic Wings [$10] Shisito peppers, lime, cilantro If there's one dish to try besides the ramen, it's the black garlic wings. There's a bright punch of flavor from the juicy wings - spicy, sweet, salty, and savory - it's all there. The black garlic definitely emphasizes the sweet and savory elements, but it's the combination of cilantro and lime that really makes the dish. There's some additional texture coming from the sesame seeds and the accompanying shishito peppers are nicely smoky. Pork Belly Bun [$3] We decided to try one of each of their buns as well. Obviously the pork belly is always a must order for me. Realistically though, this was not the best iteration I've had. The pork was definitely gluttonous, but there was a lack of seasoning that rendered the flavor and texture of the pork rather one note. I definitely prefer the traditional bun as well. Cheeseburger Bun [$3] To their credit, this was a decently moist slider. However, for $3, it seemed rather lackluster. Mushroom Bun [$3] The shiitake mushroom bun was nice and offered prototypical flavors founded in most Asian mushroom-based dishes. Yakisoba 2.0 [$13] Shrimp, shiso verde, charred corn, radish On a brighter note, the GF really enjoyed the yakisoba, especially with the addition of the charred corn and thinly sliced radish. The shiso verde and scallions helped to cut through the richness of the well-coated and al dente noodles, with juicy bits of shrimp studded throughout. Brisket Ramen [$13] with Pork Belly [$3] Matzo ball, kimchi, sesame chili broth If there's something to get at Cheu Noodle Bar, I would recommend the brisket ramen, with the added addition of pork belly. Might be going overboard on my end, but come on now, does it get better than this marriage of Jew-Asian cuisine. You've got pungent kimchi providing some balance to the weight of the matzo ball. The richness of the porkbelly and the broth is punched up by the textural beefiness of the brisket. The noodles have good bite and seem to soak up the umami of the broth. The vibe of Cheu Noodle Bar is a bit hipster-Brooklyn-too-cool-for-school, with creative takes on comfort cuisine. Do try the black garlic wings and definitely check out that ramen!
(4)
Sari A.
Yesterday, the temperature hovered just above zero, and the snow was accumulating up to 3 inches, I bravely decided to take a walk, fight the nasty storm and avoid the fear of falling! Now I'm freezing cold and starving, and it hit me, nothing would be better than a comforting bowl of hot noodles in a frigid, wintry day like this. A light bulb moment. Cheu Noodle Bar! Luckily I live less than two blocks away from Cheu, I got there covered in snow and I saw no single empty seat!!! OMG. All of those people- just like me- decided to take walks to Cheu instead of curling up and Netflixing!! The sweet and friendly hostess said the wait would be up to 30 minutes, so I opt for take out. I was on-call and I didn't have the luxury of wasting time waiting and dining in, in addition, sitting on my lovely couch, eating my hot noodles while binge-watching suddenly appeared to be a brilliant idea! At this point, I'm not even sure why I'm out! Yeah I needed something delicious and warm lunch, because nutrition and stuff. I ordered the brisket noodles, dumplings in chili oil and a fresh juice. Noodles: brisket - matzo ball, kimchi, sesame chili broth. Tender beef brisket,firm and elastic noodles. Not being Jewish, I never even heard of matzo ball before, but it is totally delicious! Dumplings: Ginger Beef Dumplings. All I can say is hands down to the best dumplings i've ever had. Fresh Juice: Apple and Ginger Fresh Juice Actually i didnt had the juice, they forget to add it in my take-out bag. It happens! So I called them, and as I expected they were really nice and offered a refund to my card. I cant wait for this frigid winter to end, I may just hibernate until the sun shines again. Oh Noooo, Cheu doesn't offer delivery yet. So I'll have to suck it up this few cold weeks- thanks Groundhog- and just go back and try another intriguing dish, you know that noodles aren't the ONLY reason to go to Cheu! Four and half Yelps!
(4)
Taos D.
Definitely try out the beef brisket w the kimchi and the matzo ball- a spicy taste explosion!
(4)
Casey B.
Finally got around to trying Cheu! Love the small, cozy, Christmaslight-y vibe here, although it's usually pretty packed I guess since it's so small. The waitstaff were super chill, willing to answer any questions, and were very proactive about things like bringing extra bowls for sharing, refilling water, etc. Came with two ladyfriends and shared the: Pork & pickle dumplings Crispy corn rangoon Yakisoba (no broth) Coconut curry noodles (brothy) Everything was fantastic, although my personal faves were the crispy corn rangoons and the coconut curry noodles. Left feeling perfectly full but not over-the-top i'm gonna vomit type full. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Ashley T.
since my last review i have gone to Cheu 3 more times. Their noodle dishes are delicious. The right amount of noodle/meat ratio and friendly service as always. thank you!
(4)
Joshua V.
The apparent ramen boom in this city was just in its fledgling stages during my twilight years in Philadelphia. Alas, if the timing for the boom was more timely, perhaps it would have been enough to ensnare me in the City of Brotherly love for just a bit longer, instead of being tempted by the bright lights and more-tolerant/accepting-of-azn-dudes attitude as seen in NYC. But nah... Be that as it may, the book of a space serving as the place of business for Cheu Noodle House is a small cozy stretch of bar with hues of red and dim atmospheric lighting. Luckily my dining party was able to make reservations for our squad of 3 (reservations apply for dinner time only, and parties of 5 or smaller... place is tiny) While some may cry foul at the fact that this joint is smaller than a Malaysian in a cold pool (think about it...) I actually dig the extremely efficient use of space; a very Asian touch, reminiscent of ramen-yas in the land of the rising sun... whether or not this was by accident or design is irrelevant, so kudos Cheu. And they really do need all the touches of the Orient as they can get... as the inverse principle laid out by the dad of -Fresh Off the Boat-... "white people like walking into steakhouses and seeing a familiar white face"... Asians (more than me I'm sure) get a feeling of comfort seeing Asian people running joints serving up Asian cuisine; not because we're racist sons of b*tches, but rather because we can at least rationalize that the food is authentic (prob even more so than the "whites" and "steakhouses" connection). So I was a bit taken by surprise when I was greeted by a non-Asian hostess and served by some Williamsburg rejects... but save for a mistaken order (Viet sausage and broccoli instead of the dumplings we ordered) the service was pretty much on their game, and it was a packed house. Most importantly, the food was pretty spot on. It was cold as eff the day I paid this place a visit, and some hot soup was desperately needed. But first, my dining companions and myself needed a few appetizers to stave off our collective hunger. The black garlic wings had a nice sweetness to that garlicky bite that's pretty terrific, the dumplings were standard fare (not bad but kinda small), and then oyster and pork belly buns were tasty as hell (wish didn't need to share, but I like company... so rock and a hard place). The star of the show though was my noodle bowl. I opted for the brisket noodle bowl. Not exactly a traditional bowl of ramen... beef brisket instead of pork belly, and a matzo ball instead of a soft boiled egg... but I'm all for a bit of fusion of done right (just like your staff here). The broth was spicy enough (don't let the red scare you off) to give me a bit of heat while still being edible, the matzo actually proved to be an effective vehicle for mopping up the soupy soup (prob burned off the roof of my mouth and my throat trying to down this thing), and the brisket was tender as hell. For the value (ranges in pricing from $12-$14), the bowls of noodles here are relatively cheaper than the stuff I'm used to ordering here in NYC, and I'm all for cheaper. Good job Neu Noodle House, I wouldn't mind coming back to see you.
(4)
Debbie L.
Loved the brisket kimchi ramen but I would recommend substituting the matzo ball with an egg! The matzo ball is made of matzah meal (unleavened bread customary to Jewish culture), and made the ramen meal heavier than it needed to be (more carbs). Cheu Noodle Bar has a great collection of cheap, unique beers - great for the wait at this tiny restaurant!
(4)
Rohenne L.
This place is amazing!!! Everyone must try the matzo ball with brisket noodle soup. The brisket is super tender, the meat just falls apart after you put it in your mouth. The slightly spicy soup seeps into the matzo ball giving it the most flavorful taste. Lastly, the noodles were perfectly cooked. It was al dente and not too soft like most Asian noodle soups. (It was so good I forgot to take a photo!) We also had the dumplings in chili oil - reminded me more of a ravioli than a Chinese dumpling, but I loved it! Wasn't too spicy and the dumpling skin was nice and chewy. Another dish we had and of course, loved, was the pork belly rice bowl. It's a katsu so the pork belly is slightly breaded and fried. Oh my, the pork was sooooo tender. The sushi rice they used paired perfectly with the pork and the katsu sauce they used. I'm drooling just thinking about it. If you get this dish, I'd recommend adding some of the hot chili oil they give you on the table. Gives the dish a little bit of a kick. I'm definitely going back to this place!
(5)
Jon O.
Best ramen in Philly. I got the kimchi, matzo ball, brisket ramen (+egg) and it was really good... but I'll get the miso ramen next time. I tried my wife's and it was knockout. Probably the best ramen I've ever had.
(5)
Rachel K.
My boyfriend and I were in the mood for some ramen yesterday, so we decided to try Cheu and I'm glad we did! I had the beef brisket ramen with matzo ball and kimchi... whoa baby! I'm half Asian and my dad's side of the family is Jewish.. felt like my culture in a bowl, haha! But really, it was absolutely divine. Our waitress was friendly and had the right amount of attentiveness. I appreciate the balance of keeping an eye out but not hovering over the table. The interior of the restaurant was small but cute. We arrived when there was no one in the restaurant and upon walking in, were greeted with "welcome to your own personal dining experience!" which made us giggle. Glad we came when we did though, because the crowd came in after we paid. Will definitely be back when the mood for ramen strikes!
(5)
Caroline J.
Stopped in for lunch with three friends around 1:00 on a Tuesday. There was a 10-20 min wait, but eventually got seated right by the window. Service was pretty quick and friendly, and food was delish. A tad pricey for ramen, but in the gayborhood that's to be expected. Beer was reasonably priced and they had some cool specialty drinks. I also loved the decor! Fun place to stop in for some good soup on a cold day.
(4)
Sam W.
Very cool place. Decor and ambiance was 5/5. Food was 4/5. Interesting flavors.
(4)
Rey R.
It was a very snowy cold day and hot soup was the cure. Heard a lot of buzz about this place since they're opening a 2nd restaurant in my neighborhood on E. Passyunk. I got the Braised Beef Noodle Soup that contained a Matzo ball, different touch that I liked. The broth was spicy and delicious, drank every drop. Wifey had the curry soup and she enjoyed it. Chicken wings won a award and deserved it. Crispy and flavorful. I would definitely return again.
(4)
Katie K.
My boyfriend went for a walk to see what was around his new apartment. Not only did we wander way to far, but we got hungry in the process. Finding this place was a total accident, but it was crowded so it had to be good. We put our name down and 45 minutes later got the call that our table was ready. I really appreciate places that take your number. It's so much nicer to be able to walk around rather than stand in front of the place and wait. First off, we didn't get a table but rather got the counter. Usually I don't like to eat at counters but facing into the kitchen is pretty cool. I really like to see what being put into my food. It was also pretty fascinating to see how both chefs worked together but separately. One chef makes the soup bowls while another makes the noodle bowls. So if your party order both soups and noodles, they will come out at different times. I don't mind it at all, and actually prefer that I get my food as soon as it's done. I got the brisket ramen. Oh. My. God. It was so good. As someone who doesn't necessarily like fusion cuisine, I was so impressed and didn't feel confused eating it. The brisket was so tender and obviously smoked perfectly- with the beautiful pink ring on the outside. The matzo was typical, but served as a great textural element with the broth. The kimchi was as good as I've had at any Korean restaurant. But the menu indicated this was going to be spicy. While it had a bit of heat, it didn't make me sweat- which I guess is good for the summer. They have chili oil and sriracha on the counter. I thought about using it, but I didn't want to mess up the flavor profile or being stuck blowing my nose during the meal. The staff was really friendly. Every waitress came up and talked to us- both checking on how we were doing and telling me I looked like Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones. They also have a really good playlist, but it was a little loud. There was a lot of people talking in a very small space. But I come to restaurants for the food, not necessarily to have a salon. I could be heard without yelling and the food was phenomenal. That's all I look for.
(5)
Laura G.
Great costumer service always compels me to write a review! I've experienced this at both of these restaurants cheu and bing bing! There was mix up with my contact number so my wait to eat here was bit longer than it should have been. The hostess was apologetic and also buttered us up with free dumplings when we sat! The food is amazing here. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Great staff, clean and super cool vibes
(5)
Di P.
I like that this place was really upfront and said-- hey, we're a bunch of white guys who like ramen and other asian stuff, and we're gonna make it out own. I appreciate the asian fetish being spelled out. While this place is pretty small (and therefore often has a wait) it's a pretty cool place to have a low-key delicious dinner. Yays: fun place to get ramen not in Chinatown with a quick and efficient staff Nays: i miss the authenticity and didn't really like paying a higher price to sit in a not very comfy place (lots of stools and hard chairs) If I lived closed to this noodle bar, I'd pop in more regularly because the food wasn't at all bad-- but not really worth me waiting an hour for.
(3)
Mike M.
Fantastic, worth the hype in every way. Ambience is hip, small, and fun with most of the space taken up by the bar but there are a few tables for larger parties but would not advise coming here with more than a group of 4. Daily specials to your left when you walk-in, for beer, dumplings, etc. Hostess is right there, mine was very friendly and offered to take our number and call us when a table opened (15 minute wait on a Monday @ 7 p.m.). Ordered the wings, which our waitress informed us were voted best in Philly. If they were voted most unique, I would buy it. They have a very unique taste given the preparation (black garlic (?), seeds), but I thought the meat quantity lacked a bit and was just a tad too breaded. I would still recommend, and for $9 I think there is value there but best in Philly is a stretch. The ramen was insanely good. I allowed the waitress to pick, and she ordered me what I assume is the standard version on the menu - Miso ramen with pork shoulder and an egg. Wowzers....incredible flavor, portion size was great (for $13), pork shoulder was absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. I cannot say enough good things. My buddy got the same but added pickled jalapeno and pork belly, he shared my opinion....supremely good stuff. Got some drinks as well, I had the bourbon with mint which was really refreshing, light on the booze though.... Net, highly recommend, if it were healthy food would be here once a week for sure.
(5)
Ashley L.
After dining here close to a dozen times, I thought it would be a good time to write a review. Can I start by just saying wow?! The restaurant itself is very small, so I wouldn't recommend it for groups. But whether you snag a seat at bar overlooking the open kitchen, or at a table, you will be in good hands. I've been pretty lucky every time I come here not to wait for a table, but you may encounter a wait. The menu is pretty simple- which is good. Some appetizers, 3 soup options, and a few noodle dishes. They also have a nice selection of craft beer cans, wine, and unique cocktails. Our go-to items here are the dumplings (fillings change on a daily basis but you can't go wrong), miso ramen, and the matzo ball brisket ramen. I've had my fair share of dumplings, but these have to be my absolute favorite. So flavorful, and topped with a bit of crunch, adding an amazing texture. The miso ramen is my personal favorite. The broth is heavy, but I've never tasted a soup with more flavor. I thought they may have added cream to the broth, but found out it's really just from all the fat- but no complaints there! The matzoball brisket is also a crowd favorite. I mean, just the description is so unique you have to try it. The broth is a little spicy, so not my forte, but I've never seen an empty bowl. And the staff are great too. You can see all the chefs working hard, and no-matter the wait, always serve up the food in a timely fashion. The waiters are cool, very down to earth and speak to you more like a friend than a customer. All adding to one-of-a-kind experience that is Cheu. This is for sure one of my favorite restaurants in the city. A must try if you haven't been yet!
(5)
timaree s.
The coconut curry noodles......... *droooooool*. Seriously, everything I've ever eaten here is delightful. The waitstaff is fantastic, the drinks are quality and the ambiance is cool. If they had the ability to make the space twice as large to accommodate more people at a time, it would be flawless.
(4)
Sondra C.
I had the ramen with pork. Chewy ramen, succulent, fall off the bone pork, drizzled with a sweet brown sauce... a soup so rich in flavor you could bite it... and a jiggling soft boiled egg, that, when broken, adds that velvety texture and taste. I slurped down every drop. And so should you.
(5)
Chris C.
A different kind of soul food! This is what I want hands down if I'm hung over, if it's cold out or really anytime. It warms your soul. The cornmeal matzo ball is top of the line. Love the brisket bowl. Have yet to be disappointed
(4)
Kelsey G.
Hands down one of my favorite places in the city. The yakisoba noodles are my jam. The buns are also incredible. I recommend the mushroom, but I'm also a vegetarian; however they do have a variety of meat buns like pork belly and cheeseburger. The service is awesome and super friendly. Music is always on point. The drink selection never lets me down. If you haven't already, come to cheu. If not, that's cool. Less of a wait for me.
(5)
JB Y.
Perfect place. Casual and friendly staff, really chill atmosphere and food was fantastic. Cheeseburger bun and pork belly bun were amazingly tasty, brisket matza ball kimchi ramen was amazing. I definitely recommend it for casual very tasty dining.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Allison B.
I love this place. Top recs: the coconut curry and the wings. The wings are insane. Be aware of: how absurdly heavy the kimchi/matzo ball soup is. It's a LOT. Other good stuff: the service, dumplings, great beers on draft. It's not cheap. There's usually a wait. They'll give away your table if you don't get there quick enough. But the flavors and overall atmosphere of Cheu will make your belly sing! Note: the place is VERY small but will accommodate groups if you make a reservation and get there at 6pm or before. We had six for Zack's birthday and it was quite cozy.
(5)Melissa P.
Watcheu doing tonight? No plans? Maybe you should cheu-se Cheu's. I'd been dying to go to this place for a while, having followed all the buzz about the name change and seeing all you savvy mavericks checking in over the last few months. I was thrilled when my dining club decided to make it the site of our last dining club meal for a while (one of us is going away). I was very satisfied but not blown away: 3.5 star food, bumped up to 4 for service. Warning: this is a tiny spot with very little non-bar seating. We waited for our table of 4 for a while...But the waiter (Brian) was great about allowing us to go get a drink and calling us when the table was about to leave and actually ready. After that he continued to joke, make great recommendations, and generally just be awesome. The food came out quickly, courses perfectly spaced out. The carafe of water at our table was great (but could have been filled more often). All the flavors were very different and interesting, but it's still Asian fusion, not straight up Asian, which is minus 1 star in my book. FOOOOOOOOD: We got (roughly in order of preference, by course).. Small plates/Veggies -Charred Corn- really? I'm raving about corn? Yea. I am. It was awesome. and truffly, and saucy. and crunchy. and just delicious. Must-try. -Pork belly and cheeseburger buns- toasty delicious bun bread, seasoned cucumbers and sauce perfectly accompanied the juicy pork belly and cheeseburger ball. Highly recommend. -Broccoli with peanut and Vietnamese sausage- biggest complaint was having to use chopsticks to get every bit of what was left in that bowl. Torture! Perfectly seasoned and cooked crunchy. -Long Beans-These Szechwan peppercorns are no joke. similar flavor to some Handy Nasty dishes, and just as hot! Great, unique flavor though. NOODLES -Cold Jade Noodle- great flavor, crunch, chewy noodles, awesome combination of flavors and the crowd favorite. -Hand torn with lamb-huge fat noodles basically in a BBQish sauce. Super tender lamb. -Cold Sesame Noodles- so fresh and delicious, nothing like Handy nasty's though. -Ramen- we weren't impressed with this. It was good, but just not anything exciting or amazing. Dessert -Finished off with a sesame doughnut which I really enjoyed. Crispy outside, mushy inside, hint of banana? Overall, would recommend for a casual lunch/dinner with a friend, probably not a first date or with someone you're really trying to impress though. I'll probably come back again at some point, but I'm not rushing back. The bill wasn't too painful at all, and we were super stuffed.
(4)Andrew H.
Broth is watery. Their chicken was under cooked. The vegetables were raw and made the soup taste earthy. There was not much depth to the flavor. They crack a raw egg into the soup and the soup wasn't hot enough to cook the egg thoroughly. I get that they aren't trying to do Asian cuisine and That may be what disappointed me, however at the end of day the food lacked flavor and the cooking techniques were lazy. When your doing a soup of any kind you can tell when people take short cuts.
(1)Fatima M.
Me and my girlfriend are considering making this our regular spot. Pros. The ramen is great! The wings everyone is talking about are so delicious. I'm hoping to try everything on the menu. It's cute no seriously the only way I can describe this noodle bar is cute its like if a bunch of american teens got together and opened a noodle shop cute. I like that I can also watched the chefs make the food if I am at the bar it makes the experience a bit more interactive, I know I'm reaching but it's honestly like watching the cooking channel and them handing the food to you when its done. The drinks are daring and cool looking, okay im not much of a drinker in fact I prefer for my drinks to taste like anything but alcohol but still they are great to look at. Cons. It's a little tight. But in today's economy most new restaurants are and I'm here for that. So leave more good reviews and hopefully in enough time they get a bigger spot. This is more of an unpopular request but maybe a sake lemonade or sangria for us sweet cocktail lovers or a sweet cider on the beer menu. It's a little pricey for ramen I say that only because I realize that I pay so much because I need an appetizer with it or I won't be full. I always leave wanting more food.
(4)Phil A.
Very good food. I had BBQ pig tails, the yakisoba and a cocktail. Everything was delicious! Obvious care in their work and attention to detail. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Vinny P.
After watching the popups, the name change and finally settling on a location, I made my way to Cheu Noodle Bar on a Friday evening with a buddy to see what it was all about. What I found was a very cool, fun, fresh take on a noodle bar and I'll be returning. The space here is a bit tight and most likely you'll have a wait on a Friday or Saturday evening. We chose to wait it out at Varga (conveniently located down the street) while our table cleared out. It didn't take terribly long before we were at our seats and ordering. I was very impressed with the black garlic wings. Heat and sweet were the tastes that hit my mouth but I did feel the dish was put together nicely. The wings were cooked perfectly and it wasn't too sauced. It had just enough to leave a nice impression. The dumplings (potato, egg, cheese, chili oil) were not my favorite due to the filling combo, but I would not be opposed to trying more of their dumplings (if they change). The star for me was the lamb neck hand torn noodle dish. The spice on the lamb was killer, and it was falling apart while I tried to eat it. The mustard greens and dates brought those other flavor punches that made this dish truly excellent. I would come back and eat here just for this. The spot is fun, the music is great (I heard mostly A Tribe Called Quest) and the kitchen worked really well together in the space they have. I think these guys are doing a great job and I hope they will be in Philly for a while.
(4)Miwako S.
They did a fine job creating a ramen. The noodle was a little uncooked and I wished the chef didn't take time putting stuff on top after the noodles and soup put in the bowl. The speed is life when it comes to putting everything in a ramen bowl so it is served sizzling hot. But the pork was tender and the soup was good.
(3)Zoe P.
If there's one thing that my husband loves, it's ramen. It's a guaranteed excuse for us to eat out if I can find someplace we haven't tried that has ramen on the menu. So when his stomach started rumbling Sunday late afternoon I suggested we check out Cheu's menu so that I didn't have to rush to cook dinner. The place was packed and it was only 5pm, which clearly spoke to the quality of the food. A quick peek at the menu and we were ordering their Miso Ramen (pork shoulder, egg, sea beans, black garlic) and Hand Torn Noodles (lamb neck, pickled mustard greens, dates) to share together. The two large bowls came out pretty quickly, and we dove right in, chopsticks eagerly grasping at noodles thick and thin. One bite in my husband declared that these were the best noodles he's had from a ramen place in Philly (or any other noodle dish, for that matter). The flavors in both dishes were superb - the roasted meats were tender and juicy, the noodles had just the right amount of bite. In the lamb dish, the pickled greens gave a great bright flavor contrast to the smokier flavors. Both were hearty and enough for the two of us, although the other dishes were very tempting. We'll be back another time for sure - he's hooked on those noodles now!
(4)Joe K.
Go here. Food was perfect. Not salty like some people have said (Don't believe those reviews now). Adequate alcohol options. Parents liked it a lot and they're pickier than me. Got the wings, dumplings, miso ramen, crab broth and yakisoba. All good. Definitely going back to try the other items on the menu.
(5)timaree s.
The coconut curry noodles......... *droooooool*. Seriously, everything I've ever eaten here is delightful. The waitstaff is fantastic, the drinks are quality and the ambiance is cool. If they had the ability to make the space twice as large to accommodate more people at a time, it would be flawless.
(4)Sondra C.
I had the ramen with pork. Chewy ramen, succulent, fall off the bone pork, drizzled with a sweet brown sauce... a soup so rich in flavor you could bite it... and a jiggling soft boiled egg, that, when broken, adds that velvety texture and taste. I slurped down every drop. And so should you.
(5)Aleks K.
I tried the miso ramen and the won tons in chili oil. The ramen broth was thick and unctuous, filled with noodles, greens, soft egg that melted in once I poked it open, sprouts and a huge piece of pork. Delicious. Something like I've never had before and I'm glad I gave it a go. Came here based on bookmarking it at some point without even checking the menu. The won tons were soft and very filled, topped with deep fried quinoa for crunchiness which was awesome. I was surprised by the crunch and it was so welcome. Not spicy at all. $19 for both.
(4)Chris C.
A different kind of soul food! This is what I want hands down if I'm hung over, if it's cold out or really anytime. It warms your soul. The cornmeal matzo ball is top of the line. Love the brisket bowl. Have yet to be disappointed
(4)J S.
Had a few pre Kodaline show options n chose this spot since the reviews seemed good n my friend also told me it was good the one time she went. Haven't been to a noodle bar in months since I was at naruto in ny which was awesome. This place is small but the table turnover is quick so the wait isn't that long. We got a Rivertown Greatful white beer while waiting which was good then got seated not long after. The table we got was the closest to the door n we were greeted by server who gave us the special item of the day - Szechuan type green beans. Then after she walked away another server came up to give us the specials but he stopped once we told him we already were informed lol. We ordered the black garlic wings to start which were ok..I expected fried wings for sum reason but they were ok...the pork bun n cheeseburger buns were next which good but nothing compared to the ones at Momofuku...they are sliders n the bun is a biscuit tasting bun which is good but was disappointing going from the cheeseburger bun which was ok slider size to the pork bun which was like a subway sandwich which in my mind blows cos it's all bread n no filling...the pork is good but they need to triple the portion size...the brisket matzo ball ramen was good but not excellent. With kimchi being in there I expected n wanted it to be spicy but it wasn't. My friends beans were good but she would of preferred a ramen bowl instead. The other thing would be that it took a bit for a server to come back when we were ready to leave n this made us late for the show. I do wish I tried the dumplings and maybe I will if I go back but first impression doesn't live up to the good reviews I've glanced at
(3)Marie W.
I love noodles, but I'm not sure what all the hype is about here. 1 1/2 hour wait to get in. No exaggeration. Then when we got the call that our table was ready we had to settle our bill at the bar we were camped out at. Apparently we weren't fast enough. We got another call in a couple minutes to see if we were on our way. Inside everyone was nice. I liked the mix of classic rock & classic hip-hop. The menu was straight forward. I enjoyed the pork & mushroom "buns" best. FYI: they're actually tiny sandwiches & if it was less crowded & easier to get a seat I'd come back just for beers & buns. I thought the dumplings were fine, but a bit too greasy. The brussel sprouts were nice in a 2014 kind of way. The miso ramen was also fine, but it wasn't breath-taking. Towards the end of meal I felt pretty rushed to get the rest of our food to go. I guess they have no choice w/ the huge wait. Oh, wait, they could take reservations.
(3)Sylvia O.
This place is really good but it is a tight squeeze in there. It is almost always packed. Their menu is simple, yet delicious. I really enjoy their french fries!
(4)Llana C.
Went here last Saturday and I haven't stopped thinking about the noodles since. I am equal parts happy and sad that this place is right near my gym. I had the coconut curry (it was phenomenal) and sat at the bar. It was so amazing watching them prepare everything! -1 star for the service. It wasn't bad, but the environment was stressful and I could tell our server was overwhelmed. I would be too if I was the only waitress in a full restaurant! The Brussel sprouts were yummy, and I'm not even a Brussel sprout lover! The decor is modern and eclectic. Will definitely be back, I just hope it isn't as crowded and/or better staffed.
(4)Krystal H.
I've been here a handful of times now. The only complaint I have is that it's tough to get in. And it's tough to get in because it's SO SO GOOD. If you do find yourself on the wait list they take your phone number down and call you when your table is ready, which allows you to head to a nearby bar for a pint. I had been trying to get my boyfriend to go for awhile now but he kept being all Ben Stein about it until I guess he was sick of me suggesting it. We went ~7p on a Sunday and there were 4 tables ahead of us. 15-20min later we were seated at the bar. The staff is helpful, pleasant, warm, comfortable and just a joy to speak with. Someone came over quickly to say hello, get our drink order and tell us about the specials. We ordered and then watched the chefs RUN that place. They're prompt, precise and hard working. They waste no time and the place runs like a dream. Generally when you eat somewhere you don't get a feel for what's happening in the kitchen. I really appreciate being able to watch the magic happen and I have so much respect for the two women I watched pump out so many meals tonight, each more delicious than the last. One chef in particular was paying attention to our pace for eating and sent our small plates out one at a time so nothing was ever sitting there getting cold. This allowed us to fully enjoy each plate without feeling rushed. We ordered the following: Wings, 1 mushroom & 1 pork Belly Bun, Broccoli with Vietnamese sausage, Tuna Poke with watermelon, Hot oil dumplings and Spicy crab broth noodles. Would get all of these time and time again with one exception. Wasn't crazy about the hot oil dumplings (they reminded me of cheeseburgers) and I didn't taste any crab in the Spicy Crab broth noodles (was still delicious). That said, this place isn't meant to be "authentic" anything; it's Asian fusion. They do what they want and they do it well. Good music, good people, good ambiance. You just get a good vibe being here. This place is one of my favorite spots to grab a bite in Philly and I'd recommend it to anyone! Even my Ben Stein boyfriend loved the place. That's saying something.
(5)Lauren P.
My roommate and I went last night after reading about it on Thrillist- we usually go to Nom Nom Ramen. We arrived around 8 and were surprised we had to wait 30 mins to be seated. We sat sat the bar which was awesome! We first ordered the dumplings (beef that night) and they were excellent. We added in more oil that was on the bar- game changer, it was so good! We then both got the brisket ramen, because it's what Thrillist told us to. It was a 7/10. The brisket had a huge layer of fat on top, which turned me off. There was also some sort of pickled cabbage or something that I could do without. The broth was awesome and the noodles were great. Overall, I would go back if I was around that neighborhood.
(4)Jacqui S.
Small place, small menu but definitely not small in flavor. They def know how to do it right here.
(5)L R.
I loved this place. Went there on an impromptu date-night Monday and thought it was great. I liked that you could see the guys cooking right from the bar. Was fun to watch. Cheu's ambiance is cool. It's got a sense of humor, dimly lit, and even has treated ramen noodle packs as tiles on the wall. Subtle, but cheeky. I like it. The food was great. It was a mashup of different cultures but well executed. I had the beef dumplings with chili oil, which were great. Then I ordered the brisket ramen, of course with a matzoh ball. It was great. Nice robust broth, good greens, kimchi (always kimchi, always.) and good brisket. Plus the noodles were good. I want to go back and it's only been two days. Really cool. Big fan.
(4)JC J.
Highly recommend this spot for a quick meal with one or two friends (maximum 2 - the restaurant is very small and does not take reservations). The service is just okay, but the restaurant's cool atmosphere makes up for it. The best thing to order here in my opinion is the bun (esp the mushroom bun). The noodle dishes are good, but not outstanding. The iced tea is great and I really like how the flavor changes on a daily basis.
(3)Abby W.
The brisket bowl with the matzoh ball was very interesting, but a little heavy. The pork bun was awesome. Overall the food was excellent and I would definitely go back.
(4)Kelly L.
I believe that this place possibly serves the best ramen in Philadelphia centre city. I had the miso ramen and garlic chicken wings. Both dishes were really good! This place is a little smaller so their capacity for seating are slightly more limited. It was very interesting to watch the chef prepare our food (it was a great free appetiser to make you hungrier if you ask me). I guess the only bad experience I had there was my male server with semi red-Mohawk hairstyle was a little unfriendly in my (and my friend's) opinion.
(4)Daniel T.
Had a quick lunch here on Saturday. Had to check it out after it was on a list of the 21 best ramen places in the country, and I love ramen. It's a cool little shop, funny thing - there are no Asian employees lol. Not that it matters, just saying! I had the pork belly buns and miso ramen. The buns were pretty good - B+. The miso ramen was very good - A, although it was expensive at $13/bowl. Wouldn't mind stopping by again if I am in Philly.
(4)Alick W.
Cheu is a great noodle bar. It is not a traditional ramen place but they put their own special twist on their dishes that make Cheu unique and sets them apart. There are a few tables and then a bar area to sit at. The waitress was really nice and food came out pretty quickly. I got the miso ramen which was very good, a little pricier and on the smaller side than other ramen places, but the variety of add ons and taste make it worth it. I also had their specials which were a mango green iced tea that was very refreshing and their pork, beef mushroom dumplings that had great flavor and taste. I would definitely come back here to try some of their other noodle dishes.
(5)Yiwen S.
if you're going to cheu noodle bar for ramen, you might be disappointed. the owners, ben and shawn, have their philosophy written flat out as you enter the small restaurant. they state that they are two white guys trying to run an asian fusion restaurant, and that although their cuisine is informed by asian tradition, it is not defined by it. basically, have an open mind and don't think about whether this is "authentic" asian food or not. if you take the food at face value instead of trying to define or categorize it, you can judge the food simply for how it tastes, not how it is SUPPOSED to taste. now, with that in mind, i ordered the brisket noodles to try something different. the brisket was a bit dry, but the matzo ball and kimchi were good on their own. but i felt like together, the flavors didn't mesh well and the dish never came together as a whole. the miso ramen was actually decent (if non-traditional), but i've had so many bowls of miso ramen in my life that it truly has to be spectacular to blow me away. my vegetarian friend had the cold sesame 3.0 and said she really enjoyed it. i love soy as much as the next vegetarian, but i'm never one to opt out of a meat dish when it's available. if you don't want to wait, grab a few of your friends (3 or more to be exact) and make an early dinner reservation (between 5-6:30pm). we made a 5:30pm reservation and didn't have to wait at all. overall, my impression is that the food is decent and the service is excellent. but i probably won't be back, because it is a little too "fusion" aka experimental. and my palate prefers something more traditional asian in taste.
(3)Kim L.
Lives up to the hype. My boyfriend and I walked in on a Friday night and only had to wait a few minutes for a seat. We ordered drinks (I highly recommend the Spicy Bulleit if you're a bourbon fan!) and one of each of the buns - pork belly, mushroom, and beef - while we waited for our noodles. I ordered the miso ramen with high expectations in tow, and I didn't put my spoon down until I thought my stomach might explode. The pork shoulder was so tender and the broth was flavorful and delicious. My boyfriend got the yakisoba noodles and since we're carnivores, he added pork belly. I stole quite a few bites and I loved the texture of the soupless noodles. High quality ingredients and well thought out dishes! The staff is also great - very laid back and eager to help with suggestions. They switch up their menu frequently so I'm excited to come back and try some more of their creations!
(4)Jordan H.
The teamwork style of service is always just what you need, the beer specials are always interesting and affordable, and there are reasons they have won awards for their food. We always enjoy our meals here! Great spot for a date with delicious food and an exciting atmosphere with such an eclectic selection of music!
(5)Vy D.
I absolutely love noodles. So I just had to come here once I heard about Cheu's existence. Reading the reviews and descriptions beforehand, I knew the noodles and food aren't authentic in origin but rather the creations of an excellent chef's culinary imagination. That chef happens to have cooked at one of the best restaurants (Matyson) in the city. Despite my general apprehension of Asian fusion cuisine, I ventured into Cheu's Noodle Bar fearlessly..fueled by my obsession of noodles. The inside is really small. Exactly how a noodle bar should be like. There's about 3-4 tables besides the stools. Overall, clean and modern look and yet had a very nice cultural and down to earth feel about it. Great first impression as you walk into the place. We ordered the following appetizers: *Black Garlic Wings w/ shishito peppers (4) $ 8: Great tasting garlic flavors on the outside. Had a nice crunch. Although lacked flavors inside. *Burger & Pork Belly Buns $7: The buns are fried briefly on the outside. The pork belly was absolutely delicious. It was tender and flavorful. Really melted in your mouth. Exactly how it should be. The bun itself wasn't anything special. *Eggplant w/ crispy garlic, herbs, tamarind $7: I'm not a huge eggplant fan so I can't really comment. Maybe you are and will love this dish! We ordered the following noodles: PORK BELLY RAMEN W/ POUCHED EGG, SEA BEANS, GREENS $12: THE GOOD: Once again, the pork belly was really good. Definitely the standout of the entire experience. THE BAD: The broth wasn't horrible. If you never have authentic ramen before, you might actually think it's delicious. My taste buds are spoiled from the likes of Ippudo and Totto. The broth lacked a certain richness and depth. THE UGLY: The ramen was chewier and harder than I liked. Not used to eating ramen with this type of noodles. DUCK PHO w/ FOIE GRAS MEATBALLS $13: I don't really understand why this is called Pho because nothing about it taste like Pho. Instead of the traditional rice noodles, Cheu decided to use the exact ramen noodles for the duck "pho" as well...speechless. Aficionados of Pho will be offended. The meatballs were tasty. If you are a fan of pho...be warned! Prices are on the heavier side. Service was friendly and accommodating. Ultimately- Come here with an open heart about how the food here is conceptionized and prepared and you'll love it more. Read this: Nothing about Cheu is traditional. I genuinely attempted my best to like the noodle bar but years of eating authentic ramen and pho ruined this experience for me. I wholeheartedly laud owners Ben and Shawn for coming up with this uber cool idea and having the courage to make it a reality. Wish them nothing but success! Will definitely come back one day to see how the food has evolved!
(3)Brian D.
This place is better than the majority of ramen shops in NYC. Their miso ramen with pork shoulder, sea beans, black garlic and soft poached egg was one of the tastiest ramen bowls I've had. The ramen was light and clean, unlike the fatty, oily ramen found at so many places in NY. And the pork belly bun...the pork belly melts in your mouth and the buns were so light and airy. The beef dumplings in chili oil were also delicious. It doesn't hurt that Cheu has serious hipster cred! I can't wait to try their other restaurant- Bing Bing Dim Sum.
(4)Ashley S.
I'm gonna have to disagree with most people including my Yelp friends (yikes!) and say that I really didn't care for this place. I came here with my boyfriend and a couple friends for dinner one night recently, and sadly we weren't impressed. I'm a big fan of Asian noodle soups, so I was really excited to try this place, too! I got the coconut curry noodle soup which sounded promising. The curry broth flavor was initially pretty good, but it was soon overpowered by the huge glob of peanut sauce they put in the bowl. In general, I like peanut sauce but I found the flavor combo really weird, and the peanut sauce was thick and jelly-like in texture, which I found gross. I ate about half of the soup and then gave up. My boyfriend and another friend ordered the brisket soup. Neither of them liked the dish again due to the "off" flavor. My other friend who ordered the hand torn soup did enjoy her meal, though. On to the drinks...I'm not a big fan of canned beer to begin with, but I figured I'd give a new one a try. They have several options, but I didn't find any standouts on the list. I decided to go with the Brewers Art brown ale which I found to be super bitter. I wasn't excited about any of the other beer options, so I decided to stop there. One of my friends didn't like the beer she chose either. Also, the place is quite small and only has a couple tables up front, so the four of us had to sit side by side at the bar. It was hard to have a conversation with the whole group because it was pretty loud in there. Overall, I was just disappointed because I've heard so many good things about Cheu. Given my experience, I probably won't be back. I will just have to stick to the more traditional Asian noodle soup places that I love!
(2)Tamiz M.
Been here more than once and it was decent for the most part. I got food poisoning once from bad lamb here and it was a nightmare but tried to view it as a mistake. However I just had a poor take-out experience. Ordered the brisket and paid full price (13$) which isn't cheap and only got a small slice of brisket and no matzo ball which is honestly the whole reason I ordered it. Kind of a huge bummer when you walk 8 blocks to get some dinner and drop a bunch of money only to be disappointed and hungry. I don't understand how half the meal is forgotten, I'd like to think they check stuff like that. The times they got things right it was very good, though mistakes are getting more and more frequent and causing illness hunger, so I feel like I need to stop going as they also don't respond well to complaints I understand.
(2)Steve E.
This is hands down my favorite restaurant in Philly. We come here at least once a month and always get the same thing (spicy crab / shrimp broth ramen and the matzah ball / brisket ramen). Best place to have great service and get a good meal
(5)Nicole M.
Wow! Less than an hour after arriving in Philly for my first time, I was told about this place and just had to check it out. We were able to snag 4 seats at the bar in less than 10 minutes on a Sunday evening. This service was spectacular and the beer options were just right. I ordered the coconut curry and LOVED it. I was worried about it being too spicy, but I made a simple request to the kitchen to go light on the heat, and it came out perfect. My boyfriend ordered the Shoyu ramen on special and it was fantastic as well. We definitely plan to hit this place up again before we head back to home to Las Vegas.
(5)Brian D.
What you have here is the lovechild of two obvious nerds. Equal parts dedication, curiosity, humor, food science and a downright disregard to convention, this place is to Asian food what Tired Hands Brewing Co. is to beer. Meaning, it's fairly apparent after spending just a few minutes inside that it's their weird world - you're just living in it. The staff is fast-paced, fun and very open to being actual humans if you care to engage them (that is, of course, if you're into that sort of thing). The music is always good, loud and fitting (how often do you get to enjoy 'Po' Folks' by the Nappy Roots while crushing a bowl of pork shoulder and ramen noodles?). The drinks are nuanced. And after having sampled nearly everything on their menu at least once, it wouldn't be hard to share specifics as to why this place deserves such unabashed praise for existing. But then again, why take the fun out of it? Every inch of this tiny, bustling, cramped-as-hell space screams "Hey! We give a shit about what we do!", so go experience it already. Leave your expectations on the curb. Forget everything you just read. Try and find a seat. Order a dish or three. Drink a beer. Shut your f*cking mouth and eat the f*cking magic. Oh yeah, and don't fall asleep on their rotating list of housemade juice. It doesn't get a lot of attention living under the shadow of their foodstuffs, but it damn well deserves some. Real life is happening here. It's palpable. And it's awesome to see so many people clambering just to bare witness.
(5)Charmaine W.
Ate here for lunch on a Friday afternoon alone. Very cute eclectic vibe. I had never had ramen or this style of food and the bartender was very helpful with helping me navigate the menu. I got the miso ramen and black garlic wings. Both were great pretty fast and attentive service.
(5)Cindy C.
After reading all the reviews on Yelp I came in with very high expectations. Though the service was exceptional, the food was a bit lacking. I tried their miso ramen, and it took forever to come out. Granted it was a busy night. There was barely any broth in our bowl and the noodle was not cooked entirely. The broth was rather salty, it felt like it was scooped from the bottom of the pot. I also had high hopes for the black garlic wings, but they were not very warm when they were served. The sauce was again too salty for my taste and the chicken didn't really have a crispy texture. Lastly, my friend pointed out that there is only one real ramen on the menu.
(2)Casey B.
Finally got around to trying Cheu! Love the small, cozy, Christmaslight-y vibe here, although it's usually pretty packed I guess since it's so small. The waitstaff were super chill, willing to answer any questions, and were very proactive about things like bringing extra bowls for sharing, refilling water, etc. Came with two ladyfriends and shared the: Pork & pickle dumplings Crispy corn rangoon Yakisoba (no broth) Coconut curry noodles (brothy) Everything was fantastic, although my personal faves were the crispy corn rangoons and the coconut curry noodles. Left feeling perfectly full but not over-the-top i'm gonna vomit type full. Will definitely be back!
(5)Mary M.
This place was just absolutely stellar on every level. My husband and I stopped in for lunch last Friday after hearing quite the buzz. The buzz is well deserved. Grafitti/collage combined with dry ramen noodles being used as a wall decoration was just too flippin' adorable. Pork was the dumpling special of the day and chicken was the Bahn Mi of the day. So we ordered both of those and the ramen. THESE ARE THE BEST DUMPLINGS I HAVE EVER HAD. And I have eaten a lot of incarnations of dumplings at a lot of different places. The texture was superb and it absolutely melted in my mouth. So flavorful. We asked for chili oil on the side (I was worried about Han Dynasty level heat) but it's relatively mild. The ramen was brilliant as well. It had such an interesting taste; it is a miso based broth but it had this flavor that was just so unique and worked so well. Cheu poaches the egg instead of soft boiling and that was also a great touch and lets the egg mix infuse with the broth. The Bahn Mi was also delicious and loved the spicy mayo as a condiment. Unfortunately I have an aversion to cilantro and that ended up overpowering the dish. If you love cilantro then you would probably love this. Service was nice and attentive, the noodle bar overlooks the kitchen so you can see them preparing your dishes. Seriously just a fab addition to Philly's noodle scene. A great, small casual dining spot. Cannot wait to go back!
(5)Mimi L.
Alittle disappointed with the food. Service was slow and alittle lacking. Lets talk about the food. I had the mini pork belly burger or bun. That was a rendition of a bun mi... Not so good. Bread was crispy but flavor combo was blend. The chicken wings were ok. Served with cilantro and sesame seeds were ok. I got the pomegranate mint tea. This tasted like the tazo tea packets. Guess, I drink alot of tazo stuff. Lol The miso ramen was alittle blend and cold. My soup was subpar and just ok. I have had ramen else where and it was delicious. I was really hoping this place would be just as good but was disappointed. I did take a sip of my friends curry chicken ramen and it was just ok. Wish my review for this place was higher in rating but the food was just ok. Nothing bad but nothing great.
(3)Angel K.
I still love Cheu. And even if it continues to offer delicious food I'm giving it one less star because it's been less consistent. There was one particular chef recently (no longer there, I believe) who was under-frying the chicken wings and not paying attention to the fine details that make food at Cheu great, like forgetting about the quinoa on the dumplings. Some things that have improved: staff and perfectly cooked noodles. Some things that I miss: dumplings (the new ones are good too but I find them less delicate, a bit too doughy, and I also miss the dumpling rotation), some toppings that have mysteriously disappeared from the noodle dishes, consistency on the broths, and real glasses. Because the broth has been so so, I recently had the cold sesame noodles and they were delicious. Much better than the last time I had tried them. The sauce was a perfect mix of spicy and sour, and the cucumbers were crunchy and refreshing. But there was too little topping for the noodles and by the time I made it through half the bowl, I only had noodles and sauce. Maybe adding some chopped kimchi or a protein (like a hard boiled egg) might make the full bowl more enjoyable.
(4)Ron H.
Smaller but funky interior. Classic rock to classic Tribe Called Quest playing at a nice level in the background. Limited seating with the majority at the bar which is literally "in the kitchen". It was 75 deg outside and what felt like 95 inside. In addition to my group complaining, we even heard the waitress commenting on how hot it was inside...this is not a place to go when it's hot out! Dumplings: 3 meatball sized pork dumpling in a mild chili sauce. Meat seamed on the mild side for flavor, but the wrapper was well cooked and they were stuffed full of meat. The sauce they sat in was a 1 on a scale of 1-10...if the menu didn't list it as a chili sauce, I wouldn't have known.. Black garlic Wings are average sized chicken wings drenched in a dark and sticky sauce. The wings were cooked well done without being dried out. The exterior wasn't crunchy, but not soggy...so I have to say they had good technique, but the sauce is a little flat, tasting like a generic canned Hoison sauce, and then covered in sesame seeds. I'm not sure where the black garlic came in as I tasted none. A good, just not spectacular or memorable. Crispy rice cakes: tatertot sized and tossed in a mild dark sauce with sesame seeds and sauteed myshrooms and cubes of pork...the dish fell flat for me lacking any complex flavors or heat. I'd bet this was the same sauce as the wings, only both sauces were so bland there was nothing distinct enough to help identify them. We each at two of them and left the bowl. This really isn't a dish even worth trying again Ramen with pork: Served in a miso broth with broccoli spears, a soft egg and noodles. The pork itself was cut slices off of a roast with the fat just before the rendered point. This may sound appetizing, but what you get is a ton of gelatenous fat and a little uncooked eggwhite floating around and the texture in your mouth is enough to make you want to gag. I picked out the actual meat pieces of the pork and it has a good flavor, I was not a fan of the miso broth, but if you're a fan of miso soup you'll like it. The veggies were cooked perfectly as were the noodles, I just wish there were more of them in the dish. If the pork had been seared a little in a pan before placing in the bowl, it might have been a totally different experience, but watching the chef and seeing how he handled each dish, I have no reason to believe this isn't exactly how he wanted the dish served. Ramen with briskit: same experience as the Ramen with pork, just with pieces of Brisket instead...at least the briskit was cooked and edible. The service was good, food came out fast and everyone was friendly. I have a hard time giving it 2 stars for the food, it was edible, but none of the dishes were anything I wanted to finish, and I grabbed food somewhere else after we left. So, why the 3 stars? Well, the overall experience is pleasant and fun and this is really a great place to take a new date. It's fun and hip with good music and the menu is very adventerous (I'm sure you date has never seen Pig Ears on the menu before!). You could ask that your bowl come with extra greens/noodles (minus the egg) and some leaner cuts of meat, but you shouldn't have to. If you're an easy going couple, come here and have fun and enjoy the whole experience, just plan on getting appetizers before at another place...oh, and bring your own watergun and mister if it's not a winter month!
(3)Professor Roger K.
A wise man once uttered the phrase "all that glitters is gold." As my lover and I strolled along 10th Street, sipping sazeracs and laughing voraciously, we came upon Cheu Noodle Bar. Suddenly, I thrust my lover against the wall, such was the level of my passions. My bodily humours flowed at a fever pitch as my lover screamed in tongues. The air around us seemed to almost glitter, and we knew, right then, that Cheu Noodle Bar was gold. Later we learned that our sazeracs quite mistakenly were made using Scrubbing Bubbles. We entered immediately, taking a seat at the counter, where we forlornly gazed upon the humble chefs preparing sumptuous helpings of ramens and other exotic fares. The black garlic wings were so divine I could hear several Walt Whitman poems being whispered in the ambiance. I quickly hid several in my lover's Norman Porter leather bag, as never a more perfect accouterment for a lover's lovemaking had been conceived in this world. Corn Rangoon that tasted as if prepared by Confucius himself. Crab Gazpacho Ramen flowed freely down my chest and legs as my lover fed me yakisoba, dangling noodles into my mouth as a screamed in passion. I was both a god and an animal, a mouse and a man. As the kind maitre 'd walked us to the door, noodles growing erect in my beard, my lover grabbed my hand, and my passions were ignited once again.
(5)Stevie V.
If you are looking for Japanese ramen and you know your stuff, this is probably not the right place for you... I got the miso ramen here and it probably was the one of the worst i had. Taste wise, it is not a bad dish if you dont know what japanese ramen is supposed to taste like. However, it tasted like someone roughly tried to copy the traditional japanese dish and it has a long way to go. Only reason i gave them 3 stars is because overall, their menu was interesting and their appetizers were decent. I think they have the right mind but all their ramen has to step up if they wanna compete with the other joints around them
(3)Wonsuk C.
Quirky place with really good ramen! It dispelled my thought that Caucasian run ramen places suck. My friend and I both got the miso ramen which was excellent. Every component of the dish blended well together but was also good when eaten individually. We went right before the dinner rush (~4pm). Perfect timing if you want to avoid the dinner crowds. Quirky decor. Good music.
(5)Angelique L.
First time here for early dinner. Sat at the actual bar part, was greeted immediately. Ordered a pineapple jalapeño vanilla juice- which was surprisingly sweeter than I expected. Ordered dumplings and the crispy pork belly rice. The food came crazy quick. The rice wasn't piping hot, but the pork belly was. It was pretty good, but the dumplings were my favorite. Piping hot and flavorful. It's a very small place so get here off peak times, if not, you will wait. I might come back to try actual noodles- having severe regret as the miso ramen looked great!
(4)Trang N.
We came here for the first time for a 40th birthday 'Noodling' party this weekend. I always wanted to go here but with the limited menu, I was afraid I wouldn't find something filling that I would like to eat, boy was I missing out. I was surprised that the space was so small, it's LITERALLY a bar with stools and a couple of two tops. (Duh hence the name I supposed) There is a paper machete wall of pictures of various food items and people- colored christmas lights add to the laid back ambiance. I was really happy with everything that I ate- the staff was really friendly and the bartenders made great drinks. I highly recommend the milky sake- yum! The wings, some sort of goat cheese wonton and miso ramen noodles were delicious! We will be back here again go try out the menu.
(5)Danan R.
Solid fusion ramen although it's not actually authetic ramen. My yakisoba with soft-cooked soy egg, kimchi, and lamb sausage was good, albeit greasy. There were only a few pieces of the lamb, and I wish that there had been more as it was very tender and flavorful. The noodles themselves were pretty standard and a bit on the greasy side. We also tried the katsu rice bowl which was just okay, although the actual katsu was solid. The fried coating could have been crispier but it was still tasty. The brisket ramen was nice fusion take on a classic with a flavorful broth and chewy noodles. It wasn't served steaming hot but was solid, regardless. The beef croquette special was okay but nothing special. I would stick to the ramen and noodle dishes here. The venue is TINY but the tables turnover very quickly, at least.
(3)Justine S.
I really really wanted ramen. And I really really wanted to love this place. Not to say it was bad, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. We ordered the brisket matzo ball kimchi ramen and the coconut curry ramen. The toppings and ingredients were all there and sounded fantastic, but the flavors just fell a bit short. The matzo ball itself was delicious, but my brisket, though cooked nicely, tasted a bit bland and the broth was somewhat lacking. As was the coconut curry ramen, I could taste some curry but it just wasn't all there. At least not for me. On the plus side, the noodles had a great texture and the portions were perfect. I also did love the ambiance-- very hipster and chill with friendly workers.
(3)Abby W.
Fabulous. I can't wait to go back! Met up with the incomparable Sari A for a delicious dinner after work. On a Thursday at 6pm the place was already nearly full but we managed to snag the last two bar seats in the house. This place is teeny tiny, it can't seat more than 25 people I'd guess, so plan accordingly to either wait or get there early. It does get pretty loud when it's full. To drink I went with the mo-CHEU-to, a house twist on a mojito with jalapeno, and she got a spiked juice. They have a daily rotating selection of a fresh house juice blend, as well as a house iced tea. I love it when bars also cater to people who don't drink alcohol! The juice of the day was a pineapple/chai/vanilla blend, which didn't sound super appealing to me but was actually delicious. My drink had a lot of kick- where so often a drink that features jalapeno is timid and disappointing, this was bold, assertive, and very refreshing. I loved it. We shared the popular black garlic chicken wings, which were very good - crispy, substantially meaty, and had a nice glaze. While I was tempted by the crab gazpacho ramen for my entree, I had eaten gazpacho at home every day that week so I went with the item that first caught my eye, the yakisoba. They had just changed up the ingredients so this one had lamb sausage, harissa, pickled mushrooms, and raita. It was like Turkish-Japanese fusion and I loved it. There were some nice crisp-tender pea shoots in there for texture and a pop of green and the flavour combination really worked well together. My partner in crime was also interested in straying from her usual brisket ramen and trying the yakisoba, but she's not crazy about lamb. They happily substituted the brisket for the lamb and she seemed to enjoy it very much. Service was very friendly and personable and we had a great time! I don't have a single complaint - will definitely be back soon with my main squeeze. Total before tip was a very reasonable $56 for both of us and it was plenty of food. The cocktails aren't cheap, around $9, so you can get away even cheaper if you don't drink (but if you like a good cocktail it is worth the splurge!).
(5)Jenn F.
I would never think brisket, matzo ball, Kimchi, egg and noodles would work but holy cow! Amazing favors, perfect amount of food. Stop by for lunch, no wait and plenty of options. Service was great.
(5)Jennifer E.
For an Asian, I have to say that it was an Americanized version of ramen and dumplings. It doesn't taste as great as the reviews have put it. Probably not the best noodle place to go to if you come from an Asian family! Recommend Chinatown instead for really good broth and ramen! Giving it a three star only because the brisket was good.
(3)Taos D.
Definitely try out the beef brisket w the kimchi and the matzo ball- a spicy taste explosion!
(4)Justin V.
Another disappointing ramen outing on the East Coast. Perhaps I have been spoiled by the plethora of awesome Japanese restaurants out in Los Angeles, but alas I continue. Came here on a beautiful Saturday evening, perhaps 7:30. Come inside and the restaurant as pretty filled and busy, generally a good sign. Interesting atmosphere; a little hipster-esque but the music was an nice mix of genres which was appreciated( example: Dr. Dre - The Next Episode, a West Coast classic). Service was nice and friendly all night. My waiter at the bar was extremely charismatic. Unfortunately the food fell sort of expectation. I am a firm believer that good fusion is extremely difficult to do. Thankfully, I had a dining companion, a recent transplant from China who has never experienced this type of food, with me to discuss thoughts on said food. Black Garlic Wings (2.5/5) - These wings were missing texture to them. The texture was equivalent to eating pre-cooked hot wings that were thrown into the oven for 45 minutes which was extremely off putting. Flavors were bold (and interesting to my friend) and the shishito pepper was a nice addition. Wish there could have been to crunch to these wings. Shrimp Toast (1/5) - Shrimp toast is typically slightly sweet but the shrimp here was lacked flavor. It wasn't seasoned properly to exhume that inherent sweetness from the crustacean.The toast was burnt which led to a bitter, bland tasting small plate. The avocado was lost in the toast and didn't add much. I found the addition of the seaweed to be slightly off-putting as well. Friend agreed that it was a weird tasting dish. Brisket Ramen (2/5) - Noodles came out molto al dente but got better as the noodles sat in the dish. The amount of brisket in this dish is truly sad.Two slices, when combined, about equal the size of your typical business card. I know this is CC Philadelphia but c'mon. $13 for a noodle soup dish, there should be more meat. It's not as if the accompanying side dishes (matzoball, kimchi) were particularly expensive.The kimchi was a welcomed addition but the matzoball just seemed out of place.The base was just a sad salty/spicy dump. There was no essence in the soup. This didn't taste like a soup that was cooked with bones overnight. It tasted like that powdered shit you ate when you were in college. Pork Belly Bowl (3.5/5) - The saving grace of the restaurant came last. It's really hard to go wrong with pork belly. Served here was the breaded and fried version; the first of this type that I've encountered. The piece we received was decent in size and had a fair amount of fat which gave it great flavor. The sauce, which tasted exactly like hoisin, was at times overwhelming with it's sweet flavor and viscosity, but it paired well with the included sliced cucumber (a classic combination). My dining companion thoroughly enjoyed this dish as well. We both agreed it was the strongest of the night. For me, fusion generally comes off as food that I would have made in college when I was high. Here at Cheu, it's unfortunately not too far off. I'll be back to give it another shot when the menu changes up.
(2)Sarah P.
I went back here for a date night recently and I've decided that I can't let my last review sit at 4 stars- the meal I had was perfection. My boyfriend's first impression of Cheu was warmth and friendliness. The staff chatted with him as he sipped on a beer by himself at the bar (he waited a while for me to bike there from UCity). It's possible they were just being nice because he looked like he got stood up on a date (lol), but he said the hostess and servers kept him entertained the whole time he waited. As for the food, he ordered the yakisoba (subbing tofu for chorizo) and I got the coconut curry with soft egg added in. As an afterthought, we threw in the crispy corn rangoon appetizer. Let me tell you, it was the best damn afterthought I've ever had. These fritters may honestly be up there with the best things I've ever eaten. The crispy coating is light and delicious, contrasted with smooth and creamy goat cheese and corn filling. Pair it with a tangy red miso, and you have perfection. Highly recommend. The yakisoba was similarly fantastic. The queso fresco on top was an interesting choice, but it worked really well with the dish. I swear, the best part of having a significant other is being able to always steal their food. I got the coconut curry, because I remember it being pretty good the last time I ordered it a year ago. I think they've upped their game too, because it was definitely spicier and more flavorful than the first time I tried it. I didn't NEED to add any hot sauce this time (but I did anyway). Pair those flavors with some of the best noodles in town, and you have a great meal. At 40$ for everything, it isn't too expensive either. I think sitting at the noodle bar really changed the experience for me as well: the location places you at the center of all things fun and lively. Plus you get to watch the chefs do their thing. Cheu noodle bar makes for a great date spot, because the small space brings you in close proximity with your dining partner, but the casual atmosphere also doesn't make things feel stuffy or stilted. Already fantasizing about my next trip here.
(5)John K.
The melange of all things Jewish and Asian isn't just with relationships (yes, I went there!). The juxtaposition of cuisines is offered from the mind of Chef Ben Puchowitz, who previously helmed the kitchen of reknowned BYO Matyson. His global approach helped propel him forward in 2013, with Cheu Noodle Bar. This isn't Philly's version of Chef Andy Ricker of Pok Pok fame. In other words, this isn't just a non-Asian chef who's simply doing great Asian food. It's a true melange of cuisines. And why not? There are common and, more importantly, complementary elements from both ends of the culinary spectrum. And with the newly opened Bing Bing Dim Sum from the partnership of Chef Puchowitz and Shawn Darragh, I thought it was high time I finished up this review of the original Puchowitz-Darragh production! White Peach Mint Iced Tea [$3] While the mint could have been more pronounced, I appreciated the unsweetened and subtly saccharine approach of the white peach iced tea. Cheu Fries [$8] Miso truffle aioli, fish flake The Cheu fries featured smoky bonito fish flakes on top. Asian poutine? Count me in! While the oft-decried combo of cheese and fish wasn't in this dish, an umami-laden blend of miso truffle aioli replaced the curds. Perhaps a nod to the way the Japanese love mayo with pretty much everything? The fries could have been a bit more crisp, but each bite offered the epitome of umami. Black Garlic Wings [$10] Shisito peppers, lime, cilantro If there's one dish to try besides the ramen, it's the black garlic wings. There's a bright punch of flavor from the juicy wings - spicy, sweet, salty, and savory - it's all there. The black garlic definitely emphasizes the sweet and savory elements, but it's the combination of cilantro and lime that really makes the dish. There's some additional texture coming from the sesame seeds and the accompanying shishito peppers are nicely smoky. Pork Belly Bun [$3] We decided to try one of each of their buns as well. Obviously the pork belly is always a must order for me. Realistically though, this was not the best iteration I've had. The pork was definitely gluttonous, but there was a lack of seasoning that rendered the flavor and texture of the pork rather one note. I definitely prefer the traditional bun as well. Cheeseburger Bun [$3] To their credit, this was a decently moist slider. However, for $3, it seemed rather lackluster. Mushroom Bun [$3] The shiitake mushroom bun was nice and offered prototypical flavors founded in most Asian mushroom-based dishes. Yakisoba 2.0 [$13] Shrimp, shiso verde, charred corn, radish On a brighter note, the GF really enjoyed the yakisoba, especially with the addition of the charred corn and thinly sliced radish. The shiso verde and scallions helped to cut through the richness of the well-coated and al dente noodles, with juicy bits of shrimp studded throughout. Brisket Ramen [$13] with Pork Belly [$3] Matzo ball, kimchi, sesame chili broth If there's something to get at Cheu Noodle Bar, I would recommend the brisket ramen, with the added addition of pork belly. Might be going overboard on my end, but come on now, does it get better than this marriage of Jew-Asian cuisine. You've got pungent kimchi providing some balance to the weight of the matzo ball. The richness of the porkbelly and the broth is punched up by the textural beefiness of the brisket. The noodles have good bite and seem to soak up the umami of the broth. The vibe of Cheu Noodle Bar is a bit hipster-Brooklyn-too-cool-for-school, with creative takes on comfort cuisine. Do try the black garlic wings and definitely check out that ramen!
(4)Ron G.
Note, take out review: My love for postmates continues to grow, as within 45 minutes, I had hot meal delivered to me from a place I've been meaning to try. The good: My brisket noodle soup and dumplings in chili oil arrived hot. The broth was separate from its components such that the noodles were al dente and when combined together, were just right. The brisket was very good. The dumpling filling (pork) was fresh and better than most. The bad: The broth was very underwhelming. It was certainly salty and savory enough, however, just left a lot to be desired. Considering the broth brings the whole dish together, I really couldn't get through it. The matzo ball addition to the soup seems forced to me, or, I'm just not a matzo fan. The dumplings were cooked well and the filling, as mentioned, was well done, however, the chili oil it was in lacked flavor. I think the rest of the menu seems interesting enough to try again, most likely in person. Noodle soup is probably best enjoyed at the restaurant, so this review may be a bit biased.
(2)Sari A.
Yesterday, the temperature hovered just above zero, and the snow was accumulating up to 3 inches, I bravely decided to take a walk, fight the nasty storm and avoid the fear of falling! Now I'm freezing cold and starving, and it hit me, nothing would be better than a comforting bowl of hot noodles in a frigid, wintry day like this. A light bulb moment. Cheu Noodle Bar! Luckily I live less than two blocks away from Cheu, I got there covered in snow and I saw no single empty seat!!! OMG. All of those people- just like me- decided to take walks to Cheu instead of curling up and Netflixing!! The sweet and friendly hostess said the wait would be up to 30 minutes, so I opt for take out. I was on-call and I didn't have the luxury of wasting time waiting and dining in, in addition, sitting on my lovely couch, eating my hot noodles while binge-watching suddenly appeared to be a brilliant idea! At this point, I'm not even sure why I'm out! Yeah I needed something delicious and warm lunch, because nutrition and stuff. I ordered the brisket noodles, dumplings in chili oil and a fresh juice. Noodles: brisket - matzo ball, kimchi, sesame chili broth. Tender beef brisket,firm and elastic noodles. Not being Jewish, I never even heard of matzo ball before, but it is totally delicious! Dumplings: Ginger Beef Dumplings. All I can say is hands down to the best dumplings i've ever had. Fresh Juice: Apple and Ginger Fresh Juice Actually i didnt had the juice, they forget to add it in my take-out bag. It happens! So I called them, and as I expected they were really nice and offered a refund to my card. I cant wait for this frigid winter to end, I may just hibernate until the sun shines again. Oh Noooo, Cheu doesn't offer delivery yet. So I'll have to suck it up this few cold weeks- thanks Groundhog- and just go back and try another intriguing dish, you know that noodles aren't the ONLY reason to go to Cheu! Four and half Yelps!
(4)Joshua V.
The apparent ramen boom in this city was just in its fledgling stages during my twilight years in Philadelphia. Alas, if the timing for the boom was more timely, perhaps it would have been enough to ensnare me in the City of Brotherly love for just a bit longer, instead of being tempted by the bright lights and more-tolerant/accepting-of-azn-dudes attitude as seen in NYC. But nah... Be that as it may, the book of a space serving as the place of business for Cheu Noodle House is a small cozy stretch of bar with hues of red and dim atmospheric lighting. Luckily my dining party was able to make reservations for our squad of 3 (reservations apply for dinner time only, and parties of 5 or smaller... place is tiny) While some may cry foul at the fact that this joint is smaller than a Malaysian in a cold pool (think about it...) I actually dig the extremely efficient use of space; a very Asian touch, reminiscent of ramen-yas in the land of the rising sun... whether or not this was by accident or design is irrelevant, so kudos Cheu. And they really do need all the touches of the Orient as they can get... as the inverse principle laid out by the dad of -Fresh Off the Boat-... "white people like walking into steakhouses and seeing a familiar white face"... Asians (more than me I'm sure) get a feeling of comfort seeing Asian people running joints serving up Asian cuisine; not because we're racist sons of b*tches, but rather because we can at least rationalize that the food is authentic (prob even more so than the "whites" and "steakhouses" connection). So I was a bit taken by surprise when I was greeted by a non-Asian hostess and served by some Williamsburg rejects... but save for a mistaken order (Viet sausage and broccoli instead of the dumplings we ordered) the service was pretty much on their game, and it was a packed house. Most importantly, the food was pretty spot on. It was cold as eff the day I paid this place a visit, and some hot soup was desperately needed. But first, my dining companions and myself needed a few appetizers to stave off our collective hunger. The black garlic wings had a nice sweetness to that garlicky bite that's pretty terrific, the dumplings were standard fare (not bad but kinda small), and then oyster and pork belly buns were tasty as hell (wish didn't need to share, but I like company... so rock and a hard place). The star of the show though was my noodle bowl. I opted for the brisket noodle bowl. Not exactly a traditional bowl of ramen... beef brisket instead of pork belly, and a matzo ball instead of a soft boiled egg... but I'm all for a bit of fusion of done right (just like your staff here). The broth was spicy enough (don't let the red scare you off) to give me a bit of heat while still being edible, the matzo actually proved to be an effective vehicle for mopping up the soupy soup (prob burned off the roof of my mouth and my throat trying to down this thing), and the brisket was tender as hell. For the value (ranges in pricing from $12-$14), the bowls of noodles here are relatively cheaper than the stuff I'm used to ordering here in NYC, and I'm all for cheaper. Good job Neu Noodle House, I wouldn't mind coming back to see you.
(4)Debbie L.
Loved the brisket kimchi ramen but I would recommend substituting the matzo ball with an egg! The matzo ball is made of matzah meal (unleavened bread customary to Jewish culture), and made the ramen meal heavier than it needed to be (more carbs). Cheu Noodle Bar has a great collection of cheap, unique beers - great for the wait at this tiny restaurant!
(4)Justine J.
Hmm, I'm not too sure what all the hype is would this place. It's really hipster, but that has nothing to do with my opinion on the place. The spicy beef dumplings were actually quite bad. There was barely any beef. It was just stuffed potato so it was essentially an oversized perogie with too much potato. Imagine wrapping a baked potato in a thin sheet of dough. That's what it felt like it was. I do however, like the duck tacos and the pork belly burger. I got the coconut curry ramen and I just did not care for it. I really don't know what else to say about it, but I just did not like their ramen. I came with my family and we each got a different ramen dish and just none of them tickled my fancy. Seating is very limited though. Theres only a few tables, bar seating, and a stand up area.
(2)Leslie W.
The space is tight (as in, I had difficulty finding a spot for 1 on a Tuesday night) so I would suggest going during a weeknight as its first come first serve. I sat at the bar area which faces the kitchen. Its an entertaining spot as you can watch them put together the dishes, but its also a tight squeeze and can get a bit precarious with bowls of ramen and slurping broth. I had the matzo ball ramen which was interesting. The broth was flavorful and a bit spicy and the noodles were fresh and cooked perfectly. I wasn't a fan of the brisket, but that may just be my tastes. It was a little mushy and didn't have a lot of flavor. Overall it was really tasty and I was wishing I had more once I reached the bottom of the bowl. I hear they have some new menu items as of last week so I'll be back to visit soon and I'll be trying something new. Overall I was very happy!
(4)Ashley T.
since my last review i have gone to Cheu 3 more times. Their noodle dishes are delicious. The right amount of noodle/meat ratio and friendly service as always. thank you!
(4)Rohenne L.
This place is amazing!!! Everyone must try the matzo ball with brisket noodle soup. The brisket is super tender, the meat just falls apart after you put it in your mouth. The slightly spicy soup seeps into the matzo ball giving it the most flavorful taste. Lastly, the noodles were perfectly cooked. It was al dente and not too soft like most Asian noodle soups. (It was so good I forgot to take a photo!) We also had the dumplings in chili oil - reminded me more of a ravioli than a Chinese dumpling, but I loved it! Wasn't too spicy and the dumpling skin was nice and chewy. Another dish we had and of course, loved, was the pork belly rice bowl. It's a katsu so the pork belly is slightly breaded and fried. Oh my, the pork was sooooo tender. The sushi rice they used paired perfectly with the pork and the katsu sauce they used. I'm drooling just thinking about it. If you get this dish, I'd recommend adding some of the hot chili oil they give you on the table. Gives the dish a little bit of a kick. I'm definitely going back to this place!
(5)Jon O.
Best ramen in Philly. I got the kimchi, matzo ball, brisket ramen (+egg) and it was really good... but I'll get the miso ramen next time. I tried my wife's and it was knockout. Probably the best ramen I've ever had.
(5)Rachel K.
My boyfriend and I were in the mood for some ramen yesterday, so we decided to try Cheu and I'm glad we did! I had the beef brisket ramen with matzo ball and kimchi... whoa baby! I'm half Asian and my dad's side of the family is Jewish.. felt like my culture in a bowl, haha! But really, it was absolutely divine. Our waitress was friendly and had the right amount of attentiveness. I appreciate the balance of keeping an eye out but not hovering over the table. The interior of the restaurant was small but cute. We arrived when there was no one in the restaurant and upon walking in, were greeted with "welcome to your own personal dining experience!" which made us giggle. Glad we came when we did though, because the crowd came in after we paid. Will definitely be back when the mood for ramen strikes!
(5)Katie K.
My boyfriend went for a walk to see what was around his new apartment. Not only did we wander way to far, but we got hungry in the process. Finding this place was a total accident, but it was crowded so it had to be good. We put our name down and 45 minutes later got the call that our table was ready. I really appreciate places that take your number. It's so much nicer to be able to walk around rather than stand in front of the place and wait. First off, we didn't get a table but rather got the counter. Usually I don't like to eat at counters but facing into the kitchen is pretty cool. I really like to see what being put into my food. It was also pretty fascinating to see how both chefs worked together but separately. One chef makes the soup bowls while another makes the noodle bowls. So if your party order both soups and noodles, they will come out at different times. I don't mind it at all, and actually prefer that I get my food as soon as it's done. I got the brisket ramen. Oh. My. God. It was so good. As someone who doesn't necessarily like fusion cuisine, I was so impressed and didn't feel confused eating it. The brisket was so tender and obviously smoked perfectly- with the beautiful pink ring on the outside. The matzo was typical, but served as a great textural element with the broth. The kimchi was as good as I've had at any Korean restaurant. But the menu indicated this was going to be spicy. While it had a bit of heat, it didn't make me sweat- which I guess is good for the summer. They have chili oil and sriracha on the counter. I thought about using it, but I didn't want to mess up the flavor profile or being stuck blowing my nose during the meal. The staff was really friendly. Every waitress came up and talked to us- both checking on how we were doing and telling me I looked like Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones. They also have a really good playlist, but it was a little loud. There was a lot of people talking in a very small space. But I come to restaurants for the food, not necessarily to have a salon. I could be heard without yelling and the food was phenomenal. That's all I look for.
(5)Laura G.
Great costumer service always compels me to write a review! I've experienced this at both of these restaurants cheu and bing bing! There was mix up with my contact number so my wait to eat here was bit longer than it should have been. The hostess was apologetic and also buttered us up with free dumplings when we sat! The food is amazing here. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Great staff, clean and super cool vibes
(5)Di P.
I like that this place was really upfront and said-- hey, we're a bunch of white guys who like ramen and other asian stuff, and we're gonna make it out own. I appreciate the asian fetish being spelled out. While this place is pretty small (and therefore often has a wait) it's a pretty cool place to have a low-key delicious dinner. Yays: fun place to get ramen not in Chinatown with a quick and efficient staff Nays: i miss the authenticity and didn't really like paying a higher price to sit in a not very comfy place (lots of stools and hard chairs) If I lived closed to this noodle bar, I'd pop in more regularly because the food wasn't at all bad-- but not really worth me waiting an hour for.
(3)Mike M.
Fantastic, worth the hype in every way. Ambience is hip, small, and fun with most of the space taken up by the bar but there are a few tables for larger parties but would not advise coming here with more than a group of 4. Daily specials to your left when you walk-in, for beer, dumplings, etc. Hostess is right there, mine was very friendly and offered to take our number and call us when a table opened (15 minute wait on a Monday @ 7 p.m.). Ordered the wings, which our waitress informed us were voted best in Philly. If they were voted most unique, I would buy it. They have a very unique taste given the preparation (black garlic (?), seeds), but I thought the meat quantity lacked a bit and was just a tad too breaded. I would still recommend, and for $9 I think there is value there but best in Philly is a stretch. The ramen was insanely good. I allowed the waitress to pick, and she ordered me what I assume is the standard version on the menu - Miso ramen with pork shoulder and an egg. Wowzers....incredible flavor, portion size was great (for $13), pork shoulder was absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. I cannot say enough good things. My buddy got the same but added pickled jalapeno and pork belly, he shared my opinion....supremely good stuff. Got some drinks as well, I had the bourbon with mint which was really refreshing, light on the booze though.... Net, highly recommend, if it were healthy food would be here once a week for sure.
(5)Dan S.
Cheu serves up some of the tastiest noodle dishes around. I'm a huge fan of noodles in general, and Cheu is one of my go to places to satisfy my noodle cravings. They are always hopping during lunch time, but I like call ahead for some take out during the lunch hour. There specials are always delicious, including the drink specials. My favorite dish is the Miso Ramen. The broth is fantastic and the pork shoulder is cooked perfectly. I just tried the Yaki Soba though, and it's coming up as a close second. Yum all around!
(5)Shira S.
I still love Cheu for everything, but I'm sad to say that they changed their coconut curry recipe (which was my favorite) and now I'm sad because it just ain't the same. Cheu please bring back the original coconut currryyyyyyyyyyy!
(4)Juliana K.
Over a year later, I have returned and still cannot give Cheu more than a 3.5 (maybe). The Miso Ramen was okay. The broth was delicious. I liked the poached egg. I wish the pork shoulder was less minced and more chunky. The Short Rib Mazeman was also decent. The short rib is tender and is better than the pork shoulder in the miso ramen. Much less brothy. Both ramen dishes tasted good. Fresh noodles, but nothing was mind blowing. Nothing was worth $13 a bowl, especially the inattentive service. We went on a Sunday afternoon that was not busy (because usually this place is VERY packed since it's small). With 4-5 staff just hanging out and such a small space, you'd think they would be more attentive. Otherwise the space is cool. Great music. They do have a bar. I'm not dying to go back again.
(3)Kelly C.
i love the decor, i love the vibe of this place!! but noodles..? eeeehhh here's what they seriously messed up on-- serving a bowl of noodles (to me) that's not piping steamy HOT!! and people might think "that is so trivial.." NO! b/c of this.. my bean sprouts did not cook.. keep in mind, my egg was also only half cooked.. the high temperature of the soup was supposed to complete the cooking when served. #2, i gradually slowed down my slurping toward the 2nd half because it was getting cold and frankly, it just wasn't too appetizing anymore.. there were other things that bothered me too like how little soup they gave you lol.. but i'll stop here so i don't sound like a complete jerk. so being #12 out of 50 on foobooz, i was holding a certain level of expectations.. i see lots of potential here and i did have a fun dining experience with my friend.. but i rather take my money else where.. on the plus side, i did enjoy the dumplings (braised ribs with eggplant)-- it's always a plus when i can taste what they say it is inside lol
(3)Lilli M.
Expect a wait if you're here. When they say a 25-minute wait, they mean it. My friend and I tried to come here twice and both times, there was a 25-minute wait so we decided to wait the second time. Unfortunately, there's only one small bench and really absolutely nothing else around, so you can't even get froyo or something, you're sort of just left standing around outside. (You can't stand around inside either bc there's no space) Once we were finally seated, I realized why there was a consistent wait. This place has pretty limited seating. Including the bar area, there are only about 20 seats total. The bar area is somewhat cramped so you're literally elbow to elbow with those on either side of you. At the bar, you're also naturally facing the somewhat small kitchen. I like watching cooks at work and I saw that they make their own noodles, which is nice. I got the miso ramen ($13). It was good and the broth was flavorful and not too salty but I thought the portion size and the amount of meat was a little lacking for that price. I'd probably come back but do not come if you're starving because there will likely be a wait and if you outlast the wait, then I'd advise getting extra meat or noodles with your ramen.
(4)Jody P.
Fun atmosphere paired with great fusion food. My Coconut Curry was very flavorful with noodles that were cooked perfectly. I couldn't stop talking about how perfect the noodles were; chewy and still bouncy, but just enough past al dente to not be too hard. The fresh basil was fresh and addictive. The Pig Tail had the perfect amount of sauce, was tender, and plated attractively. They create new dumplings every day, ours were Szechuan beef. The dumplings were two bites a piece, tightly packed with spiced beef, and resting in chili oil. The red-orange atmosphere is very fun with hand illustrations everywhere. They play a combination of throw backs like Poison and more contemporary like vampire weekend. The space is small but our wait was under 10 minutes on a Monday night
(5)Joseph R.
We were driving around South Philly doing some stuff at Ikea and needed a place to have some food when my wife goes "OOH I KNOW, CHEU NOODLE BAR!" This is the place Cheu holds in our dinner repertoire. Whenever you're not eating there, you wish you were eating there. We've been to Cheu three or four times now. It's a great restaurant in a great space. The noodles are addictive, the beer and wine list is plentiful, and the vibe is fun. We've never had a wait to get in, but we've also never gone during the height of the dinner rush. I can only speak for our own experiences, but every time we go, it's great. The menu has about 6 or 7 main bowls on it, some spicy, some mild, some brothy, some not. The strongest bowls are the top two on the menu, the miso with pork shoulder and the brisket, but the rest are pretty good too. I try to vary what I get to give all the bowls a try, and last time I went I had the coconut curry bowl, whose broth was just the right amount of spicy. There are small plates on the menu too, like dumplings and buns. But the bowls are the star, and they deserve the honor. If you're in this part of Center City and need a dinner option, this is a great place to go.
(4)Sara S.
Cheu was a really nice change from Phó or generic Chinese takeout. I ordered to take out, the black garlic wings, the miso Ramen for myself and the Brisket for my husband. So I'm quite certain that the review would warrant 4-5 stars if we dined in. But we didn't and this is how the meal went down. The wings fresh out of the kitchen I'm sure are crispy-crunchy perfect. After sitting in a to-go container for 15 min before I got there; they couldn't help but be soggy. But they're so good that it didn't matter. I'll definitely be ordering them again. My ramen was tasty. The noodles are chewy, and have a perfect bite to them. The miso broth wasn't my favorite. It was mellow, the pork shoulder was melt in your mouth tender; the flavor was very subtle. Combined I feel as though it was all just very subdued, but nice- flavors. I'm more likely to go back to try the dumplings and some other items off the menu. Looking forward to an outstanding dine-in experience!!
(3)Juan M.
Great little place and (great =awesome and little=small) friendly service and a meal worth the wait. Open kitchen so you can watch the chefs kick it out! Try either the pork ramen soup or the short beef rib soup you will not be disappointed. No place to stand around if you have to wait but don't give up you'll be glad you didn't Do like we did wait in the car they'll call you when your table is ready. A little pricey but what do you expect for a place that's #12 on philly' stop 50.
(4)Derek W.
This is the ultimate antidote to a cold Philadelphia winter. And, based on recent visits, it's clear that the greater the blanket of snow and ice that covers the city, the longer the wait for scarce counter and small table space at Cheu. The block is quiet, the exterior fairly nondescript, but open the door and pull back the heavy curtain and you are thrown into a teeming mass of eager foodie fanatics. The narrow, crowded kitchen is brimming with electric energy, all in full view: steam rising from pots, broth being ladled in every direction, gas flames leaping around small pans on the stove, and noodles torn with artful precision. Everything that emerges from the kitchen is a unique, creative, and fresh concoction with a masterful balance of the five basic tastes. The appetizer special was a dazzling combination of sauteed mustard greens, toasted farro, and miso dressing, topped with a handful of crispy fried lotus, a fabulous flavor and texture scheme. The regular menu features a small plate (which could really be a meal) consisting of broccoli sauteed with ample morsels of Vietnamese sausage and tossed with crushed peanuts and unidentifiable but magical spices. Both of our noodle dishes were superb and completely different. The spicy shrimp noodles come in a bowl crowded with bean sprouts, green onion, greens, and shaved daikon, topped with lightly fried shrimp balls. The broth had the red hue and subtle kick of chilis and the noodles were microscopically thin. The stars of the Sichuan bowl are thick, delicious, hand-torn wheat noodles coated in hot bean paste and stir-fried to a slight crisp. Interspersed with the noodles are bright greens and diced fresh tofu, and the dish is finished with sesame seeds and ribbons of cucumber. Despite the rather raucous and cramped setting, the staff at Cheu are meticulous and generous in providing individual attention. My revelation of a mushroom allergy touched off a vigorous discussion about which dishes could be created with different combinations of broths and sauces to avoid fungi. On my second visit, a friendly Cheu employee noted my overcoat covered and dripping with melting snow (as, no doubt, did everyone there), grabbed it and whisked it back to a secret hiding spot in the back of the house to dry. One note of caution: avoid making a visual estimate of the wait times for a table. Diners tend to leave their names and then disperse into neighborhood bars to await phone calls summoning them to eat.
(5)Dave L.
Wow, this was amazing. Probably not "authentic", but ridiculously good. I had the noodles with beef brisket and matzoh balls...who knew they make such a stunning combination? Others in my party had the miso ramen and the coconut curry - all equally delicious. But perhaps the star of the show were the dumplings. Ah, the dumplings. I don't know how to begin to describe them...like no other dumplings I have ever had. YOU MUST TRY THEM. BTW, this is a tiny little hole-in-the wall place on 10th between Spruce and Locust...they don't take reservations so go there, put your name in, and walk down the street to Varga bar to wait it out. Or order a drink and stand in the ridiculously narrow passage between the kitchen and handful of tables at the front of the restaurant.
(5)Ainsley A.
Nestled right in Washington Square, next to Jefferson, lies this gem of an Asian fusion restaurant. Let me start off by saying this place is TINY, MINISCULE, the size of a bathroom. Perfect for a date spot or a dinner with a friend, but not for groups; be prepared to sit at the bar and not a table (this is the best seat in the house due to the open kitchen.) We started off with a few apps: the black garlic chicken wings, complete with shishito peppers, lime and cilantro- the cheeseburger, pork belly and mushroom bun, and the roasted broccoli with Vietnamese sausage, peanuts and soy. The chicken wings had the perfect crunch and flavor to them; the peppers that accompanied them were not spicy but packed with flavor and added a little extra flair to the dish. Each bun was perfectly seasoned- my favorite being the mushroom (the pork belly's texture was not for me, but the taste was rich and delectable// the cheeseburger was perfectly medium rare and the flakey crust enhanced a simple dish). We each ordered a different noodle dish and I was lucky enough to try each one. I wanted a dry noodle dish (not a soupy one) and one with an abundance of vegetables so I opted for the yakisoba noodles. A poached egg lay on top of the mountain of pan fried noodles and when broken and mixed into the dish, enhanced not only the noodles but also the snow peas, asparagus and smoked tofu. I am not a tofu person as I am a raging carnivore BUT this was amazing. My sister had the coconut curry noodle dish which had the perfect amount of spice and flavor. But the star of the evening was my sister's boyfriend's dish: the bolognasian. Think of an Asian version of an Italian meat bolognese. I wish I could eat this all day everyday. The hint of horseradish mixed in with the minced pork amplified this dish- took it to another level. The watercress was a refreshing touch and the thick flat noodles gave the dish a different texture compared to the thin ramen. Definitely will be back again- I NEED that bolognasian.
(5)Maria C.
I have only been once, but I thought it was delicious, and fairly affordable. The service was great, but I would not recommend this place to someone who is not willing to get cozy with other people, it is a tiny restaurant with very limited seats. The food was good, I had the coconut curry noodles, and they were delicious. I was a little disappointed that because of an allergy, I really only had two choices for a meal - but was very happy with what I ate. The server was accommodating and willing to ask questions, the food came out quick, and they came to check in several times. The person I was with Yakisoba and absolutely loved it! If I were going to go back, I would make sure to only go with one other person and expect to wait for quit a while, as they are often super busy (a sign of their food being great). It is also pretty loud, just because it is so tight, so if you are trying to get to know someone, you may want to go elsewhere.
(4)Tiffany T.
Unfortunately I only had 1 item so it's hard for me to give this place a full review -- but I will note that I liked it enough, or that it intrigued me enough that I'd go back to try some other things. I got the Miso ramen with pork, $14, so with tax and tip it'll run you around $18 to $20 depending on your tipping methods. Kind of steep for one person! I know I'm pinching pennies here, but I think Terrakawa runs around $11 and it actually does kind of make a difference - esp when I wouldn't say that this is THAT much better than Terrakawa, if at all. The good - the noodles were cooked perfectly al dente, much appreciated. The egg was also perfectly soft and runny on the inside --( don't except the soft boiled egg) keep in mind this WAS perfectly cooked. They don't go for the traditional Japanese ramen, that's not their concept. So I loved it for what it was! The broth was a little sweet for my liking, maybe a personal preference but I like it a tad more savory and salty Overall takeaway? I don't doubt for one second that they make pretty darn good food, but there's a bit of a price tag on it. $10 for wings ( which I've heard are phenomenal) , $5 for some wontons, and I forget the price on the pork or mushroom buns. I think I'll come back with a partner and split it next time. You will be REALLY full from ramen, I had to stuff it. I'd be happier splitting and trying more items next time! ** Also, this place only seats 24 people so either be ready to wait, or come right when they open for lunch at 12!! Groups, not recommended
(3)Emily W.
Part of the appeal of this place is that it's so damn tiny. No matter where you sit, you feel the good vibes from the kitchen. It's as if the servers feel that energy too because they flit from table to table, making sure everyone is happy, well-fed, and in need of nothing except maybe another order of those dumplings.... Some of the flavor combos may be a little experimental, but they work because they tap into the basics of craveable foods- a bit salty, a lot umami, a little fatty, and just a tad sweet. Oh, and a teensy bit spicy. Your taste-buds do a little happy dance. The brisket dumplings are a must-order if they have them as a special, and the broccoli will convert any veggie-skeptic. I ordered the coconut curry ramen with extra veggies. It was delicious but even better when I squeezed in some extra lime juice to brighten up the broth and cut a little richness of the coconut and peanut sambal. Speaking of peanut sambal, that stuff is worthy of being bottled, sold, and devoured at home by the spoonful. It's a fun place to take an out-of-towner curious about the new Philly food scene or which is more likely the case, to just treat yo self on these cold winter nights....
(4)Laura G.
What an awesome find!! I passed this numerous times on my way to my favorite dum sum spot and one day decided to take a detour into Cheu. Well I'm so thankful. Came in around 630 and there were a couple of seats at the bar. Such a tiny place, so expect a wait. We ordered black garlic wings to split and pork belly buns. The wings are mouth watering. The pork buns are decent but I have trouble liking any after having sampan's. I ordered the spicy shrimp ball soup. It was pretty good. Soup definitely isn't my favorite which sways my opinion a little. I was pretty full half way through my soup and was able to take some home. Next time I definitely want to check out their dumplings.
(4)Stephanie S.
Wow what a disappointment! The place had such good reviews on yelp, I guess I may have walked in with a higher expectation. Even though the restaurant was tiny and there was virtually no ventilation, (and I was sitting right in front of the open kitchen where I could see the chef cooking right in front of me) I couldn't smell the food from where I was sitting. Okay, that's a little weird. I ordered a bowl of ramen and a side of dumplings in chilly oil. The dumplings were okay, but may be it needed to be seasoned a little bit more? The flavor just seemed like something was missing. Ramen was equally bland. The noodle itself was excellent, had a very nice texture to it. And the pork shoulder that came with the ramen was very very good. But when you ate everything together, the combination of the flavors just wasn't doing it for me. It was just very ironic, since the chef was putting tons of sauce and other condiments to the noodle bowl, but I just felt like the whole dish was bland. I really wish I liked this place. I loved the decor and the feel of the restaurant, and the presentation of the food is stunning. But the food is bad, and I probably won't be back.
(2)Suzie L.
I enjoyed dining here as it's really cozy and has the trendy feel that's not super Asian vibe. I ordered the black garlic chicken wings, the pork buns and the brisket ramen. The chicken wings are good, they have a dense cornstarch type of batter and the sauce they drizzle is salty and sweet. I think I've been spoiled by bonchon/soho crispy chicken so any friend chicken in comparison doesn't even stand a chance. For what it was, it was ok. The pork buns were delicious with the buns steamed to melt in your mouth (yum!) and the brisket ramen was delicious. I overall enjoyed the two. I had to get the egg in my ramen to thicken up the broth a bit as I like hearty broths with my noodles. I was a bit hesitant to try a matzo ball in my ramen but surprisingly it was really good. Overall, it's a fun place to hit up with a friend but beware the price is a bit steep for asian ramen.
(4)Tina K.
Can't wait to go back to Cheu Noodle Bar! And I actually just got back from eating there. That's how cool this place is. My friend and I went straight to Cheu Noodle Bar after we finished our last final exam. We heeded other Yelpers' recommendation and ordered the black garlic wings for appetizer. I also ordered a mushroom bun and a bowl of brisket noodle soup because I love to try out different foods, while she ordered a bowl of miso ramen for her entree. Heads up: we loved everything on the table! As we were waiting for our orders, we noticed the unique interior. There were beautiful paper lanterns, as well as these cylindrical lanterns that were actually lit up hanging from the ceiling to decorate the place. The cylindrical lanterns have drawings in graphic novel style and enhance the casual ambience. Then our black garlic wings arrived, and we could feast more than just our eyes. Mushroom bun: I normally hate cucumbers (even when I wear cucumber slices for eye mask; it's the smell I'm telling you), but I didn't mind the cucumber slices in my mushroom bun. The sauce masked the smell of cucumber I hate so whole-heartedly. Black garlic wings: There were six wings per order, plenty to share between 2-3 people. The sauce on the black garlic wings was delicious, but the toppings of green onion, cilantro, and lime juice elevated the flavors. Brisket noodle: The beef brisket pulled apart easily, and the hot broth was perfect to dispel the winter cold. Moreover, the kimchi actually complemented the broth really well. The hand-pulled noodle was not bad. I tried the top of the matzo ball that wasn't exposed to the broth first, and it was good, but when I tried the part that's soaked in the broth, it was as if all the planets in the solar system were perfectly aligned. In another word: magical. Matzo didn't have a strong flavor to begin with, but the flavors of the broth contrasted and highlighted that of the matzo. They're like a couple who is better together than individually. Brangelina, anyone? Miso ramen: I tried my friend's miso ramen and was glad I didn't order it. It wasn't bad; I'm just not a big fan of pork. I know it's a fusion restaurant, but I usually go to authentic Japanese ramen bars, so... yeah... She loved it, though. To each her own. We actually arrived at 2:50 pm not knowing that the place closes from 3-5 pm. However, we were still seated, so kudos to them! This establishment is tiny; I counted all the seats, table and counter, and there were only 20 seats unless there are more toward the back or upstairs that I didn't see. If there really are only 20 seats, well, I wouldn't come here for dinner because it's likely to be packed.
(4)Tina D.
My first time here, and I love it! Love noodles and broth have right amount of spices, and vegetables. Simple cute place and very friendly servers! I got amazing coconut curry noodle soup! It was spicy enough, great broth and grilled corn is great! I love that they had mint and let in this soup also! Noodles taste exactly like homemade (egg based noodles) and they easily soak the flavor of the broth! I usually don't take leftovers home, especially soups, but this one I did! Although I had it not for long cause I gave it to homeless guy on the street, I'm sure he will love it! Anyway, prices are fair, $11 for coconut curry soup and i ordered shrimp and extra noodles($2), the bowl of extra noodles was huge, and soup itself is pretty big. they also have beers, wine and very interesting coctails. They cook infront of you and from the bar you can see that kitchen is very clean. Definitely will be back to try other stuff they have on the menu! And enjoy it!
(5)Shari A.
Oh no! Trouble in paradise. I love their food but they changed the recipes. Not sure why on earth they would do that. The coconut broth was completely diluted and flavorless. The addition of tofu, heirloom tomatoes and corn does not make sense what so ever. The lamb special noodles were good but a bit on the dry side. Hope they switch back to their original recipes. Please don't fix something that's not broken!!!!
(1)Michael F.
After about a 45 minute wait, my friends and I were seated at one of the few tables in the small restaurant. I ordered the dumplings and the brisket ramen. Dumplings were delicious, perfect thickness of skin surrounding the juiciness of the beef and brisket. Brisket ramen was great as well. Noodles were fantastic, beef was good, and the matzah ball provided interesting texture and foreigness to the traditionally japanese dish. Overall, the many flavors I experienced that night were amazing, however the smaller portion size, long wait, and cramped space made me reconsider a 5 star.
(4)Joseph D.
Having done the ramen tour of the East and West coast as well as a few cities in Japan. Cheu definitely ranks up in my top 3 of semi-non-traditional ramen. The other menus items are equally as good. A fun environment with great food and music.
(5)Minoru M.
Kimchi ramen is my favorite.
(4)Hillary D.
Much better than I expected. The miso ramen was delicious and as close to how ramen in Japan would taste. The place is small, but most people finish quickly. It has a nice vibe (the bathroom was probably the most decorated part). Would definitely come back. Didn't get a chance to try the small plates but will do that next time!
(4)Larissa G.
I finally made it to Cheu last Sunday and couldn't be more pleased with my experience. Knowing it is a small place, Cheu was chosen off the "to eat" list because my boyfriend and I were both starving, but it was around 3pm. I thought it would be a good idea to go on an off time, and it was perfect. Everyone else was right- it is small. However, it is also so much cuter than I was expecting! The mural wall with bright colors and dangling Christmas lights gave a very endearing feel. We were so pleased to be offered bar seats too, so we could watch all the chefs in action. After reading so much about the black garlic wings, I was bummed when my boyfriend begged to order the fries to start. However, this disappointment quickly faded to joy when I tasted the fries. They were perfectly cooked and covered in miso aoli with shredded tuna flakes on top. Sounds weird, tastes ridiculously good. We split the miso ramen bowl and the brisket with matzo ball. I loved that this place was unauthentic, especially since you are unapologetically warned of this fact on both the menu and the website. All you traditional ramen haters can go eat at your traditional places because I haven't had a noodle bowl this good anywhere else in Philly! I liked the miso broth better and the pickled veggies on top were divine. My advice: add a soft egg to anything you order! Yum! We slurped down every bit of both bowls, even with sweat on our brows. (If they have air conditioning here, it definitely wasn't on...). The only negative I have heard prior that deterred me was that there weren't any hot noodle bowls that were vegetarian. However, there was definitely one on the menu, and the option to add tofu too. So maybe some things have changed, or maybe my roommate just wasn't reading the menu closely enough... who knows. The bottom line: Cheu, I love you.
(5)Robert P.
My single favorite place to eat. I think they put some thing addictive in their food because it's the only thing I constantly crave. Pig tails are unbelievable. To think I didn't even want to try them. Wings I've managed to duplicate at home but I still order them. Matzo ball brisket Ramen with extra noodles that the last meal I ever want to have. I like sitting at the bar. Cleanest kitchen ever and Ben the chef is a machine. I love watching him work. Try their new restaurant it's wonderful too.
(5)Caroline J.
Stopped in for lunch with three friends around 1:00 on a Tuesday. There was a 10-20 min wait, but eventually got seated right by the window. Service was pretty quick and friendly, and food was delish. A tad pricey for ramen, but in the gayborhood that's to be expected. Beer was reasonably priced and they had some cool specialty drinks. I also loved the decor! Fun place to stop in for some good soup on a cold day.
(4)Sam W.
Very cool place. Decor and ambiance was 5/5. Food was 4/5. Interesting flavors.
(4)Rey R.
It was a very snowy cold day and hot soup was the cure. Heard a lot of buzz about this place since they're opening a 2nd restaurant in my neighborhood on E. Passyunk. I got the Braised Beef Noodle Soup that contained a Matzo ball, different touch that I liked. The broth was spicy and delicious, drank every drop. Wifey had the curry soup and she enjoyed it. Chicken wings won a award and deserved it. Crispy and flavorful. I would definitely return again.
(4)Matthew H.
I have been meaning to hit Cheu for a while now, ever since they opened but like most places I usually wait a while and let them settle in and get things how they want them. I recently read the Sun Noodles article on Eater and saw that Cheu Noodle was one of their customers so I finally said to myself we are going. We rolled in on a Saturday mid-day not too long after Cheu opened (they open at noon on Saturdays). There were a few people already in the place but since it's so small to begin with it doesn't take much to fill it up. We opted to sit a the counter and have a view of the small kitchen and watch the chefs work. Pretty cool as usual. We started off with the special dumplings which were beef and black bean, you get 4 to an order and they are awesome! They come soaked in a little bit of chili oil so they have a little bit of spice but not too much, I was so happy to start off this way. Next we ordered a pork belly and cheeseburger bun. For those of you that have been to Momofuku Noodle Bar in NYC, you know that they do steamed buns, Cheu does grilled buns so they are different but not in a bad way, in a good way. The buns were a little crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and the pork belly was perfect. The main event involved the Miso Ramen which came with pork shoulder but I also added pork belly and we did the cold sesame noodles with shrimp. Both were stellar, the noodles were ridiculous of course and the broth was divine, that was my favorite part. I have to say that in my opinion Cheu's ramen beats Noodle Bar's hands down. The soft boiled egg was perfect and the pork shoulder was awesome. The cold noodles were equally as good and overall it was a fantastic meal. We will be heading back soon, but if you are going on the weekends get there before 1:30ish because when we drove by later on there were about 15 people standing outside waiting.
(5)Beth K.
The wings really are all that they are cracked up to be - same with the noodles. Don't expect stellar service though.
(4)Janice K.
I've dined in twice and got take-out once. BRISKET NOODLE (matzo ball, brisket, kimchi and sesame chili broth) GET THIS. It's SOOO good!! My noodle standard is pretty high and the noodles were cooked perfectly, not too much and not too little. Brisket is soft, tender and just DELICIOUS. Broth is also perfect. I also tried adding an extra egg for $1 which is a veryyy good addition. Just do it!! The portion is real nice too but there's also an option of adding an extra noodle for $2 that I might try next time to prolong my period of bliss. I've tried the award-winning black garlic wings as well but I didn't really understand the hype and what was soooo special about those wings, however. It was decent but not the best I've ever had. So 5 stars for the noodles and 3 stars for the wings! This place is pretty small so the wait can be a while since everyone wants to come eat here... but it's sooo worth the wait! My take-out experience wasn't as good as dining in; they still packed my noodles to make sure they didn't get soggy but something about it wasn't the same... Maybe the temperature of the broth, and the lack of chili pepper and the spicy/sriracha sauce they have there.
(4)Summer J.
CHEU Noodle Bar I braved a blizzard. The like of one that has my feet in frozen agony as I sit in the preposterously small, cramped and busy restaurant, and it is a stretch to call it that. I was told to stand and wait by the wall as soon as I walked in so it wasn't exactly a warm welcome. I was seated eventually but was not greeted or asked if I had been there before or needed help with the menu. I got literally 10 seconds before I was asked what I wanted to order without offering me specials or suggestions. Judging by the state of the kitchen and how hard the chefs are working to keep up with the demand. The front of the house are doing a good job of ruining the business for them all on their own. In my haste I decided to try their buns. One of each of their four varieties. The oyster one smelled funny. As if it wasn't the freshest oyster. The mushroom was pitiful and was not satisfying. A variety of mushrooms and more of it would have made a better mushroom bun. The pork belly was a bit of a let down as the fat wasn't rendered properly. It was fatty and flabby. Not very appetizing. The so called cheeseburger bun was the best of the buns. It tastes very much like a cheeseburger or a slider by the size. However, I felt it was not the best or most creative representation of Asian American fusion. 20 minutes in. I put in another order of their most popular dish as recommended by the server following my questioning. I would have liked to have had my request for a smaller portion of the ramen considered as I am dining by myself and their ramen bowls are behemoth in size. However, I was declined without much thought. May this bowl of ramen prove to be their saving grace. Because as of now I'm an unhappy customer that is not likely to return. 7 minutes in. My bowl of miso ramen arrives and immediately I feel discouraged and disheartened at the sight of the utterly undercooked egg. I dig in to taste the broth regardless. The broth is the key, the cornerstone of a decent ramen. Have a lacking broth and you might as well as close up shop and turn to exile. Unfortunately the broth is simply salty. Lacks any depth flavor or complexity. A sodden shame. CHEU Noodle... You have ccertainly lost me as a cheuing customer.
(2)Michael B.
Had dinner for the first time at Cheu on Saturday night. There was about a one-hour wait and it was absolutely 100% worth it. It gave us some time to hang and take in the vibe. First of all, the scene is cool. Great ambience and great music. It is an urban, funky noodle bar that is very approachable. The food... Well the food was absolutely amazing. Kung po beef dumplings to start. Total flavor explosion. I could have left right there and been happy, even with the one-hour wait. Of course we did not and the Short-Rib Mazeman put me over the edge. The noodles were brilliant with a perfect texture that held up against the limited broth. The short ribs were outstanding. I particularly enjoyed the soft boiled egg which set the whole dish off in my book. Two noodle bowls and an appetizer for $35. Sweet! Top to bottom, this is a top 10 eating experience for me. Everything was spot on and truly delicious.
(4)Anne K.
I've been meaning to check this place out for a while - Philly's been stepping up its ramen game, yay! However... Cheu is not a ramen shop. They serve a variety of noodle dishes - only one of which is actually ramen. The miso ramen was good, but I probably wouldn't come back to Cheu for it. I'd definitely return to explore some of the other items on the menu, like the black garlic wings and the coconut curry noodles. I also had the pork belly bun, which was really... crispy. I'm really partial to the traditional soft white buns and the buns at Cheu taste more like a fried biscuit. I thought the filling could have more flavor too - the pickles were a bit bland and the sauce felt like an afterthought.
(3)H. I.
Tiny place crammed with big flavor! There's only 4 actual tables, if I remember correctly, in the front of the restaurant and the rest of the seating is at the long bar so it's best to come by yourself, or with 2-3 people, max. 4 if you're willing to wait for a table. The fun part of sitting at the bar is watching all the food being cooked right in front of you! The black garlic wings are a must try. They are crispy and savory, perfect starter to split between 2 people. I ordered the coconut curry noodle bowl and added shrimp balls. The coconut broth was delicious. I was apprehensive about "shrimp meatballs" but they were so good I couldn't even tell they were shrimp! My friend ordered the brisket bowl which was also delicious, the brisket was very tender. I ended up taking some leftovers home as the portion was pretty large. Can't wait to come back!
(4)Dave B.
As I was walking out of Cheu last night it was irrefutably clear to me that I had just had one of the most enjoyable dining experiences in recent memory. The buns (mini burgers) were incredibly satisfying while also tasting quite original. While burgers are ubiquitous in our culture, these came across as fresh and unlike any other I've tried. The dumplings, while not as original, were just as satisfying. While these two appetizers really impressed me, the BBQ pig tails were easily my favorite of the 3 apps that we ordered. The meat fell right off the bone and was incredibly juicy. While we didn't try the famous garlic wings this time, they are surely on the radar for our next trip. The entrees were excellent as well. My girlfriend got the brisket and I got the bolognasian. We felt both were excellent and ultimately agreed that the bolognasian was the stronger of the two. We are both fans of heartier tasting sauces. Perhaps most importantly, the atmosphere and service of this place was excellent. Our server wasn't only helpful but gave off the impression that she would rather be nowhere else in the world than serving at this restaurant. The enthusiasm was something that really enchanted our experience. I recommend to anyone who is looking for an exceptional, while also very casual, dinner spot with friends or family. Cheu is not to be missed!
(5)Tagli B.
This tiny place is packed with a line out the door. We were brought here by friends who are regulars and really wanted us to try it. We put our name on the list- no reservations taken and she told us about 45 minutes. They offered us drinks which we took out to the sidewalk to wait, as there is NO ROOM at the in the doorway. Four of us waited about 35 minutes for a table on a Thursday night-. When we left at 9:45 there were still people waiting. We tried the special dumplings which were great. Being the first time, I had to go wtih the basic pork and noodles. This did not disappoint. Huge bowl of flavorful broth loaded with noodles, pork belly and greens. Loved it. All the dishes were really good. Service was fast and attentive without being rushed. It is tiny so expect loud and busy but a fun place. I will be back to try more.
(4)Liza K.
After trying a few ramen places with crazy variety in their selections and stellar broth, I was not too excited about the ramen I got at Cheu. Maybe it's a matter of taste, but personally, I was not a fan of their thick noodles, and extremely salty broth. The service was great, and they had a nice selection of beers! The friend I went with loved it, and has been many times. Honestly, I'm just sorry I wasn't a bigger fan. But I hope others try it for themselves. I might just be an oddball out on this one.
(3)Caroline L.
I loved Cheu for it's spicy cocktails, delicious and creative noodle dishes, and it's atmosphere that's festive. We were fortunate to get a good table by the window by arriving early on a Friday night. They had spicy cocktails, flavored with flavors of ginger and cayenne. I tried the Bullit (not sure if I spelled it correctly). It lived up to its promise and had a back-of-the-throat spiciness. Yet, it looked like an innocent, pale-colored cocktail. Loved that drink and resisted ordering a third. I tried the brisket noodles, which had a matzoh ball and kimchi within. The eclecticness of the dish appealed to me. I liked the dish a lot although having two starches--noodles and matzoh ball competing didn't make conceptual sense. But I liked having a bonus--matzoh ball--and it was delicious.
(4)Jennifer T.
This place has some of the best ramen noodles I've ever tasted...like seriously. Just to be clear, I'm talking about the actual noodles that they use in their ramen entrees. The soups and flavorings that they offer are good (I've tried the curry and miso) but the real star is the noodles. The noodles taste so fresh and chewy...and bouncy...and toothesome...I hope I'm getting my point across correctly because I'm at a loss for words on how to describe the noodle greatness. Their chicken wing appetizer is nice as well although the blackened garlic sauce tastes a little more tangy and sweet than garlicy. Not a huge fan of the loaded baked potato (rotating flavors?) dumpling appetizers or the lychee iced tea (weak in the tea flavor and the lychee flavor) but their noodles are good enough to make up for that. Did I mention that the decor of this place is awesome? A cool mix of rock and retro and Asian, this place made me want to stay and hang out all night. Be forewarned that there is very limited seating though, and you'll probably have to wait a while for a table.
(4)Duong T.
Just went to Chew today, pretty busy for a Wednesday night. Me and my friend got there at 6pm and the whole place was packed (they open at 5). We waited 10mins for a table and got seated right away. The service and inside are nice, I love the decorations, very unique and creative. However, the food, in my opinion, was not up to the hype. I may be more hard on Asian fusion restaurants especially cuz I'm Asian and grew up eating asian food, so I always feel skeptical about American- Asian restaurant. We ordered a lot for 2, dumplings (cheeseburger), garlic wings, pork belly bun, brisket noodle and spicy shrimp noodle. - Dumplings: pretty good, the filling are fresh and juicy, i like the crunchy quinoa on top. - Chicken: the breading is crunchy but not evenly coated with the sauce, and I don't think they marinated the chicken before deep frying it so it was very bland. (Yes I am a chicken critique, since I love em' so much) I think they tried to mimic Korean style soy garlic but the execution was way below the expectation, and I dont know how many reviews praised their chicken. - Pork belly bun: very much like Vietnamese Banh Mi, but the meat was not very well seasoned. And for 3 dollars, I could get a whole taste in south philly for a real Banh mi. - Brisket: the broth is like kim chi juice, and the brisket was very "safe"- steak like- not the fatty type you see in any Chinese or vietnamese noodle place. I was excited to try the hand drawn noodle and i think it was a mistake. The noodle was very soft and weird shaped, and I couldn't eat them after a bit. Mayb if I kept the original noodle that come with it I would be more satisfied. - Spicy shirmp: not that spicy, and it was a little sour flavor, much like sweet and sour thin soup, but not yet that level. I loveee the shrimp balls and I think they were the best out of the meal. Very tasty and flavorful. Overall a nice experience, with the service and decor. But I may not coming back cuz I'm more of a foodie, and Sampan is definitely my number one Asian fusion place right now.
(3)Steven J.
Excellent food and shockingly a place where you can eat regularly without breaking the bank! Seems like every trendy new place is going to run $80-$100 per person. You can try to spend that here, but you'd find yourself hard pressed to do so. Solid food reminds me of a great ramen place I go to when I'm in San Francisco except it's staffed by a bump of hipsters. Sorry. When did PBR become the hipster signature calling card? Who made that decision? Someone should open a place and serve some Miller High Life just to be different. The place is TINY. Not recommended for large parties. Four max, but best bet is to be a party of two or else you might wait a while. Looking forward to going back soon.
(5)Andres L.
Great little noodle bar. Had the Brisket and Miso Ramen as well as a pork belly bun. The bun had a nice crisp to it all around. The dough and pork was very crispy. Worth a try, nothing to drool over. The noodle dishes were very good with the exception of the kimchi in the Brisket. It was very sour and took away from the beauty of the dish. Overall pretty good first experience at a noodle bar.
(4)Kaivan S.
Generally a bit of a wait during prime times. Can go very right or very wrong here. Definitely do not recommend the larger noodle dishes as they are a bit bland but he appetizers and smaller plates are phenomenal. Get the dumplings. Cool spot, young/hip ambiance. Not the best service.
(4)Ashley L.
After dining here close to a dozen times, I thought it would be a good time to write a review. Can I start by just saying wow?! The restaurant itself is very small, so I wouldn't recommend it for groups. But whether you snag a seat at bar overlooking the open kitchen, or at a table, you will be in good hands. I've been pretty lucky every time I come here not to wait for a table, but you may encounter a wait. The menu is pretty simple- which is good. Some appetizers, 3 soup options, and a few noodle dishes. They also have a nice selection of craft beer cans, wine, and unique cocktails. Our go-to items here are the dumplings (fillings change on a daily basis but you can't go wrong), miso ramen, and the matzo ball brisket ramen. I've had my fair share of dumplings, but these have to be my absolute favorite. So flavorful, and topped with a bit of crunch, adding an amazing texture. The miso ramen is my personal favorite. The broth is heavy, but I've never tasted a soup with more flavor. I thought they may have added cream to the broth, but found out it's really just from all the fat- but no complaints there! The matzoball brisket is also a crowd favorite. I mean, just the description is so unique you have to try it. The broth is a little spicy, so not my forte, but I've never seen an empty bowl. And the staff are great too. You can see all the chefs working hard, and no-matter the wait, always serve up the food in a timely fashion. The waiters are cool, very down to earth and speak to you more like a friend than a customer. All adding to one-of-a-kind experience that is Cheu. This is for sure one of my favorite restaurants in the city. A must try if you haven't been yet!
(5)John P.
As someone who loves noodles, ramen, pho... I can't say I can understand the hype about this place. It's got a good vibe and the place seems to always be packed, but the taste and pricing don't jive with the ratings. I was really looking forward to trying out this neighborhood joint but after 2 visits, I cannot say that I would visit again anytime soon. The last lunch visit our group's bowls were all quite salty (and they were different orders/dishes). The salt dominated so heavily that adding a bowl of hot water didn't improve any and it was hard to enjoy even on a hungry stomach (btw, I think they were insulted that we thought it was so salty but that's what it was.) this would mark the 2nd time I thought my ramen was too salty (2nd time topped the first). The hipster interiors is vibrant, but if you sit at the corner of the bar table, be ready to be interrupted constantly and bumped on by people trying to get by. The salt was unfortunately too unforgiving for me, eventhough a little extra salt is my personal guilty pleasure.
(2)Peter C.
Since I ordered carry out and didn't get to experience a full service, I feel like I can't give this place 5 stars. However, the food by itself is close to 5 star worthy. I ordered the Miso Ramen and dumplings in chili oil appetizer (pork and potato). The dumplings were really tasty; smooth in texture, and lightly spiced. The ramen was excellent even though the dish might be better suited for cooler weather. The noodles were chewy and the broth was rich and surprisingly creamy. I will definitely be back to get the full experience, albeit with no more than three people. The seating area is quite small. Overall, great value for money and well worth a visit!
(4)Dennis L.
I came back here for another try after the thrillist list of the top ramen places in the US placed Cheu's Shortrib and Matza Ball Ramen near the top. We started with the Hawaiian Poke which came with small fresh cubes of tuna with mango and some sort of vinegarette. It was tasty and very refreshing. So the ramen itself was pretty amazing. I ordered it with a soft boiled egg, which was prepared weird. I would've preferred the Japanese style, but it was like a poached egg or something. The broth was rich and hearty, the short rib cooked and seasoned to perfection, the veggies were nice, the noodles were a great consistency, but my only qualm was with the kim chi or pickled cabbage. It was bad kim chi, if that's what they were attempting. I would have preferred they that they didn't attempt it if it was going to be such a poor copy. It was just sour, the spices weren't right. I mean I guess they get some credit for their attempt, but the execution was poor.
(4)Mike W.
Dude, wow. Took my fiance here on Saturday night because she was feeling pretty down and wanted a taste of home. The wait can be a little daunting, but they take your name and call you when your table is ready, so you can go get a drink at bars nearby, and they even recommend some for you! We sat at the counter and ordered the dumpling special of beef & ginger to start, followed by hand torn noodles with lamb neck and the miso ramen noodles with pork shoulder. The dumplings were small, but tasty little bite sized bits of joy. They were doused in chili oil, but not so much so that it overwhelmed the dumplings, and the ginger flavor really packed a punch. The hand torn noodles were amazing. I liken them to a version of Asian papardelle. The sauce was slightly sweet, so I spiced it up with some sriracha. The lamb neck pieces were mondo tender and super flavorful. The best part may have been the pickled mustard greens. They were super crunchy and had quite a kick from the vinegar that really cut through the richness of the noodles and sauce. I added a soft cooked egg to mine, and the runny yolk meshed well with the noodles as well. The miso ramen may even have been better than the hand torn noodles. The broth was super tasty. The depth of flavor was insane. It hit on all levels, and definitely provided that umami euphoria. The pork shoulder was very flavorful and tender as well, and an egg always finishes off the noodle bowl nicely. I love watching the chefs work here and i love the atmosphere. Cheu does its own thing, and I love them for that. Place really is a treat and well worth the wait. Awesome food to warm you up during the cold.
(5)Katie P.
Here are the go-to's: Dumplings Kimchi Burrito Yakisoba All three of these had interesting bold flavors, that I would totally come back for. As for the ramen, I give it a 3 star rating- I've had my fair share of mind blowing ramen (Ippudo NYC) and I don't think it stands up to it.... but I'd totally come back for the 3 items above as these were totally on point.
(4)Suzy D.
3.5 stars It's funny how you measure relationships. Justin, ramen and I have come a long way. I remember the first time we went to Toki ( yelp.com/biz/toki-underg… ) together to get ramen. His proposal to go grab noodle soup was somewhat appalling but I really liked him so I didn't want to outright reject the idea. I was also pretty drunk so I went with it, heh. I ate some of the noodles and picked out a lot of the meat from the bowl that we shared. That was a big hint that he liked me too; if a man who loves meat as much as Justin does lets you steal all of his pork cheek, you must be special. Nowadays Justin, ramen and I are like a happy but dysfunctional family. Ramen and I don't always get along but when we do, we really do, and Justin is the go between to make sure we get along. It's true love when Justin will find a way to go eat at a new ramen place without me as a taste test before he determines if I'll like it and can take me there. May sound odd but it means I don't have to eat gross food. I should have added "boyfriend is a ramen taste tester" to my list of things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving. Justin and I had both researched where to eat in Philly and dinner on our first night was to be at Khmer Kitchen. However, our late lunch pushed dinner back a bit and when we arrived, just past 8:30pm, they had just stopped seating for dinner. We looked through our bookmarks and headed towards Cheu which wasn't too far away and was still open. Plus, it wasn't much further to Monk's which was our final destination for the evening. Even on a Friday night without reservations the wait wasn't too long. They actually quoted us a much longer wait time than it was and in the 15 or 20 minutes we waited on the bench outside the door we laughed at all of the people coming up expecting a table immediately. A bunch of normal people with a "do you know who I am" type of attitude annoyed that they couldn't immediately get a seat in a small highly rated restaurant. We were seated at the counter right in front of the bar with adorable cartoon-decorated lamps above. We had a great view of the open kitchen and I was very impressed at how efficiently the two in the kitchen worked, and even more so that the chef was a woman (I don't understand why females are so underrepresented in the culinary world). Not only did the duo quickly put out good food that was well presented, but they did it all while managing takeout orders as well. Cheu is a bit too fusion-y for the type of ramen I like but the food was still decent. We ordered the daily dumplings (one type per day, four dumplings served in chili oil for $5). Not bad but I was still too full from lunch and was hoping that I'd like the ramen (ya know, since Justin hadn't tried it out for me yet) so I just ate one and gave my other one to Justin who happily finished it. Round two was the brisket ramen (with matzo ball, kimchi, sesame chili broth for $13). I think the dumplings ended up being the better part of the meal though since the matzo ball in the ramen was just texturally weird to me. The broth was well developed though and I think I'd like their product more if I'd had more traditional option. That being said, I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars because I get the sense that Cheu doesn't give a shit if people like their fusion food or not, they're gonna do what they want, and I respect that.
(4)Andrew T.
Restaurant experiences like Cheu make it a pleasure to return to write reviews; it was a wonderful experience eating there and quizzing the staff while they worked and toiled behind the bar counter at the multiple kitchen stations. The best food for me remains to be between $10-$20 price range; Cheu follows this golden rule with its $13 noodle bowl menu choices. Brisket Matzah Ball Soup with Kimchi and bok choy; a full bodied hearty broth with a nice spice note that i enjoyed mixing and matching my easy to break down matzah ball and falling apart brisket. I downed my soup so fast i burnt my tongue as I filled my small saucer of a spoon on repeat and honestly didn't care much I didn't want to lose the heat my soup was expertly served at. Pork belly on a small bun with a delicate crunch and potent cilantro note for a finish was worth the $3. I could eat what I ate to the point where I pass out; I love noodles and I loved eating the heavenly ramen concoctions that they've crafted up.
(5)Anthony L.
Food was great. We had the black garlic wings(which were apparently Best in Philly), pork belly sandwiches, brisket noodles and hand torn noodles. The wings were lightly fried and packed with great flavor. Pork belly sandwiches were small but were decent. Each sandwich is essentially a two-bite portion. Brisket noodles were really good. The broth had a nice spicyness to it. My wife loved the hand torn noodles. I'm a fan of the food but I am not a fan of how cramped the place is (as everyone else has mentioned). I was constantly having people bump into my back while sitting at the bar. Not a huge deal as I am still giving the experience 4/5 stars. The servers and staff there were accomodating, friendly and knew the menu well. Dustin took really good care of us.
(4)Soyoung K.
I don't even know what everyone who has anything negative to say about this place are saying. Cheu noodle bar is everything I did not expect in a very good way. The restaurant itself is in a very convenient location by the Jefferson hospital. Super easy find!! It's a very cozy space with a few tables and a long bar seating. I was lucky to be seated so quickly as they only take walk-in's. Between the two visits I've had so far, I tried their brisket ramen, pork ramen, and coconut curry ramen. All were very excellent!!! Matzo ball in a ramen? Jesus, that was great. I also loved that the buns were actually butter biscuits. It's probably taking my cholesterol level through the roof but hey, who cares when you're slurping on a delicious bowl of ramen noodles, eh? We tried mushroom buns and the pork belly buns. Both were...again...GREAT. Last but not least, I love the simplicity of everything. A comprehensive menu from drinks to food. Simple layout. Simply hardworking staff, fun designs throughout the restaurant. (Love the lamp shades, really) You must try this place. A MUST! p.s. Playlist game on point, too.
(5)Rachael P.
Recently, I watched David Chang's Inside the Mind of a Chef special on Ramen and set my mind to finding a great bowl in Philly. It was a rather warm day by December standards but I needed a little winter warmer so hiked across town to find this little spot. When I arrived the line was out the door but since I had a random day off by myself decided to see if I could sneak a seat at the counter. Their traditional Ramen was amazing. The poached egg yolk made the broth super decadent and I loved the addition of pickled ginger to the onion and miso flavor. Definitely something special that I could not make for myself at home. I spent the next few days telling my friends about my discovery and how I would like to go back to try more menu items. Only wish they had a west side location :)
(4)Adrian S.
One of my favorite places to eat in Philadelphia hands down! This ramen spot is about food creativity and not Japanese ramen authenticity. The description states this so if you're looking for this don't be disappointed. I'm a huge fan of attention to detail with my dishes and this place does just that. They combine all of the best ingredients and create dishes that are adventurous, but not pretentious. It's a tiny hole in the wall where most seats are in view of the kitchen so you can see just how much love goes into every dish. The staff is always friendly and they have a really good craft beer selection, some good wines and sake, as well as some funky cocktails that will keep your date happy. My favorites are the dumplings, the pig tails, the garlic wings and the Miso Ramen.
(5)Andrew T.
Truly a special place! It's hard to elaborate much more on what's already been said, but the hype is justified. Fantastic ramen, dumplings, and other Asian-inspired cuisine. It is not "textbook" style and doesn't claim to be; I'm glad they have their own takes on every menu item. The prices are amazing, as well. My girlfriend and I usually order 2 appetizers, some noodles with multiple add-ons, and a beer or two, and we usually average around $50-60 for a very satisfying, well-portioned meal. The restaurant itself is very small, so don't come expecting to easily fit a group any bigger than 4. There's a fairly long bar with about 10 seats, with tightly packed tables in the corners. It's best as a "table for 2" spot to enjoy one-on-one conversation. I appreciate the staff's friendliness and speed in even the busiest times. They're all willing to assist and help with any requests. Don't let the wait times deter you - you may find yourself being told that a table will take an hour or more during dinner hours, but head around the corner to Strangelove's or any other bar in the immediate area and grab a beer for the wait. It is worth it.
(5)Justin L.
Went on the whim after reading reviews. It's good and has no flaws in but don't get me wrong, there is a bit of hype here. Got the dumplings and brisket bowl. If you want a more authentic version, better and for a 1/3 of the price, head to Chinatown or Washington Ave...sometime you gotta look past Philly Mags top 50.
(3)Elena C.
Our meal: Apps: 1) Dumplings; 2) Cheeseburger bun; 3) Pork Belly bun Entree: 1) Brisket Ramen; 2) Spicy Shrimp Ramen The Pros: - Egg: Cooked perfectly, runny in the middle. Just the way I like it! - Noodles: I loved the chewy texture of the noodle in the Brisket Ramen and the al dente texture of the Spicy Shrimp Ramen. - Atmosphere: Cool and edgy. Good music playing in the background. Servers were very nice and friendly. The Cons: - Noodle to Broth Ratio: Very disappointing. Both our ramen bowls needed more broth. I've tons of ramens in my lifetime. The one thing I always make sure I do is to make sure I have the right noodle to broth ratio. - Spice level: Both ramens claimed to be spicy, but I think Shin Ramen is spicier than these bowls.
(4)bill m.
Tight quarters but delicious food. The black garlic chicken wings were amazing, so tender in the middle and crispy outside. Dumplings in Chili oil also great. Pork belly bao's were spot on also. For an entree we got the short rib noodle bowl. Didn't feel Asian but was awesome. Very nice waitstaff. Will definitely return
(5)Sook K.
Is rather pay A LOT LESS MONEY and go eat better authentic food in chinatown, $5 for a boa bun????? Really? I mean come on. Hesitant to try Bing Bing, at $5-$7 for ONE dim sum plate I can't imagine what the bill would be. My husband and I get our fill of dim sum in chinatown for a total of $30. Great places opening up but way-too-high prices for not-better-than-cheaper-authentic-food.
(3)Will W.
Even for a non-wing lover the wings are absurdly good. Enjoyed the vibe, throw back hip-hop, tattooed servers. My short rib ramen bowl was good not great but other than how busy it was on a weekday evening, it was a very good spot.
(4)Shauna G.
Doth mine eyes deceive me? Or did they slightly lower their drink prices? Not sure, but I swore I paid double digits for my Jin-Ja bourbon situation last time and this time it was $9.50. Also the perfection that was the broccoli topped the brussels sprouts (both yummy, but I found the brussels a wee bit salty for my taste). And if I could give the Cheu staff six stars, you bet I would.
(4)Sarah P.
I love this place. You walk in and you can tell it's going to be good. Counter seating, great music, and the staff is friendly and seems to really enjoy being there. I crave the miso ramen everyday. The broth is soo good. (I need to learn how to make this at home.) I like adding a matzoh ball to it. The fish ribs and fries are also delicious. Each day they change their house made dumplings, fresh juice combo, and daily iced tea. They have a really interesting cocktail list, spirits, sake, and canned craft beers.
(5)Alexandra R.
Sooooo good. So good, I'm coming back here tomorrow. We had the dumplings, pork belly bun and the curry and regular miso both with pork belly. Everything was fresh and delicious!
(5)Steve C.
Really like the food here. They keep it interesting with their rotating assortment of dumplings. Their lamb noodle dish is amazing!
(5)David B.
I can see how this place averages 4 stars. Let me preface this review with saying that I will come back and try this again when it's not a polar vortex Tuesday when apparently that's the busiest day of the year and my group waited from 7:30 until 10pm for seating and for the food to arrive. If you are coming to cheu noodle bar for authentic ramen you are making a bad choice. If you are coming for a hipsterized Americanized version of noodle soup with pork or crab or "curry" based broth you might be making a good choice. The prices are high considering the comparison for noodle soups out there. Hand drawn noodles in Chinatown or Nom Nom easily outcompete on price to food. The miso ramen which is their flagship bowl I suppose is lacking in depth of porkiness and the half cooked egg while it isn't authentic is actually quite a good rendition. The noodles are far from true ramen noodles, but they are good. The biggest shortcut is the pork shoulder. If I'm paying $13 for ramen, it really should have 4 slices of fork tender pork belly and an insane amount of broth. Thankfully, even though I'm a meager 165 lbs, I had also ordered a second bowl. The spicy crab broth had the potential to be amazing. It wasn't particularly "crabby" and that could have really been spectacular. The meatballs were simple and tasty though and the hand drawn noodles were actually the best thing I ate that evening. Nevertheless, the broth was just too vinegary and has a lot of room for improvement. The biggest issue this place is suffering from is staff and service. They are actually all quite pleasant but there is about 8 people working there and literally only 1 person is assembling the bowls of soup. She was lightning fast but they need to focus more staff on soup and less on running around accomplishing less important tasks of a noodle bar. No one is coming here for the beer selection or tito's vodka, guys. While this review won't hurt Cheu because they have an endless supply of Jefferson students and residents who won't walk an extra 3 blocks to get to Chinatown and save $3. It's just too easy to swagger into this place. It's good, but they need to really focus on their core dishes and expand their noodle bowl seating. Try spicy noodles at Nom Nom instead and I think you'll be a convert.
(3)M W.
Do not quite understand the hype about this place... Ordered their famous dumplings in chili sauce, wings and ramen and was all okay. Still prefer Nom Nom's over this :\
(2)Anna Y.
This place is small, actually it's tiny. But it's cool! check out the wall mural ! I like their business philosophy, check it out on the back of their menu. As for the food, Asian fusion , that's all I can tell you. Miso Ramen - The broth was actually decent, it's creamy and tasty. The pork shoulder falls apart with the grab of chopsticks. nicely done. Brisket Ramen - two big slices of Brisket, quantity over powers quality. To be honest Brisket was flavorless. This bowl contains Kimichi, kimichi with ramen how interesting.
(3)Zareen S.
This tiny spot on 10th street is pretty cool and captures the noodle vibe well. Staff, ambience, music and everything else - great. Black Garlic Wings w/ shishito peppers & herbs - this is how I fantasize wings to taste in my mind and lives up to all the raves. sharp asian spice profile with some lime tang, I have never tasted anything like it. A personal favorite, shishito peppers, are yummy to eat as well. I was a bit confused about if I should or should not eat it, but it tasted fabulous, so why not ? Fish Ribs -w/ charred corn, tamarind & herbs - The corns were crunchy and fresh. Im a sucker for crispy fish skin however the fish aspect of this particular type of fish was entirely too overwhelming for me personally. So be prepared ! Thin egg noodles w/ egg, matzo balls & chile broth - The quality of the brisket is phenomenal and cooked to perfection. The broth is spicy and well seasoned w/ generous serving of noodles. Who knew a delicious matzo ball could compliment the whole dish so well. Also that matzo ball was no joke. Loved it. However, the spoon that comes with it is a tad awkward to eat out of. They need a different one thats more easier to eat with. Hand Torn noodle w/ lamb neck, pickled mustard greens & dates - This was my second favorite dish after the wings. The lamb melts in your mouth and its texture compliments the wide noodles perfectly. Lucious and a mouthfull that is bursting with complex flavors of spice, tang and sesame. The pickled mustard greens cuts the richness of the lamb perfectly. They also have a good list of beer and limited, but nice liquor list.
(4)Mary C.
Stopped in here on a cold day enroute to catch a show in Philadelphia for some noodles. Small place with trendy music, simple menu of not so simple ramen. We were a party of 5 an seated after a very short wait. Wow, beef dumplings and pork belly buns were delicious starters. Miso ramen with shredded pork shoulder and soft cooked egg, torn noodles with lamb and pickled vegetable, crab broth noodles with meatballs and brisket noodles with matzo ball all very different and not what we expected for traditional noodles but wow how delicious!!! A bit pricey with bowl of noodle for between $12-13 a bowl plus extra for more noddles or egg or other extras but certainly worth for uniqueness and tastiness. Didn't try the wings but looked very good - next time for sure.
(4)Rebecca S.
To say that I am a fan of this place is an understatement. My boyfriend and I went opening day and have been so many times since (8 for him total, 7 for me). We love the food, the owners (Shawn and Ben), the ambiance, and the attitude. Favorites: Pork belly bun (gotten one each time!), buckwheat noodles, hand torn noodles, broccoli, and the scrapple. These guys clearly love this place and are always striving to make new, creative dishes (hence the changes in the menu frequently). I tell all of my friends about this place because it's just that tasty. Can't wait to go again!
(5)Reba K.
I really wanted to like this place after reading so many great reviews, but I was pretty disappointed. At our server's recommendation, i got the hand torn noodle dish with lamb neck, pickled mustard greens, and dates. It had this weird sweet taste - presumably from the dates - which i did not enjoy in a savory Asian noodle dish. My friend's miso ramen was pretty unremarkable, if not just straight up salty. After trying Cheu Noodle Bar for myself, I think the good reviews for it on Yelp speak more to the lackluster ramen scene in Philly rather than the excellence of the restaurant.
(2)Matt S.
Broccoli app was the best thing on the menu we tried (been twice). Entrees are just above average, but not much in choices and way over priced.
(3)T M.
Lovely atmosphere and our server was excessively friendly but the food was lacking. I was with a friend from Japan and she didn't give it the nod either. I had the Soba noodles and they were very greasy. Her hubby told us afterwards that the Miso is supposed to be good but neither of us had it.
(2)Minty N.
I have dined here twice and both experiences were awesome. One of the owners happened to remember me the second time I came which was a pleasant surprise, and definitely not something you come across at other local restaurants. The noodle dishes are original and simple it's always interesting to see what their nightly specials are. Definitely give this noodle bar a go if you're even interested in a twist on Asian cuisine!
(5)Khanh V.
This place is very inventive and creative in their food, fresh and tasty to the eyes. Portions are small and space is small as well and very crowded so be ready to wait. Took two trips to get a spot inside and is not good for groups at all. Also the last time I was there they didn't have a store sign so it was hard to look for it. Overall I like the creativity of the food and funky decor, but wouldn't visit often just because of the wait time and portion size + price.
(3)Sindhu N.
This place has a great ambience and features an impressive beer list. For appetizers, I had the broccoli and sausage which had a very flavorful peanutty taste. I went with the miso pork ramen for my entree and it was great. The noodles were just the right amount of chewy and the broth was very flavorful. Be warned: like most/all ramen bars, this isn't a place to come and linger. It's a very busy place and sometimes you might feel a little rushed.
(5)E A.
Amazing ramen and Asian fusion. Everything bursting with flavor. Everything expertly cooked and the service was top notch. How can you not like this place? Yep - a bit small but we were able to get the four of us in comfortably with a 5 minute wait. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Kelly S.
Great service, atmosphere, beer list, food, and not too shabby of a price. We tried the beef dumplings in chili oil, pork buns with pickles and cilantro (great), and cold sesame noodles. Fun place, can't wait to go back.
(5)Cesar S.
Three stars, because the food was not that good, I went there because it was mention on a food magazine. Just average, but the service is really below average. Despite the fact that is a REALLY small place.
(3)Stefanie A.
4 for food and drink, which is really most important. 3 for service/ambiance. 2 for misc. For an average of 3. Let me explain... We got to this small, mostly-counter space restaurant before the rush. There were a few tables (all taken) and many counter spaces available. We tried to take the end counter spots, but were asked to sit in the middle. Once we ordered, we were asked to move over one seat to accommodate a couple. After we got our drinks, we were asked to move to accommodate a larger party. After the food was finished, we were asked to scootch down to accommodate a single party. This was super annoying, Cheu--you need your staff to plan accordingly, or have the walks in wait for space to open, not inconvenience your guests. Our irritation was somewhat assuaged with an "I'm sorry' salad. And it worked, somewhat. Because the perfectly ripe tomatoes, sweet watermelon, and homemade ricotta was a delicate combination of flavors and textures. The dumplings were perfectly cooked, though it was a small portion, the ramen with fall-off-the bone pork was flavorful, and the brisket matzoball soup was inventive, and was served in chili broth wit the perfect amount of spice. And the thai iced tea with rum is a fantastic idea and execution. I'm on the fence as to whether I'll go back--can get just as good food, some better, in Chinatown for much less. And no one at Nan Zhou or the choo choo place has never asked me to get up to accommodate another party. And I bet they never will. Might try lunch. Might not.
(3)Jonny D.
I might have felt different had there been a long wait tonight (Thursday) but we got immediately seated at the bar, which was good enough, and enjoyed some really, truly amazing food. Here's what I ate: the lamb neck (tender as heck with a nice fattiness) with dumpling-noodles (they were so thick and chewy and delicious it really went beyond noodles) with mustard greens (cold and bitter-in-a-good-way, providing a great contrast) and the coup de grace, the dates to provide some sweetness and true depth of flavor. If I can pick a single non-flaw about this dish it's what I wish I had a dozen or so dates in there instead of the 4 that I got. In addition, I had a cheeseburger bun, a pork belly bun, a mung bean bun, and scrapple w/pickles, and dumplings in chili oil, and a pig tail (I was hungry and so were my sharing-happy companions). All of these were completely outstanding. It came out to $20 a head--a bit pricy for the quantity, but when you really get some over-the-top delicious food like this, it's worth spending more than you would for a step down (sorry, Nan Zhou! Yeah, I went there).
(5)Brian S.
What a great addition to the Philly dining scene. This small gem has maybe four tables for two and two tables for four (one's in the back), but the bar is the place to sit. There you can watch the three chefs at work and gaze up at the interesting art lamps above your head. If that's not enough to occupy you look behind you and you can see "ramen art" just below a mural. The menu is split into smaller plates and noodle bowls. For starters, our favorites are the dumplings (usually some type of brisket with dates/and or nuts), the BBQ pig tails, and the charred brussels. The fish "ribs" we tried were so-so. As far as the noodle bowls go, make sure to try the homemade hand torn noodle bowl with lamb neck, pickled mustard greens, and dates. It's really good. My wife likes the brisket bowl with the matzo ball, kimchee, and sesame broth but not being a ramen fan, I will stick to my hand torn noodles. The cute, energetic waitress is great, the staff is friendly, and the food comes out quickly. The only negatives are that if you order a lot of food it can get a bit pricey and they don't open up until 1 PM on Saturdays for lunch. But absolutely worth a visit. Oh. I forgot. You gotta check out the bathroom (specifically the sign in it). Even if you don't have to go.
(4)Victoria L.
This low-key hipster restaurant is quite possibly the best Asian fusion place. Going for the complete opposite of most Asian fusion places' clean, modern route, this small place has bright red walls, quirky decorations, and an alternative rock soundtrack. The menu is very small with about five appetizers, a couple choices of dumplings, and some larger dishes. My friend and I didn't come as hungry as we would have liked to be, so we got dumplings and hand torn noodles to share. The dumplings are so satisfying with a great textural element sprinkled on top. I wish the chili sauce was a little spicier true to Asian flavors. The hand torn noodles were perrrrrfectly cooked, which is hard to come by in a lot of Asian cuisine. (I think of overdone noodles slightly congealed and stuck together.) The sauce is very savory and rich with chunks of lamb and tangy bites of pickled greens to cut the richness. I would order this a thousand times again. The beer list was pretty great and it's awesome that they have a daily beer special. Gotta come back to try the pork belly buns and, when it's cooler, the ramen.
(5)molly n.
It's fusion, it's noodles, it's awesome. It wasn't crowded for lunch on a weekday, considering its size and how AWESOME the noodles are. I had the beef matzo.
(5)John C.
Food: Ok, not memorable. My girlfriend and I ordered the black garlic chicken wings, spicy crab noodles and miso ramen. The black garlic chicken wings were an interesting take on wings. They were encrusted with sesame seeds, topped with a tasty sauce and garnished with cilantro. The noodle dishes were good but I had higher expectations after reading previous reviews. Atmosphere/ Service Very cramped, seating at the bar isn't very comfortable. The ambient music can be a bit loud at times. It has a hipster vibe to the decor, so if that's your jam you'll feel comfortable here. It took a while after we were seated at the bar to be greeted by the staff.
(3)Jordan P.
I left Cheu with a bad taste in my mouth, though I can't say it's the fault of the ramen. Dealing with an unexpectedly warm October evening, our initial plans of "warming up with some yummy broth" were not necessary, but we had a craving, and the only thing that could sate my buddy and I was ca-noodling at Cheu. We strolled in around 7:20 and the place was nowhere close to full. There were about 3 people at the bar and two sitting down, so we were immediately seated at the window. The inside of Cheu is warm and welcoming, the chalkboard showing off the daily specials (tea, beers, food, etc). A carafe of ice water was brought to our table, menus placed in front of us, and we were excited for a night out. Cue when things took a turn for the questionable. I'm not sure if this is standard fare for Cheu, or just due to being a little bare bones, but we had two servers visiting our table periodically. I initially thought maybe one would just be to refresh our water, but they (a man and a woman) would follow after the other often less than a minute behind, asking the same questions. "Have you decided on a drink?" ..... "Can I get you ladies some drinks?" Wait. Didn't I just tell that guy we weren't ready yet? "Can I get that plate off the table for you yet?" (Oh, no, we're still working on it, thanks.) .... "Hey, want me to clear that plate for you, girls?" No, we haven't even taken another bite since that lady stopped by... what is happening? If they looked even moderately similar, I'd have felt insane deja vu that would've suggested that I, too, was insane. As far as food goes, we enjoyed the shaved kale with dates, pepitas, and cheese curds, coconut curry (for my vegetarian pal) and classic miso ramen with pork shoulder. The curry was spicy and delicious, heavy on the broth and the heat. The more classic-style ramen was definitely jonesing for a little kick, added with chili oil and sriracha. Our duo of servers were attentive, almost to a fault. Like... interrupting us to check in, desiring seemingly bite to bite updates. That being said, the bites were quite tasty. The pork shoulder was a little tough, but otherwise all quite good. We enjoyed our cans of beer and our food, which was swept away immediately the second we finished our food. Our male server came over to let us know that, despite receiving our check, "No hurry though, take your time." Five minutes later, the moment after we placed our card down for the check, the female server came over and, despite our earlier server letting us know "no hurry" she told us, in no uncertain terms, that "because we have a waiting list, we need you to leave the table." Ex-SQUEEZE ME? WHAT IS HAPPENING?! Shocked by the sudden change in what we were supposed to do, we left, my friend just barely finishing the last of her drink. I felt like this behavior totally ruined the experience for me, which was not going too poorly up to the point. But now, whenever I think of Cheu, I won't remember the ramen slipping through my chopsticks or the curdy kale. I will remember a rude, confusing waitress hustling me out the door as soon as we put down our tip. If I had the ability to take the tip back and reduce it, I would.
(2)Gary L.
I came to Cheu Noodle Bar after seeing it on a list of must-eats in Philadelphia, so I had really high expectations for this place! When I walked in, the ambience was pretty much what'd you expect for a Saturday night, with groups of friends sitting at tables and parties of 1-2 sitting at the bar. The wait was initially quoted as an hour, but someone finished up early and I only waited about 15 minutes to be seated. They had an interesting selection of beers and cocktails, but I wasn't thirsty so much as hungry so I passed on the drinks. The menu was very simple and straightforward, and I ordered the crab broth noodles and dumplings in chili oil. The dumplings in chili oil came first, there were 4 cute dumplings in a small bowl. They were very tasty, but were different than what I was expecting. Growing up in Asia, dumplings usually have higher fat content and are easier to chew, but I guess the meat in these dumplings were leaner and took a bit longer to chew through. The crab broth noodles came shortly after, and I must say I was pretty disappointed. I passed over the miso ramen for these noodles, and the soup in this broth was a bit spicy and sour, but wasn't as brothy as they claimed. The hand-drawn noodles were quite tasty and bouncy, but to me they were ruined by the broth. Overall, I'd give the dumplings a 4, the noodles a 2.5, and the overall experience a 3.5. If I do come back next time, I'll try the miso ramen instead!
(3)Barry S.
One of my favorite places in the city for sure. On weekend nights there will be a wait. I'm confused why people are so perplexed by this. It's popular and it's great food. Not to mention they will take your number and call/text you when it's your time to be seated. The dumpling special is always always great. I'm personally partial to the brisket. Can't say no to a good matzo ball. Also they always have some good beer specials and a juice special to mix with your hard liquor of choice.
(5)Mark D.
As a former Philly resident living in San Francisco, I've often found myself defending the Philly food scene to a sea (or Bay) of non-believers. Cheu is a prime example of why I think the Philly food scene can hold its own. Cheu is not the average noodle shop. They would be the first to say that they don't make "authentic" noodles (though they are fully capable of making a good bowl of ramen: see miso ramen). Instead, they eschew traditional ramen flavors in favor of what is, simply put, good eating. We started with the beef dumplings which were done perfectly right with the touch of crunchy quinoa giving a surprising touch. The chicken wings were subtle yet complex in their flavor. The pigtails were a revelation, the salty, fatty crunch balanced by the well spiced and perfectly sour pickled tomatoes. I had the brisket noodle which was what I would imagine a Jewish-Korean-Japanese family would eat on a rainy day. As strange as that may sound, it works wonderfully here. And might I commend their soft boiled egg too. If the mark of a cook is how well they can execute an egg, do these Philly boys deliver! Velvety, rich, it proved how egg can be luxurious and move seductively in a bowl. I also tried the spicy crab broth which harkened to soup flavors I've had in Filipino/Malaysian/Vietnamese cuisines. This is the kind of place that would thrive in SF and were it over there, I'd eat here all the time. To those from SF, think Mission Chinese does noodles. I'd even go as far as saying that it's better than most Asian places doing noodles. As I kept saying throughout my meal, what a phenomenal little surprise.
(5)Emily L.
Rarely do you find somewhere that you can categorize as 'noodle fusion', but look no further for Cheu is the answer to your 'noodle fusion' dreams. The most apparent fusion, at least for myself, comes in the form of Jewish comfort food. The brisket and matzo ball noodle soup is unbelievable, the matzo ball rivals my mother's, which is sort of a big deal When you go, I encourage you to get at least one order of their dumplings. Hopefully you get lucky and they're the brisket, onion, date (the notorious b.o.d). Then move into an app like their renowned chicken wings or pig tails. Then get your noodle on and go crazy. Enjoy the great atmosphere and bumpin sound track with a cold Tsingtao or jasmine mint iced tea while you wait.... You'll probably have to wait. You should wait.
(4)Jordan R.
Went here with no expectations and was blown away. My girlfriend recommended we go and I gave her my enthusiatic "meh, whatever" typical response. Went on a Sunday around 7pm, maybe a 15 minute way to get in. We got almost everything on the menu, I'll list everything we got in order from best to worst (not that anything was bad but some things were better than others). 1. Wings 2. Pork Belly Bun 3. Broccoli with vietnamese sausage 4. Poke 5. Hot oil dumplings 6. Spicy crab broth noodles Our waiter was really helpful and great to chat with. Recommend sitting at the bar because you get to watch two amazing chefs work like a well oiled machine. I'm currently in a severe food coma and I couldn't be happier.
(5)Aruna A.
I have been reading and reading and hearing and hearing that Cheu Noodle Bar is off the hook amazing. So I finally decided to swing by and see what all the fuss is about... Well, what is all the fuss about? The fuss is about the YUMMY FOOD THAT THEY HAVE. And the decent beer list. And the fun music. And the daily rotating juice and ice tea. THAT IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT. Basically, this place is awesome. I had the coconut curry noodles, and I added an egg to it. Boy was it yummy. Really well flavored, not too spicy, and definitely well made. My friend ordered the yakisoba, which I found to be equally flavorful and yummy. The beer list is really well cultivated. The service was good. My only complaint would be that this place is TINY. I mean the size of a postage stamp tiny. Teensy weensy. It's really yummy, but it's not good for large parties. Also, if you get there at peak time, you may be waiting a bit. Can't wait to go back again and again!
(4)Steve L.
Cheu's has to be one of the top 5 meals I have ever eaten. Everything about this place is amazing, from the food, to the service, to the signs in the bathroom. If I didn't live 600+ miles away from here, I would be here at least 2-3 times per week. My dining companion Liz and I set out on a mission to try as many items as we could in one meal. We succeded. We ended up enjoying the nightly dumpling special (among the best I have ever had), the broccoli, the black garlic wings, all three of their buns (get the pork belly), the Boloanasian, and the brisket (complete with a matzo ball). To top it off, they have daily, fresh pressed juice concoctions that you can easily throw a few shots into. Each dish was just as amazing as the last. Of all of the great eateries in Philly, this one shot right to the top of the list.
(5)Hyun K.
I was pretty excited when I heard that Cheu Noodle had opened up down the block from my apartment. My coworker and I wandered inside one afternoon to try it out. It was crazy small inside and we were seated by the window at a very small table. Our server was polite and explained the menu to us and she brought out a plate of broken up Shin Ramen with the spice on top. I guess it's kind of cute that they use that as a "snack" but I think it's a bit lame too... Anyone can go to their supermarket and pick up a package of Shin Ramen and eat it raw.. It's nothing special. Plus, I could hear people around us complain about how spicy it is. The servers should remind customers about the spice level! The servers do suggest ordering about 3-4 appetizers per 2 people, but just ordering one app, and two noodles, it cost us around $35. Imagine ordering 3-4 apps on top of that! you'll be running a $50 bill for lunch. Crazy. My coworker and I decided to order the mung bean and burger buns, the pork belly ramen, and the duck pho. Our appetizer came out fairly quickly, although they gave us a pork belly bun instead of a burger one. We didn't complain about it. The buns were quite delicious. They came with a cucumber and cilantro on top. The pork belly was nice and juicy, with the right amount of fat on it. While the mung bean bun was tasty as well. My only quip is that they're pretty small. Our noodles took much longer to come out. When they finally did, we were starving! I had the pork belly ramen, and I was really looking forward to it. Which was my biggest downfall..... The broth was terribly watery, the egg was waaaay too under cooked for my taste, and though the noodles are made in house, they're not as great as you would hope. Think Hand Drawn noodle type noodles. I know that Cheu Noodle Bar is aimed towards americanized asian-fusion tastes, but that ramen... phew, what a train wreck. I'm too used to traditional Japanese ramen. It's like they took instant ramen beef flavored soup powder and mixed it in vegetable broth. The only good thing about the dish was the pork belly. My coworker had the duck pho and I tried some of it. It was definitely not your typical pho. The broth was oddly sweet, flat, and of course, watered down like the ramen. The noodles were the same as the ramen as well. The broth wasn't too terrible, which made it 94547563403 times better than the ramen, but this bowl of pho wasn't handed down from Jesus either. I could go to South Philly and pick up a bowl of pho for $7 that tasted a fajillion times better than Cheu Noodle's interpretation. Again, the meat was the only banger of the dish. The duck was great, and the fois grois meatballs were tender and so yummy. Would I go here again? maybe if I was starving and I was standing right in front of the restaurant. The only reason I'm giving it 2 stars instead of 1 is because their meat is delicious and their appys aren't too bad either. Please, please, please, fix your soup or just open up a meat only restaurant.
(2)Chad W.
I have heard a lot of buzz about Cheu Noodle bar on twitter for weeks. So I was dying to try out one of Philadelphia's highest trending restaurants. The ambience was amazing, and the staff was so friendly. We sat at the bar where we had dumplings to start which were amazing. Then I choose to have the Brisket Ramon Bowl. Honestly was one of the best bowls or meals I have had in recent memory. Just the right amount of spice in the broth, mixed with the noodles, brisket, and a matzoball!! Amazing, can't wait to go back.
(5)Jenny M.
Being an avid noodle fan, I was enthused to hear about this new noodle bar opening near where I lived! I understood coming into this restaurant that it was 'not-your-typical' Asian fare. But I love trying new things, and was looking forward to see what unique twists to the traditional they would bring. I was, however, very disappointed. This being a noodle place, one would expect the noodles to be the star item of the menu. Alas, this was not the case. We ordered the duck pho and the pork belly ramen, both of which came highly recommended by our server. (As a side note: both are the owners' "interpretation" of pho and ramen - they are very unlike the real thing...) Purported as handmade, the noodles were unlike anything I had before - very bitter and very gritty. Bland, undercooked - I can take... but this; I've never had anything that tasted so full of baking soda! They completely overpowered and flavored the broth with a strong, non-appealing aftertaste. The ramen broth in itself was much too thick as well. Neither of us could stomach more than a few bites of our dishes, which is a shame because the meat (fois gras meatballs, pork belly), was delicious!! It was just the noodles that ruined the overall flavor. We ended up splitting wings to make up for the noodles, which tasted much better! The staff/service at this restaurant, however, are wonderful. The bar layout of this place provides a comfortable & cozy atmosphere as well. In conclusion, if you are looking for a place to eat good noodles - I would direct you to the nearby Chinatown. If Cheu can better their noodle recipe (or expand their meat selections - I'm telling you, that pork belly was good!) - only then would I be back!
(3)Josh S.
Nooooooodles!
(4)John B.
Pork belly buns should be required on every visit. The broccoli is outstanding, I've loved every noodle dish I've tried and they always have creative specials. I wish there were more stars to give.
(5)Eileen H.
Worth checking out if you're a ramen or noodle soup fan, but nothing to rave about. This place strays from the traditional preparation of ramen, but hasn't quite nailed down all of its twists. There are slight things here and there that are off (or maybe I am just a purist), and after I finished my dishes I was either left wondering if I liked their twists (i.e. the matzo ball) or wishing I had the traditional instead (marinated egg vs. the soft poached egg they give you). That said, their apps are a completely different story. The dumpling we got were the creamy corn and bacon, which tasted like corn chowder in a dumpling. That's not a great description, but if you are a corn chowder fan, you will love these dumplings! Surprisingly sweet and creamy, with just a hint of salty ummami from the bacon. They also had a BBQ pig tail dish, which looks almost like ribs. For some reason, I was expect curly octopus like tentacles on my place. The dish itself was very fatty, but the sauce was out of this world. In my opinion, the music was just awful, hipster music and the volume changed from being barely tolerable to an intolerable volume. Same thing with the lights, as they kept randomly dimming. Not sure what that's about, but it made for an anxious dining experience.
(3)Ann X.
Dumplings in spicy oil? truffle aioli fries? Pork belly buns for only $2.5?! This gives momofuku a run for their money! I don't think it gets any better than this! Not only that, the owner Ben Puchowitz's passion and dedication shows in his food and he is very creative in his undertakings to perfect a menu that provides variety for the "foodie palette" as well as a different spin on food. The noodles brings together the perfect blend of szechuan, thai and chinese flavors to create a blissful, delicious flavor. In addition, they have a wide selection of beers including an IPA called flying dog snake dog. They also serve fresh juices such as dragonfruit, etc. Overall I give this place a 5!! Great tastes overall -- a must try, would definitely come back again for the baos and garlic wings!!
(5)Sarah R.
Amazing cozy spot to go to on a cold winters night. Coconut curry noodles were divine, the host was hilarious and the music was fun. Their menu is small and so is the restaurant so be prepared to wait or go early. Would have loved a few more vegetarian options.
(4)David E.
Reminds me of a Japanese ramen shop with an American twist. The miso ramen is fairly close to traditional and I like the poached egg. The unique dish was the Jewish version of ramen with brisket and matzah ball.
(5)Dan W.
So I came here after all the hoopla on the foobooz site and because Matyson is an awesome byob(and who doesn't love delicious noodles). I have to say, had the burger and pork belly buns and they were excellent. Also had the BBQ crisp appetizer that had a great flavor yet it needed something to soak up the sauce. Finally had the lamb braised noodles and they were great. Again I wanted to soak up every ounce of the sauce. They should go against the norm and serve a nice crusty bread- blasphemy you might say but seriously something must be done to soak up these flavors. Now onto the bad part, the prices. Way too expensive for everything. Nan Zhou hand drawn noodles Isn't that far away and their delicious noodles are 3-5 bucks depending on either the peanut or soy pork sauce; Cheu's prices are around 11-15, and small to boot. Also sampan isn't far away with a great priced happy hour. I know Cheu is just starting up, so hopefully after a time they will be a little more affordable. This place is great with a comfy feel and a warm and inviting staff. I will be back, just not often or I'll be broke.
(4)Pat M.
You can't go wrong with anything on the menu at cheu. The ingredients are fresh and thoughtfully added to make each dish well rounded. I do suggest the brisket ramen. Also the dumplings are always a good choice. Service is very quick and friendly. Good craft beer selection as well. One of my favorite places to eat in Philly.
(5)M C.
Okay. So I've been on a small hiatus from Yelp but now I'm back and reeling on the new flavors landing in Philly. And speaking of new flavors, the Ramen scene seems to have gained popularity in Philadelphia. So, it's hard for me to dis on a place and especially Cheu since I love Ben Puchowitz's restaurant Matyson. I also really want to like Cheu because its ambience reminds of the BEST noodle bar in D.C. Toki. But the ambience is all it has going for it right now, especially after being charged $14 for a large bowl of a minimal amount of noodles in my Cold Sesame noodle order. How do you mess up Cold Sesame Noodles? And how do you warrant charging $14 for half the bowl of noodles? Was I paying for the ambience alone? I ordered Cold Sesame noodles on a really hot day in July thinking its your basic Asian meal, not too much can go wrong there and it won't break the bank. BOY was I wrong! First of all, the point of a noodle bar is overflowing noodles in your bowl not the other way around. And even though you don't want to stay authentic to a tradition of cooking ramen, the basics are still important. My noodles were too al dente. The pork belly was a nice touch but if that was the reason for the $14 bill then no thank you. The kimchee cucumber on top covered with chili oil was a nice touch but it was poorly done,the kimchee lacked the original balance of just enough sourness to just enouph spice to give it its umph. Instead it was doused with chili oil that took away from the flavor of the noodles. And even though Laban praised this dish as close to authentic my authentic asian palette states otherwise. For now I'll stick to the lesser of two evils and frequent the Ramen chain that is Terakawa. It's broth is on point and its noodles overflow the bowl. Ben, a small suggestion, don't stray too far from traditional flavoring when your dealing with oriental cuisine and don't rush to add too many culinary delights to the menu before mastering what your "noodle bar" is named after.
(2)Michele R.
Use the Jin Ga as a mixer, try the fish ribs, & do NOT sit in front of the range at the bar unless you want a grease burn. :-)
(4)Maeve M.
INCREDIBLE. The black garlic wings, nutty broccoli and - how is this even real??! - matzo ball brisket all blew my mind. Wacky and adventurous, Cheu rivals the best uber-authentic ramen joints I've been to. Great ambiance and the super friendly wait staff rounds it out. I only regret I was driving and couldn't try the awesome-looking cocktails. Philly people, go here!
(5)John B.
I really like this place. Their Thai squash noodle soup is really fusion done right. I also love their bolognese noodle. The best part about their restaurant is the atmosphere. You sit at the bar you see the actions and the bar tables have a hook underneath for your coat (to which I exclaimed they really thought of everything!!)
(5)Cory H.
Philly is doing it right with this place. Had recommended drinks that were delicious (bourbon with the daily made apple/ginger juice - awesome!) and we got the specials of the day as well. Glass noodles with tuna, beef dumplings, and then we each got our choice of ramen. Both amazing.
(5)Julia W.
Ever since I happened upon Cheu Noodle Bar's Instagram accout a few weeks ago, I've been itching to check it out. From the pictures posted to Instagram alone, I could tell that their chef/owners constantly change up their menu, and everything looked so darn tasty. I finally had an opportunity to check it out this past week, and I'm happy that my friend and I decided to check it out on a weekday (Wednesday night) because the space is quite cosy and the bar not quite big enough had we wanted to grab a drink as we waited (about 10 mins). It was totally worth the snowy trek across town - we sat at the bar and ordered a couple beers as we looked over the menu. Sitting there, we had an opportunity to really soak in the hipster-ness of the place. I wouldn't describe myself as hipster, but I remember thinking that I was glad that I had taken a little time to pick out what I was going to wear that night. It was by no means dressy, but it's definitely not a place I'd wear sweats to. Anywho, when I go to a restaurant for the first time, I generally go big, so my friend and I ordered 3 appetizers and 2 entrees. To start we had the broccoli, black garlic wings, and a pork belly bun. And for our entrees we shared the yakisoba and brisket ramen. I was nervous that it might be too much food, but we had no problem finishing everything. The wings came out first, and boy were they meaty. Honestly neither of us had ever had black garlic so weren't sure how garlicky the wings would be (and I love garlic), so honestly it was my own fault that the wings weren't quite garlicky enough for me. That being said, the cilantro, sesame seeds, and sweet and savory sticky sauce was delicious and the wings super meaty. I'm glad we tried the pork belly bun, but honestly since we split it I can't really give a fair assessment of it. I think I may have to go back and eat an entire one for myself before I pass judgment. Preliminarily, however, it was as good of a pork belly bun as I've ever had. We both LOVED the broccoli appetizer. To be fair, I LOVE broccoli in pretty much any circumstance, but I thought it was cooked perfectly, and the fresh peanuts and sauce were a great compliment to broccoli's natural nuttiness. I will definitely be going back for more. Now, the entrees were tasty and filling and perfect for the frigid cold night that we went, but I can't say that I was blown away. The yakisoba was stick-to-your-bones good, especially with the creamy egg on top, but I didn't think it was seasoned as well as it could have been. The tofu was cooked perfectly, and the noodles not overdone, but it felt like some flavor was missing. The brisket ramen was flavorful and comforting, but I was a bit disappointed by how fatty the meat was. That being said, we slurped up every last drop of the broth. Next time I head to Cheu Noodle Bar - and there will definitely be a next time - I want to try their miso ramen and other entrees. I'm seriously loving their Instagram postings, so I'll definitely be keeping tabs on what specials they have and try to head over when I see something that looks especially tasty.
(4)Steve M.
So Cheu's... Cheu's is small. Like, really small. If you're eating with two people and want to eat at the bar, then you're probably ok, but for four... four's tough. That said, we somehow got our party of four seated at one of the five tables in under ten minutes. The staff was incredibly attentive and friendly, and the ambiance of the place is vibrant and bustling. Unfortunately the food didn't fully live up to my high hopes and the fun of the interior. First, the good... - Black Garlic Wings: This was maybe my favorite dish of the night. An absolutely delicious sauce coating but not soaking a mound of thick, crispy fried wings. Not greasy, just salty and garlicky and addictive. - Ramen Noodles: I could eat this all day long. Pork shoulder, egg, sea beans and maybe the most delicious miso broth I've ever had. A big bowl of out-of-this-world. The pork was a tiny bit overcooked but I can live with that. - BBQ Pig Tails with Peach Kimchi: These were just what they should be: thick nuggets of pork soaked in sweet barbecue sauce. The peach kimchi... well either I sacrificed that to my sharing partners or I ate it and just didn't taste it, I'm hoping it's the former. I would have loved if this were more spicy, but still... delicious. ... and then the less-than-good: - Buns (Pork Belly / Fried Chicken): I got to sample each of these buns, and I wasn't blown away by either, I'm sad to say. I loved the little biscuit they were served on but found myself missing the classic steamed bao bun's texture, and the fillings just didn't light up my mouth like a more classic bun does (with hoisin and pickled veggies). - Dumplings in Chili Oil: Our dumplings of the night were pork and almond, two flavors I love but have never had together. They were good... but not out-of-this-world good as I'd hoped. I love dumplings, pork, almonds and chili oil, but somehow this didn't come together into the bold flavor I'd expected. Not quite spicy, not quite sweet, not quite salty... just almost-there on all fronts. - Lettuce Wraps with Foie Gras Meatballs and Plum BBQ: These were just not good. Dry meatballs, almost-no plum BBQ sauce, way too much veggie and lettuce to the point that the heart of the dish (the foie and plum) were lost. Plus they were served in a kind of pile, not in four distinct wraps, all so buried in veggies that it was hard to find how to pick it up and share it. This one was a miss. Brisket Noodles: A moderately good matzoh ball in a chili broth that you'd only know was a chili broth if I told you. The brisket itself was well-cooked, but the rest was a little bit boring. The online menu calls it a "Chile" broth so maybe it's just a non-spiced South American soup I'm not familiar with... but my money's on that being a typo.
(3)Fiona S.
I went on a Sunday at 3:30, and it was surprisingly busy! I got the brussel sprouts with fermented squash to share and the coconut curry noodles, which were both delicious! I was afraid it would be too spicy, but it was perfect. Loved the hipster atmosphere and not-so-traditional Asian cuisine.
(5)Chris J.
went here twice, got the miso ramen both times, and thought it was significantly better the second time. absurdly good the second time. cheeseburger buns are dope
(4)Laura T.
Absolute must go. The dishes are always evolving and somehow keep getting better. Hard to pick favorites but the black garlic wings and the pig tails are standouts. Just tried the yakisoba and can't imagine a more delicious noodle dish.
(5)Joe A.
We ate at Cheu for the first time yesterday and it was mighty impressive. The place is small with only a few tables and seating along the bar with a view of the open kitchen. We started with the buns appetizer, which I thought being it's a Asian Fusion cuisine would be more like Dim Sum, but the buns are comparable to sliders. We had the pork belly and the mushroom buns. The flavor was excellent and they clearly could be addictive if you order more than a few. We also had the noodles, Coconut Curry and Lamb Neck. Both were excellent. Great flavor and presentation and nicely spicy but you can add some heat with the chili oil or sriracha condiments on the table. The service was very attentive and the kitchen is immaculate. This place is really great and a nice addition to the middle village neighborhood.
(5)Matt M.
"I thought that poached egg looked shady" A review of Cheu; 255 S 10th st. April 24, 2014 Cheu offers a modern take on classic asian dishes including BBQ pork and kimchi burrito, Bolognasian noodles, and the now infamous Miso Ramen. Aside from the pallet wood decor, the atmosphere is pleasent and relaxed, the food is great, the service is quick, and the prices are only slightly unreasonable. Having had a hair cut appointment down the street and a few extra dollars in the bank, I decided to treat myself for lunch today. 12:30 is the peak hours so my seat was directly next to the bar access and prep station. Watching the crotchety young "chef" prepare meatballs, pigs feat and other raw products a few feet from my meal was not all that appetizing. My Miso Ramen came only a few minutes after ordering, as the plump cooked shuffled through her station to concurrently make many of the same dish. Mine was only on the order-out bench for a few brief seconds until it was passed to me and the rest is history as they say. The noodle had a red and white miso based broth, seabeans, fermented garlic, braised pork shoulder, and a poached egg -- which was where I began. The meal itself was delicious and the music was pleasing and eclectic, I stirred and slurped down the dish quickly -- half due to hunger and half to get back to work within my typical hour break. Back at the office it was back to work to make the deadline tonight. A rendering cooking on this computer, one done on another, and some floor plans to fire out for tomorrow afternoon. All the movement had me a little queasy. I sat down at one of my stations half the office away to watch the computer render a few frames and let my stomach rest. Then came the headache, acute at first, then pulsing. My palms became sweaty and I knew it was just a matter of time. A few minutes in the bathroom and my lunch came forth like it was made from the excriment of a cow with a terrible case of BSE. Overall I would give the restaurant a restaurant a 2/10 with a generous five point deduction for food poisoning.
(1)Daniel O.
Hands down my favorite place to eat in all of Philadelphia. The dumplings are always a must and always wonderfully creative, they've ranged from beef to loaded baked potato (which tastes like the best pirogi you will ever have.) The service is top notch, the brisket ramen is coco bananas good. My only complaint is that it's a little small so there can sometimes be a wait, but it's always worth it.
(5)Katie H.
OMG. CHEU. I had a fantastic meal at Cheu. I'm not a very adventurous eater, so I was so terrified of trying the seared octopus, which was the special about a week or so ago. It was AMAZING. Literally, I wish I could've had an entire entree of it. It didn't taste fishy at all! I also got the Brisket bun, and it was amazing. It tasted like home cooking. I also got the brisket noodle bowl (I guess I was in a brisket mood, huh?) and that was amazing. A little spicy, but I'm very sensitive to spicy food, so don't listen to my opinion on those kinds of things! I love the ambiance of Cheu. Yes, it's small, but it is also very homey and I love being able to see the entire meal prep! Definitely going back!
(5)Z B.
Small place with tight seating. The menu was okay selection wise, and the items we ordered (wings, brisket, rice cake, dumplings, curry noodles) were all okay. The best part about the place for me was the service.
(3)Jae A.
Had a take out miso ramen. I certainly appreciated the broth with deep enough flavor and pork shoulder. Its ambience and rest of menu also intrigued me. I only wish I had enough time to enjoy the bowl sitting down at bar with a drink. Certainly worth of my returning visit! Hipefully, next time I will enjoy there.
(4)Matt M.
I don't understand all the 3 star reviews on here. This is a solid new spot with great apps and homemade noodles for their soups. They make a perfect soft boiled egg that goes in some of the soup dishes, that I guess scared a few people? Also their kimchi is the best I've had so far in philly. Friendly service, fair prices, BYOB, fresh juices everyday and unique food combinations. We had the crispy rice cakes, kimchi, fish ribs, ramen noodles and hand torn noodles with lamb. I would definitely go back, remembering to bring a 6-pack and I need to try the wings, I hear they are awesome.
(4)Steve T.
I grabbed some lunch with co-workers here and we were all very satisfied with the decision. The meal was absolutely delicious and service was pretty fast. My only complaint is that the portion size for the dumplings is a tad small. Other than that, I'll be visiting them again in no time. I recommend the Hand Torn with an egg. It's pretty incredible.
(4)Vivian T.
Yummy white boy asian fusion. totally correct. I love their creative fusion options. Their ramen is really yummy. I have already been here twice and I came here the second time all ready to try their maztah ball and kimchi ramen. The server totally sold me on the special and I ended up ordering their pastrami ramen, which was totally amazing. Thick cuts of pastrami topped with a oozy poached egg on a bed of ramen- what is there not to love? I love their creative trials and I'm so glad they are willing to take risks to fuse white and asian cuisine- totally great. We also got their Ma po pork shoulder with rice cakes...and I totally loved it. I was most surprised by how spicy it was. I totally enjoyed it but I was surprised that a "white" place would serve something as spicy as that (normal spicy by asian standard). It was great. The spicy pork shoulder coupled with sticky browned hot rice cakes...chewy and satisfying...amazing all around. I also love their specials that includes unique dumplings. We got the date and pork dumplings topped with crunchy quinoa- again love their creativity that keeps my taste buds guessing! I now cannot wait to come back again just to try with matzah ball ramen open- but I'm sure I'll get distracted and order their special again. YAY! :)
(4)Michael F.
Some foodie friends have been talking this place up to me so I finally decided to check it out, and it was definitely worth it. The dumplings of the day were Pork and Mung Bean, and they were decent. The dumpling dough is perfectly chewy and excellent as far as thickness. The filling I thought was a little under seasoned, but when I rolled it around in the Chili Oil, it was quite tasty. I also had the burger, which I thought was an unusual item to have on the menu for a noodle bar, but thought it would be interesting to try. The burger is on more of a denser bread than a typical bun, and the mustard greens and acidic sauces worked great together. The burger had a lot of Eastern flavors, but was still a burger, a well cooked one, at that. Enjoyed a quick tasty lunch for 12 bucks. As the temperatures rise this summer, I'll probably try the cold noodles and I think the ramen is calling for me this winter.
(4)Kim S.
My boyfriend and I decided to try all the ramen places in the city and compare them. After reading all the dope reviews we were hopeful. We came with 2 other friends and not one of us thought it was anything special. The wings were a little better than average. The miso ramen was bland, and so was the brisket broth (although the brisket was alright), and I'm not sure what they were even trying to do with the Bolognasian. And I love watercress! The drinks were again, too pricey for what it deserves, even in Center City. All for of us left disappointed that we spent the money on such a big letdown. So to sum it up, this place is boiled down to one word. OVERRATED.
(2)M L.
I was torn whether to give Cheu 3 or 4 stars. I liked the food, but nothing I ordered was especially amazing. Everything was reasonably tasty. I opted to order pickup because there always seems to be people waiting for a seat outside...figured if I'm going to guarantee food before 8pm I better order it to go. The folks in Cheu are incredibly nice and friendly. I felt a very warm atmosphere inside. The lighting was low, which is what I'd expect for dinner time but still on the dark side for me. The music was a tad loud for my taste during dinner but their taste in music was great...hip place, cool neighborhood find. Now the food. The pork belly bun was tasty, but the bun was grilled, so the texture was not the soft, luscious, pillowy bite I was hoping for. The pork itself was great. There was some kind of mayo sauce and pickles that added a nice texture and flavor. Next the kimchi. I should know better than to order kimchi EVER. No one makes kimchi as good as my mom. It was ok. I won't fault Cheu for kimchi because it was more an interpretation. Lovely presentation and as a cabbage side dish it was fine. The black garlic wings were good, but I wish they were saltier or spicier or something, just seemed to almost be right. The wings themselves were perfectly cooked though so I really appreciated the care they took. Now the mains. I tried both the ramen and the brisket (by the way, I didn't eat all of this myself, luckily I was ordering for others so I got to try a lot of things). The brisket is great. Definitely my favorite thing; perfectly cooked egg, right choice of noodles and lovely broth. Fall-apart brisket and matzo were perfect accompaniments. The ramen was good too. Not the best ramen I've had but I'm terribly spoiled with ramen. I think it was a good version, but not a rich and salty as I personally prefer. Would I eat here again? Yes! Do I recommend it? Yes! I have a tough palette to please, I love very spicy and salty foods, so when I eat "Asian fusion" fare, I'm generally quite displeased, but Cheu had some lovely elements and it is still a new place so I'd like to keep trying it to see how it develops over time.
(3)Lisa E.
I'd give this place more stars if I could! I've loved this place from the very beginning. These guys know how to make noodles and how to pair them perfectly in all of their dishes. To be honest, I've been here more times than I can count now, and I've had a taste of basically the entire menu. Everything is always delicious! The ramen is a classic staple made here. All ingredients are fresh and perfectly paired with one another. It's also fun to watch them put this dish together - so much care is put into the presentation, too. The dumplings are also a highlight on the menu. Three little dumplings are served with chili oil and stuffed with whatever ingredients they are serving for the day - the combinations are awesome. I had a pork and pickle one a while back, it was divine! Other great appetizers are the black garlic wings and the bbq pig tails. Man, they know how to make sauces and put them together on these dishes. The broccoli with Vietnamese sausage is my go-to order, as well. This dish never fails with deliciousness and flavors! The staff is great, and they love their customers. It's a great open concept kitchen and the music is always turned up! Sit down at the bar, watch them cook, and enjoy an astouding meal!
(5)Jeff B.
For the price, it's a decent cultural exploration into an odd style of dining. The restaurant is very packed even at off times sure to a lack of seating, and the tables are so small you'll kick the person across from you at least a few times. The food itself is an interesting mix of American cuisine and Asian culinary style, which provides a fresh experience, but the novelty end quickly as you realize the dish lacks both the true flavors of Asian and doesn't stand out as the best brisket you've ever eaten. All in all the restaurant wasn't a bad place to eat, but it's refusal to conform to the authenticity of its adopted styles is both its selling point and its downfall.
(3)Eileen T.
We ate at Cheu Noodle for the first time last week. The place is small (10 seats at tables and maybe 10-12 seats at the bar) and it is a popular place but tables turn quickly. The energy is great, and the food is really good and affordable. My husband and I split these dishes: Lamb neck noodles, Chinese sausage and beef dumplings, Charred Brussels spouts. Each dish was tasty and well-prepared. They only offer one kind of beer on tap, but it was very good. We will definitely go back.
(4)Lan H.
First and foremost: my brisket noodles had one of the most tender brisket slices my mouth had ever encountered. Yay! Please do not take my review as one by a novice who doesn't quite appreciate the hipster scenery that makes up Cheu Noodle Bar. On the contrary, take it as one by an open-minded Yelper who doesn't feel so comfortable having a bowl of noodle soup at a bar-like establishment. I wanted to try to like the atmosphere so badly - no doubt I enjoyed watching the chefs incessantly prepare the food. Entertainment to say the least :-) Ok, I will shut up and stop writing so that I can think about coming back to Cheu and trying out more of the food. I work close by, so it's not like I can avoid the possibility of re-visiting ;-)
(3)Stephanie H.
I don't want to say how good this place is because I don't want it to get more busy but.. damn, this is the best noodle bar!
(5)Alli S.
This place is delicious. Loved every bite. Brisket, miso ramen and coconut curry were terrific, as were the dumplings and buns. I went a few months ago and I can't believe I haven't been back yet, as I have actually had cravings since then based on that one visit. I think some people need to keep in mind that it's not supposed to be a traditional noodle bar experience...these guys are cooking what they like to eat. Some of the flavors are what I would call "stoner food." That is not an insult - far from it!
(4)Nelli C.
I would have given this place 4 stars had it not been for 2 things that really bothered me. So background to how we came up to this place. Came here with my boyfriend when we were in Philadelphia for a business trip. The place is small and cozy. When we got there, it was 9pm and had been walking around in 20degree weather, so we were down for something warm. Here is where half a star leaves the rating. The hostess did not look like she wanted anyone coming in. She had a little attitude when she told us to stand by the ramen wall. When seats were available, the hostess took her sweet time cleaning up despite people waiting to be seated. I understand the place is a little cramped but it does not take 10mins to clean a table, especially if the table is literally 3x3. The waiter and waitress were wonderful and after we had ordered I was watching the chef cook. The other half star for the following: The entire time the chef was cooking, she would pull her phone out and text. That's disgusting! She wasn't wearing gloves also. The chef is picking up up ingredients with her hands that she just used to text and puts them into the bowls they're serving! Now onto the food. My bf and both got the miso ramen with the spicy bean paste as an add on. The broth was good but after adding the spicy bean paste and mixing in the egg, it got creamy and even better. If I was back in Philadelphia, I might consider coming back but probably if it was a last resort.
(3)Allison S.
Wonderful Lunch Fantastic Food, Friendly Service, they were so accomodating, we had a party of 4 . They recognised one of our Parties Birthdays, shich was greatly appreciated and One of the guests was on a Low Carb diet and you would think that would be a challenge at a Noodle place but Fear Not the Staff and Kitchen are totally accomodating Making the Best Low Carb Soup you will Ever have. We will surely be back!!Thank you
(5)Christine B.
I was lucky enough to get a preview at one of the Matyson pop-ups, so I was really looking forward to Cheu. I finally got a chance to go on a rainy Thursday for lunch when I had a meeting at Pennsylvania Hospital. The bar counter is nice for eating solo. Pretty sure Shawn was my server part of the time, and he was super friendly. I tried the dumplings in chili oil which were a brisket, onion, and date combination. These were some of the best dumplings I've ever had. They should do dim sum on the weekends. I also tried the ramen which was a huge bowl of noodles, egg, pork belly, and sea beans. I've been to Japan, and I know they aren't doing traditional food, but all I really care about is taste, and this was really good. It didn't taste too salty either, although I got really thirsty in the afternoon so I suppose it was on the saltier side. A lot of people around me had the brisket noodles, and someone ordered the BBQ pork and kimchi burrito which looked awesome. The kitchen is totally open so you can watch everyone cooking. I really enjoyed everything about this spot and I'll be going back for dinner soon!
(4)Christian L.
Very accommodating service and tasty food. Really good informal place to go with friends, definitely friendly on the budget. A nice twist on a staple food group (ramen), and makes for a good lunch too. It's nice they serve beer.
(4)Carly B.
This place deserves a solid four star, which is pretty good considering the fact that most Asian-fusion restaurants that I've been to are, in my opinion, REALLY bad. Most of the appetizers on the menu are very good. I would recommend: Tomato + Watermelon salad Black Garlic Wings BBQ Pig Tails Crispy Rice Cakes I've only had the ramen, so I can't really say much about their noodles. The ramen is very delicious; the broth is rich and, unlike many noodle bars, not terribly salty. The pork is nice and tender, and the raw egg is a nice touch. Their freshly brewed iced teas are also good. I had the Jasmine Thai-Basil tea; a bit too subtle for my taste but nevertheless refreshing. However, they could have put the iced tea in a bigger glass, or maybe refill it. Service was also really good. Both attentive and friendly. The food is not exceptional, but I would definitely go back.
(4)Mia W.
The coconut curry is amazing!!! Very cute, small place, with great food and beer selections. Great for a casual date.
(4)Ellen H.
This place rules!!! The black garlic sauce on the wings is incredible. I wish they delivered so i could have it at work right now! And the staff is super friendly and fun. Everyone in philly needs to go here!
(5)Alyson C.
Went on a Wednesday night and it was packed. Had a cozy seat at the bar. Me and the bf shared a couple beers and small plates to start. The mushroom buns were a delish vegetarian option that didn't feel "vegetarian". We shared a bowl of ramen, which was pretty disappointing for a ramen bar. The broth was really lacking in flavor and depth. Overall, it was a decent, trendy place with good service, but I just don't see what all the hype is about.
(3)Huong N.
This is a cute little comfy bar with great service and delicious food. The dumplings are amazing. Great music! Upbeat and great vibes and energy in here and yummy cocktails :) if ever in Philly again I will be back!!!
(5)rey b.
i would pilgrimage pretty damn far for a stellar bowl of ramen, so this was an obvious choice when my friend brought it up as an idea for a saturday lunch. went in with high hopes that this would be my new spot, since so many downtown korean spots closed in the last few years. yes, i know ktown is not that far. we shared the dumplings & i had the pork ramen. i really wanted to love this bowl of ramen, but i didn't. i could live on ramen, i truly could, but not this ramen. i am thinking i need to come back to give this place another chance. i know i have been spoiled by totto & ippudo, so i really wanted cheu to be the local hero! the broth was bland & the texture of the noodles did not have the texture i was hoping for. the dumplings were flavorful & i would definitely order them again. i like the owners kept to the intimate noodle house environment, small & cozy. some of my favorite noodle houses require adjustment to ideal personal space. the service was attentive. all in all, this place is probably worth it's weight, but not for the ramen. maybe i am just a purist when it comes to noodles...leave the trendy embellishments at the door & bring the rayu!
(3)Carla W.
Wings are crispy, flavorful paradise. Brisket ramen is something I will crave and return for. Really cool spot and interesting twist on many dishes you could get "traditional" style a million other places. It's nice to be surprised. Matzoh balls, foie gras meatballs, scrapple- all on the menu. There's a lot of delicious twists and turns and much I will return to try. The best part is the service. One of the owners saw I was preggers and made sure I got my Ramen without the egg and offered the bag of dry noodles they give as a snack while you wait so that I could check that the ingredients were all safe for me. As you can see, I haven't written many reviews but this place was worth a mention for the service alone. The menu is an added perk.
(5)Stephen S.
I've always been a fan of supporting new restaurants when they open up in my neighborhood. I popped by Cheu Noodle Bar the first week to see if it was worthy of adding to my regular eating rotation. I really wanted to like this place. When my wife and I walked in, the decor was modern, fresh, and clean. The background music was well chosen and added to the hip ambiance. In terms of the food, it could really use some work both in terms of taste and pricing. We started out with the Broccoli and peanut appetizer which was actually quite tasty. Unfortunately the portion was minuscule and was finished in nearly three bites. For a $7 broccoli appetizer, I'm expecting a little more product on the plate. I mean how much does broccoli cost now a days anyway? If you walked a few blocks down the street, you could get some calamari or a tasty salad at Kanella BYOB for $8. For the next course, we both tried the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup. It was a decent sized bowl of soup but the broth lacked the depth and character of other Pho soups that we've tried. The meat also had a bit too much fat that needed to be picked off before being consumed. You can have the same sized bowl of soup at Pho 75 (BYOB) on Washington Ave. for a mere $5.75 versus the $13 we paid at Cheu. On a positive note, the service was friendly and the owners and servers were very interested in making sure that you had everything you needed. I just couldn't stomach paying over $40 for 2 bowls of soup and some broccoli. From reading these reviews, I see that I'm in the minority, but I just feel like these ratings are padded or something. I mean I'm no statistics major, but take a look at the "ratings distribution" it just seems a bit abnormal. April and May the reviews were mixed and averaged out to 3 starts. In June the ratings went through the roof... go figure?
(2)Doodly D.
This place is good for what it is: an american take on asian street food. It is not a ramen place, it does not serve "authentic ramen" (which I think most American believe is Hakata ramen?). It does, however, serve high quality tasty street food that is different from everywhere else. Their pork belly is great, either in noodles or in bun form. Their lamb noodles is superb, the pickled mustard greens is a great contrast to the chewy wide hand torned noodles and lamb. My only complaint is that the place is expensive.
(5)Isaac T.
Wings and lamb neck noodles are great
(5)Christy B.
I went to 2 new restaurants this weekend; one a local, very large, highly regarded sports bar, and the other a brand-new, teeny-tiny spot that opened basically on my front door. Out of the two, I couldn't wait to get home and Yelp about one-- the currently unmarked treasure that is Cheu noodle bar. We went a little late on Sunday night, and was surprised at how tiny the spot was. There was a wait, but fortunately it moved quickly and we were seated at the bar in under 10 minutes. Our waitress was cute and attentive, and very familiar with the menu. She was able to point us in the right direction for menu choices, and every dish was more delicious than the last. To start we had sweet and sour cucumber, garlic broccoli, and some sort of eggplant dish. All three were unlike anything I've tasted before, and they were all amazing. Then our main courses came; I got the Duck Foie Gras pho, and he got the lamb neck noodles. Even though the mix of fancy elements with Asian street food was a little intimidating to me, the taste was out of this world. I want to go back right now and repeat this entire dining experience, and my dining companion asked if this place could be visited frequently in our dinner spot rotations. Endearingly, the bar faces the the cooking area, and we were lucky enough to watch the head-chef in action. This place was amazing, and I can't wait to get back and eat more of exactly everything I got last time, plus some new sides. :)
(5)Nhu V.
If you're looking for a bowl of Vietnamese pho or steam buns, this is not the place for you. You would be happier going to a place in Chinatown. You will not be able to find pho with overbundance of rice noodle, steak and meatball. Instead, you'll get homemade ramen; foie gras meatballs that have the perfect balance of the richness of foie gras and the texture of a meatball; slices of duck flank steak that are softer than filet mignon and look nothing like duck; and amazing flavors that are packed in every bite. I find the techniques and skills that go into making an Asian dish foreign to Asians extremely remarkable. Every dish we ordered was a pleasant surprise. There was so little Korean in my favorite Korean dishes - fried chicken, rice cake and kimchi - that this might be the only restaurant where I can find my new favorite "Korean dishes." I believe it was intentional that chef Ben did not do a perfect replica. With that, please don't judge the restaurant based on "authenticity." I haven't seen a poached egg perfected until I've eaten here (no clear eggwhite, the yolk is between liquid and solid so that when you take a bite of the yolk, it doesn't run but remain in shape). It was not meant to be a seasoned hanjuku tamago. As far as cost goes, the quality of ingredient and taste is much better than Chifa and Morimoto at a more affordable price.
(5)Van L.
I went on a Friday night with a friend and fortunately did not have to wait. It was surprising to see how small and intimate it was. The interior was really neat and the atmosphere was casual and inviting. On to the food, started off with the pork belly bun--was phenomenal. As the night went on, we settled with some cold sesame noodles, garlic wings, and pork dumplings in chili oil. The food was great but for those prices, one could definitely go to Han Dynasty for cheaper and better cold sesame noodles, Soho for the wings, and any joint in Chinatown for the dumplings. Don't get me wrong the people at Cheu are on the right track but their dishes just needs that extra kick of flavor.
(3)B. P.
The dumpling of the day was chicken and watercress and not very good. We ordered two different noodle soups. The miso broth was pretty good though I didn't really like raw veggies in the soup. The other noodle soup we got (brisket) was terrible- no flavor at all.
(3)Jeff M.
Very good. The wings were very tasty and the matzoh ball brisket ramen bowl was pretty amazing. The pork belly bun was good too, but it is not on the traditional bun and was on the smaller side.
(5)Sophia S.
I came here with a group of four and had a great experience. There are tons of interesting appetizers to try--we had dumplings with corn and mushrooms, wings, and some specials that are escaping me. Each of us also got an order of noodles. These are not chinatown noodle house portions, but they also aren't chinatown noodle house ingredients. Interesting, fresh, and tasty. Plus its a great deal and BYO to boot. Great addition to 10th street!
(4)Lili B.
First time at this place and I was extremely satisfied with the food and the service. My friend and I went there on a rainy friday evening and the place was just packed. We waited about 10 minutes to be seated and got to look at the menu while waiting. We ordered 2 pork belly sandwichs, the duck foie gras meatball, and a pork belly ramen soup (we just shared everything). Since i bookmarked this place, I have been waiting to try the pork belly sandwich based on the pictures so my expecting were pretty high and i was not disapointed. it was just delicious. The meatball were tasty and the ramen soup is definitely something I will order again. The service was just Exceptional. The waitress was on top of her game. I told her a little late I was very sensible to spicy food and she was like: " if you find it spicy, i will just ask to have a new one made". I will definitely go to this place again (and a definite plus: it is BYOB")
(5)Colin G.
2nd time there..it's great. easy take-out option is a plus
(4)O B.
Ate the kimchi (okay) , seaweed seasame cucumber noodles (good) , miso mushroom asparagus noodles (good), and long beans (best of the dishes I tried). The food would have been tasty, but all of the dishes were extremely salty!! Would have been better with less salt. Ate several hours ago and I still cannot quench my thirst despite drinking lots of water. Venue is tight. Since it was crowded got take out instead. If you are eating with a vegetarian, I would not recommend it. It seems like the big attraction for this venue is their meat.
(3)Susanne F.
Cheu is a must go to. Their ramen and Brisket noodles are divine! I could eat either of these dishes once a week, easily. I'm a bit sad they removed the Bahn Mi but I will live. The mix and fusion of foods is really delicious as well as unexpected. Looking forward to the winter and eating here a lot.
(4)R. M.
Just finished dining at Cheu noodle. I live right across the street and was excited to try it out. Throughout the week I had been salivating at the thought of a nice restaurant moving across the street. I think all of this salivating made me so hungry that upon returning home from Cheu I was still hungry. I am a petite 5 foot 2 girl. Usually it doesn't take much to fill me up but today, it just was not the case. I did share some of my meal with a friend but they did not eat much of it. I ordered the wings which were great. They were the right amount of crispiness. Following this, I had the dumplings and the Lamb which was all great. However, after spending 30 dollars, I can only justify going here after work instead of Sampan's Happy Hour because it is literally across the street from me.
(3)Frank L C.
Casual atmosphere, BYOB while they are waiting for a license. We had an exdellent meal, noodles and dumplings. The dumplings were excellent, the ramen decent, and the lamb with glass noodles superb. Atmosphere was a bit noisy, but that is very consistent with the customer base--young, hip, and cool.
(4)Francis G.
For the price I feel this place is a little overrated. The food is mediocre and the drinks are ok. I can't complain about but I'm also not raving. I think the portions are a hot small for what you pay. A bowl a noodles should be somewhat filling to the average adult. I wasn't disappointed per say, it was just an all around Meh considering all the hype.
(3)Claudia B.
i walked over at 645 on a sunday evening to pick up some noodles on my way home. 55 minutes later i left without my noodles having been harassed by an incredibly rude manager and having paid my bill 2 minutes after arriving as asked. i pity his poor abused staff. the boss was determined to serve everyone who's order came in but had a seat before i got my silly noodle bowl. really? had i been told that that was the policy upon arrival i obviously would have thanked them and left. they kept saying almost ready.... inexcusable. shame on him!
(1)Douglas D.
Food taste good. But, damn, can I get some noodles with my noodles?
(2)Katie C.
Foods Ok but the wait is not! The place fits 20 ppl max, how can they not handle that? Me and from the sounds of it, all the other neighbors, are OVER IT. You want some real soup? Pho ha blows this place away, with no wait :)
(2)Eric R.
Cheu is awesome. The brisket matzo ball pho is unreal and the buns are phenomenal. Go here now.
(4)Lee F.
While the wait was pretty long, it was certainly worth it for the best noodles I have ever had. Every item we ordered was delicious, but the best were the curry noodles. Even though the place was completely packed the staff was very attentive and friendly. Had a great selection of beers and ciders plus a few interesting cocktails I am looking forward to trying next time. The place is very noisy and they pack it pretty tightly, so it's certainly not for every occasion but if you are looking for good noodles you won't find anything better.
(5)Holly T.
Cheu Noodle Bar is by far the best eating experience I've had recently. We had overdone it the day before, so we were craving a light but delicious meal, and Cheu Noodle Bar hit the spot. We came for lunch on a weekday and I was worried there would be a line out the door, but we managed to get lucky and snagged a prime table by the windows. We started with an order of the dumplings, which that day consisted of chicken, mushroom, and corn. They were absolutely wonderful. We also shared an order of the broccoli appetizer, served with Vietnamese sausage and peanuts; it was a delicious combination of flavors. It was a warm summer day, so we shared an order of the cold jade noodles. The noodles were delightful in flavor, complemented by fresh veggies and chilled crab meat, and very refreshing. We washed everything down with a few craft cans, our only regret being that we could not eat the entire menu in one setting. We'll be back!
(5)Steve I.
Had a really fantastic lunch at this small place. The servers and staff were very friendly and efficient. The food was excellent. We arrived at 1:15 on a Friday and the place was not crowded I believe that when they a full it could be a little tight, but the food makes up for any lack of space. This is a real Asian Fusion place, the lamb dumplings had just the right amount of heat kick from a chile oil base. The lamb was very flavorful. The real fusion item was the Brisket matzo ball kimchi soup with egg noodles, one of if not the best matzo ball soups I have ever had, again the soup had just the right amount of heat and very tender flavorful brisket. The Broccoli with Vietnamese sausage with peanut topping was a fresh interesting combination that without the peanuts would have been at home on any Italian table. The cold sesame noodles were good but did not stand out as much as the other items we tried.Next visit I have to try the Cheu Fries with miso truffle, they looked fantastic.
(4)Gerard Z.
Great place. Not a ton to it, just a noodle bar done right with innovation and little pomp. Price is right, food is delicious, service is great. Broccoli and brisket noodles are musts.
(4)robert f.
Some of the best dishes we've had. The duck tacos and the "bolognasian" was also terrific.
(5)Ancy T.
I like this place - hipster galore! The black garlic wings and the miso Ramen are a must. The staff is SO FRIENDLY, service is great and food takes no time at all. They are always busy, but their service is so efficient that it's not a terrible wait. Their drinks are also on point. I'm not a huge fan of the dumplings and I didn't really like the meatballs in spicy crab broth - i actually thought the meatballs were terrible. I know my favorite items here so I'd definitely go back.
(3)Matt And Dene M.
I had the dumplings in chili oil and brisket. The dumplings were okay, nothing spectacular. They did have tiny pleasant crunchy pieces of something on top. Panko maybe? The kimchi, Matzo ball, with the brisket were delicious. They brisket had a great flavor. I had the sense that another flavor would have put the meal over the top to awesome. Maybe an herb or another spice? The salt factor was a tad high for my liking. The meal was good enough to go again to try another option. Next time I will get take-out because honestly I can't forgive the wait time.
(3)Stefanie Y.
Cheu has really come into its own. When I was last here half a year ago, I was less-than-impressed, but this time, the staff was friendlier and the ramen was close to perfect. We came for a late lunch, minutes before they were supposed to close at 3pm. The waiter still good-naturedly accommodated us, providing fast and attentive service. The noodles were chewy, and whereas last time they were a little clumpy, this time, they were perfect. The broth was not too salty and somehow managed to be full flavored and (refreshingly) light at the same time. The meat was meltingly tender, though a little broken-up for my tastes, and the soft-cooked egg was perfect. We also ordered a special grapefruit juice, whose tart flavor complimented the ramen and served nicely as a palate cleanser. After eating ramen, I often fall into a sodium stupor and feel mildly ill for at least half a day, but after Cheu ramen, I felt pleasantly full. The attentive service and delicious ramen made for a much-improved experience.
(4)Manna F.
I had a positive experience at Cheu Noodle Bar, but for me, it did not live up to the hype. As others will surely tell you, do not expect anything similar to Japanese ramen. As my boyfriend and I are Japanese, it was very difficult for us to divorce the idea of a bowl of noodles from ramen, so perhaps this was the reason I cannot give Cheu a perfect rating. However, it's definitely an adventurous time. We ordered the beef dumplings, Brisket noodles, and the Spicy Shrimp Broth noodles. The dumplings had a wonderful gingery bite and the chili oil was not too strong. However, I would remove the fried quinoa if I could as they tended to get stuck in your teeth and linger in your mouth far longer than the enjoyment of the dumpling. The soup of the brisket noodles had strong hints of Korean cuisine and was flavored similarly to the sour and spicy taste of kimchi. The brisket was perfectly soft and I was surprised at how well the matzo ball worked with the broth. The spicy shrimp broth noodles were a bit of a let down as the hero of the dish, the fried shrimp balls were minuscule and did not add too much to the experience. The broth was clearer, light, and had a lot of Vietnamese notes. The combination of raw onions, bean sprouts, and shrimp balls was not a home-run for me. The vibe and service is excellent, and this place definitely worth at least one try.
(4)Ali C.
I ate a cheu noodle bar last weekend with my fiancé. It was a rainy Saturday night so didn't think it would be that crowded but it was! The only seats to sit at were at the kitchen's bar, which was fine with us since we like watching the chefs cook. We ordered the mushroom bun to start. It's only one bun so if you're hungry, I wouldn't sharer it. It had some sort of sweet taste to it and was delicious!! I ate the miso ramen soup and my fiancé ate the yakisoba. Both very good! The miso soup broth was nothing that I've ever had before. The pork in the miso ramen had the most amazing flavor. The yakisoba wasn't a soup but was very filling. We loved the cozy feel of the restaurant. Will return again!
(5)Jenn A.
So I've been to Cheu a number of times and it's usually great. But this past time was an interesting and unpleasant experience. I left quite unsatisfied. Service - weird and subpar to their norm. Looking past the fact the our waitress forgot to put in our order of noodles and kept us waiting for an extra 20-30 minutes. And looking past the fact that given the delay, they talked up this "discount" they were giving us (literally spoke about it 3x to us even though it was completely unsolicited) but it turned out to be a generous "discount" of $5 on a $50+ bill. I got a poor suggestion for my order. It's the food that matters and when my appetite is left unsatisfied that's a deal breaker for me. Food - usually their dumplings are awesome. Cheeseburger dumplings: flavor is too overwhelming. We left the last one b/c we weren't fans and they were so shocked they just left the plate on our table the entire meal....finally they cleared it at the end and even then the bus boy asked us again, for the 5th time, if we wanted it. No. We didn't or else it wouldn't still be in the plate. Coconut Noodles: weird. Not a good weird. When I asked the waitress what she thought she told me it was good but she always adds something to it. Little did I know I NEEDED to add something to it to make it a satisfying meal. It is very spicy. Hotness took over the flavor and I'm more about flavor than burning my tongue. Not in it for the thrill...in it for the taste. It really just tasted like hot sauce with a dab of coconut water. Some basil/mint flavoring but not enough basil/min could save it. Wasn't horrible but certainly wasn't good or even satisfying. The worst is leaving a restaurant hungry. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unless you wanted to add so much to it, making it a different dish. Which in that case you could just order a different dish. I would stick with the classics. In conclusion, stick with the classics and you'll be very happy. If you don't have your noddles but everyone that was seated 20 min after you has their noddles ... ask about it. And when they offer a completely unsolicited discount expect it to be so meager it's almost embarrassing they mentioned it. Other than that I would have given them 4 stars!!!
(2)Alex A.
Good ramen. Have tried this place 3 times, trying some ting different every time. Haven't been dissapointed. Every ramen shop will be a little different. My favorite places are still on the west coast, but I'm glad cheu noodles is here. Def recommend
(4)Nicole H.
Delicious ramen, duh. The dumplings (whatever the special is, just get it) were also tasty. The place is very, very small - I'd call it cramped - so be prepared. There's also often a long wait, though I was there on a Tuesday night around 6 pm and was lucky to get at able for two without a wait. Only other negative is I do think it's just a tad overpriced. I mean, it is still soup and noodles (with perhaps a little protein), so leaving down over $20 for a soup and a few dumplings is a little more than I would've liked. But it's by no means not worth it - if you're a ramen fan, or are thinking of trying it, Cheu is a fantastic choice.
(4)Payal P.
Can't wait to go back! First time here while in the neighborhood and having heard such great things I decided to go for dinner. The wait staff is super friendly, the open kitchen rocks and the noise level is on point! I got their beer on tap, I forget the name but I believe a local IPA that was priced well. Then to start I got a mushroom bun that was so good I'm sad it was only 1 and a 3-biter. For my dish I got the cold sesame 3.0 I was debating between 2 and the waitress told me she preferred this one but I wasn't going wrong either way. She warned me it was a cold dish. When it arrived it was room temp which I didn't mind as I usually don't like cold foods. I opted to add mustard greens on it and they were amazing! I like the chili oil supplied on the table, it added the pop I was looking for. Yup, can't wait to return!
(5)Yun W.
This noodle place would get 3 yelp stars at most if it were in the Bay Area. It's a good thing that it has relatively little competition in Philly, and actually is quite popular here. We were a party of two and came on a rainy Thursday around 7:30pm. Surprisingly, there was a crowd (a lot of people wanted soup on a rainy day!) and we had to wait for a short time (~15 minutes). Pork belly bun - 2 stars - this was pretty disappointing. The pork belly wasn't very flavorful, and the bread was more English-muffin like than the traditional bun. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/cheu… ) Duck tacos hoisin, banana blossom, cucumber - 2 stars - Not quite what I expected. The hoisin sauce and duck worked fine, however, the duck meat itself had an odd taste - it was either not fresh or undercooked. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/cheu… ) Miso Ramen - 4 stars - I liked the combination of sprouts, egg, seaweed. The veggies could have been more leafy (vs a stalk in the soup), and the pork could have been thinly sliced vs chunks, but not bad overall. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/cheu… ) Come here if you must, but I personally think Ramen Bar in University City is much better.
(2)Margo K.
HUGE Cheu fan. My review is based on two dinner visits and many more day dreams, including one that is happening now. The restaurant is small, clean, cozy, and fun. The service is efficient and friendly. The tables are packed in, but this doesn't take away from the experience. The menu is small, which reassures you that you can't go wrong no matter what you decide to order. During my first visit, I went with the pork belly bun, and the Brisket ramen. Delicious. During my second, I got Yakisoba 2.0 because I can't not get a dish that involves radishes. The ramen portions are such that I can actually finish them in one sitting without feeling stuffed. All of the food looks beautiful when it's served (#eatingfortheinsta). I can't think of anything more I would want out of a noodle place, or any place for that matter. I'll come back again and again, especially for their ever changing specials.
(5)John R.
This place almost hit my Five star sweet spot! Haha! The only reason why I just can't do five stars was the dishwear to be completely blunt and maybe shallow? This to me is such a minor point but when a place is teetering on the brink of greatness it matters, IMHO! What didn't I like about the dishes? Well, when I was in college I was in a fraternity and we were too cheap and rowdy to have nice things so all of our meals used these cheap awful plastic cups, and when I ordered my $8 drink, it arrived in one of these horrid little vessels. I also abhor those cheap, wooden, break-apart chopsticks used in take out Chinese places, and when I ordered my $15-$20 bowl of wheat noodles with an egg in it, I was expected to eat it with the awful take-out chopsticks. Needless to say after dropping 100 bones on myself and my two guests, I was a little more than pissed off that I spent that on cheap noodles with cheap egg, served with bottom of the barrel utensils, and frat boy cheap glassware. For the profit margin this place has I expect a better investment in the experience/ambiance/decor and I for that reason I am not excited to go back in the near future. I will say that I did give them four stars, because aside from the insulting, cheap-at-the-expense-of-the-customers-experience, masquerading as 'hipster' dishware, The place actually did have some talent when it comes to combining flavors. The Miso Ramen was really good and flavorful, and I was told they started as a wing place so I ordered the black pepper wings, and I must say they were to die for. Best wings I've ever had. Come to think of it, if they quadrupled the wing quantity and greatly lowered the price I'd give them five stars and come back every week. LOL.
(4)Andrew Y.
4-stars! Yayyyyy!! I am TOTALLY a fan of this place! My friend had reference a post for the best ramen locations to try in various cities across the states. Cheu Noodle Bar came up as one of these locations. My first time here was about 6 months ago, and it did not disappoint. Great location, close to city center! Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this establishment again, and it was as great as the first time! My dish of choice? Miso ramen with extra pork belly. Seating is somewhat limited, as the location is rather small, however if you get a chance to visit Philly, this is definitely a must try! Well done Cheu Noodle Bar! 4-stars! Well-deserved!~
(4)Claire L.
Best noodles! Miso ramen is my favorite. Dumplings in chili oil are also delicious. The wait for a seat can be very long (45-60 minutes) but it's so worth it.
(5)Shintaro K.
What I had: Miso ramen. Benchmarks: Terakawa, Cozara and Nom Nom Ramen....but not really. I respect their original approach to ramen as opposed to (falsely) claiming authenticity. That is why my comps are not Sumire (Sapporo), Santoka (Asahikawa) or Ajiyoshi (Sendai) ... Ippudo's Akamaru (if you call that miso). Out of the gate, let me say that this is probably my favorite place for ramen in Philly. You are probably wondering then, why only 3 stars? Well, here's the breakdown: Noodles: Classic Sapporo - Nishiyama style. Textured, thicker noodle with sodium carbonate additive. Noodles were cooked appropriately. Soup: Clean, uncomplicated, single animal broth...perhaps chicken? Miso used was uninteresting. So here's the tough part - "balance". The classic Nishiyama noodle was developed to pair with a heavy tonkotsu centric Sapporo miso style developed in the 1950's. The balance between the soup x noodles is just not there. Next - "miso". I do understand that artisan miso is hard to get in the US, but using so-so meee-so makes it a disappointing experience. NOTE FOR OTHER YELPERS. 1. Real kimchee gets the sour taste from fermentation. 2. Sprouts and egg are NOT supposed to cook through. This ain't pho.
(3)Lilli C.
On a Friday night at around 8PM, the place was a bit busy. Luckily we were able to wait at Locust Bar and they called us in about 30 minutes when there was a table ready. The service here was fantastic- the waiter was super chill, like an old buddy you'd grab a beer with. I loved my brisket ramen that also came with kimchi and a perfectly cooked matzo ball. The brisket was super tender and the broth was quite flavorful. The chili garlic wings were also fantastic - crispy and huge. My boyfriend got the spicy crab noodle special they had which I didn't like as much. The noodles were thick chow fun noodles that were sort of clumped together and the broth tasted like a vat of chili oil. Next time I'd like to try the more traditional miso ramen though- I was lured by the excitement of the non-traditional brisket ramen this time.
(4)Amanda C.
I write this 3 star review with caveats on both ends. If it were just for the service we received today, this would be a 2 star review at best. If it were just for the food, I'd probably be with the rest of the crowd hovering around 4 stars. But when you wait 55 minutes for takeout, while everyone who entered the restaurant AFTER you is already eating....and you're treated like a nuisance for daring to be a 6 person party at 12:15...and ordering a third soda ellicits a grand sigh...it's kind of hard to give a place full props for their delicious miso broth, perfectly soft cooked egg or tender pork shoulder. Even soft, sticky pork belly buns that melt in your mouth are hard to enjoy when you are 20 minutes late from your hour work lunch and you still have to eat at your desk. My advice? Go. Get this food. In fact, call ahead no matter what time of day so they have time to prepare your noodles. Because they are, in fact, delicious. (As my cohort pointed out, this is not authentic Japanese ramen, but rather a hipster hybrid ramen.) But please, oh, please don't try to come at peak times and place a big order, because you just might stress out the noodle team.
(3)Michael B.
Cheu on this. Four out-of-town friends in need of a late lunch spot in Center City thanked me no fewer than eight times over the course of the meal for suggesting Cheu. And I hadn't even been there before (I had only tried their breakfast dumplings at the Bacon Beer Fest back in December, which stole the entire show). At lunch, everything we ate was packed with delicate flavors that you may not expect from a couple of Phila heads who open up an Asian noodle bar. Now, Cheu is a tricky place to eat veggie, but the Yakisoba noodles are veg and very tasty, especially with a perfectly runny coddled egg on top. I would cheu-cheu-cheuuuuuuuse Cheu again for lunch any day of the week! (If you got that reference, we are friends; if you don't, well, we can still be friends). NOTE: I can't speak to the source of their meats here - and this is something about which I am extremely passionate and concerned when I order animal products at restaurants. I tried calling on my walk over from Fairmount, with the intention of getting the information I wanted in private and sparing some awkward stares at the table from friends I hadn't seen in a while. Unfortunately, the server who answered the phone did not know, and asked me to call back on a weekday, when they were less busy. This I will do - but I do wish it were common practice in Philadelphia for all employees to have the capacity to answer questions regarding food sourcing on the first try (the same thing has happened to me on numerous occasions as of late - and it's getting a little frustrating). Double-note: As other reviews have stated, I found the service to be a bit rushed and frazzled as well. They're friendly enough, but they sort of pushed us to order a lot more food than I think we needed without giving us much of a chance to refuse, and did appear a little stressed. Better service would have garnished the review with a fifth star. But folks, the food really speaks for itself; I almost give Cheu a free pass on service imperfections..
(4)Ian M.
I keep telling myself to stop eating here to avoid getting sick of it, yet I don't stop and somehow never get tired of it. I've been going pretty consistently over the last year and a half and have always been very satisfied with whatever I order. The dumplings are always delectable and the ramen, while unconventional, hits the spot every time. I almost never venture from their Japanese matzo ball soup which is just so damn good. There's always a good craft beer on draft and an extensive cocktail list as well. The only complaint is that unfortunately the place has blown up in recent months and there is almost always a guaranteed wait every time you go. So it goes. Keep doing you Cheu Noodle Bar
(5)Minette Y.
The noodles are seriously great here, and its almost too hard decide which bowl to get since the combinations are unique and enticing (not your typical bowls of ramen!). One thing you shouldn't think twice about forgoing are the the real real winner of the menu: the black garlic wings.
(4)Monique B.
Tiny spot, which is great for Ramen in my opinion. The soup was tasty, and the noodles were perfectly cooked. I added pork belly to mine and it was great as well. I'll be back.
(4)Vidushi B.
I had high expectations of this place, having read the reviews in advance. I was craving ramen and decided to come here on a Monday night. There definitely is a quirky atmosphere to this place, and it was pretty busy for a Monday night. The servers were all incredibly nice, and the service remained great throughout the meal. We ordered the rice cakes to start. These weren't really what I expected, they were balls of rice in a kind of sauce. They were a little bland for my taste, which was weird considering the menu said they were spicy. They weren't bad, but I wouldn't choose to order them again. For my entree, I got the Miso Ramen, which my server said is the most popular dish. I was a little bit disappointed by this. It was also pretty bland, and really nothing to write home about. Overall, the food I had was pretty mediocre. I'm thinking of trying it again on another day and ordering something different, and hopefully it'll be better.
(3)Jessie H.
This place is kind of small- small tables of 2 and 3-4 people. We were sitting pretty fast on a Friday night so that was good. For appetizers, I got the following: Black Garlic Wings - shishito peppers, lime, cilantro- These wings were good but kind of dry. Really flavorful though so I liked it. Tuna Poke- I tried ordering this but they said their menu hadn't been revised yet and they no longer served this. Made me pretty sad because I loved tuna poke. Pork Belly bun- LOVE LOVE LOVE! the pork belly was all fat so I loved it! Dumplings- These were pretty dry and not tasty, I think it needed more salt or some other flavor. For noodles I got the brisket noodle- the brisket was lean and kind of hard to chew. This is average, nothing special. Broth was ok. I didn't really finish this. I ordered an additional egg which came poached, for some reason I thought it would be hard boiled. I'd come back for the wings and pork belly, not the noodles.
(3)Nick J.
This is a great little whole in the wall and while they don't have much seating, you get to have an excellent experience once you are able to sit down! The server was excellent and even though she could have been a bit more attentive, she was very nice and made good recommendations. Appetizers: The wings were great overall, although I really wished they were a little spicier to balance out the sweet. I will probably ask next time I go, as they seem very willing to customize to your liking. The dumplings in chili oil were just awesome, the day I went they were beef and long hot as the filling and I could have eaten twice as many. Noodle Bowls: The Coconut Curry was very good and at the recommendation of the server I added pork shoulder (which wasn't an option on the menu but was only +$2). I thoroughly enjoyed the dish overall and would happily eat it again. The Sichuan was quite good and very spicy! I warn you now, do not get this unless you like spicy, it is almost to the point where it over-powers the other flavors (it probably would for many). This dish doesn't really have a broth to speak of, just lots of hand torn noodles. Highly recommended and I will absolutely be returning.
(5)Bill O.
The food here is great, it's cool to watch the chefs work in the background as you drink and dine, and everyone was friendly. Good drink selection and the food was outstanding.
(5)Tyler S.
I want to have Ben Puchowitz's babies. He and his sidekick (co owner) Shawn really made this a great place with amazing food. I'm so amazed that even now being open for a few months both guys are there working during the Thursday lunch hour. I've actually eaten here about 7 times and every time they are both there. I'm really speechless over how much I love this place and the fact they keep updating the menu is great because everything Ben touches is gold. Perfect example is I hate chicken wings. I hate food that you have to work for , I'm not a hunter gatherer. Well, their black garlic chicken wings make me want to take off my pants and do a dance. I dream of those amazing bites of heaven. I'm actually shedding a tear as I yelp on my flight back to florida because I don't know when I'll get to eat those again. Oh Ben , will you come open up a cheu in the culinary black hole that is south Florida. Please ?!
(5)Ahmad W.
The Black Garlic wings were good, and the staff was super friendly. Very small but nice and the food was very good.
(4)Gabby M.
This place is absolutely wonderful! Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, the food and service were also great. The Yokisoba noodles are a much more delicate and sophisticated take on what you think of when you see the item at grocery stores; it is very special. The service was caring and attentive but not overwhelming. I am going to make this one of my regular places!
(5)Veg L.
I love noodles, and I love Asian foods, so I was excited to try this place. I was in Philly traveling alone, and went on a Sunday afternoon. I had walked quite a bit before, so their special drink watermelon juice was very refreshing, though I thought it was a bit too pricey ($5 or something). I would have loved to try one of their cocktails, but I had to drive. For the noodle, I wanted to get soft-shell crab, but they said they're out of the crab so it'll be shrimp balls instead, so I went for it. It was delicious! I could tell that they made shrimp balls fresh, and I liked the fresh cilantro in them. If I'm back in Philly and crave for some creative, good Asian noodles, I'd definitely be back. It was also solo friendly, so that was a plus.
(4)Chrissy H.
Loved the appetizers, especially the dumplings and the buns! Was nervous to choose an entree because of everything looking very spicy, but it all turned out well and very delicious.
(4)Laur A.
Holy cripes- I have waited a while to review this place for fear that it will become more crowded than it already is.... But to put it simply- I'm addicted to this place. I love it. I need it. I gotta have it 2x a week. My favorite is the coconut curry ramen dish and you gotta order the dumplings. I'm jumping out of my skin waiting for their new place "Bing Bing Dim Sum" to open as it's going to be down the street from me. This place deserves no less Than 5 stars for the food. So. Dang. Good.
(5)Jen O.
This was the best restaurant experience I've had in recent memory. I went on Tuesday evening with my boyfriend. There were no tables available, and they said it would be a 15-minutes wait, and we were welcomed to wait near the bar, but I felt like we'd be in the way since the place was hopping. They took my number and we had a beer at Varga while we waited. Within the next maybe 10 minutes they called to say the table was ready. Every interaction and every morsel of food was amazing. Kudos to our server Emmy for being awesome. We ordered the broccoli, the dumpling special (pork and beef in chili oil), the pigtails, and for noodles we got the short rib and the miso. There's not much point in describing the taste of each except to say they tasted amazing. Emmy made a point to tell us that there are best sellers, and then there are staff favorites. Go with the staff favorites.
(5)Monica L.
PROS: Delicious, high-quality food, cozy ambiance CONS: Small venue, somewhat pricey for the portions The small pork belly, cheeseburger, and mushroom-filled fluffy, warm buns were mind-blowingly flavorful, but maybe overpriced at $3 a piece. The well-dressed crispy rice cakes were both crispy on the outside and interestingly chewy on the inside. Finally, I got the vegetarian yakisoba, which was delicious, nicely textured, and well-accompanied by vegetal goodness. Overall, Cheu is the best noodle house I've been to so far in Philly.
(5)Joshua W.
Great noodle bar whether you like them brothy or not. Wide range of noodles and dishes. Personal favorite are the yakisoba and their broccoli. Menu changes (bring back the hand torn!) but always yummy. Can be a bit of a wait cause it small and they don't do reservations, but that's just cause the food is awesome and they don't need to. Go on the early side or during the week and keep the party small and you won't have too much trouble.
(5)Christine T.
After seeing this as a thrillest top 25 ramen places in the city, my bf and I instantly wanted to try it out. It is really a hole in the wall as there isn't much seating, but this is the atmosphere I expect from a ramen place. If there is a wait, the restaurant will put your name on a list and can call you when your spot is ready. We tried the Pork Belly buns which had a buttery bread to it and not the normal "man-toe" bread you would expect. It was a good change and we enjoyed it. I ordered the lychee white iced tea, which was good but for $3 in a tiny cup isn't worth it to me. I was told I could get a refill, but that was never offered again. We then got the Miso Ramen & Brisket which were okay. I mean its interesting and decent, but we decided that we prefer Terakawa in Chinatown more and of course NYC Ramen (Toto and Ippudo) are still million times better. We still can't figure out why it was listed as a top 25 though
(3)Khanh L.
Pretty damn good!!! I was craving ramen, so we went. We had the wings, dumplings, miso ramen , and the curry coconut ramen. The black garlic wings were amazing, so good, not too sweet just salty enough. Chicken was moist and tender. Dumplings, forgettable, forgotten, they weren't awful, just meh. Miso ramen, broth was balanced, had depth of flavour. It was really good. Lots of things to pick at in the bowl, so many ways to combine it, fun to eat. The curry coconut ramen was ok, the idea was interested but I thought the broth was a bit thick. In my mind I was thinking more like a south east asian seafood curry type broth lightened with coconut milk, but it came out more coconut creamy than seafood curry. The flavour was ok, it just didn't fly. all in all, if I ever go back to Philly I would definitely stop by, it's quick, it's cheap and it's good :)
(4)Daniel B.
I hate mushrooms. Cheu made me like mushrooms.
(5)Amanda M.
Love this place! Everything I've had is delicious. My favorite is the coconut curry with soft egg. Highly recommended. Had to bump it down a star bc of the incredibly rude hostess last night (9/19/14). If it wasn't for that, everything else about this place has been 5 stars every time I've been there.
(4)Jeanne T.
Yum yum yum!!!! Very memorable!!! Still thinking about the delicious wings and Shenzhen noodles!!! Got to watch the chefs doing their maguc, an impressive team. Small place but full of fabulous flavor!
(5)Sara N.
My brother and I had a quick debate at the bar whether it is better to be authentic or delicious, and we both agreed delicious wins, any day of the week. This statement was empirically proven at Cheu Noodle Bar. With that said, our new go-to is the fall-apart brisket ramen, but go big, and add extra pork shoulder. As a bonus, start with the mushroom bun, but skip the dumplings. All in all, fresh ingredients and creative twists allows a return visit (or many) to Cheu Noodle Bar.
(4)Tara G.
I stopped in at Cheu last week with my mom before catching a show at the Walnut Street Theater. We were running a little late, so we asked if they could have us in and out quickly. They were very accommodating. This place is very, very small. There's a little bar and maybe 5 tables inside. Luckily, there were 2 seats for us at the end of the bar. We just wanted some munchies to share, so we ordered 2 pork belly buns, dumplings in chili oil (brisket and dates inside) and the black garlic wings. Everything was really delicious. Everything was great, but I especially loved those wings. They were really fantastic- fried super crispy with that lovely sweetish black garlic sauce. I saw a couple of people eating some tasty looking ramen, and I was pretty jealous that I didn't have the time to try some. For my next visit, I will definitely make sure that I have more time so that I can try their inventive soups.
(4)Sally c.
Absolutely delicious! Reasonably priced, great service..go! You won't regret it. Yum!
(5)Luca I.
So last night was my first time dinning here, I have to say food was fantastic! We obviously ordered noodles and they where great, but what hit the spot for me where those pig tails and side broccoli plate. Good stuff all around, food, staff and atmosphere! Can't wait to come back.
(5)Edward C.
A great place to eat. Cozy and hip, however, I couldn't bare the rap music with profanity. Aside from that, it's a great little place. Would have given it a 5 star. The ambience is pretty cool. Service is great
(4)Becky J.
Love Cheu. Always tasty, service is great. I work nearby and come here for lunch frequently. The dumplings are great.
(5)Mr. L.
Everything here is exceptional. The only obstacle standing in the way of me giving Cheu 5 stars is their slightly hefty price tag. A bowl of Ramen, no matter how exceptional it may be (and everything here IS) shouldn't cost upwards of $15. That being said, it is absolutely worth every filthy cent. Although truly everything is incredible, your order for 2-4 people should consist of: 1 pork belly bun 1 mushroom bun special dumplings of the day black garlic wings sour broth- pork ramen with a pork belly and egg ad-on Miso Ramen Hand torn- with lamb's neck and an add-on egg If you're an industry monkey like me, go on Mondays, they give an industry discount! Great fellows doin' great food. Beer selection could improve a little, but it's satisfactory overall.
(4)Mo P.
Worth the trip for the best ramen in the city. The dumplings in chili oil are a great way to start the meal. Soooo good! Tender and moist on the inside and very fresh. I ordered the brisket kimchi matzo ball noodle soup. Best ramen in PHL! Matzo in ramen is perfect with a nice thick but of brisket that falls apart with chopsticks. Did I mention that the matzo ball was light and tender? The broth.... Oh the broth. The nectar of the gods is one description another is balanced perfection that the pundits would term Umami. Screw them. This is da bomb. Enough said. Little pricey for Ramen but it is upscale Ramen and worth the dough so shell it out and plan on a little wait. Eating at the bar is fun to watch the cooks perform their cooking ballet.
(5)Kevin T.
Intense taste, super salty, minuscule portions. Come for the flavor if you like strong flavors. The mix of flavors in the noodle soup are interesting. However, prices are significantly higher than other ramen places in town, while portions about half of the average. Do not come for dinner if you don't want to be starving at midnight.
(3)Lindsay C.
We decided to check this place out around 2pm on a Saturday - bad idea. We had to wait about 20 minutes, not knowing there were only 3 tables and the bar inside. There's also really no room to wait inside so keep the weather in mind as well. The restaurant is small and a bit cramped. The food was delicious. I loved the ramen; however, the dumplings were a bit bland. The service was quick and friendly, although we waited a bit long for our meals. I think the many of the items were a bit overpriced, but not outrageously so.
(3)Paul L.
It's hard not to pay attention to Cheu, not only are they a block away from home, if you like them on FaceBook, they tell you what they are serving for lunch, what they are serving for dinner everyday. The menu changes all the time, there are specials, there are events. You get a sense that the place is really happening. Especially the lunch post makes you look forward to dinner all day, it's a catch all. The fact that the place is still packed 4 months after its opening is a testament on how well the place is doing. I might have given an unfair review to Cheu last time, because they really just opened and haven't really gain a footing yet but what I like about Cheu is that they are continuously working on refining their dishes while trying to be consistent on service and quality. They have a liquor license now, which I'm sure makes everybody happy. The weaker dishes gave way to new innovative dishes. Portions seems to be slightly bigger and more satisfying. I find the willingness to please their clients impressive. I haven't tried all their new plates yet, since the menu change everyday, I have to time my visit but what I've had are pretty good. The fish ribs has become one of my all time favorite dish. Crispy skin with a slightly sweet tamarind glaze, while the skin is crispy the meat is not dry, it's perfectly cooked. Just take out the few bones and chomp down on the whole thing. My plate came with some awesome charred corn Elotes style, which I understand they are so good that they are now its own appetizers. I thought the scrapple was so good before but now they have added a mustard sauce with sweet cubes of melons. It does elevate the dish to another level. The mustard added some acidity and the melons added a great sweet contrast. Pig tails are nuggets of goodness, they reminded me of Chinese BBQ ribs except with smaller bones which makes them fun to nibble. I thought the dumplings were ok, the stuffing changes everyday so some days you'll get better one than others. Since most people come in pairs, how about serving 4 instead of 3? I'm a little torn about the Jade noodles, I like the composition but I feel like it's missing a wedge of lime or a pinch of shredded red pickled ginger for dimension's sakes. Service is still impeccable. I'm very happy to have them in my neighborhood. I'm eager to come back for the beef tongue fried rice, cross my fingers that it comes back soon.
(5)Aviad R.
Overall 4 stars, but the brisket noodles itself would have been 5!! Started with the beef dumplings in chili oil, potato latke and mushroom bahn mi sandwich. All of them were decent nothing too spectacular. The brisket noodles were GREAT!! The kimchi was spicy and the dish had the right amount of sweet, sour, fat and flavor. The matzah ball is an interesting part, not sold on it but give them props for going with it. Meat was cooked perfectly and highly recommend this dish. Small place so get there early or you'll be waiting.
(4)Zachary A.
Awesome beef ginger dumplings awesome wings awesome broccoli with soy sauce peanuts and Vietnamese sausage awesome ramen and hand drawn noodle Soop great service every time can get tight (pretty much always is tight ) but music is on point juices and beer are spot as well ... Great spot
(5)Robert D.
Great food. Awesome atmosphere. We had the special of the night and were not disappointed. The duck taco appetizer is phenomenal as well. Highly recommended. The cocktails were very good too, although slightly expensive.
(5)Nicole L.
Great place for a late-night bite, with friendly staff and a funky ambiance which lends itself to the quirks of this small restaurant. The black garlic wings were phenomenal, but not so impressed with the cold sesame noodles. My dining companion was plenty pleased with his ramen, though. Steeper than usual prices, but have to admire the inventive fusion in the food and the overall experience was good. I'll have to come back for another visit to see how the food has progressed.
(3)Kate S.
This place is worth the wait! The ever-changing dumplings dunked in chili oil are flawless. The chicken wings are also something I order nearly ever time I go. Get the hand-torn noodles or matza ball brisket soup! This is a place where I bring out of town guests- a small hole-in-the-wall cafe they wouldn't stumble upon themselves.
(5)Kelsey G.
Hands down one of my favorite places in the city. The yakisoba noodles are my jam. The buns are also incredible. I recommend the mushroom, but I'm also a vegetarian; however they do have a variety of meat buns like pork belly and cheeseburger. The service is awesome and super friendly. Music is always on point. The drink selection never lets me down. If you haven't already, come to cheu. If not, that's cool. Less of a wait for me.
(5)JB Y.
Perfect place. Casual and friendly staff, really chill atmosphere and food was fantastic. Cheeseburger bun and pork belly bun were amazingly tasty, brisket matza ball kimchi ramen was amazing. I definitely recommend it for casual very tasty dining.
(5)Patrick M.
Yummy ramen and very tasty dumplings. Their menu is simple yet has a lot of layers, if that makes sense. The broth, which to me is the heart of good noodle soup is yummy and very satisfying, not overly salty. I had the oxtail special with an extra helping of greens, and a side order of dumplings in chili oil. There were several other items I would have liked to try but will save them for the next trip. Kindof a younger hip crowd but the vibe is nice and warm ramen takes the edge off of the cold.
(5)Miguel F.
Came for a little late night dinner after a long day of homework. Got the spicy crab with the hand drawn noodles and an added an egg. Excellent! The broccoli appetizer was excellent as well. Great service great food and awesome music.. Can't go wrong! Definitely coming back!
(5)Ilana R.
Delicious and totally hit the spot. Did not expect an hour wait on what seemed like a pretty quiet Tuesday night in the city,...but great food and good prices. Love that the servers recommend their favorites and so cool to sit while watching them make their awesome creations, and hand pulling all the noodles. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Alex G.
Loved the noodles, charred brussels sprouts, beer options, decor, and service. The overall character is superb. When you have non-Asians run an Asian-themed noodle bar, greatness happens. Can't wait to come back.
(5)Jake H.
Was looking for a quick fulfilling tasty meal after moving in to new apartment. Fulfilled! girlfriend and I split 3 small plates - Black Garlic Wings, Dumplings (daily special- potato pork and curry), Buns (mushroom and Pork) then moved onto Cold Sesame for our noodle dish. I had a beer. Price was reasonable at under 50$ after tip. Leftover noodles for breakfast. Flavors in both Dumpling and wings were outstanding. Dumplings were a little dense but great flavor. Wings were perfectly cooked and the levels of flavor each had their own unique character. The buns were interesting. The tops were a little burnt, mushroom was by far better than pork. Sesame noodles were tasty, an interesting spice to them but the flavors and textures came together to create a very unique and tasty version of this classic dish. The setup of this place is fairly awesome. You can watch the line as they cycle the pleasantly presented dishes from ingredient to plate through. The staff is friendly and efficient. We must have finished 8 pitchers of water but never had to wait for it to be refilled, they were on it. They were happy to discuss their favorite dishes and make sure we were happy with the choices. Visually the restaurant is kinda cool. loved the mural and the ramen artwork. Constructive feedback - was a bit warm and could use some more cooling down, especially to entice me to eat ramen on a warm day. Also DESSERT! With the rest of the tastes you guys have achieved I was left to imagine what sweet concoction you could come up with. An original take on Mango Pudding perhaps? Will be back and looking forward to exploring the rest of the menu!
(4)Jason R.
Totally Unique Totally Delicious! The Noodle Bar gives off a New York vibe. Warehouse like (a small warehouse if there is such a thing.) There are places to sit at the bar and if you're lucky one of only a few tables by the front of the restaurant. The music is pretty loud which didn't bother me but I can see it being irritating to some. I love how you can see the chefs cook out in the open. Really cool. Of the appetizers, I ordered the the Black Garlic Wings. They were a bigger and meatier wing than I typically prefer but it was a very good and unique appetizer none the less. They came with shishito peppers (not spicy), lime, and cilantro. Squeeze the lime onto the sticky sesame sauce and you're in business. For my main entree I throughly enjoyed the Brisket Noodle Soup with Matzo ball, Kimchi, Sesame Chili Broth, and Bok Choy. The broth had the perfect amount of heat. The kimchi really made this dish special. A bit more Kimchi would've been great as I found myself wanting more after I devoured the small amount. The brisket was tender but had some edge fat that I found myself biting around. Leaner meat would be great as the soup seasoning wouldn't disrupt the advantage of a flavorful fatty piece of meat. The matzo ball was not too firm and not too mushy. It was delicious. Overall I was pleased and would certainly return. This isn't a place to go with a large group due to its size. Start working on your chop stick skills so you can have many well balanced bites as you will attempt to put together small pieces of meat, matzo ball, noodle, bok choy, and kimchi within the larger sized deep spoon for some magical mouthfuls. Fyi, desserts are not served here for those with a sweet tooth. You would probably be full anyway.
(4)Thuy C.
I was in the city and hungry. I went on yelp and decided to finally check some of my bookmarks off. I was in the mood for Asian and Cheu's dumplings and ramen pictures had me salivating. Sure enough I made my way over there. They had a nice crowd. The place was fairly small, hip and trendy. They offered a great selection of beers. I sat at the bar, my waiter greeted me and offered some of their special of the day. I ended up with the miso ramen and beef and cilantro dumplings. The dumplings came out first, really nice presentation. There was 4 dumplings and after trying 1 I could say that they need to work on the dumpling's skin because it was too thick and floury, the beef was dry, and the hot oil overpowered the delicate dumplings. Then my big bowl of miso ramen came out and the broth was good, creamy, thick, dense but after awhile it became a little salty. I didn't like how the pork had a cha siu flavor and it was also shredded, it was a little too bbq for the miso ramen. Also their egg is pouched and not completely cooked so when you poke into it, the egg yolk ran all throughout the broth which is something I did not like. All in all, this place is a very American inspired ramen bar. I probably will not be back for a second visit. I prefer Terakawa Ramen in Chinatown just because I feel like their ramen is definitely more authentic than Cheu's.
(2)Brad W.
Cheu is excellent. We had their bun of the day, which was brisket with horseradish cream. We had their dumplings, and we each had a noodle bowl (crab borth, and the other was short rib). Everything was very tasty and tempature hot. Quaint little place. Nice beer selection. Speedy service. Awesome experience.
(4)Ryan B.
Gotta love this place and you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't. So much flavor. Great service and atmosphere.
(4)Bust A B.
Simple menu. Good food. Decent coctail selection. Ok beer selection. Great music and ambiance. Not a ton of seating.
(4)Patrick H.
One of kind. The Ramen is amazing. Its crowded, small, and cash only, but still totally worth it.
(5)Andrew W.
I stopped by Cheu for a lunch last week with a work friend. They've seemed to put as many tables into their small space as possible... but it didn't feel overly crowded even when filled. The food was really good, definitely a different take on noodles and kim chi than I've been used to, but the service was a bit slow during the lunch hour. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, though, since they indicated that they were down two staff members when we walked in. (Good job managing expectations on their part, there) All in all, it was a nice lunch spot... I'll definitely head back to try some of the other food items.
(4)Meredith B.
I've heard all about Cheu Noodle Bar from friends who have had great things to say. I've had it bookmarked for some time now to come check out... I'm so glad I did. We came for lunch and decided to order a few items and share them all. Dumplings in chili oil - they were fantastic duck dumplings with a good amount of tasty moist meat served in chili oil. I would order these daily if I could. Daily Banh Mi - soft shell crab banh mi was served with the usual slaw and sauce on a roll. I added a little siracha to mine to kick it up a notch. I've never had a soft shell crab banh mi before - I really enjoyed it and hope to see it more often. Cold Sesame Noodles - also very good. Exactly what you would expect. We didn't order the cold noodles with any protein since we thought we might be over ordering on the food. We ordered the correct amount of food for two hungry people.. next time I'd like to order it with pork belly and switch it up a bit. Black Garlic Wings - I really really liked these. They were nice and meaty (def not skimping on the quality here). I'm excited to come back and check out Cheu's for dinner sometime. I've heard they pack a fun crowd with great tunes.
(4)Lindsay H.
Cheu's has been bookmarked ever since it opened for me so naturally, I was thrilled when I enjoyed my meal with some fellow yelpers last Friday night. Two of us got there early and were not expecting the size at all. I knew it'd be tiny but we're talking 4 tables and a counter and there were 4 of us trying to eat. They estimated the wait as best they could and to our surprise, 10 mins later, we were seated at the only 4 top. A noodle bar miracle! What we ordered: Broccoli with thai sausage- loved this. Fried chicken and pork belly buns- to my surprise, I liked the chicken better though both were pretty tasty and had a yummy pickled cucumber slaw on top that totally added great crunch. Dumplings in chili oil- definitely good but I love Han Dynasty's more. The Black Garlic Wings- the winner. Totally lived up to the hype. The were huge, crispy and delicious. BBQ pig tails- these were also great. I loved the sauce. It was sweet! Noodle dishes- Ramen Brisket Both of the noodle dishes were very good though I would have liked a little more depth of flavor with the broth. I also thought that the meat in each were a tad overcooked to my liking BUT that being said, i enjoyed both. I think I found myself being a little more critical of the noodle dishes since, well, it's a noodle bar. To sum up, I was totally thrilled with my Cheu's experience. Everything was really tasty and I really enjoyed. For my next visit, I'll likely go with no more than two people...I doubt I'll ever be as lucky to get a table as the first visit again. Something to consider.
(4)Casey R.
I finally got back to Cheu after tasting their food at the pop-ups two years ago. I was surprised to find it was even better than I remember! I started my meal with a Sixpoint Bengali Tiger IPA which I have found pairs very well with spicy food. We got the brussels sprouts to start which were great with the pepitas and pickled squash. I had been wondering about the squash since a friend told me about it and it definitely was a fun variation. For my entree I got the vegetarian coconut curry. The broth was very flavorful and the noodles were divine. As luck would have it we had made plans to have dinner on a week night that turned out to be the last snow of the year so the ramen style dish was the perfect compliment. I also tried a sip of the their juice of the day which was really flavorful! I will definitely be back here soon.
(5)Katie W.
My friend and I have been going to Cheu since they opened. We love the wings, dumplings, miso ramen, and coconut curry noodles! We've never had a bad meal, it is consistently delicious and keeps us coming back! Unfortunately, we are now hesitant to continue ordering take-out due to some recent poor customer service. I was unable to view the menu from their website on my phone, and the online menus that were available must not be up to date. When I called this evening and had a couple questions, the woman taking my order was very rude and abrupt. She did not help me with my questions and asked me to look online and call back when I made up my mind. This is the second time we've encountered rude customer service from the staff who take the phone orders. We would like to continue dining with Cheu because of the great food, but are very reluctant to support a place that does not treat customers respectfully.
(3)Cristie K.
Went here with a couple of friends, and the food was exceptional, until they made us leave. Yep, they declined our drink order after we had finished our food, which didn't even take an hour, saying the owner needed to flip the table for the next party. Fortunately, we're industry people, so we understood, but it left a really sour taste in our mouth. What if we wanted to order more food?... They essentially kicked us out after paying almost $200, which has never happened to any of us in any other restaurant. It's sad to say we won't be back.
(2)Nancy P.
I know ramen and noodle places have been all the rage lately so I wanted to check out Cheu Noodle Bar. I was curious about the different interpretation by others. I was excited by all the good comments about the pork belly. The place itself is pretty small and cozy. I love the lamps over the bar! My party of three were seated at the bar (and YES, there are coat hooks under the bar). I ordered a pork belly bun to start off with. It is really tiny, like the size of a two bite brownie. I wasn't really expecting such a fried and greasy "bun" or like some flat fried dough. There was a sauce inside along with cilantro and pickles with the pork belly. Honestly, I couldn't taste the pork belly with all of that greasiness. It was pretty disappointing. We also order the black wings. While it was nicely crisp, the sauce was super potent while the actual chicken had no flavor. We also ordered the brisket ramen and the pork ramen. I didn't like the super super soft poached egg, borderline gross. The broth had a nice kick but the noodles were chewy. Brisket was tender but matzo ball was weird and unappetizing..like a wet sock. Nothing special about the pork ramen broth. While the servers were really nice and the place is still a BYOB (for now), the food wasn't my cup of tea. It was pretty pricey for an unsatisfying meal. Definitely not a place I'd go to for a ramen craving.
(2)Joanne T.
Yay! I'm a fan, but not of their prices and cramped space. We opted to get ramen for dinner in the city. This was our first time venturing for ramen. I hopped onto yelp and decided to head over here. I remember reading about this place on foobooz before so i was curious. Plus it seemed more fun than the other ramen places. It was almost a perfect night. We got parking right across the street and seated immediately at the bar. Sad to say i kept on bumming elbows with the woman next to me. I wish there was a bit more elbow room. Note to the owners: elbow room is a necessity when eating noodles! Just try eating with your elbows tucked in, not so fun eh?!? Also, i would have to minus points for the bartender. He served me a flight of the sake (one was soju). However, he did not shake the sake. It was a nigori, i mean how could he not know. Sad to say i just let it go, usually i would have mentioned something but it was just a shot. Okay i've vented. We ordered the mung bean and the chicken bun. Both were delicious and the bun was not of the white dough kind that was expected. This one was more of the brown flakey kind. Nevertheless it was good and i would order it again. They did forget to bring out the special cheeseburger bun that the bf ordered. Next was the garlic flavored wings. The carnivorous bf devoured it. I had the smoked fish ribs. This has got to be one of the best thing i ever ate. It was a paku which is a cousin of the piranha. The dish was very flavorful. The skin was crispy and perfect. It was definitely a party in my mouth. We ordered the pork and miso cod ramen. The cod was cooked perfectly with a little crispness. The noodles were cooked al dente, it was great. The broth was mediocre, i'm trying to remember it but there was really nothing memorable about it. The bf finished his bowl completely. Yikes! we got the bill and for 2 people it was about 86 with tip. What a pricey ramen experience!
(4)Sal W.
I'm not really sure what this noodle house is trying to be. Supposed it is Asian food but a) there isn't a single Asian working there b) most of their very limited menu is "Asian inspired" with a lot of non Asian additives to it. Like matzo balls, really? Had Bolognesea ($12) which was pretty tasty for being a unique dish. Had it not had horseradish on top of it I might have thought it was an Italian dish. Also tried some Pork belly sliders and I thought they were pretty nasty and way overpriced. Not only was it super greasy, but the meat seemed low quality and it was literally 2 bites for $3 The place is very small and cramped. Most of the seating is at the bar (hence the noodle bar) but it was a very uncomfortable bar area. Not only did I have a thousand people rubbing by my back as they were walking by, my knees were slammed into the bar and I had to lean over to eat. The bar counter just not come out far enough. Also, the food preparation was very slow and service was really non existent because you pour your own water. They could have doubled the amount of noodles in the dish and the cost would have been insignificant to them and my star rating would have gone up one and I would probably eat there again. Food Quality/Taste = 3 Stars Portion Size Given Price = 2 Stars Price = 2 Stars Experience with Staff = 3 Stars Decor = 2 Star Wait Time = 2 Stars
(2)Enid C.
You can just call me Natalie Imbruglia, 'cause I am torn. Cheu Noodle Bar is a cool place. Service is friendly and the ambiance is chill. The hanging lamps were created by one of the owner's glass-blowing brothers. Canned craft beers and other libations will soon be available to knock back with. The hand-torn collage on the back wall adds a touch of funk. They serve up raw Shin Ramyun as a complimentary appetizer (awesome idea). One must keep in mind that this is not meant to be an Asian restaurant. Rather, it is two American men identifying aspects of various Asian cuisines and recreating it according to what tastes good to them. Taking this into account, Cheu successfully accomplishes what it set out to accomplish - providing a cool atmosphere for people to enjoy what the owners personally like about Asian food. But Asian food it is not. The noodles are a bit too chewy (though props for being made in-house), and the flavor combinations are heavy on the "sweet and sour" aspect so characteristic of Asian fusion. The ramen broth is better than some other ramen joints in Philly, but it could stand to be more complex. The pork belly is fatty and delicious, but the flimsy poached egg is a bit of a travesty ramenly-speaking. I preferred the cumin-seasoned lamb neck (served with hand-torn noodles), even if the noodles were a bit too large and stuck together. The black garlic wings were the highlight of the meal. Crispy and juicy, similar to Korean fried chicken, but a little greasier (in a good way). So yes, Cheu is a really cool place. And the owners did a great job of creating dishes they liked. That just isn't quite in line with what I personally like. It happens. I'd come here again to hang out and have a drink, maybe order some wings. For other food, I'd probably just walk to Hand Drawn.
(3)Max P.
There's no need to write a bunch of stuff about noodles here. Just go, order some food and you'll be happy. It's easy if you try.
(5)Ben W.
Great ramen. Great service, great atmosphere and great beer and wine selection. There Brussels sprouts and wings appetizers are a must. I prefer the miso over the coconut curry but both are good. This place is a must go.
(5)Stacey K.
First off, the staff here is awesome and the food is just as amazing. I love the Brisket Ramen - it makes me so glad I am no longer a vegetarian! ;) I recently tried their dumpling appetizer and it was the perfect starter to a delicious, hearty meal. I love Cheu and can't wait to come again!
(5)Lily Z.
My friend and I decided to check this place out one night after hearing many good things. Oh what a disappointment it turned out to be. I ordered the Cold Sesame Noodle which came out first. First bite, bland. Mixed it around some more to blend in the sauce. Second bite, bland. Had to add in some spicy sauce to help myself finish the rest. My friend ordered the Yakisoba. He said the noodles were oily and bland. I was thinking to myself what's going on here?! I tried the noodles myself and indeed it was another bland bowl of noodles. Sigh. Cute, small place. Service is average. Atmosphere is chill. Food is just bland. Sad to say that we were not impressed w the food and don't think we'll be back again.
(2)BostonBestEats X.
Keeping it simple is often the key to brilliance, and with a short focussed menu of 5 apps, 6 different kinds of noodle dishes, and a few et ceteras (hmm...scrapple in ramen!?!?!?), all packaged in a cool space with lots of counter seating and a giant 'Eat More Noodles' mural as backdrop, Cheu accomplishes this goal. This is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated openings of 2013, a 'noodle bar' from partners Chef Ben Puchowitz (of Matyson fame, one of our favorite BYOBs) and his buddy Shawn Darragh. Their pop-ups last year were apparently a smash success, with a line down the street, so we made a point of stopping by Cheu early on opening day to see what the excitement was all about. We arrived exactly at opening (3PM), and were immediately seated at the counter with a few others (there are also several tables, for total of ~30 seats). It was mostly full by the time we left, but there was rarely a line, and we left before the dinner rush. Between the two of us, we tried (see photos): ~Complementary spiced crumbled instant ramen, fairly spicy, and something David Chang would appreciate (if you watched 'In the Mind of a Chef' on PBS). ~Garlic black wings with shishito peppers ($8/4)--Actually we got 5, 3 drumettes and 2 wingettes, which were crispy, meaty, with a light dose of a sticky sweet soy sauce, and some mildly spicy peppers. My favorite dish, I could make a meal out of these. KILLER! ~Pork belly and hamburger buns ($7/2)--We could choose any combination from 3 different buns (including the mung bean that we didn't try). These are tiny two-biters that look smaller than the photos I've seen online, but are very tasty. The Angus beef was topped with Wisconsin cheddar and house-made pickles. The pork belly was also topped with pickles. The buns are a bit strange, a bit like tiny English muffins, if that makes any sense, toasted in a skillet. My favorite was the pork belly, which like the pork with ramen below was melt-in-your mouth. ~Pork belly with house-made ramen noodles, egg, sea beans, greens ($12)--A very very intense broth (I suspect borderline too intense for some), but overall a very good dish. The ramen was perfectly al dente and the egg appeared to be soft poached. A good sized bowl, but not huge. I added in some of the pho fixin's below. ~Duck pho with foie gras meatballs, turnips, fixin's--I only tried a little of this, but it seemed like the pho was pretty similar to the ramen above. Thinly sliced, very tender duck, and melt-in-your mouth meatballs, although I can't say I got any foie flavor. The broth is much milder than than the pork belly's above. Comes with the usual pho accompaniments of basil and mung beans, lime, and also pickled white radish (I think). Of the two noodle dishes, I think I preferred the lighter broth of the duck pho. Cheu's mish-mass of Chef Benny's whatever "I think tastes best" manages to avoid the ongoing 'Raman Wars', where ramen is stylistically divided into smaller and smaller subgroups and aficionados endlessly (and nonsensically) argue about which ramen shop more is more authentic. Come on guys, who cares if it is 'authentic', if it tastes good? And Cheu's noodles definitely taste great! Or maybe Cheu defines a new subgroup: 'Philly Style' ramen! [Speaking of 'Raman Wars', to reviewer #3, Ron N, who is apparently an expert on what is and is not ramen, that "asparagus" you didn't like is actually sea beans. But it does kinda look like asparagus, which would be really weird, ramen or not.] Currently BYOB (we brought some Guinness), with sodas, etc available, but planning to get a liquor license (big orange placard on the door). Service was quick, friendly and efficient, with Shawn greeting customers at the front. Parking is fairly easy in a few local lots. Some nice photos and background from Zagat: blog.zagat.com/2013/03/s… Cilantro!
(5)Katie L.
In our striving to experience all that Philadelphia has to offer in terms of ramen, my Significant Gentleman and I made our pilgrimage to the newly-opened Cheu. I have to agree with all of the previous reviewers about the Shin Ramen snack which was hella spicy. Yes, it's a cheap way to keep your hungry customers from eating their own fists (a 90 minute wait on a Saturday night - could have been worse), but that's the kind of thing I like to do at home because I just can't help myself, so thumbs up for that. Dennis L hit it head-on when he said "The buns are delicious, but not $7 for 2 delicious." Seriously. We also had the broccoli & sausage appetizer which was pretty tasty, but not $7 tasty. It's a shame because a lot of the tastes on the appetizer menu looked really intriguing but perhaps not worth the price. As for Mr. Significant's brisket, he reported that the meat was a high for him (although I can't vouch as he didn't share - tisk tisk - but a sign that it really was that good, I suppose.) In fact, all of the meats were the best part of the meal (the pork belly in the bun, the sausage in the broccoli.) I had the duck pho (not true pho as others have pointed out), but the foie gras meatballs in this dish absolutely shine. I'd like to take home about a dozen of those and never leave the house again until they roll me out the door. Oh, and also the egg in the brisket was nearly perfect. We love our runny eggs. (Could I just get a bowl full of ramen noodles and eggs? Somebody open up that kind of shop...) Overall, Cheu was satisfying but there were things that didn't shine as much as other places. Music was a little loud, prices were a little high, but go ahead and try it. It's definitely worth seeing what it's all about.
(3)Brad P.
Cheu Noodle Bar is a small, casual noodle place with friendly service and funny lamps above the bar. Since Matzo balls improve everything, it is only logical that they would be one day added to a ramen noodle dish. It is hard for me to express how happy the brisket noodle made me at this place. The hot sauce is good in the ramen but not so good on anything else. Also, take care with your force level so that you don't splatter hot sauce everywhere and make a stupid mess of things. The wings are just OK. They are like 7 bucks for a very small number of wings and nothing really stuck out about them as amazing. They had a nice glaze but at the end of the day, I would've been happier with the wings at my other favorite haunts.
(4)Jeff G.
Really enjoyed the brisket bowl and the matzoh ball was a nice touch. Music was really jamming for lunch time and it was hard to hear the nice man taking my order. I'd like to try other items on the menu and will be back.
(4)Joey L.
Small place and good luck finding a spot to eat on a busy day. We had the garlic wings, beef special dumpling of the day, pork belly bun, ramen miso bowl and crab broth noodle soup.
(5)Sarah P.
This place is excellent. My only wish is that they had more! seating. Waited 45 minutes at 9 p.m. on a Friday night, and I didn't even mind. Well worth it- friendly, knowledgable staff and well-priced.
(5)Indie D.
Ok I feel deceived. I went to this place based on the yelp reviews from my fellow Philadelphians. "This place is awesome" you guys said. "This place is tasty" I read. "This place was built by the food gods themselves and carved out of the purest gold and marble found on earth!" they all said... Ok I made the last part up, but the rest of those quotes are LIES! I ventured to Cheu yesterday with my fellow country women and was very excited to try a few menu items. Namely the ramen(yuck), wings(meh) and dumplings(what the hey??) Firstly this place is the perfect setting to catch a airborne illness. You're practically sitting in the next persons lap. Seats fill up pretty fast so if that happens you have to wait, but there's no place to wait!!!!! After waiting in the smallest of corners, we got a table and I greedily ordered several items. The wings were pretty meh. They're top with black sauce, sesame seeds and peppers. Needed salt. The dumpling in chili oil were a joke. Chili oil should be hot. Mine was stuffed with BBQ pork and rice. Interesting yes, delicious hell no. It tasted like crunchiness in very very mild oil. The temperature setting was on -10. The bowl labeled ramen. wtf? Please change the name to "We tried and here is our failure". The pork was REALLY DRY, i dont know how that is possible when it was sitting in liquid. The broth was overly creamy. The egg was under cooked. The bok choy was random and chewy. There was way to many of those onion thingys lol. I honestly couldn't wait to leave. Now now I understand this isn't a "Ramen place". I however think you shouldn't name something ramen if it tastes like milk water. That's just rude!
(1)Edward S.
Eh, I went to cheu noodle bar three times, and I'm not that impressed. I feel like at a very basic level a noodle bar should probably make their own noodles, and they don't. For $12 or $13 bucks for a bowl of soup, the serving and product just doesn't wow me. There are countless places in Chinatown that serve far superior broth and noodle soups for half the price. That being said, I did enjoy the brisket and liked the combo of Jewish/Asian fusion. I get that they are doing a fusion and it's not traditional, but then it should at least be outstanding. For $20-$30 a person with drinks to eat here, I just don't get the hype.
(2)Arthur S.
I came in for lunch around 1:00 in the afternoon on a Monday. It was really busy, there was a wait to sit and I didn't realize it was so small inside. I decided to just order soup to go. Personally, I thought it was way too stuffy in there.. I honestly don't know if I could comfortably sit and eat a meal there.. Especially at the bar. I ordered their brisket and matzo ball soup in a chili broth. It didn't take me long to get home, so everything was still hot. The brisket was wonderful.. But everything else fell short. I really didn't care for the noodles at all.. They seemed stuck together and not properly made.. It reminded me of tagliatelle pasta I make at home before I learned how to properly execute the process. The broth was weak in seasoning all together. The matzo ball took on the flavor of the broth so i didn't really care for it. It was really disappointing after so many good reviews from friends.. Maybe their recent increase in popularity is making their food quality and consistency suffer? That being said, the staff was very nice and I got my food quickly despite how busy they were. I always give places another chance, so I'll have to go back a few times and perhaps edit my review.. Although, I can assure you I will be taking my food to go.
(2)Gautam T.
With all the hype I was hoping to eat some Ramen that was extremely delicious. I will admit it was very tasty, but I was disappointed in the amount of choices I had. I eat everything from beef to seafood to veggies, unfortunately my girlfriend doesn't and ordering for a person who only eats chicken and vegetables; Cheu falls a little short. I ordered the lamb noodles and ordered the pork shoulder ramen without the pork for my girlfriend. We both enjoyed it however the pork ramen was very bland so we had to add a healthy serving of Sriracha to make it to our liking. This place is good if you're a full on carnivore like myself, alas I now have to be more selective on the types of restaurants I choose when I go out my girl. It sucks!!! Anyway sorry for getting side tracked. I had to give it a 3 just because of the lack of menu choices and vegetarian options.
(3)Matt D.
My 200th review was a good one! Cheu lives up to the hype and is a wonderful addition to this part of the city. I love the decor and vibe of the place. It has a distinctly unique urban, Asian diner feel to it. The staff is welcoming and accommodating, and the chefs behind the counter are fun to observe. We started with the dumplings of the day, which were brisket, onion, date, and liver with moderately hot chili oil sauce w/ green onions. They were delicious and unlike anything I've had before. The chili oil made them borderline greasy, but still well worth ordering. We moved on to the cheeseburger and pork belly buns, which were flavorful and unique (a trend is forming with that description). They were cooked nicely, but I would have liked a little more of the pickled garnish. My dining companion disagrees.... Then came the wings that are carrying a lot of hype on the food blogs. I had very high expectations, and surprisingly, I was not disappointed. These are excellent, triple fried, jumbo wings with a deep flavor profile. Sticky, Asian, salty, oniony, garlicy, spicey, soy-ey! We shared the hand-drawn noodles with lamb neck, pickled greens, and dates. It was delicious, and the pickled greens added an unusual level of flavor that I was not expecting. Everything was served piping hot, and watching it come together made for some great food theater. This review will go to five-stars if the second visit is as good as this one. Next up on our list is the broccoli, octopus, and brisket.
(4)Dave B.
Recently learned about this noodle heaven during South Street Food Truck festival on 8/15/2013 where we ordered the famous black garlic wings, they were juicy, hot and delish. We went back to the restaurant to try the other dishes on Monday 8/19. The location is cute, fun and trendy and wait staff were amazing. We started we the dumpling special and it was soooo good, I wanted to order more. I had a delicious ramen noodle soup, it really satisfied my craving for a hot soupy lunch specially that I wasn't feeling that well. I can't wait to return and try out all the other menu items. This place is way better than the other noodle hut in Chinatown.
(4)John C.
Great place in Center City. It's always packed and you can tell why. First time I went there I got the Coconut Curry and I vowed to work my way through their entire menu. Great flavor and friendly staff.
(5)Dan R.
Cheu Noodle Bar's Black Garlic Wings are likely to have ruined many future Sunday football delivery orders for me. These things are criminally delicious. I think I could eat an infinity times infinity of them. Perfectly crispy skin, juicy dark meat in every bite, shishito peppers on the side (a personal fav), and that sweet-meets-salty mystery sauce?! With pigskin season around the corner, I'll never be able to enjoy future boring BBQ and buffalo wings quite the same. Luckily, Cheu is no one-trick winged pony. Their Charred Corn is a messy, but inspired take on elote. I was surprised to see how well truffle oil paired with corn on the cob, although those who worship everything truffle probably just scoffed at such initial skepticism. And while I was hoping for bigger chunks of crab meat, my Cold Jade Noodle entree got better with every dash of sriracha, every chopstick-clasped peanut (the real winning taste here). Cheu is a small, casual space that doesn't take reservations. We only waited maybe 15 minutes for a seat at the bar, but in that time, the staff let us place drink orders (the special was $4 Foster's 24 oz. "oil cans") and guzzle brews on the sidewalk. They had a great beer selection otherwise (Oskar Blues Mama's Little Yella Pils, 21st Amendment Watermelon Wheat, and Allagash Tripel, to name a few), but I opted for value pick this time around. I'm typically a traditionalist when it comes to noodle joints, but Cheu's creativity was just too delicious to ignore. Now give me infinity more Black Garlic Wings, please.
(4)Perry H.
Finally got the chance to stop by Cheu this past weekend. Definitely one of those situations where you're super excited to find a new favorite spot, but know its so close to home that you're going to want to go 2-3 times a week. We snagged a seat at a table but now regret that as the counter seems the way to go if you are lucky enough to get a spot. Next time. There's a solid drink menu with cocktails, canned craft beer, sake, wine....definitely impressed with all the Sixpoint choices, even had Resin on special. Kudos to the two old timers that decided to go for the last two... My wife and I split as much food as possible to get a good sampling of the menu and we weren't disappointed with a single thing. We started with fresh tomatoes with yuzu, ricotta, watermelon, and mint along with the charred corn with miso truffle, and black vinegar. Both were incredible and very different. Either dish would bring me back. We then had a pork belly bun and a cheeseburger bun. These were almost like perfect little (southern) biscuits....my god I could eat 20. The BBQ pig tails with peach kimchi and seasame...finger-licking good. Then we finished off splitting the brisket noodle bowl with matzo ball, kimchi, egg noodles, chili broth. The homemade chili oil spiced this up nicely and I can't wait to have this in the winter. Man, soooo good. I love love love this place and can't wait to go back. I don't know if we ordered super well or if this place is really just that good.
(5)Erica B.
We just discovered Cheu this weekend, after hearing that chef Ben Puchowitz was nominated as one of James Beard's Rising Star Chefs of the Year, and I will most certainly be going back as soon as possible. First of all, it's a really cool place. We sat down at the long bar and got to watch the chefs do their thing right in the middle of the restaurant. The ramen mural running along the wall was great, as was all the decorations hanging from the rafters and the collage stuck on the wall. The beer list is incredibly impressive and INCREDIBLY affordable- I got 2 beers from Florida that I have yet to find anywhere else, each for $4.50. They are mostly bottled or canned, but it really fits in with the laid back atmosphere. Now onto the good stuff: the food. We started with fried pigs tails, which came coated in a sticky, spicy sauce and topped with sesame seeds. They were piping hot, and extremely meaty (I've had pigs tails in the past that were really fatty). It reminded me of really juicy, wonderful bacon. My boyfriend got the miso ramen, with came with a disk of pulled pork that you broke up and mixed into the soup as well as with a soft boiled egg. The egg, when broken, turned the broth into this creamy blend that went great with the tofu. And I'm not a tofu fan. I could have drank that broth all day. But the best dish of the night was the hand torn noodles, pulled right in front of us and served with lamb neck and pickled greens. It had the gamey taste from the lamb with a nice bite of salt that was PERFECT with the greens. Sweet, tangy, rich, my word it was so good. And the chunks of lamb were so meaty and tender. I would tell anyone to try this dish, and I most certainly am getting it again. This is unlike anything I've had in Philadelphia yet, especially right in the heart of Center City. Get there now!
(5)Gerald F.
Nice. For apps we had pork dumplings and Brussels sprouts and fish ribs-- all Awsome. Then curried noodles. The curry may have been created by the chef, certainly the dish was, with cilantro hot chili and a blend of spices that were really top notch. One bok choy added to the aroma. Special ramen in beef cream sauce and yakisoba, a toasted sesame oil Asian herb dish for the two dishes by my partners who accompanied me. We all loved everything.
(5)Anabel D.
Like some spice in your noddles? This is the place. Great vibe to this place and the staff is on point! Will come back for sure.
(5)Samantha B.
Was pretty blown away by this place. The space is teeny, and we were nervous that we would have to wait at prime time on a Saturday night. Due to the holiday season or otherwise, we sat right down at the bar. Staff is super friendly and helpful, and the décor is awesome. I started with the Spicy Bulleit, which was inventive and paired perfectly with the meal. We started with Pork Belly Buns, Dumplings in Chili Oil, and the BBQ Pig Tails. All of the appetizers were phenomenal. I was seriously blown away by how delicious everything was...the pig tails especially were super tender, fall off the bone, with a perfect barbecue-y sauce. We then split the Miso Ramen and the Hand Torn noodle bowl. Both were very rich and tasty. Everything was so unique, and the place really has a personality. A great melding of Asian and Jewish flavors. Will be back for sure!
(5)Asdy W.
I had the Ramen, their dumplings of the day (smoked pork + mushrooms), and their bun of the day (tempura pig ears with kimchi). While their Ramen was alright, their appetizers were GREAT! Just so you know, they told me their noodles were made in house which I think is a great factor they should stress more about... house made noodles rather than mass produced store noodles definitely makes it better! It was also nice that they give you a little snack before your meal; for my friends and I we got a small saucer of honey lime chili popcorn. It was a little stale (and we ate it when the restaurant opened for the day...so I suspect this was not freshly made for the day), but the flavor was great. But onto the food: RAMEN ($12): - Noodles itself were good and had the thick semi springy texture of fresh noodles that I like; I wish there was a little more of it though. If I didn't have appetizers with it, I don't think I would have been that full with just this Ramen bowl itself. - Broth was average... wasn't terrible but it was a bit on the bland side, I had to add some sriracha to give it a little kick. - Cha siu they used was more like Chinese style red pieces of cha siu which was not too bad since the meat was tender. But I wish they used Japanese style cha siu for ramen?? There was no fatty meat in the pork at all. - There was also a poached egg and some veggies in the ramen. It would be nice if they could someday make ajitsuke eggs though for their ramen! That'd really be a delicious plus. DUMPLINGS ($3): They're made in house! There was three in the bowl, it is small-ish like dimsum sized, and come in chili oil. The skin had a nice semi chewy texture to it, and the filling of smoked pork and mushroom WAS AMAZING I loved it so much. I wish there was more because it was so good and delightfully flavorful. BUN ($2 EACH) I had the pig ear with kimchi special of the day just because it sounded interesting... Their buns come a bit smaller than typical Asian buns but I forgave it for the interesting flavor combos they had. They make their bun bread a tiny bit different, as in they pan fry it or something to give it a crunchy texture? I like the way they make their bun though, and the insides of tempura pig eared with kimchi was quite delish! Delightfull crunchy with good flavor mix. My friends got the normal pork belly bun, and I think the only criticism they had about it was that the fat-to-meat proportion of the pork belly was too high! Almost 3/5 fat and 2/5 meat. I would have knocked this restaurant to 3 stars, if it wasn't for the redeeming facts that they make their noodles in-house and their unique and very delicious appetizers! I think Cheu Noodle Bar really has potential if they fixed their broth to be more flavorful, as ramen should be the star of the restaurant seeing that they're a noodle bar.
(4)Noosh E.
Small cozy place serving delicious Ramen soup and appetizers. I've tried the brisket a few times and it has been consistently good. Love getting the black garlic wings. I also enjoy watching the food being made at the bar. The only thing is that this place is super crowed in the evenings during the weekend, there isn't a lot of room to wait there so you will need to wait somewhere else. First time we went - we waited one and half hour....but was worth it! It helps that they have super friendly servers.
(4)Angie K.
I give this place 3 stars AT BEST. I honestly think the food was 2-star, but the cool decor, atmosphere and the creativity bump this place up another. As others have mentioned, I came in knowing that the noodles at this place would not be authentic. That's fine by me, as long as Cheu's interpretation was tasty. However, I was disappointed, even with my bar low. The Pork Belly Buns- were good, but a bit on the greasy side because they pan-fried the buns itself. Then you top the pork belly, and you get a the heaviest single bite you can get. Pork belly was good, but I've had better, at many places. I felt like the pork belly itself was lacking something. I added their house spicy sauce (on the table) to cut through some of the greasiness. The Pork Belly Ramen (I love pork belly, can you tell?) broth was lacking depth. The noodles were a bit hard and gritty. The sea beans were CRAZY salty. The pork belly was the same as those in the buns- good, but nothing I haven't had before. If I were to come back, I would try the other dishes because I do feel the menu items are inventive. However, I would be reluctant to go back anytime soon.
(3)Eileen O.
This place actually lived up to the hype. Chef Ben Puchowitz was recently named a semi-finalist for the James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year Award. Went for dinner on a Wednesday with a friend and had a great meal. We started with the Brussel sprout/brisket dumplings and pork belly buns - delicious. I had the brisket and noodles - wonderful and not too spicy. Affordable, good food.
(4)Janice W.
This place is outstanding! As it says right on the front of their menu, yes this is a noodle house run by two white guys and it won't be crazy authentic, but it IS delicious. I had the coconut curry noodles w/ pork belly added and it BLEW MY MIND. The broth had a sweet potato purée in it and reminded me of thai curries, then it had ramen noodles (not the best noodles I've had, but that's ok), plus peanuts, bean sprouts, bok choy and pork belly. OMG it was great. Since these guys aren't breaking their backs to be 100% authentic, it means they can have fun and offer up dishes like this. We started w/ spicy rice cakes which were also great and I really enjoyed the laid back, friendly vibe of the staff. I wish I lived in Philly so I could be a regular here.
(5)Brian M.
Black Garlic Wings. Just wanted to highlight those real quick. Just silly good. Probably the best wings I've had anywhere. If you don't order these you're a gosh darn buffoon. The rest of the food was just decent, but man were those wings great. I love the concept of Cheu and hope it's a gateway into more people enjoying this type of food. Thing is though, you get get better versions of a lot of this stuff 5 blocks north but you have to buy it in a dirty shop from someone who doesn't speak English very well. The bun, for instance, were smallish here and even at $2 probably too much. Ramen and brisket for over $10? Nah. Just didn't blow me away, but I'll likely be back if I'm in the neighborhood and hungry. Love that they serve lunch now. Interior is cool, BYO is a huge plus and just strikes as a nice place to chill. Overall solid jawn.
(4)Cori C.
I was pretty impressed that the staff found us a spot in this teeny tiny and popular spot. It was a bit like eating on a train at rush hour, but it was an experience. The food was good - I appreciated the attention they took creating an imaginative menu. I arrived here starving after getting off the bus and left stuffed and happy.
(4)Elizabeth J.
The best meal that I had in Philly. I had two dinners there and they were both amazing! The vibe was cool, the noodles perfect, the drinks delicious, the service friendly and the appetizers all delicious. Couldn't recommend a better place to eat.
(5)Adam D.
I came to Cheu's with five coworkers for dinner on a Tuesday night. We were hoping to get seated around 7:00 pm, but there was a long wait and we didn't end up sitting down until 8ish. The waiter felt bad that we had waited so long (and our table was small even when we did sit) that he gave us a free round of sake for the table. That was just the beginning of a great meal with fun and friendly service and delicious food. I wouldn't recommend coming with a group bigger than six, and the smaller your group the easier it will be to get seated. But it's worth the wait! We had the dumplings, the fries, pork belly buns, brisket soup, and the miso soup - all were fabulous!
(5)Timothy I.
Solid food. Wings were great. Miso ramen was missing something--I think it was a little heavy in the dashi. The service was great and very accomodating. Will go back to try the brisket at some point.
(4)Jennifer C.
Wow! My husband frequents Cheu on the regular and I finally made it there last night and am so happy that I did! From the vibe of the place to the service to the food, everything was awesome! I recommend checking out the Yakisoba noodles.
(5)Joe Y.
The appetizers here did not disappoint. I tried their signature buns, served on biscuit goodness and one of three filling options: pork, cheeseburger, and mushroom. I also had the dumplings were made of curry beef and potatoes; however, the kitchen mixes up this dish on the daily and perhaps hourly. Within a few hours of ordering, the daily dumpling dish had changed. However, the noodles were pretty standard. I had the duck pho which wasn't anything fantastic. Honestly, I would stick to the appetizers here.
(4)Mark K.
First, let me say that the food here is outstanding, and I have been there twice. Fine. That said, I will never return. Why restaurnters still don't get that one dines out for the enjoyment of the food and the company of others, and that is almost impossible when music is blaring and bouncing off the walls, made worse in this case by the intimate size of the room. And to be told that the volume could not be turned down because the manager- who was absent- wanted it that way, as did the customers. Anyone ever survey the room? Patrons have to yell to be heard across the miniscule tables. So, no matter how good the food, I never return a third time: I always give a second chance! I am accused of being an old fogey, but I can't believe ANYONE, at ANY age, enjoys having to speak loudly during a dining experience. I am done.
(2)Tram P.
Save your money or walk up three blocks to Hiro Ramen. My experience at Cheu's made me miss Chef Andy Ricker and his amazing dishes at Pok Pok (Portland and NYC). What is extraordinary about Ricker is he spent a lot of time in Thailand and learned all the subtle nuances to Thai cooking and methods. There is something to be said about learning another culture's cuisine. The broth in the ramen noodle dish was flat. That in my opinion is one of the worst things with food. The broth is THE glue - the singular thing that pulls all the other mundane ingredients together. I checked out Cheu's menu online and read that the chefs aren't trying to be "authentic" but rather are "keeping it real" which sounds like a cop out to me.
(2)Henry P.
The Burger buns are amazing. I didn't even know you can make beef taste so good. Their dumplings are delicious. The Miso Ramen was okay. The bill does rack up.
(4)Thanh T.
I had high hopes for this place, but it doesn't really cut it. I had some really awesome noodle dishes in my time and this was just a notch down from okay. I got a glass of pinot noir and the brisket noodle soup. First of all, the pinot noir was in the wrong glass. This was the first time I ever got wine in a glass cup instead of a wine glass at a restaurant. This is a $8 glass of wine... at least give it to me in the right glass. Next, the brisket noodle soup was disappointing. The broth was bland and not spicy, the noodles were kinda soggy, however, the brisket was pretty good. I'm not going back here again. I can make better noodle soup at home with instant ramen and a few added ingredients.
(2)Amanda G.
Plates: Beef and Rice Dumplings with Miso Ramen Bowl and Brisket Bowl. Really enjoyed the service we had here at CheU as it was our first time here. The food was very delicious and different really than anything I've ever had before. The service was wonderful, the workers were really good at making you feel at home. The only complaint I had was that the atmosphere was very cramped and you had to push yourself between chairs to get to your table. Other than that, my experience here was a wonderful one and we will definitely be back in the future. Also, I absolutely loved the way that the restaurant looked, it was very unique and artsy.
(4)Emily H.
Second time visiting. It was the perfect meal for the first night that felt like fall was returning. Kept it simple this time with a spicy bulleit cocktail that was delicious. We followed it up with an order of miso ramen and the crab broth ramen. Both were delicious. The miso had a great smokey taste and the crab had a great heat that really added depth of flavor. Good news. We noticed they do take out. Can't wait to hit this place up at bring it back home!
(5)Christopher D.
Finally had lunch at the noodle Mecca, sans noodles. I started with dumplings, duck and scallion were the flavor of the day. The pillows of flavor were good, but the oil they were floating in left a lot to be desired. And it wasn't especially hot either. The broccoli and Vietnamese sausage was tasty though I would have preferred the sausage in larger chunks. It was a satisfying lunch, and proved that you can have a great meal at Cheu without having noodles or soup. Not cheap, ($16.00 including iced tea before tip) but good food never is. Look forward to returning.
(3)David R.
Brisket ramen with a matzo ball was goooooood.
(5)Brian T.
Great! I tried to go to anotehr restaurant, but didn't feel like dealing with the whole BYOB thing as I was in town on business and unprepared for that. I passed by and caught this awesome noodle bar with great hip hop playing. Sign me up! I had the bacon, egg and cheese dumplings and this awesome duck Pho with Foie Gras meatballs. SUCH a good meal! I will for sure be back!
(5)Youssouf C.
I've been here twice - once randomly after it somehow made it on my list of places to go try out. The second time the day after with a few more friends just because I loved it so much. Cheu doesn't claim to be authentic Japanese food - what it does aspire to is something close to authentic but with dynamic variants and unique flavors. The hand-torn lamb bowl has succulent perfectly cook chunks of lamb neck and the dates bring a mild and very pleasant sweetness. I also tried miso ramen which I loved for its intense flavor. I can only say that I wasn't a huge fan of the watermelon ginger juice, but it was solid and the fact that they had something like that available made me content enough. Service was great, atmosphere awesome, interior small and intimate. Cheu is bold and that's why it will become one of my staple Philly places.
(5)AF A.
For the first time in my life I had a craving for Ramen. This place was well reviewed and worth the mile walk I made to it. I had the brisket and Kim chi noodle bowl. Perfect amount of spice. Brisket was tender enough that I was able to pinch pieces off with chop sticks. Will absolutely be going back to this spot.
(5)Huyennnn D.
Found this little place on yelp while craving for hand drawn noodles. We ordered the dumplings TO START. The dumplings actually came out last after our pork kimchee burrito and miso ramen. The waiter said there was some mix up in the kitchen. (it wasnt even that busy) Everything was just OK. I'm not a fan of burritos but the pork and kimchee burrito was surpringly good. the miso ramen however was too salty and the egg was barely cooked. I know we are suppose to eat the noodles with the broth to balance out the flavors but i'm those types that like to enjoy my broth. There are other ramen places in philly i rather go to.
(3)Bill D.
Incredible noodles!! Everything I tasted here was outstanding including the hand torn noodles with lamb. The place is a little crowded and doesn't have many places to hang out while waiting... but it was worth it.
(5)Reid C.
The place is clearly doing well. I went for lunch and they quickly filled up in a matter of minutes. Sure, it's small, but it's clear that they do their best to accommodate as many people as they can. I sat at the bar. Behind is the kitchen where Ben and his crew are hard at work and the aromas of their food alone will warm you up. The beer selection is awesome: craft IPAs, crisp pilsners, dark stouts, again it was lunch so I wasn't drinking, but if I ever came for dinner... The duck tacos were good. I took one bite and knew that they needed a little something, so I picked up the lime slice on the plate, gave each a quick squirt and boom, very tasty. Definitely looking forward to trying other apps next time. Next up, what I came for: noodles in a big bowl of hot broth. It was cold out and I had been walking around most of the morning so I figured this would be perfect. It was pretty perfect. Ahh ramen. Extra noodles? Yes please. Pork belly for only a couple of extra bucks? Yup! The pork belly was vital. A little chili paste, a couple of squirts of fresh lime and I went to town. After I was done, I felt great. When I left the building, it just felt a little warmer outside. Next time I'll come by with some friends for dinner. Dark beer and hot noodles would be perfect for any bleak and chilly winter night (or any night).
(5)Michael M.
I live by here and have been here twice. Both times were pretty average, so I don't get the hype. The place is very hip and usually packed, which is a good indicator, but the food generally was unimpressive. I liked the dumpling appetizer, but it was nothing to write home about. The noodle dish I got was the spicy crab. I didn't taste much crab and it wasn't all that spicy, but the noodles themselves were good. I wish I could give 2.5 stars. For the money, I'd head a few blocks north to Chinatown to get something more authentic.
(2)Rob B.
Pho always feels like a lot of work for me but this was great stuff. Lots of peppery flavor-al dente noodles. Juicy, melt in your mouth brisket. Also LOVE the dumpling of the day-chive pork dumplings in a smoky chili oil sauce. Amazing fries w garlic sauce and some Japanese elements (fish flakes). Omg! This food is good!! Made with great care and love.
(5)Danielle L.
Not sure what all the hype is about. They succeed at being different, but not being flavorful. We had the dumplings in chili oil, the miso ramen, and the brisket matzo ball soup. The dumplings were the best and most flavorful part of our meal. The meat in the noodles were both very good but unable to compensate for the lackluster broth. All in all, our meal was not bad, but just not memorable either. There are way better options in Center City, especially with Chinatown so close by. The miso ramen brought me back to memories of my days in Japan eating $3.50 bowls of ramen. And even those had more flavor.
(2)Michelle T.
I enjoyed their rendition of pork belly bao bun, with the fluffy flaky bun they used. I could eat the duck tacos all day - I loved the banana blossom and cucumber. My miso ramen as nice and flavorful. However, my pork in the ramen was more salty compared to my friend's miso ramen. I guess they can improve the consistency of the dishes they put out.
(4)Professor Roger K.
A wise man once uttered the phrase "all that glitters is gold." As my lover and I strolled along 10th Street, sipping sazeracs and laughing voraciously, we came upon Cheu Noodle Bar. Suddenly, I thrust my lover against the wall, such was the level of my passions. My bodily humours flowed at a fever pitch as my lover screamed in tongues. The air around us seemed to almost glitter, and we knew, right then, that Cheu Noodle Bar was gold. Later we learned that our sazeracs quite mistakenly were made using Scrubbing Bubbles. We entered immediately, taking a seat at the counter, where we forlornly gazed upon the humble chefs preparing sumptuous helpings of ramens and other exotic fares. The black garlic wings were so divine I could hear several Walt Whitman poems being whispered in the ambiance. I quickly hid several in my lover's Norman Porter leather bag, as never a more perfect accouterment for a lover's lovemaking had been conceived in this world. Corn Rangoon that tasted as if prepared by Confucius himself. Crab Gazpacho Ramen flowed freely down my chest and legs as my lover fed me yakisoba, dangling noodles into my mouth as a screamed in passion. I was both a god and an animal, a mouse and a man. As the kind maitre 'd walked us to the door, noodles growing erect in my beard, my lover grabbed my hand, and my passions were ignited once again.
(5)Stevie V.
If you are looking for Japanese ramen and you know your stuff, this is probably not the right place for you... I got the miso ramen here and it probably was the one of the worst i had. Taste wise, it is not a bad dish if you dont know what japanese ramen is supposed to taste like. However, it tasted like someone roughly tried to copy the traditional japanese dish and it has a long way to go. Only reason i gave them 3 stars is because overall, their menu was interesting and their appetizers were decent. I think they have the right mind but all their ramen has to step up if they wanna compete with the other joints around them
(3)Wonsuk C.
Quirky place with really good ramen! It dispelled my thought that Caucasian run ramen places suck. My friend and I both got the miso ramen which was excellent. Every component of the dish blended well together but was also good when eaten individually. We went right before the dinner rush (~4pm). Perfect timing if you want to avoid the dinner crowds. Quirky decor. Good music.
(5)Angelique L.
First time here for early dinner. Sat at the actual bar part, was greeted immediately. Ordered a pineapple jalapeño vanilla juice- which was surprisingly sweeter than I expected. Ordered dumplings and the crispy pork belly rice. The food came crazy quick. The rice wasn't piping hot, but the pork belly was. It was pretty good, but the dumplings were my favorite. Piping hot and flavorful. It's a very small place so get here off peak times, if not, you will wait. I might come back to try actual noodles- having severe regret as the miso ramen looked great!
(4)Justine J.
Hmm, I'm not too sure what all the hype is would this place. It's really hipster, but that has nothing to do with my opinion on the place. The spicy beef dumplings were actually quite bad. There was barely any beef. It was just stuffed potato so it was essentially an oversized perogie with too much potato. Imagine wrapping a baked potato in a thin sheet of dough. That's what it felt like it was. I do however, like the duck tacos and the pork belly burger. I got the coconut curry ramen and I just did not care for it. I really don't know what else to say about it, but I just did not like their ramen. I came with my family and we each got a different ramen dish and just none of them tickled my fancy. Seating is very limited though. Theres only a few tables, bar seating, and a stand up area.
(2)Leslie W.
The space is tight (as in, I had difficulty finding a spot for 1 on a Tuesday night) so I would suggest going during a weeknight as its first come first serve. I sat at the bar area which faces the kitchen. Its an entertaining spot as you can watch them put together the dishes, but its also a tight squeeze and can get a bit precarious with bowls of ramen and slurping broth. I had the matzo ball ramen which was interesting. The broth was flavorful and a bit spicy and the noodles were fresh and cooked perfectly. I wasn't a fan of the brisket, but that may just be my tastes. It was a little mushy and didn't have a lot of flavor. Overall it was really tasty and I was wishing I had more once I reached the bottom of the bowl. I hear they have some new menu items as of last week so I'll be back to visit soon and I'll be trying something new. Overall I was very happy!
(4)Aleks K.
I tried the miso ramen and the won tons in chili oil. The ramen broth was thick and unctuous, filled with noodles, greens, soft egg that melted in once I poked it open, sprouts and a huge piece of pork. Delicious. Something like I've never had before and I'm glad I gave it a go. Came here based on bookmarking it at some point without even checking the menu. The won tons were soft and very filled, topped with deep fried quinoa for crunchiness which was awesome. I was surprised by the crunch and it was so welcome. Not spicy at all. $19 for both.
(4)Alex G.
Loved the noodles, charred brussels sprouts, beer options, decor, and service. The overall character is superb. When you have non-Asians run an Asian-themed noodle bar, greatness happens. Can't wait to come back.
(5)Dan S.
Cheu serves up some of the tastiest noodle dishes around. I'm a huge fan of noodles in general, and Cheu is one of my go to places to satisfy my noodle cravings. They are always hopping during lunch time, but I like call ahead for some take out during the lunch hour. There specials are always delicious, including the drink specials. My favorite dish is the Miso Ramen. The broth is fantastic and the pork shoulder is cooked perfectly. I just tried the Yaki Soba though, and it's coming up as a close second. Yum all around!
(5)Shira S.
I still love Cheu for everything, but I'm sad to say that they changed their coconut curry recipe (which was my favorite) and now I'm sad because it just ain't the same. Cheu please bring back the original coconut currryyyyyyyyyyy!
(4)Juliana K.
Over a year later, I have returned and still cannot give Cheu more than a 3.5 (maybe). The Miso Ramen was okay. The broth was delicious. I liked the poached egg. I wish the pork shoulder was less minced and more chunky. The Short Rib Mazeman was also decent. The short rib is tender and is better than the pork shoulder in the miso ramen. Much less brothy. Both ramen dishes tasted good. Fresh noodles, but nothing was mind blowing. Nothing was worth $13 a bowl, especially the inattentive service. We went on a Sunday afternoon that was not busy (because usually this place is VERY packed since it's small). With 4-5 staff just hanging out and such a small space, you'd think they would be more attentive. Otherwise the space is cool. Great music. They do have a bar. I'm not dying to go back again.
(3)Kelly C.
i love the decor, i love the vibe of this place!! but noodles..? eeeehhh here's what they seriously messed up on-- serving a bowl of noodles (to me) that's not piping steamy HOT!! and people might think "that is so trivial.." NO! b/c of this.. my bean sprouts did not cook.. keep in mind, my egg was also only half cooked.. the high temperature of the soup was supposed to complete the cooking when served. #2, i gradually slowed down my slurping toward the 2nd half because it was getting cold and frankly, it just wasn't too appetizing anymore.. there were other things that bothered me too like how little soup they gave you lol.. but i'll stop here so i don't sound like a complete jerk. so being #12 out of 50 on foobooz, i was holding a certain level of expectations.. i see lots of potential here and i did have a fun dining experience with my friend.. but i rather take my money else where.. on the plus side, i did enjoy the dumplings (braised ribs with eggplant)-- it's always a plus when i can taste what they say it is inside lol
(3)Lilli M.
Expect a wait if you're here. When they say a 25-minute wait, they mean it. My friend and I tried to come here twice and both times, there was a 25-minute wait so we decided to wait the second time. Unfortunately, there's only one small bench and really absolutely nothing else around, so you can't even get froyo or something, you're sort of just left standing around outside. (You can't stand around inside either bc there's no space) Once we were finally seated, I realized why there was a consistent wait. This place has pretty limited seating. Including the bar area, there are only about 20 seats total. The bar area is somewhat cramped so you're literally elbow to elbow with those on either side of you. At the bar, you're also naturally facing the somewhat small kitchen. I like watching cooks at work and I saw that they make their own noodles, which is nice. I got the miso ramen ($13). It was good and the broth was flavorful and not too salty but I thought the portion size and the amount of meat was a little lacking for that price. I'd probably come back but do not come if you're starving because there will likely be a wait and if you outlast the wait, then I'd advise getting extra meat or noodles with your ramen.
(4)Jody P.
Fun atmosphere paired with great fusion food. My Coconut Curry was very flavorful with noodles that were cooked perfectly. I couldn't stop talking about how perfect the noodles were; chewy and still bouncy, but just enough past al dente to not be too hard. The fresh basil was fresh and addictive. The Pig Tail had the perfect amount of sauce, was tender, and plated attractively. They create new dumplings every day, ours were Szechuan beef. The dumplings were two bites a piece, tightly packed with spiced beef, and resting in chili oil. The red-orange atmosphere is very fun with hand illustrations everywhere. They play a combination of throw backs like Poison and more contemporary like vampire weekend. The space is small but our wait was under 10 minutes on a Monday night
(5)Joseph R.
We were driving around South Philly doing some stuff at Ikea and needed a place to have some food when my wife goes "OOH I KNOW, CHEU NOODLE BAR!" This is the place Cheu holds in our dinner repertoire. Whenever you're not eating there, you wish you were eating there. We've been to Cheu three or four times now. It's a great restaurant in a great space. The noodles are addictive, the beer and wine list is plentiful, and the vibe is fun. We've never had a wait to get in, but we've also never gone during the height of the dinner rush. I can only speak for our own experiences, but every time we go, it's great. The menu has about 6 or 7 main bowls on it, some spicy, some mild, some brothy, some not. The strongest bowls are the top two on the menu, the miso with pork shoulder and the brisket, but the rest are pretty good too. I try to vary what I get to give all the bowls a try, and last time I went I had the coconut curry bowl, whose broth was just the right amount of spicy. There are small plates on the menu too, like dumplings and buns. But the bowls are the star, and they deserve the honor. If you're in this part of Center City and need a dinner option, this is a great place to go.
(4)Sara S.
Cheu was a really nice change from Phó or generic Chinese takeout. I ordered to take out, the black garlic wings, the miso Ramen for myself and the Brisket for my husband. So I'm quite certain that the review would warrant 4-5 stars if we dined in. But we didn't and this is how the meal went down. The wings fresh out of the kitchen I'm sure are crispy-crunchy perfect. After sitting in a to-go container for 15 min before I got there; they couldn't help but be soggy. But they're so good that it didn't matter. I'll definitely be ordering them again. My ramen was tasty. The noodles are chewy, and have a perfect bite to them. The miso broth wasn't my favorite. It was mellow, the pork shoulder was melt in your mouth tender; the flavor was very subtle. Combined I feel as though it was all just very subdued, but nice- flavors. I'm more likely to go back to try the dumplings and some other items off the menu. Looking forward to an outstanding dine-in experience!!
(3)Juan M.
Great little place and (great =awesome and little=small) friendly service and a meal worth the wait. Open kitchen so you can watch the chefs kick it out! Try either the pork ramen soup or the short beef rib soup you will not be disappointed. No place to stand around if you have to wait but don't give up you'll be glad you didn't Do like we did wait in the car they'll call you when your table is ready. A little pricey but what do you expect for a place that's #12 on philly' stop 50.
(4)John C.
Food: Ok, not memorable. My girlfriend and I ordered the black garlic chicken wings, spicy crab noodles and miso ramen. The black garlic chicken wings were an interesting take on wings. They were encrusted with sesame seeds, topped with a tasty sauce and garnished with cilantro. The noodle dishes were good but I had higher expectations after reading previous reviews. Atmosphere/ Service Very cramped, seating at the bar isn't very comfortable. The ambient music can be a bit loud at times. It has a hipster vibe to the decor, so if that's your jam you'll feel comfortable here. It took a while after we were seated at the bar to be greeted by the staff.
(3)Derek W.
This is the ultimate antidote to a cold Philadelphia winter. And, based on recent visits, it's clear that the greater the blanket of snow and ice that covers the city, the longer the wait for scarce counter and small table space at Cheu. The block is quiet, the exterior fairly nondescript, but open the door and pull back the heavy curtain and you are thrown into a teeming mass of eager foodie fanatics. The narrow, crowded kitchen is brimming with electric energy, all in full view: steam rising from pots, broth being ladled in every direction, gas flames leaping around small pans on the stove, and noodles torn with artful precision. Everything that emerges from the kitchen is a unique, creative, and fresh concoction with a masterful balance of the five basic tastes. The appetizer special was a dazzling combination of sauteed mustard greens, toasted farro, and miso dressing, topped with a handful of crispy fried lotus, a fabulous flavor and texture scheme. The regular menu features a small plate (which could really be a meal) consisting of broccoli sauteed with ample morsels of Vietnamese sausage and tossed with crushed peanuts and unidentifiable but magical spices. Both of our noodle dishes were superb and completely different. The spicy shrimp noodles come in a bowl crowded with bean sprouts, green onion, greens, and shaved daikon, topped with lightly fried shrimp balls. The broth had the red hue and subtle kick of chilis and the noodles were microscopically thin. The stars of the Sichuan bowl are thick, delicious, hand-torn wheat noodles coated in hot bean paste and stir-fried to a slight crisp. Interspersed with the noodles are bright greens and diced fresh tofu, and the dish is finished with sesame seeds and ribbons of cucumber. Despite the rather raucous and cramped setting, the staff at Cheu are meticulous and generous in providing individual attention. My revelation of a mushroom allergy touched off a vigorous discussion about which dishes could be created with different combinations of broths and sauces to avoid fungi. On my second visit, a friendly Cheu employee noted my overcoat covered and dripping with melting snow (as, no doubt, did everyone there), grabbed it and whisked it back to a secret hiding spot in the back of the house to dry. One note of caution: avoid making a visual estimate of the wait times for a table. Diners tend to leave their names and then disperse into neighborhood bars to await phone calls summoning them to eat.
(5)Dave L.
Wow, this was amazing. Probably not "authentic", but ridiculously good. I had the noodles with beef brisket and matzoh balls...who knew they make such a stunning combination? Others in my party had the miso ramen and the coconut curry - all equally delicious. But perhaps the star of the show were the dumplings. Ah, the dumplings. I don't know how to begin to describe them...like no other dumplings I have ever had. YOU MUST TRY THEM. BTW, this is a tiny little hole-in-the wall place on 10th between Spruce and Locust...they don't take reservations so go there, put your name in, and walk down the street to Varga bar to wait it out. Or order a drink and stand in the ridiculously narrow passage between the kitchen and handful of tables at the front of the restaurant.
(5)Ainsley A.
Nestled right in Washington Square, next to Jefferson, lies this gem of an Asian fusion restaurant. Let me start off by saying this place is TINY, MINISCULE, the size of a bathroom. Perfect for a date spot or a dinner with a friend, but not for groups; be prepared to sit at the bar and not a table (this is the best seat in the house due to the open kitchen.) We started off with a few apps: the black garlic chicken wings, complete with shishito peppers, lime and cilantro- the cheeseburger, pork belly and mushroom bun, and the roasted broccoli with Vietnamese sausage, peanuts and soy. The chicken wings had the perfect crunch and flavor to them; the peppers that accompanied them were not spicy but packed with flavor and added a little extra flair to the dish. Each bun was perfectly seasoned- my favorite being the mushroom (the pork belly's texture was not for me, but the taste was rich and delectable// the cheeseburger was perfectly medium rare and the flakey crust enhanced a simple dish). We each ordered a different noodle dish and I was lucky enough to try each one. I wanted a dry noodle dish (not a soupy one) and one with an abundance of vegetables so I opted for the yakisoba noodles. A poached egg lay on top of the mountain of pan fried noodles and when broken and mixed into the dish, enhanced not only the noodles but also the snow peas, asparagus and smoked tofu. I am not a tofu person as I am a raging carnivore BUT this was amazing. My sister had the coconut curry noodle dish which had the perfect amount of spice and flavor. But the star of the evening was my sister's boyfriend's dish: the bolognasian. Think of an Asian version of an Italian meat bolognese. I wish I could eat this all day everyday. The hint of horseradish mixed in with the minced pork amplified this dish- took it to another level. The watercress was a refreshing touch and the thick flat noodles gave the dish a different texture compared to the thin ramen. Definitely will be back again- I NEED that bolognasian.
(5)Maria C.
I have only been once, but I thought it was delicious, and fairly affordable. The service was great, but I would not recommend this place to someone who is not willing to get cozy with other people, it is a tiny restaurant with very limited seats. The food was good, I had the coconut curry noodles, and they were delicious. I was a little disappointed that because of an allergy, I really only had two choices for a meal - but was very happy with what I ate. The server was accommodating and willing to ask questions, the food came out quick, and they came to check in several times. The person I was with Yakisoba and absolutely loved it! If I were going to go back, I would make sure to only go with one other person and expect to wait for quit a while, as they are often super busy (a sign of their food being great). It is also pretty loud, just because it is so tight, so if you are trying to get to know someone, you may want to go elsewhere.
(4)Tiffany T.
Unfortunately I only had 1 item so it's hard for me to give this place a full review -- but I will note that I liked it enough, or that it intrigued me enough that I'd go back to try some other things. I got the Miso ramen with pork, $14, so with tax and tip it'll run you around $18 to $20 depending on your tipping methods. Kind of steep for one person! I know I'm pinching pennies here, but I think Terrakawa runs around $11 and it actually does kind of make a difference - esp when I wouldn't say that this is THAT much better than Terrakawa, if at all. The good - the noodles were cooked perfectly al dente, much appreciated. The egg was also perfectly soft and runny on the inside --( don't except the soft boiled egg) keep in mind this WAS perfectly cooked. They don't go for the traditional Japanese ramen, that's not their concept. So I loved it for what it was! The broth was a little sweet for my liking, maybe a personal preference but I like it a tad more savory and salty Overall takeaway? I don't doubt for one second that they make pretty darn good food, but there's a bit of a price tag on it. $10 for wings ( which I've heard are phenomenal) , $5 for some wontons, and I forget the price on the pork or mushroom buns. I think I'll come back with a partner and split it next time. You will be REALLY full from ramen, I had to stuff it. I'd be happier splitting and trying more items next time! ** Also, this place only seats 24 people so either be ready to wait, or come right when they open for lunch at 12!! Groups, not recommended
(3)Emily W.
Part of the appeal of this place is that it's so damn tiny. No matter where you sit, you feel the good vibes from the kitchen. It's as if the servers feel that energy too because they flit from table to table, making sure everyone is happy, well-fed, and in need of nothing except maybe another order of those dumplings.... Some of the flavor combos may be a little experimental, but they work because they tap into the basics of craveable foods- a bit salty, a lot umami, a little fatty, and just a tad sweet. Oh, and a teensy bit spicy. Your taste-buds do a little happy dance. The brisket dumplings are a must-order if they have them as a special, and the broccoli will convert any veggie-skeptic. I ordered the coconut curry ramen with extra veggies. It was delicious but even better when I squeezed in some extra lime juice to brighten up the broth and cut a little richness of the coconut and peanut sambal. Speaking of peanut sambal, that stuff is worthy of being bottled, sold, and devoured at home by the spoonful. It's a fun place to take an out-of-towner curious about the new Philly food scene or which is more likely the case, to just treat yo self on these cold winter nights....
(4)Laura G.
What an awesome find!! I passed this numerous times on my way to my favorite dum sum spot and one day decided to take a detour into Cheu. Well I'm so thankful. Came in around 630 and there were a couple of seats at the bar. Such a tiny place, so expect a wait. We ordered black garlic wings to split and pork belly buns. The wings are mouth watering. The pork buns are decent but I have trouble liking any after having sampan's. I ordered the spicy shrimp ball soup. It was pretty good. Soup definitely isn't my favorite which sways my opinion a little. I was pretty full half way through my soup and was able to take some home. Next time I definitely want to check out their dumplings.
(4)Stephanie S.
Wow what a disappointment! The place had such good reviews on yelp, I guess I may have walked in with a higher expectation. Even though the restaurant was tiny and there was virtually no ventilation, (and I was sitting right in front of the open kitchen where I could see the chef cooking right in front of me) I couldn't smell the food from where I was sitting. Okay, that's a little weird. I ordered a bowl of ramen and a side of dumplings in chilly oil. The dumplings were okay, but may be it needed to be seasoned a little bit more? The flavor just seemed like something was missing. Ramen was equally bland. The noodle itself was excellent, had a very nice texture to it. And the pork shoulder that came with the ramen was very very good. But when you ate everything together, the combination of the flavors just wasn't doing it for me. It was just very ironic, since the chef was putting tons of sauce and other condiments to the noodle bowl, but I just felt like the whole dish was bland. I really wish I liked this place. I loved the decor and the feel of the restaurant, and the presentation of the food is stunning. But the food is bad, and I probably won't be back.
(2)Suzie L.
I enjoyed dining here as it's really cozy and has the trendy feel that's not super Asian vibe. I ordered the black garlic chicken wings, the pork buns and the brisket ramen. The chicken wings are good, they have a dense cornstarch type of batter and the sauce they drizzle is salty and sweet. I think I've been spoiled by bonchon/soho crispy chicken so any friend chicken in comparison doesn't even stand a chance. For what it was, it was ok. The pork buns were delicious with the buns steamed to melt in your mouth (yum!) and the brisket ramen was delicious. I overall enjoyed the two. I had to get the egg in my ramen to thicken up the broth a bit as I like hearty broths with my noodles. I was a bit hesitant to try a matzo ball in my ramen but surprisingly it was really good. Overall, it's a fun place to hit up with a friend but beware the price is a bit steep for asian ramen.
(4)Jordan H.
The teamwork style of service is always just what you need, the beer specials are always interesting and affordable, and there are reasons they have won awards for their food. We always enjoy our meals here! Great spot for a date with delicious food and an exciting atmosphere with such an eclectic selection of music!
(5)Stefanie Y.
Cheu has really come into its own. When I was last here half a year ago, I was less-than-impressed, but this time, the staff was friendlier and the ramen was close to perfect. We came for a late lunch, minutes before they were supposed to close at 3pm. The waiter still good-naturedly accommodated us, providing fast and attentive service. The noodles were chewy, and whereas last time they were a little clumpy, this time, they were perfect. The broth was not too salty and somehow managed to be full flavored and (refreshingly) light at the same time. The meat was meltingly tender, though a little broken-up for my tastes, and the soft-cooked egg was perfect. We also ordered a special grapefruit juice, whose tart flavor complimented the ramen and served nicely as a palate cleanser. After eating ramen, I often fall into a sodium stupor and feel mildly ill for at least half a day, but after Cheu ramen, I felt pleasantly full. The attentive service and delicious ramen made for a much-improved experience.
(4)Tina K.
Can't wait to go back to Cheu Noodle Bar! And I actually just got back from eating there. That's how cool this place is. My friend and I went straight to Cheu Noodle Bar after we finished our last final exam. We heeded other Yelpers' recommendation and ordered the black garlic wings for appetizer. I also ordered a mushroom bun and a bowl of brisket noodle soup because I love to try out different foods, while she ordered a bowl of miso ramen for her entree. Heads up: we loved everything on the table! As we were waiting for our orders, we noticed the unique interior. There were beautiful paper lanterns, as well as these cylindrical lanterns that were actually lit up hanging from the ceiling to decorate the place. The cylindrical lanterns have drawings in graphic novel style and enhance the casual ambience. Then our black garlic wings arrived, and we could feast more than just our eyes. Mushroom bun: I normally hate cucumbers (even when I wear cucumber slices for eye mask; it's the smell I'm telling you), but I didn't mind the cucumber slices in my mushroom bun. The sauce masked the smell of cucumber I hate so whole-heartedly. Black garlic wings: There were six wings per order, plenty to share between 2-3 people. The sauce on the black garlic wings was delicious, but the toppings of green onion, cilantro, and lime juice elevated the flavors. Brisket noodle: The beef brisket pulled apart easily, and the hot broth was perfect to dispel the winter cold. Moreover, the kimchi actually complemented the broth really well. The hand-pulled noodle was not bad. I tried the top of the matzo ball that wasn't exposed to the broth first, and it was good, but when I tried the part that's soaked in the broth, it was as if all the planets in the solar system were perfectly aligned. In another word: magical. Matzo didn't have a strong flavor to begin with, but the flavors of the broth contrasted and highlighted that of the matzo. They're like a couple who is better together than individually. Brangelina, anyone? Miso ramen: I tried my friend's miso ramen and was glad I didn't order it. It wasn't bad; I'm just not a big fan of pork. I know it's a fusion restaurant, but I usually go to authentic Japanese ramen bars, so... yeah... She loved it, though. To each her own. We actually arrived at 2:50 pm not knowing that the place closes from 3-5 pm. However, we were still seated, so kudos to them! This establishment is tiny; I counted all the seats, table and counter, and there were only 20 seats unless there are more toward the back or upstairs that I didn't see. If there really are only 20 seats, well, I wouldn't come here for dinner because it's likely to be packed.
(4)Tina D.
My first time here, and I love it! Love noodles and broth have right amount of spices, and vegetables. Simple cute place and very friendly servers! I got amazing coconut curry noodle soup! It was spicy enough, great broth and grilled corn is great! I love that they had mint and let in this soup also! Noodles taste exactly like homemade (egg based noodles) and they easily soak the flavor of the broth! I usually don't take leftovers home, especially soups, but this one I did! Although I had it not for long cause I gave it to homeless guy on the street, I'm sure he will love it! Anyway, prices are fair, $11 for coconut curry soup and i ordered shrimp and extra noodles($2), the bowl of extra noodles was huge, and soup itself is pretty big. they also have beers, wine and very interesting coctails. They cook infront of you and from the bar you can see that kitchen is very clean. Definitely will be back to try other stuff they have on the menu! And enjoy it!
(5)Manna F.
I had a positive experience at Cheu Noodle Bar, but for me, it did not live up to the hype. As others will surely tell you, do not expect anything similar to Japanese ramen. As my boyfriend and I are Japanese, it was very difficult for us to divorce the idea of a bowl of noodles from ramen, so perhaps this was the reason I cannot give Cheu a perfect rating. However, it's definitely an adventurous time. We ordered the beef dumplings, Brisket noodles, and the Spicy Shrimp Broth noodles. The dumplings had a wonderful gingery bite and the chili oil was not too strong. However, I would remove the fried quinoa if I could as they tended to get stuck in your teeth and linger in your mouth far longer than the enjoyment of the dumpling. The soup of the brisket noodles had strong hints of Korean cuisine and was flavored similarly to the sour and spicy taste of kimchi. The brisket was perfectly soft and I was surprised at how well the matzo ball worked with the broth. The spicy shrimp broth noodles were a bit of a let down as the hero of the dish, the fried shrimp balls were minuscule and did not add too much to the experience. The broth was clearer, light, and had a lot of Vietnamese notes. The combination of raw onions, bean sprouts, and shrimp balls was not a home-run for me. The vibe and service is excellent, and this place definitely worth at least one try.
(4)Ali C.
I ate a cheu noodle bar last weekend with my fiancé. It was a rainy Saturday night so didn't think it would be that crowded but it was! The only seats to sit at were at the kitchen's bar, which was fine with us since we like watching the chefs cook. We ordered the mushroom bun to start. It's only one bun so if you're hungry, I wouldn't sharer it. It had some sort of sweet taste to it and was delicious!! I ate the miso ramen soup and my fiancé ate the yakisoba. Both very good! The miso soup broth was nothing that I've ever had before. The pork in the miso ramen had the most amazing flavor. The yakisoba wasn't a soup but was very filling. We loved the cozy feel of the restaurant. Will return again!
(5)Allison B.
I love this place. Top recs: the coconut curry and the wings. The wings are insane. Be aware of: how absurdly heavy the kimchi/matzo ball soup is. It's a LOT. Other good stuff: the service, dumplings, great beers on draft. It's not cheap. There's usually a wait. They'll give away your table if you don't get there quick enough. But the flavors and overall atmosphere of Cheu will make your belly sing! Note: the place is VERY small but will accommodate groups if you make a reservation and get there at 6pm or before. We had six for Zack's birthday and it was quite cozy.
(5)Ancy T.
I like this place - hipster galore! The black garlic wings and the miso Ramen are a must. The staff is SO FRIENDLY, service is great and food takes no time at all. They are always busy, but their service is so efficient that it's not a terrible wait. Their drinks are also on point. I'm not a huge fan of the dumplings and I didn't really like the meatballs in spicy crab broth - i actually thought the meatballs were terrible. I know my favorite items here so I'd definitely go back.
(3)Jenn A.
So I've been to Cheu a number of times and it's usually great. But this past time was an interesting and unpleasant experience. I left quite unsatisfied. Service - weird and subpar to their norm. Looking past the fact the our waitress forgot to put in our order of noodles and kept us waiting for an extra 20-30 minutes. And looking past the fact that given the delay, they talked up this "discount" they were giving us (literally spoke about it 3x to us even though it was completely unsolicited) but it turned out to be a generous "discount" of $5 on a $50+ bill. I got a poor suggestion for my order. It's the food that matters and when my appetite is left unsatisfied that's a deal breaker for me. Food - usually their dumplings are awesome. Cheeseburger dumplings: flavor is too overwhelming. We left the last one b/c we weren't fans and they were so shocked they just left the plate on our table the entire meal....finally they cleared it at the end and even then the bus boy asked us again, for the 5th time, if we wanted it. No. We didn't or else it wouldn't still be in the plate. Coconut Noodles: weird. Not a good weird. When I asked the waitress what she thought she told me it was good but she always adds something to it. Little did I know I NEEDED to add something to it to make it a satisfying meal. It is very spicy. Hotness took over the flavor and I'm more about flavor than burning my tongue. Not in it for the thrill...in it for the taste. It really just tasted like hot sauce with a dab of coconut water. Some basil/mint flavoring but not enough basil/min could save it. Wasn't horrible but certainly wasn't good or even satisfying. The worst is leaving a restaurant hungry. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unless you wanted to add so much to it, making it a different dish. Which in that case you could just order a different dish. I would stick with the classics. In conclusion, stick with the classics and you'll be very happy. If you don't have your noddles but everyone that was seated 20 min after you has their noddles ... ask about it. And when they offer a completely unsolicited discount expect it to be so meager it's almost embarrassing they mentioned it. Other than that I would have given them 4 stars!!!
(2)Alex A.
Good ramen. Have tried this place 3 times, trying some ting different every time. Haven't been dissapointed. Every ramen shop will be a little different. My favorite places are still on the west coast, but I'm glad cheu noodles is here. Def recommend
(4)Nicole H.
Delicious ramen, duh. The dumplings (whatever the special is, just get it) were also tasty. The place is very, very small - I'd call it cramped - so be prepared. There's also often a long wait, though I was there on a Tuesday night around 6 pm and was lucky to get at able for two without a wait. Only other negative is I do think it's just a tad overpriced. I mean, it is still soup and noodles (with perhaps a little protein), so leaving down over $20 for a soup and a few dumplings is a little more than I would've liked. But it's by no means not worth it - if you're a ramen fan, or are thinking of trying it, Cheu is a fantastic choice.
(4)Mimi L.
Alittle disappointed with the food. Service was slow and alittle lacking. Lets talk about the food. I had the mini pork belly burger or bun. That was a rendition of a bun mi... Not so good. Bread was crispy but flavor combo was blend. The chicken wings were ok. Served with cilantro and sesame seeds were ok. I got the pomegranate mint tea. This tasted like the tazo tea packets. Guess, I drink alot of tazo stuff. Lol The miso ramen was alittle blend and cold. My soup was subpar and just ok. I have had ramen else where and it was delicious. I was really hoping this place would be just as good but was disappointed. I did take a sip of my friends curry chicken ramen and it was just ok. Wish my review for this place was higher in rating but the food was just ok. Nothing bad but nothing great.
(3)Angel K.
I still love Cheu. And even if it continues to offer delicious food I'm giving it one less star because it's been less consistent. There was one particular chef recently (no longer there, I believe) who was under-frying the chicken wings and not paying attention to the fine details that make food at Cheu great, like forgetting about the quinoa on the dumplings. Some things that have improved: staff and perfectly cooked noodles. Some things that I miss: dumplings (the new ones are good too but I find them less delicate, a bit too doughy, and I also miss the dumpling rotation), some toppings that have mysteriously disappeared from the noodle dishes, consistency on the broths, and real glasses. Because the broth has been so so, I recently had the cold sesame noodles and they were delicious. Much better than the last time I had tried them. The sauce was a perfect mix of spicy and sour, and the cucumbers were crunchy and refreshing. But there was too little topping for the noodles and by the time I made it through half the bowl, I only had noodles and sauce. Maybe adding some chopped kimchi or a protein (like a hard boiled egg) might make the full bowl more enjoyable.
(4)Jeanne T.
Yum yum yum!!!! Very memorable!!! Still thinking about the delicious wings and Shenzhen noodles!!! Got to watch the chefs doing their maguc, an impressive team. Small place but full of fabulous flavor!
(5)Sara N.
My brother and I had a quick debate at the bar whether it is better to be authentic or delicious, and we both agreed delicious wins, any day of the week. This statement was empirically proven at Cheu Noodle Bar. With that said, our new go-to is the fall-apart brisket ramen, but go big, and add extra pork shoulder. As a bonus, start with the mushroom bun, but skip the dumplings. All in all, fresh ingredients and creative twists allows a return visit (or many) to Cheu Noodle Bar.
(4)Noosh E.
Small cozy place serving delicious Ramen soup and appetizers. I've tried the brisket a few times and it has been consistently good. Love getting the black garlic wings. I also enjoy watching the food being made at the bar. The only thing is that this place is super crowed in the evenings during the weekend, there isn't a lot of room to wait there so you will need to wait somewhere else. First time we went - we waited one and half hour....but was worth it! It helps that they have super friendly servers.
(4)Payal P.
Can't wait to go back! First time here while in the neighborhood and having heard such great things I decided to go for dinner. The wait staff is super friendly, the open kitchen rocks and the noise level is on point! I got their beer on tap, I forget the name but I believe a local IPA that was priced well. Then to start I got a mushroom bun that was so good I'm sad it was only 1 and a 3-biter. For my dish I got the cold sesame 3.0 I was debating between 2 and the waitress told me she preferred this one but I wasn't going wrong either way. She warned me it was a cold dish. When it arrived it was room temp which I didn't mind as I usually don't like cold foods. I opted to add mustard greens on it and they were amazing! I like the chili oil supplied on the table, it added the pop I was looking for. Yup, can't wait to return!
(5)Yun W.
This noodle place would get 3 yelp stars at most if it were in the Bay Area. It's a good thing that it has relatively little competition in Philly, and actually is quite popular here. We were a party of two and came on a rainy Thursday around 7:30pm. Surprisingly, there was a crowd (a lot of people wanted soup on a rainy day!) and we had to wait for a short time (~15 minutes). Pork belly bun - 2 stars - this was pretty disappointing. The pork belly wasn't very flavorful, and the bread was more English-muffin like than the traditional bun. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/cheu… ) Duck tacos hoisin, banana blossom, cucumber - 2 stars - Not quite what I expected. The hoisin sauce and duck worked fine, however, the duck meat itself had an odd taste - it was either not fresh or undercooked. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/cheu… ) Miso Ramen - 4 stars - I liked the combination of sprouts, egg, seaweed. The veggies could have been more leafy (vs a stalk in the soup), and the pork could have been thinly sliced vs chunks, but not bad overall. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/cheu… ) Come here if you must, but I personally think Ramen Bar in University City is much better.
(2)Margo K.
HUGE Cheu fan. My review is based on two dinner visits and many more day dreams, including one that is happening now. The restaurant is small, clean, cozy, and fun. The service is efficient and friendly. The tables are packed in, but this doesn't take away from the experience. The menu is small, which reassures you that you can't go wrong no matter what you decide to order. During my first visit, I went with the pork belly bun, and the Brisket ramen. Delicious. During my second, I got Yakisoba 2.0 because I can't not get a dish that involves radishes. The ramen portions are such that I can actually finish them in one sitting without feeling stuffed. All of the food looks beautiful when it's served (#eatingfortheinsta). I can't think of anything more I would want out of a noodle place, or any place for that matter. I'll come back again and again, especially for their ever changing specials.
(5)John R.
This place almost hit my Five star sweet spot! Haha! The only reason why I just can't do five stars was the dishwear to be completely blunt and maybe shallow? This to me is such a minor point but when a place is teetering on the brink of greatness it matters, IMHO! What didn't I like about the dishes? Well, when I was in college I was in a fraternity and we were too cheap and rowdy to have nice things so all of our meals used these cheap awful plastic cups, and when I ordered my $8 drink, it arrived in one of these horrid little vessels. I also abhor those cheap, wooden, break-apart chopsticks used in take out Chinese places, and when I ordered my $15-$20 bowl of wheat noodles with an egg in it, I was expected to eat it with the awful take-out chopsticks. Needless to say after dropping 100 bones on myself and my two guests, I was a little more than pissed off that I spent that on cheap noodles with cheap egg, served with bottom of the barrel utensils, and frat boy cheap glassware. For the profit margin this place has I expect a better investment in the experience/ambiance/decor and I for that reason I am not excited to go back in the near future. I will say that I did give them four stars, because aside from the insulting, cheap-at-the-expense-of-the-customers-experience, masquerading as 'hipster' dishware, The place actually did have some talent when it comes to combining flavors. The Miso Ramen was really good and flavorful, and I was told they started as a wing place so I ordered the black pepper wings, and I must say they were to die for. Best wings I've ever had. Come to think of it, if they quadrupled the wing quantity and greatly lowered the price I'd give them five stars and come back every week. LOL.
(4)Andrew Y.
4-stars! Yayyyyy!! I am TOTALLY a fan of this place! My friend had reference a post for the best ramen locations to try in various cities across the states. Cheu Noodle Bar came up as one of these locations. My first time here was about 6 months ago, and it did not disappoint. Great location, close to city center! Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this establishment again, and it was as great as the first time! My dish of choice? Miso ramen with extra pork belly. Seating is somewhat limited, as the location is rather small, however if you get a chance to visit Philly, this is definitely a must try! Well done Cheu Noodle Bar! 4-stars! Well-deserved!~
(4)Claire L.
Best noodles! Miso ramen is my favorite. Dumplings in chili oil are also delicious. The wait for a seat can be very long (45-60 minutes) but it's so worth it.
(5)Shauna G.
Doth mine eyes deceive me? Or did they slightly lower their drink prices? Not sure, but I swore I paid double digits for my Jin-Ja bourbon situation last time and this time it was $9.50. Also the perfection that was the broccoli topped the brussels sprouts (both yummy, but I found the brussels a wee bit salty for my taste). And if I could give the Cheu staff six stars, you bet I would.
(4)Shintaro K.
What I had: Miso ramen. Benchmarks: Terakawa, Cozara and Nom Nom Ramen....but not really. I respect their original approach to ramen as opposed to (falsely) claiming authenticity. That is why my comps are not Sumire (Sapporo), Santoka (Asahikawa) or Ajiyoshi (Sendai) ... Ippudo's Akamaru (if you call that miso). Out of the gate, let me say that this is probably my favorite place for ramen in Philly. You are probably wondering then, why only 3 stars? Well, here's the breakdown: Noodles: Classic Sapporo - Nishiyama style. Textured, thicker noodle with sodium carbonate additive. Noodles were cooked appropriately. Soup: Clean, uncomplicated, single animal broth...perhaps chicken? Miso used was uninteresting. So here's the tough part - "balance". The classic Nishiyama noodle was developed to pair with a heavy tonkotsu centric Sapporo miso style developed in the 1950's. The balance between the soup x noodles is just not there. Next - "miso". I do understand that artisan miso is hard to get in the US, but using so-so meee-so makes it a disappointing experience. NOTE FOR OTHER YELPERS. 1. Real kimchee gets the sour taste from fermentation. 2. Sprouts and egg are NOT supposed to cook through. This ain't pho.
(3)Lilli C.
On a Friday night at around 8PM, the place was a bit busy. Luckily we were able to wait at Locust Bar and they called us in about 30 minutes when there was a table ready. The service here was fantastic- the waiter was super chill, like an old buddy you'd grab a beer with. I loved my brisket ramen that also came with kimchi and a perfectly cooked matzo ball. The brisket was super tender and the broth was quite flavorful. The chili garlic wings were also fantastic - crispy and huge. My boyfriend got the spicy crab noodle special they had which I didn't like as much. The noodles were thick chow fun noodles that were sort of clumped together and the broth tasted like a vat of chili oil. Next time I'd like to try the more traditional miso ramen though- I was lured by the excitement of the non-traditional brisket ramen this time.
(4)Amanda C.
I write this 3 star review with caveats on both ends. If it were just for the service we received today, this would be a 2 star review at best. If it were just for the food, I'd probably be with the rest of the crowd hovering around 4 stars. But when you wait 55 minutes for takeout, while everyone who entered the restaurant AFTER you is already eating....and you're treated like a nuisance for daring to be a 6 person party at 12:15...and ordering a third soda ellicits a grand sigh...it's kind of hard to give a place full props for their delicious miso broth, perfectly soft cooked egg or tender pork shoulder. Even soft, sticky pork belly buns that melt in your mouth are hard to enjoy when you are 20 minutes late from your hour work lunch and you still have to eat at your desk. My advice? Go. Get this food. In fact, call ahead no matter what time of day so they have time to prepare your noodles. Because they are, in fact, delicious. (As my cohort pointed out, this is not authentic Japanese ramen, but rather a hipster hybrid ramen.) But please, oh, please don't try to come at peak times and place a big order, because you just might stress out the noodle team.
(3)Michael B.
Cheu on this. Four out-of-town friends in need of a late lunch spot in Center City thanked me no fewer than eight times over the course of the meal for suggesting Cheu. And I hadn't even been there before (I had only tried their breakfast dumplings at the Bacon Beer Fest back in December, which stole the entire show). At lunch, everything we ate was packed with delicate flavors that you may not expect from a couple of Phila heads who open up an Asian noodle bar. Now, Cheu is a tricky place to eat veggie, but the Yakisoba noodles are veg and very tasty, especially with a perfectly runny coddled egg on top. I would cheu-cheu-cheuuuuuuuse Cheu again for lunch any day of the week! (If you got that reference, we are friends; if you don't, well, we can still be friends). NOTE: I can't speak to the source of their meats here - and this is something about which I am extremely passionate and concerned when I order animal products at restaurants. I tried calling on my walk over from Fairmount, with the intention of getting the information I wanted in private and sparing some awkward stares at the table from friends I hadn't seen in a while. Unfortunately, the server who answered the phone did not know, and asked me to call back on a weekday, when they were less busy. This I will do - but I do wish it were common practice in Philadelphia for all employees to have the capacity to answer questions regarding food sourcing on the first try (the same thing has happened to me on numerous occasions as of late - and it's getting a little frustrating). Double-note: As other reviews have stated, I found the service to be a bit rushed and frazzled as well. They're friendly enough, but they sort of pushed us to order a lot more food than I think we needed without giving us much of a chance to refuse, and did appear a little stressed. Better service would have garnished the review with a fifth star. But folks, the food really speaks for itself; I almost give Cheu a free pass on service imperfections..
(4)Ian M.
I keep telling myself to stop eating here to avoid getting sick of it, yet I don't stop and somehow never get tired of it. I've been going pretty consistently over the last year and a half and have always been very satisfied with whatever I order. The dumplings are always delectable and the ramen, while unconventional, hits the spot every time. I almost never venture from their Japanese matzo ball soup which is just so damn good. There's always a good craft beer on draft and an extensive cocktail list as well. The only complaint is that unfortunately the place has blown up in recent months and there is almost always a guaranteed wait every time you go. So it goes. Keep doing you Cheu Noodle Bar
(5)Minette Y.
The noodles are seriously great here, and its almost too hard decide which bowl to get since the combinations are unique and enticing (not your typical bowls of ramen!). One thing you shouldn't think twice about forgoing are the the real real winner of the menu: the black garlic wings.
(4)Monique B.
Tiny spot, which is great for Ramen in my opinion. The soup was tasty, and the noodles were perfectly cooked. I added pork belly to mine and it was great as well. I'll be back.
(4)Vidushi B.
I had high expectations of this place, having read the reviews in advance. I was craving ramen and decided to come here on a Monday night. There definitely is a quirky atmosphere to this place, and it was pretty busy for a Monday night. The servers were all incredibly nice, and the service remained great throughout the meal. We ordered the rice cakes to start. These weren't really what I expected, they were balls of rice in a kind of sauce. They were a little bland for my taste, which was weird considering the menu said they were spicy. They weren't bad, but I wouldn't choose to order them again. For my entree, I got the Miso Ramen, which my server said is the most popular dish. I was a little bit disappointed by this. It was also pretty bland, and really nothing to write home about. Overall, the food I had was pretty mediocre. I'm thinking of trying it again on another day and ordering something different, and hopefully it'll be better.
(3)Jessie H.
This place is kind of small- small tables of 2 and 3-4 people. We were sitting pretty fast on a Friday night so that was good. For appetizers, I got the following: Black Garlic Wings - shishito peppers, lime, cilantro- These wings were good but kind of dry. Really flavorful though so I liked it. Tuna Poke- I tried ordering this but they said their menu hadn't been revised yet and they no longer served this. Made me pretty sad because I loved tuna poke. Pork Belly bun- LOVE LOVE LOVE! the pork belly was all fat so I loved it! Dumplings- These were pretty dry and not tasty, I think it needed more salt or some other flavor. For noodles I got the brisket noodle- the brisket was lean and kind of hard to chew. This is average, nothing special. Broth was ok. I didn't really finish this. I ordered an additional egg which came poached, for some reason I thought it would be hard boiled. I'd come back for the wings and pork belly, not the noodles.
(3)Nick J.
This is a great little whole in the wall and while they don't have much seating, you get to have an excellent experience once you are able to sit down! The server was excellent and even though she could have been a bit more attentive, she was very nice and made good recommendations. Appetizers: The wings were great overall, although I really wished they were a little spicier to balance out the sweet. I will probably ask next time I go, as they seem very willing to customize to your liking. The dumplings in chili oil were just awesome, the day I went they were beef and long hot as the filling and I could have eaten twice as many. Noodle Bowls: The Coconut Curry was very good and at the recommendation of the server I added pork shoulder (which wasn't an option on the menu but was only +$2). I thoroughly enjoyed the dish overall and would happily eat it again. The Sichuan was quite good and very spicy! I warn you now, do not get this unless you like spicy, it is almost to the point where it over-powers the other flavors (it probably would for many). This dish doesn't really have a broth to speak of, just lots of hand torn noodles. Highly recommended and I will absolutely be returning.
(5)Bill O.
The food here is great, it's cool to watch the chefs work in the background as you drink and dine, and everyone was friendly. Good drink selection and the food was outstanding.
(5)Larissa G.
I finally made it to Cheu last Sunday and couldn't be more pleased with my experience. Knowing it is a small place, Cheu was chosen off the "to eat" list because my boyfriend and I were both starving, but it was around 3pm. I thought it would be a good idea to go on an off time, and it was perfect. Everyone else was right- it is small. However, it is also so much cuter than I was expecting! The mural wall with bright colors and dangling Christmas lights gave a very endearing feel. We were so pleased to be offered bar seats too, so we could watch all the chefs in action. After reading so much about the black garlic wings, I was bummed when my boyfriend begged to order the fries to start. However, this disappointment quickly faded to joy when I tasted the fries. They were perfectly cooked and covered in miso aoli with shredded tuna flakes on top. Sounds weird, tastes ridiculously good. We split the miso ramen bowl and the brisket with matzo ball. I loved that this place was unauthentic, especially since you are unapologetically warned of this fact on both the menu and the website. All you traditional ramen haters can go eat at your traditional places because I haven't had a noodle bowl this good anywhere else in Philly! I liked the miso broth better and the pickled veggies on top were divine. My advice: add a soft egg to anything you order! Yum! We slurped down every bit of both bowls, even with sweat on our brows. (If they have air conditioning here, it definitely wasn't on...). The only negative I have heard prior that deterred me was that there weren't any hot noodle bowls that were vegetarian. However, there was definitely one on the menu, and the option to add tofu too. So maybe some things have changed, or maybe my roommate just wasn't reading the menu closely enough... who knows. The bottom line: Cheu, I love you.
(5)H. I.
Tiny place crammed with big flavor! There's only 4 actual tables, if I remember correctly, in the front of the restaurant and the rest of the seating is at the long bar so it's best to come by yourself, or with 2-3 people, max. 4 if you're willing to wait for a table. The fun part of sitting at the bar is watching all the food being cooked right in front of you! The black garlic wings are a must try. They are crispy and savory, perfect starter to split between 2 people. I ordered the coconut curry noodle bowl and added shrimp balls. The coconut broth was delicious. I was apprehensive about "shrimp meatballs" but they were so good I couldn't even tell they were shrimp! My friend ordered the brisket bowl which was also delicious, the brisket was very tender. I ended up taking some leftovers home as the portion was pretty large. Can't wait to come back!
(4)Michael F.
After about a 45 minute wait, my friends and I were seated at one of the few tables in the small restaurant. I ordered the dumplings and the brisket ramen. Dumplings were delicious, perfect thickness of skin surrounding the juiciness of the beef and brisket. Brisket ramen was great as well. Noodles were fantastic, beef was good, and the matzah ball provided interesting texture and foreigness to the traditionally japanese dish. Overall, the many flavors I experienced that night were amazing, however the smaller portion size, long wait, and cramped space made me reconsider a 5 star.
(4)Dave B.
As I was walking out of Cheu last night it was irrefutably clear to me that I had just had one of the most enjoyable dining experiences in recent memory. The buns (mini burgers) were incredibly satisfying while also tasting quite original. While burgers are ubiquitous in our culture, these came across as fresh and unlike any other I've tried. The dumplings, while not as original, were just as satisfying. While these two appetizers really impressed me, the BBQ pig tails were easily my favorite of the 3 apps that we ordered. The meat fell right off the bone and was incredibly juicy. While we didn't try the famous garlic wings this time, they are surely on the radar for our next trip. The entrees were excellent as well. My girlfriend got the brisket and I got the bolognasian. We felt both were excellent and ultimately agreed that the bolognasian was the stronger of the two. We are both fans of heartier tasting sauces. Perhaps most importantly, the atmosphere and service of this place was excellent. Our server wasn't only helpful but gave off the impression that she would rather be nowhere else in the world than serving at this restaurant. The enthusiasm was something that really enchanted our experience. I recommend to anyone who is looking for an exceptional, while also very casual, dinner spot with friends or family. Cheu is not to be missed!
(5)Tagli B.
This tiny place is packed with a line out the door. We were brought here by friends who are regulars and really wanted us to try it. We put our name on the list- no reservations taken and she told us about 45 minutes. They offered us drinks which we took out to the sidewalk to wait, as there is NO ROOM at the in the doorway. Four of us waited about 35 minutes for a table on a Thursday night-. When we left at 9:45 there were still people waiting. We tried the special dumplings which were great. Being the first time, I had to go wtih the basic pork and noodles. This did not disappoint. Huge bowl of flavorful broth loaded with noodles, pork belly and greens. Loved it. All the dishes were really good. Service was fast and attentive without being rushed. It is tiny so expect loud and busy but a fun place. I will be back to try more.
(4)Liza K.
After trying a few ramen places with crazy variety in their selections and stellar broth, I was not too excited about the ramen I got at Cheu. Maybe it's a matter of taste, but personally, I was not a fan of their thick noodles, and extremely salty broth. The service was great, and they had a nice selection of beers! The friend I went with loved it, and has been many times. Honestly, I'm just sorry I wasn't a bigger fan. But I hope others try it for themselves. I might just be an oddball out on this one.
(3)molly n.
It's fusion, it's noodles, it's awesome. It wasn't crowded for lunch on a weekday, considering its size and how AWESOME the noodles are. I had the beef matzo.
(5)Caroline L.
I loved Cheu for it's spicy cocktails, delicious and creative noodle dishes, and it's atmosphere that's festive. We were fortunate to get a good table by the window by arriving early on a Friday night. They had spicy cocktails, flavored with flavors of ginger and cayenne. I tried the Bullit (not sure if I spelled it correctly). It lived up to its promise and had a back-of-the-throat spiciness. Yet, it looked like an innocent, pale-colored cocktail. Loved that drink and resisted ordering a third. I tried the brisket noodles, which had a matzoh ball and kimchi within. The eclecticness of the dish appealed to me. I liked the dish a lot although having two starches--noodles and matzoh ball competing didn't make conceptual sense. But I liked having a bonus--matzoh ball--and it was delicious.
(4)Jennifer T.
This place has some of the best ramen noodles I've ever tasted...like seriously. Just to be clear, I'm talking about the actual noodles that they use in their ramen entrees. The soups and flavorings that they offer are good (I've tried the curry and miso) but the real star is the noodles. The noodles taste so fresh and chewy...and bouncy...and toothesome...I hope I'm getting my point across correctly because I'm at a loss for words on how to describe the noodle greatness. Their chicken wing appetizer is nice as well although the blackened garlic sauce tastes a little more tangy and sweet than garlicy. Not a huge fan of the loaded baked potato (rotating flavors?) dumpling appetizers or the lychee iced tea (weak in the tea flavor and the lychee flavor) but their noodles are good enough to make up for that. Did I mention that the decor of this place is awesome? A cool mix of rock and retro and Asian, this place made me want to stay and hang out all night. Be forewarned that there is very limited seating though, and you'll probably have to wait a while for a table.
(4)Duong T.
Just went to Chew today, pretty busy for a Wednesday night. Me and my friend got there at 6pm and the whole place was packed (they open at 5). We waited 10mins for a table and got seated right away. The service and inside are nice, I love the decorations, very unique and creative. However, the food, in my opinion, was not up to the hype. I may be more hard on Asian fusion restaurants especially cuz I'm Asian and grew up eating asian food, so I always feel skeptical about American- Asian restaurant. We ordered a lot for 2, dumplings (cheeseburger), garlic wings, pork belly bun, brisket noodle and spicy shrimp noodle. - Dumplings: pretty good, the filling are fresh and juicy, i like the crunchy quinoa on top. - Chicken: the breading is crunchy but not evenly coated with the sauce, and I don't think they marinated the chicken before deep frying it so it was very bland. (Yes I am a chicken critique, since I love em' so much) I think they tried to mimic Korean style soy garlic but the execution was way below the expectation, and I dont know how many reviews praised their chicken. - Pork belly bun: very much like Vietnamese Banh Mi, but the meat was not very well seasoned. And for 3 dollars, I could get a whole taste in south philly for a real Banh mi. - Brisket: the broth is like kim chi juice, and the brisket was very "safe"- steak like- not the fatty type you see in any Chinese or vietnamese noodle place. I was excited to try the hand drawn noodle and i think it was a mistake. The noodle was very soft and weird shaped, and I couldn't eat them after a bit. Mayb if I kept the original noodle that come with it I would be more satisfied. - Spicy shirmp: not that spicy, and it was a little sour flavor, much like sweet and sour thin soup, but not yet that level. I loveee the shrimp balls and I think they were the best out of the meal. Very tasty and flavorful. Overall a nice experience, with the service and decor. But I may not coming back cuz I'm more of a foodie, and Sampan is definitely my number one Asian fusion place right now.
(3)Steven J.
Excellent food and shockingly a place where you can eat regularly without breaking the bank! Seems like every trendy new place is going to run $80-$100 per person. You can try to spend that here, but you'd find yourself hard pressed to do so. Solid food reminds me of a great ramen place I go to when I'm in San Francisco except it's staffed by a bump of hipsters. Sorry. When did PBR become the hipster signature calling card? Who made that decision? Someone should open a place and serve some Miller High Life just to be different. The place is TINY. Not recommended for large parties. Four max, but best bet is to be a party of two or else you might wait a while. Looking forward to going back soon.
(5)Andres L.
Great little noodle bar. Had the Brisket and Miso Ramen as well as a pork belly bun. The bun had a nice crisp to it all around. The dough and pork was very crispy. Worth a try, nothing to drool over. The noodle dishes were very good with the exception of the kimchi in the Brisket. It was very sour and took away from the beauty of the dish. Overall pretty good first experience at a noodle bar.
(4)Kaivan S.
Generally a bit of a wait during prime times. Can go very right or very wrong here. Definitely do not recommend the larger noodle dishes as they are a bit bland but he appetizers and smaller plates are phenomenal. Get the dumplings. Cool spot, young/hip ambiance. Not the best service.
(4)John P.
As someone who loves noodles, ramen, pho... I can't say I can understand the hype about this place. It's got a good vibe and the place seems to always be packed, but the taste and pricing don't jive with the ratings. I was really looking forward to trying out this neighborhood joint but after 2 visits, I cannot say that I would visit again anytime soon. The last lunch visit our group's bowls were all quite salty (and they were different orders/dishes). The salt dominated so heavily that adding a bowl of hot water didn't improve any and it was hard to enjoy even on a hungry stomach (btw, I think they were insulted that we thought it was so salty but that's what it was.) this would mark the 2nd time I thought my ramen was too salty (2nd time topped the first). The hipster interiors is vibrant, but if you sit at the corner of the bar table, be ready to be interrupted constantly and bumped on by people trying to get by. The salt was unfortunately too unforgiving for me, eventhough a little extra salt is my personal guilty pleasure.
(2)Dennis L.
I came back here for another try after the thrillist list of the top ramen places in the US placed Cheu's Shortrib and Matza Ball Ramen near the top. We started with the Hawaiian Poke which came with small fresh cubes of tuna with mango and some sort of vinegarette. It was tasty and very refreshing. So the ramen itself was pretty amazing. I ordered it with a soft boiled egg, which was prepared weird. I would've preferred the Japanese style, but it was like a poached egg or something. The broth was rich and hearty, the short rib cooked and seasoned to perfection, the veggies were nice, the noodles were a great consistency, but my only qualm was with the kim chi or pickled cabbage. It was bad kim chi, if that's what they were attempting. I would have preferred they that they didn't attempt it if it was going to be such a poor copy. It was just sour, the spices weren't right. I mean I guess they get some credit for their attempt, but the execution was poor.
(4)Patrick M.
Yummy ramen and very tasty dumplings. Their menu is simple yet has a lot of layers, if that makes sense. The broth, which to me is the heart of good noodle soup is yummy and very satisfying, not overly salty. I had the oxtail special with an extra helping of greens, and a side order of dumplings in chili oil. There were several other items I would have liked to try but will save them for the next trip. Kindof a younger hip crowd but the vibe is nice and warm ramen takes the edge off of the cold.
(5)Miguel F.
Came for a little late night dinner after a long day of homework. Got the spicy crab with the hand drawn noodles and an added an egg. Excellent! The broccoli appetizer was excellent as well. Great service great food and awesome music.. Can't go wrong! Definitely coming back!
(5)Ilana R.
Delicious and totally hit the spot. Did not expect an hour wait on what seemed like a pretty quiet Tuesday night in the city,...but great food and good prices. Love that the servers recommend their favorites and so cool to sit while watching them make their awesome creations, and hand pulling all the noodles. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Mike W.
Dude, wow. Took my fiance here on Saturday night because she was feeling pretty down and wanted a taste of home. The wait can be a little daunting, but they take your name and call you when your table is ready, so you can go get a drink at bars nearby, and they even recommend some for you! We sat at the counter and ordered the dumpling special of beef & ginger to start, followed by hand torn noodles with lamb neck and the miso ramen noodles with pork shoulder. The dumplings were small, but tasty little bite sized bits of joy. They were doused in chili oil, but not so much so that it overwhelmed the dumplings, and the ginger flavor really packed a punch. The hand torn noodles were amazing. I liken them to a version of Asian papardelle. The sauce was slightly sweet, so I spiced it up with some sriracha. The lamb neck pieces were mondo tender and super flavorful. The best part may have been the pickled mustard greens. They were super crunchy and had quite a kick from the vinegar that really cut through the richness of the noodles and sauce. I added a soft cooked egg to mine, and the runny yolk meshed well with the noodles as well. The miso ramen may even have been better than the hand torn noodles. The broth was super tasty. The depth of flavor was insane. It hit on all levels, and definitely provided that umami euphoria. The pork shoulder was very flavorful and tender as well, and an egg always finishes off the noodle bowl nicely. I love watching the chefs work here and i love the atmosphere. Cheu does its own thing, and I love them for that. Place really is a treat and well worth the wait. Awesome food to warm you up during the cold.
(5)Suzy D.
3.5 stars It's funny how you measure relationships. Justin, ramen and I have come a long way. I remember the first time we went to Toki ( yelp.com/biz/toki-underg… ) together to get ramen. His proposal to go grab noodle soup was somewhat appalling but I really liked him so I didn't want to outright reject the idea. I was also pretty drunk so I went with it, heh. I ate some of the noodles and picked out a lot of the meat from the bowl that we shared. That was a big hint that he liked me too; if a man who loves meat as much as Justin does lets you steal all of his pork cheek, you must be special. Nowadays Justin, ramen and I are like a happy but dysfunctional family. Ramen and I don't always get along but when we do, we really do, and Justin is the go between to make sure we get along. It's true love when Justin will find a way to go eat at a new ramen place without me as a taste test before he determines if I'll like it and can take me there. May sound odd but it means I don't have to eat gross food. I should have added "boyfriend is a ramen taste tester" to my list of things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving. Justin and I had both researched where to eat in Philly and dinner on our first night was to be at Khmer Kitchen. However, our late lunch pushed dinner back a bit and when we arrived, just past 8:30pm, they had just stopped seating for dinner. We looked through our bookmarks and headed towards Cheu which wasn't too far away and was still open. Plus, it wasn't much further to Monk's which was our final destination for the evening. Even on a Friday night without reservations the wait wasn't too long. They actually quoted us a much longer wait time than it was and in the 15 or 20 minutes we waited on the bench outside the door we laughed at all of the people coming up expecting a table immediately. A bunch of normal people with a "do you know who I am" type of attitude annoyed that they couldn't immediately get a seat in a small highly rated restaurant. We were seated at the counter right in front of the bar with adorable cartoon-decorated lamps above. We had a great view of the open kitchen and I was very impressed at how efficiently the two in the kitchen worked, and even more so that the chef was a woman (I don't understand why females are so underrepresented in the culinary world). Not only did the duo quickly put out good food that was well presented, but they did it all while managing takeout orders as well. Cheu is a bit too fusion-y for the type of ramen I like but the food was still decent. We ordered the daily dumplings (one type per day, four dumplings served in chili oil for $5). Not bad but I was still too full from lunch and was hoping that I'd like the ramen (ya know, since Justin hadn't tried it out for me yet) so I just ate one and gave my other one to Justin who happily finished it. Round two was the brisket ramen (with matzo ball, kimchi, sesame chili broth for $13). I think the dumplings ended up being the better part of the meal though since the matzo ball in the ramen was just texturally weird to me. The broth was well developed though and I think I'd like their product more if I'd had more traditional option. That being said, I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars because I get the sense that Cheu doesn't give a shit if people like their fusion food or not, they're gonna do what they want, and I respect that.
(4)Andrew T.
Restaurant experiences like Cheu make it a pleasure to return to write reviews; it was a wonderful experience eating there and quizzing the staff while they worked and toiled behind the bar counter at the multiple kitchen stations. The best food for me remains to be between $10-$20 price range; Cheu follows this golden rule with its $13 noodle bowl menu choices. Brisket Matzah Ball Soup with Kimchi and bok choy; a full bodied hearty broth with a nice spice note that i enjoyed mixing and matching my easy to break down matzah ball and falling apart brisket. I downed my soup so fast i burnt my tongue as I filled my small saucer of a spoon on repeat and honestly didn't care much I didn't want to lose the heat my soup was expertly served at. Pork belly on a small bun with a delicate crunch and potent cilantro note for a finish was worth the $3. I could eat what I ate to the point where I pass out; I love noodles and I loved eating the heavenly ramen concoctions that they've crafted up.
(5)Anthony L.
Food was great. We had the black garlic wings(which were apparently Best in Philly), pork belly sandwiches, brisket noodles and hand torn noodles. The wings were lightly fried and packed with great flavor. Pork belly sandwiches were small but were decent. Each sandwich is essentially a two-bite portion. Brisket noodles were really good. The broth had a nice spicyness to it. My wife loved the hand torn noodles. I'm a fan of the food but I am not a fan of how cramped the place is (as everyone else has mentioned). I was constantly having people bump into my back while sitting at the bar. Not a huge deal as I am still giving the experience 4/5 stars. The servers and staff there were accomodating, friendly and knew the menu well. Dustin took really good care of us.
(4)Soyoung K.
I don't even know what everyone who has anything negative to say about this place are saying. Cheu noodle bar is everything I did not expect in a very good way. The restaurant itself is in a very convenient location by the Jefferson hospital. Super easy find!! It's a very cozy space with a few tables and a long bar seating. I was lucky to be seated so quickly as they only take walk-in's. Between the two visits I've had so far, I tried their brisket ramen, pork ramen, and coconut curry ramen. All were very excellent!!! Matzo ball in a ramen? Jesus, that was great. I also loved that the buns were actually butter biscuits. It's probably taking my cholesterol level through the roof but hey, who cares when you're slurping on a delicious bowl of ramen noodles, eh? We tried mushroom buns and the pork belly buns. Both were...again...GREAT. Last but not least, I love the simplicity of everything. A comprehensive menu from drinks to food. Simple layout. Simply hardworking staff, fun designs throughout the restaurant. (Love the lamp shades, really) You must try this place. A MUST! p.s. Playlist game on point, too.
(5)Rachael P.
Recently, I watched David Chang's Inside the Mind of a Chef special on Ramen and set my mind to finding a great bowl in Philly. It was a rather warm day by December standards but I needed a little winter warmer so hiked across town to find this little spot. When I arrived the line was out the door but since I had a random day off by myself decided to see if I could sneak a seat at the counter. Their traditional Ramen was amazing. The poached egg yolk made the broth super decadent and I loved the addition of pickled ginger to the onion and miso flavor. Definitely something special that I could not make for myself at home. I spent the next few days telling my friends about my discovery and how I would like to go back to try more menu items. Only wish they had a west side location :)
(4)Adrian S.
One of my favorite places to eat in Philadelphia hands down! This ramen spot is about food creativity and not Japanese ramen authenticity. The description states this so if you're looking for this don't be disappointed. I'm a huge fan of attention to detail with my dishes and this place does just that. They combine all of the best ingredients and create dishes that are adventurous, but not pretentious. It's a tiny hole in the wall where most seats are in view of the kitchen so you can see just how much love goes into every dish. The staff is always friendly and they have a really good craft beer selection, some good wines and sake, as well as some funky cocktails that will keep your date happy. My favorites are the dumplings, the pig tails, the garlic wings and the Miso Ramen.
(5)Andrew T.
Truly a special place! It's hard to elaborate much more on what's already been said, but the hype is justified. Fantastic ramen, dumplings, and other Asian-inspired cuisine. It is not "textbook" style and doesn't claim to be; I'm glad they have their own takes on every menu item. The prices are amazing, as well. My girlfriend and I usually order 2 appetizers, some noodles with multiple add-ons, and a beer or two, and we usually average around $50-60 for a very satisfying, well-portioned meal. The restaurant itself is very small, so don't come expecting to easily fit a group any bigger than 4. There's a fairly long bar with about 10 seats, with tightly packed tables in the corners. It's best as a "table for 2" spot to enjoy one-on-one conversation. I appreciate the staff's friendliness and speed in even the busiest times. They're all willing to assist and help with any requests. Don't let the wait times deter you - you may find yourself being told that a table will take an hour or more during dinner hours, but head around the corner to Strangelove's or any other bar in the immediate area and grab a beer for the wait. It is worth it.
(5)Justin L.
Went on the whim after reading reviews. It's good and has no flaws in but don't get me wrong, there is a bit of hype here. Got the dumplings and brisket bowl. If you want a more authentic version, better and for a 1/3 of the price, head to Chinatown or Washington Ave...sometime you gotta look past Philly Mags top 50.
(3)Elena C.
Our meal: Apps: 1) Dumplings; 2) Cheeseburger bun; 3) Pork Belly bun Entree: 1) Brisket Ramen; 2) Spicy Shrimp Ramen The Pros: - Egg: Cooked perfectly, runny in the middle. Just the way I like it! - Noodles: I loved the chewy texture of the noodle in the Brisket Ramen and the al dente texture of the Spicy Shrimp Ramen. - Atmosphere: Cool and edgy. Good music playing in the background. Servers were very nice and friendly. The Cons: - Noodle to Broth Ratio: Very disappointing. Both our ramen bowls needed more broth. I've tons of ramens in my lifetime. The one thing I always make sure I do is to make sure I have the right noodle to broth ratio. - Spice level: Both ramens claimed to be spicy, but I think Shin Ramen is spicier than these bowls.
(4)bill m.
Tight quarters but delicious food. The black garlic chicken wings were amazing, so tender in the middle and crispy outside. Dumplings in Chili oil also great. Pork belly bao's were spot on also. For an entree we got the short rib noodle bowl. Didn't feel Asian but was awesome. Very nice waitstaff. Will definitely return
(5)Sook K.
Is rather pay A LOT LESS MONEY and go eat better authentic food in chinatown, $5 for a boa bun????? Really? I mean come on. Hesitant to try Bing Bing, at $5-$7 for ONE dim sum plate I can't imagine what the bill would be. My husband and I get our fill of dim sum in chinatown for a total of $30. Great places opening up but way-too-high prices for not-better-than-cheaper-authentic-food.
(3)Will W.
Even for a non-wing lover the wings are absurdly good. Enjoyed the vibe, throw back hip-hop, tattooed servers. My short rib ramen bowl was good not great but other than how busy it was on a weekday evening, it was a very good spot.
(4)David B.
I can see how this place averages 4 stars. Let me preface this review with saying that I will come back and try this again when it's not a polar vortex Tuesday when apparently that's the busiest day of the year and my group waited from 7:30 until 10pm for seating and for the food to arrive. If you are coming to cheu noodle bar for authentic ramen you are making a bad choice. If you are coming for a hipsterized Americanized version of noodle soup with pork or crab or "curry" based broth you might be making a good choice. The prices are high considering the comparison for noodle soups out there. Hand drawn noodles in Chinatown or Nom Nom easily outcompete on price to food. The miso ramen which is their flagship bowl I suppose is lacking in depth of porkiness and the half cooked egg while it isn't authentic is actually quite a good rendition. The noodles are far from true ramen noodles, but they are good. The biggest shortcut is the pork shoulder. If I'm paying $13 for ramen, it really should have 4 slices of fork tender pork belly and an insane amount of broth. Thankfully, even though I'm a meager 165 lbs, I had also ordered a second bowl. The spicy crab broth had the potential to be amazing. It wasn't particularly "crabby" and that could have really been spectacular. The meatballs were simple and tasty though and the hand drawn noodles were actually the best thing I ate that evening. Nevertheless, the broth was just too vinegary and has a lot of room for improvement. The biggest issue this place is suffering from is staff and service. They are actually all quite pleasant but there is about 8 people working there and literally only 1 person is assembling the bowls of soup. She was lightning fast but they need to focus more staff on soup and less on running around accomplishing less important tasks of a noodle bar. No one is coming here for the beer selection or tito's vodka, guys. While this review won't hurt Cheu because they have an endless supply of Jefferson students and residents who won't walk an extra 3 blocks to get to Chinatown and save $3. It's just too easy to swagger into this place. It's good, but they need to really focus on their core dishes and expand their noodle bowl seating. Try spicy noodles at Nom Nom instead and I think you'll be a convert.
(3)M W.
Do not quite understand the hype about this place... Ordered their famous dumplings in chili sauce, wings and ramen and was all okay. Still prefer Nom Nom's over this :\
(2)Anna Y.
This place is small, actually it's tiny. But it's cool! check out the wall mural ! I like their business philosophy, check it out on the back of their menu. As for the food, Asian fusion , that's all I can tell you. Miso Ramen - The broth was actually decent, it's creamy and tasty. The pork shoulder falls apart with the grab of chopsticks. nicely done. Brisket Ramen - two big slices of Brisket, quantity over powers quality. To be honest Brisket was flavorless. This bowl contains Kimichi, kimichi with ramen how interesting.
(3)Brian S.
What a great addition to the Philly dining scene. This small gem has maybe four tables for two and two tables for four (one's in the back), but the bar is the place to sit. There you can watch the three chefs at work and gaze up at the interesting art lamps above your head. If that's not enough to occupy you look behind you and you can see "ramen art" just below a mural. The menu is split into smaller plates and noodle bowls. For starters, our favorites are the dumplings (usually some type of brisket with dates/and or nuts), the BBQ pig tails, and the charred brussels. The fish "ribs" we tried were so-so. As far as the noodle bowls go, make sure to try the homemade hand torn noodle bowl with lamb neck, pickled mustard greens, and dates. It's really good. My wife likes the brisket bowl with the matzo ball, kimchee, and sesame broth but not being a ramen fan, I will stick to my hand torn noodles. The cute, energetic waitress is great, the staff is friendly, and the food comes out quickly. The only negatives are that if you order a lot of food it can get a bit pricey and they don't open up until 1 PM on Saturdays for lunch. But absolutely worth a visit. Oh. I forgot. You gotta check out the bathroom (specifically the sign in it). Even if you don't have to go.
(4)Victoria L.
This low-key hipster restaurant is quite possibly the best Asian fusion place. Going for the complete opposite of most Asian fusion places' clean, modern route, this small place has bright red walls, quirky decorations, and an alternative rock soundtrack. The menu is very small with about five appetizers, a couple choices of dumplings, and some larger dishes. My friend and I didn't come as hungry as we would have liked to be, so we got dumplings and hand torn noodles to share. The dumplings are so satisfying with a great textural element sprinkled on top. I wish the chili sauce was a little spicier true to Asian flavors. The hand torn noodles were perrrrrfectly cooked, which is hard to come by in a lot of Asian cuisine. (I think of overdone noodles slightly congealed and stuck together.) The sauce is very savory and rich with chunks of lamb and tangy bites of pickled greens to cut the richness. I would order this a thousand times again. The beer list was pretty great and it's awesome that they have a daily beer special. Gotta come back to try the pork belly buns and, when it's cooler, the ramen.
(5)Jordan P.
I left Cheu with a bad taste in my mouth, though I can't say it's the fault of the ramen. Dealing with an unexpectedly warm October evening, our initial plans of "warming up with some yummy broth" were not necessary, but we had a craving, and the only thing that could sate my buddy and I was ca-noodling at Cheu. We strolled in around 7:20 and the place was nowhere close to full. There were about 3 people at the bar and two sitting down, so we were immediately seated at the window. The inside of Cheu is warm and welcoming, the chalkboard showing off the daily specials (tea, beers, food, etc). A carafe of ice water was brought to our table, menus placed in front of us, and we were excited for a night out. Cue when things took a turn for the questionable. I'm not sure if this is standard fare for Cheu, or just due to being a little bare bones, but we had two servers visiting our table periodically. I initially thought maybe one would just be to refresh our water, but they (a man and a woman) would follow after the other often less than a minute behind, asking the same questions. "Have you decided on a drink?" ..... "Can I get you ladies some drinks?" Wait. Didn't I just tell that guy we weren't ready yet? "Can I get that plate off the table for you yet?" (Oh, no, we're still working on it, thanks.) .... "Hey, want me to clear that plate for you, girls?" No, we haven't even taken another bite since that lady stopped by... what is happening? If they looked even moderately similar, I'd have felt insane deja vu that would've suggested that I, too, was insane. As far as food goes, we enjoyed the shaved kale with dates, pepitas, and cheese curds, coconut curry (for my vegetarian pal) and classic miso ramen with pork shoulder. The curry was spicy and delicious, heavy on the broth and the heat. The more classic-style ramen was definitely jonesing for a little kick, added with chili oil and sriracha. Our duo of servers were attentive, almost to a fault. Like... interrupting us to check in, desiring seemingly bite to bite updates. That being said, the bites were quite tasty. The pork shoulder was a little tough, but otherwise all quite good. We enjoyed our cans of beer and our food, which was swept away immediately the second we finished our food. Our male server came over to let us know that, despite receiving our check, "No hurry though, take your time." Five minutes later, the moment after we placed our card down for the check, the female server came over and, despite our earlier server letting us know "no hurry" she told us, in no uncertain terms, that "because we have a waiting list, we need you to leave the table." Ex-SQUEEZE ME? WHAT IS HAPPENING?! Shocked by the sudden change in what we were supposed to do, we left, my friend just barely finishing the last of her drink. I felt like this behavior totally ruined the experience for me, which was not going too poorly up to the point. But now, whenever I think of Cheu, I won't remember the ramen slipping through my chopsticks or the curdy kale. I will remember a rude, confusing waitress hustling me out the door as soon as we put down our tip. If I had the ability to take the tip back and reduce it, I would.
(2)Gary L.
I came to Cheu Noodle Bar after seeing it on a list of must-eats in Philadelphia, so I had really high expectations for this place! When I walked in, the ambience was pretty much what'd you expect for a Saturday night, with groups of friends sitting at tables and parties of 1-2 sitting at the bar. The wait was initially quoted as an hour, but someone finished up early and I only waited about 15 minutes to be seated. They had an interesting selection of beers and cocktails, but I wasn't thirsty so much as hungry so I passed on the drinks. The menu was very simple and straightforward, and I ordered the crab broth noodles and dumplings in chili oil. The dumplings in chili oil came first, there were 4 cute dumplings in a small bowl. They were very tasty, but were different than what I was expecting. Growing up in Asia, dumplings usually have higher fat content and are easier to chew, but I guess the meat in these dumplings were leaner and took a bit longer to chew through. The crab broth noodles came shortly after, and I must say I was pretty disappointed. I passed over the miso ramen for these noodles, and the soup in this broth was a bit spicy and sour, but wasn't as brothy as they claimed. The hand-drawn noodles were quite tasty and bouncy, but to me they were ruined by the broth. Overall, I'd give the dumplings a 4, the noodles a 2.5, and the overall experience a 3.5. If I do come back next time, I'll try the miso ramen instead!
(3)Barry S.
One of my favorite places in the city for sure. On weekend nights there will be a wait. I'm confused why people are so perplexed by this. It's popular and it's great food. Not to mention they will take your number and call/text you when it's your time to be seated. The dumpling special is always always great. I'm personally partial to the brisket. Can't say no to a good matzo ball. Also they always have some good beer specials and a juice special to mix with your hard liquor of choice.
(5)Mark D.
As a former Philly resident living in San Francisco, I've often found myself defending the Philly food scene to a sea (or Bay) of non-believers. Cheu is a prime example of why I think the Philly food scene can hold its own. Cheu is not the average noodle shop. They would be the first to say that they don't make "authentic" noodles (though they are fully capable of making a good bowl of ramen: see miso ramen). Instead, they eschew traditional ramen flavors in favor of what is, simply put, good eating. We started with the beef dumplings which were done perfectly right with the touch of crunchy quinoa giving a surprising touch. The chicken wings were subtle yet complex in their flavor. The pigtails were a revelation, the salty, fatty crunch balanced by the well spiced and perfectly sour pickled tomatoes. I had the brisket noodle which was what I would imagine a Jewish-Korean-Japanese family would eat on a rainy day. As strange as that may sound, it works wonderfully here. And might I commend their soft boiled egg too. If the mark of a cook is how well they can execute an egg, do these Philly boys deliver! Velvety, rich, it proved how egg can be luxurious and move seductively in a bowl. I also tried the spicy crab broth which harkened to soup flavors I've had in Filipino/Malaysian/Vietnamese cuisines. This is the kind of place that would thrive in SF and were it over there, I'd eat here all the time. To those from SF, think Mission Chinese does noodles. I'd even go as far as saying that it's better than most Asian places doing noodles. As I kept saying throughout my meal, what a phenomenal little surprise.
(5)Emily L.
Rarely do you find somewhere that you can categorize as 'noodle fusion', but look no further for Cheu is the answer to your 'noodle fusion' dreams. The most apparent fusion, at least for myself, comes in the form of Jewish comfort food. The brisket and matzo ball noodle soup is unbelievable, the matzo ball rivals my mother's, which is sort of a big deal When you go, I encourage you to get at least one order of their dumplings. Hopefully you get lucky and they're the brisket, onion, date (the notorious b.o.d). Then move into an app like their renowned chicken wings or pig tails. Then get your noodle on and go crazy. Enjoy the great atmosphere and bumpin sound track with a cold Tsingtao or jasmine mint iced tea while you wait.... You'll probably have to wait. You should wait.
(4)Jordan R.
Went here with no expectations and was blown away. My girlfriend recommended we go and I gave her my enthusiatic "meh, whatever" typical response. Went on a Sunday around 7pm, maybe a 15 minute way to get in. We got almost everything on the menu, I'll list everything we got in order from best to worst (not that anything was bad but some things were better than others). 1. Wings 2. Pork Belly Bun 3. Broccoli with vietnamese sausage 4. Poke 5. Hot oil dumplings 6. Spicy crab broth noodles Our waiter was really helpful and great to chat with. Recommend sitting at the bar because you get to watch two amazing chefs work like a well oiled machine. I'm currently in a severe food coma and I couldn't be happier.
(5)Aruna A.
I have been reading and reading and hearing and hearing that Cheu Noodle Bar is off the hook amazing. So I finally decided to swing by and see what all the fuss is about... Well, what is all the fuss about? The fuss is about the YUMMY FOOD THAT THEY HAVE. And the decent beer list. And the fun music. And the daily rotating juice and ice tea. THAT IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT. Basically, this place is awesome. I had the coconut curry noodles, and I added an egg to it. Boy was it yummy. Really well flavored, not too spicy, and definitely well made. My friend ordered the yakisoba, which I found to be equally flavorful and yummy. The beer list is really well cultivated. The service was good. My only complaint would be that this place is TINY. I mean the size of a postage stamp tiny. Teensy weensy. It's really yummy, but it's not good for large parties. Also, if you get there at peak time, you may be waiting a bit. Can't wait to go back again and again!
(4)Steve L.
Cheu's has to be one of the top 5 meals I have ever eaten. Everything about this place is amazing, from the food, to the service, to the signs in the bathroom. If I didn't live 600+ miles away from here, I would be here at least 2-3 times per week. My dining companion Liz and I set out on a mission to try as many items as we could in one meal. We succeded. We ended up enjoying the nightly dumpling special (among the best I have ever had), the broccoli, the black garlic wings, all three of their buns (get the pork belly), the Boloanasian, and the brisket (complete with a matzo ball). To top it off, they have daily, fresh pressed juice concoctions that you can easily throw a few shots into. Each dish was just as amazing as the last. Of all of the great eateries in Philly, this one shot right to the top of the list.
(5)Melissa P.
Watcheu doing tonight? No plans? Maybe you should cheu-se Cheu's. I'd been dying to go to this place for a while, having followed all the buzz about the name change and seeing all you savvy mavericks checking in over the last few months. I was thrilled when my dining club decided to make it the site of our last dining club meal for a while (one of us is going away). I was very satisfied but not blown away: 3.5 star food, bumped up to 4 for service. Warning: this is a tiny spot with very little non-bar seating. We waited for our table of 4 for a while...But the waiter (Brian) was great about allowing us to go get a drink and calling us when the table was about to leave and actually ready. After that he continued to joke, make great recommendations, and generally just be awesome. The food came out quickly, courses perfectly spaced out. The carafe of water at our table was great (but could have been filled more often). All the flavors were very different and interesting, but it's still Asian fusion, not straight up Asian, which is minus 1 star in my book. FOOOOOOOOD: We got (roughly in order of preference, by course).. Small plates/Veggies -Charred Corn- really? I'm raving about corn? Yea. I am. It was awesome. and truffly, and saucy. and crunchy. and just delicious. Must-try. -Pork belly and cheeseburger buns- toasty delicious bun bread, seasoned cucumbers and sauce perfectly accompanied the juicy pork belly and cheeseburger ball. Highly recommend. -Broccoli with peanut and Vietnamese sausage- biggest complaint was having to use chopsticks to get every bit of what was left in that bowl. Torture! Perfectly seasoned and cooked crunchy. -Long Beans-These Szechwan peppercorns are no joke. similar flavor to some Handy Nasty dishes, and just as hot! Great, unique flavor though. NOODLES -Cold Jade Noodle- great flavor, crunch, chewy noodles, awesome combination of flavors and the crowd favorite. -Hand torn with lamb-huge fat noodles basically in a BBQish sauce. Super tender lamb. -Cold Sesame Noodles- so fresh and delicious, nothing like Handy nasty's though. -Ramen- we weren't impressed with this. It was good, but just not anything exciting or amazing. Dessert -Finished off with a sesame doughnut which I really enjoyed. Crispy outside, mushy inside, hint of banana? Overall, would recommend for a casual lunch/dinner with a friend, probably not a first date or with someone you're really trying to impress though. I'll probably come back again at some point, but I'm not rushing back. The bill wasn't too painful at all, and we were super stuffed.
(4)Andrew H.
Broth is watery. Their chicken was under cooked. The vegetables were raw and made the soup taste earthy. There was not much depth to the flavor. They crack a raw egg into the soup and the soup wasn't hot enough to cook the egg thoroughly. I get that they aren't trying to do Asian cuisine and That may be what disappointed me, however at the end of day the food lacked flavor and the cooking techniques were lazy. When your doing a soup of any kind you can tell when people take short cuts.
(1)Fatima M.
Me and my girlfriend are considering making this our regular spot. Pros. The ramen is great! The wings everyone is talking about are so delicious. I'm hoping to try everything on the menu. It's cute no seriously the only way I can describe this noodle bar is cute its like if a bunch of american teens got together and opened a noodle shop cute. I like that I can also watched the chefs make the food if I am at the bar it makes the experience a bit more interactive, I know I'm reaching but it's honestly like watching the cooking channel and them handing the food to you when its done. The drinks are daring and cool looking, okay im not much of a drinker in fact I prefer for my drinks to taste like anything but alcohol but still they are great to look at. Cons. It's a little tight. But in today's economy most new restaurants are and I'm here for that. So leave more good reviews and hopefully in enough time they get a bigger spot. This is more of an unpopular request but maybe a sake lemonade or sangria for us sweet cocktail lovers or a sweet cider on the beer menu. It's a little pricey for ramen I say that only because I realize that I pay so much because I need an appetizer with it or I won't be full. I always leave wanting more food.
(4)Phil A.
Very good food. I had BBQ pig tails, the yakisoba and a cocktail. Everything was delicious! Obvious care in their work and attention to detail. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Robert P.
My single favorite place to eat. I think they put some thing addictive in their food because it's the only thing I constantly crave. Pig tails are unbelievable. To think I didn't even want to try them. Wings I've managed to duplicate at home but I still order them. Matzo ball brisket Ramen with extra noodles that the last meal I ever want to have. I like sitting at the bar. Cleanest kitchen ever and Ben the chef is a machine. I love watching him work. Try their new restaurant it's wonderful too.
(5)Shari A.
Oh no! Trouble in paradise. I love their food but they changed the recipes. Not sure why on earth they would do that. The coconut broth was completely diluted and flavorless. The addition of tofu, heirloom tomatoes and corn does not make sense what so ever. The lamb special noodles were good but a bit on the dry side. Hope they switch back to their original recipes. Please don't fix something that's not broken!!!!
(1)Ahmad W.
The Black Garlic wings were good, and the staff was super friendly. Very small but nice and the food was very good.
(4)Gabby M.
This place is absolutely wonderful! Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, the food and service were also great. The Yokisoba noodles are a much more delicate and sophisticated take on what you think of when you see the item at grocery stores; it is very special. The service was caring and attentive but not overwhelming. I am going to make this one of my regular places!
(5)Matthew H.
I have been meaning to hit Cheu for a while now, ever since they opened but like most places I usually wait a while and let them settle in and get things how they want them. I recently read the Sun Noodles article on Eater and saw that Cheu Noodle was one of their customers so I finally said to myself we are going. We rolled in on a Saturday mid-day not too long after Cheu opened (they open at noon on Saturdays). There were a few people already in the place but since it's so small to begin with it doesn't take much to fill it up. We opted to sit a the counter and have a view of the small kitchen and watch the chefs work. Pretty cool as usual. We started off with the special dumplings which were beef and black bean, you get 4 to an order and they are awesome! They come soaked in a little bit of chili oil so they have a little bit of spice but not too much, I was so happy to start off this way. Next we ordered a pork belly and cheeseburger bun. For those of you that have been to Momofuku Noodle Bar in NYC, you know that they do steamed buns, Cheu does grilled buns so they are different but not in a bad way, in a good way. The buns were a little crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and the pork belly was perfect. The main event involved the Miso Ramen which came with pork shoulder but I also added pork belly and we did the cold sesame noodles with shrimp. Both were stellar, the noodles were ridiculous of course and the broth was divine, that was my favorite part. I have to say that in my opinion Cheu's ramen beats Noodle Bar's hands down. The soft boiled egg was perfect and the pork shoulder was awesome. The cold noodles were equally as good and overall it was a fantastic meal. We will be heading back soon, but if you are going on the weekends get there before 1:30ish because when we drove by later on there were about 15 people standing outside waiting.
(5)Beth K.
The wings really are all that they are cracked up to be - same with the noodles. Don't expect stellar service though.
(4)Janice K.
I've dined in twice and got take-out once. BRISKET NOODLE (matzo ball, brisket, kimchi and sesame chili broth) GET THIS. It's SOOO good!! My noodle standard is pretty high and the noodles were cooked perfectly, not too much and not too little. Brisket is soft, tender and just DELICIOUS. Broth is also perfect. I also tried adding an extra egg for $1 which is a veryyy good addition. Just do it!! The portion is real nice too but there's also an option of adding an extra noodle for $2 that I might try next time to prolong my period of bliss. I've tried the award-winning black garlic wings as well but I didn't really understand the hype and what was soooo special about those wings, however. It was decent but not the best I've ever had. So 5 stars for the noodles and 3 stars for the wings! This place is pretty small so the wait can be a while since everyone wants to come eat here... but it's sooo worth the wait! My take-out experience wasn't as good as dining in; they still packed my noodles to make sure they didn't get soggy but something about it wasn't the same... Maybe the temperature of the broth, and the lack of chili pepper and the spicy/sriracha sauce they have there.
(4)Summer J.
CHEU Noodle Bar I braved a blizzard. The like of one that has my feet in frozen agony as I sit in the preposterously small, cramped and busy restaurant, and it is a stretch to call it that. I was told to stand and wait by the wall as soon as I walked in so it wasn't exactly a warm welcome. I was seated eventually but was not greeted or asked if I had been there before or needed help with the menu. I got literally 10 seconds before I was asked what I wanted to order without offering me specials or suggestions. Judging by the state of the kitchen and how hard the chefs are working to keep up with the demand. The front of the house are doing a good job of ruining the business for them all on their own. In my haste I decided to try their buns. One of each of their four varieties. The oyster one smelled funny. As if it wasn't the freshest oyster. The mushroom was pitiful and was not satisfying. A variety of mushrooms and more of it would have made a better mushroom bun. The pork belly was a bit of a let down as the fat wasn't rendered properly. It was fatty and flabby. Not very appetizing. The so called cheeseburger bun was the best of the buns. It tastes very much like a cheeseburger or a slider by the size. However, I felt it was not the best or most creative representation of Asian American fusion. 20 minutes in. I put in another order of their most popular dish as recommended by the server following my questioning. I would have liked to have had my request for a smaller portion of the ramen considered as I am dining by myself and their ramen bowls are behemoth in size. However, I was declined without much thought. May this bowl of ramen prove to be their saving grace. Because as of now I'm an unhappy customer that is not likely to return. 7 minutes in. My bowl of miso ramen arrives and immediately I feel discouraged and disheartened at the sight of the utterly undercooked egg. I dig in to taste the broth regardless. The broth is the key, the cornerstone of a decent ramen. Have a lacking broth and you might as well as close up shop and turn to exile. Unfortunately the broth is simply salty. Lacks any depth flavor or complexity. A sodden shame. CHEU Noodle... You have ccertainly lost me as a cheuing customer.
(2)Michael B.
Had dinner for the first time at Cheu on Saturday night. There was about a one-hour wait and it was absolutely 100% worth it. It gave us some time to hang and take in the vibe. First of all, the scene is cool. Great ambience and great music. It is an urban, funky noodle bar that is very approachable. The food... Well the food was absolutely amazing. Kung po beef dumplings to start. Total flavor explosion. I could have left right there and been happy, even with the one-hour wait. Of course we did not and the Short-Rib Mazeman put me over the edge. The noodles were brilliant with a perfect texture that held up against the limited broth. The short ribs were outstanding. I particularly enjoyed the soft boiled egg which set the whole dish off in my book. Two noodle bowls and an appetizer for $35. Sweet! Top to bottom, this is a top 10 eating experience for me. Everything was spot on and truly delicious.
(4)Anne K.
I've been meaning to check this place out for a while - Philly's been stepping up its ramen game, yay! However... Cheu is not a ramen shop. They serve a variety of noodle dishes - only one of which is actually ramen. The miso ramen was good, but I probably wouldn't come back to Cheu for it. I'd definitely return to explore some of the other items on the menu, like the black garlic wings and the coconut curry noodles. I also had the pork belly bun, which was really... crispy. I'm really partial to the traditional soft white buns and the buns at Cheu taste more like a fried biscuit. I thought the filling could have more flavor too - the pickles were a bit bland and the sauce felt like an afterthought.
(3)Lauren P.
My roommate and I went last night after reading about it on Thrillist- we usually go to Nom Nom Ramen. We arrived around 8 and were surprised we had to wait 30 mins to be seated. We sat sat the bar which was awesome! We first ordered the dumplings (beef that night) and they were excellent. We added in more oil that was on the bar- game changer, it was so good! We then both got the brisket ramen, because it's what Thrillist told us to. It was a 7/10. The brisket had a huge layer of fat on top, which turned me off. There was also some sort of pickled cabbage or something that I could do without. The broth was awesome and the noodles were great. Overall, I would go back if I was around that neighborhood.
(4)Jacqui S.
Small place, small menu but definitely not small in flavor. They def know how to do it right here.
(5)Marie W.
I love noodles, but I'm not sure what all the hype is about here. 1 1/2 hour wait to get in. No exaggeration. Then when we got the call that our table was ready we had to settle our bill at the bar we were camped out at. Apparently we weren't fast enough. We got another call in a couple minutes to see if we were on our way. Inside everyone was nice. I liked the mix of classic rock & classic hip-hop. The menu was straight forward. I enjoyed the pork & mushroom "buns" best. FYI: they're actually tiny sandwiches & if it was less crowded & easier to get a seat I'd come back just for beers & buns. I thought the dumplings were fine, but a bit too greasy. The brussel sprouts were nice in a 2014 kind of way. The miso ramen was also fine, but it wasn't breath-taking. Towards the end of meal I felt pretty rushed to get the rest of our food to go. I guess they have no choice w/ the huge wait. Oh, wait, they could take reservations.
(3)Sylvia O.
This place is really good but it is a tight squeeze in there. It is almost always packed. Their menu is simple, yet delicious. I really enjoy their french fries!
(4)L R.
I loved this place. Went there on an impromptu date-night Monday and thought it was great. I liked that you could see the guys cooking right from the bar. Was fun to watch. Cheu's ambiance is cool. It's got a sense of humor, dimly lit, and even has treated ramen noodle packs as tiles on the wall. Subtle, but cheeky. I like it. The food was great. It was a mashup of different cultures but well executed. I had the beef dumplings with chili oil, which were great. Then I ordered the brisket ramen, of course with a matzoh ball. It was great. Nice robust broth, good greens, kimchi (always kimchi, always.) and good brisket. Plus the noodles were good. I want to go back and it's only been two days. Really cool. Big fan.
(4)JC J.
Highly recommend this spot for a quick meal with one or two friends (maximum 2 - the restaurant is very small and does not take reservations). The service is just okay, but the restaurant's cool atmosphere makes up for it. The best thing to order here in my opinion is the bun (esp the mushroom bun). The noodle dishes are good, but not outstanding. The iced tea is great and I really like how the flavor changes on a daily basis.
(3)Abby W.
The brisket bowl with the matzoh ball was very interesting, but a little heavy. The pork bun was awesome. Overall the food was excellent and I would definitely go back.
(4)Kelly L.
I believe that this place possibly serves the best ramen in Philadelphia centre city. I had the miso ramen and garlic chicken wings. Both dishes were really good! This place is a little smaller so their capacity for seating are slightly more limited. It was very interesting to watch the chef prepare our food (it was a great free appetiser to make you hungrier if you ask me). I guess the only bad experience I had there was my male server with semi red-Mohawk hairstyle was a little unfriendly in my (and my friend's) opinion.
(4)Llana C.
Went here last Saturday and I haven't stopped thinking about the noodles since. I am equal parts happy and sad that this place is right near my gym. I had the coconut curry (it was phenomenal) and sat at the bar. It was so amazing watching them prepare everything! -1 star for the service. It wasn't bad, but the environment was stressful and I could tell our server was overwhelmed. I would be too if I was the only waitress in a full restaurant! The Brussel sprouts were yummy, and I'm not even a Brussel sprout lover! The decor is modern and eclectic. Will definitely be back, I just hope it isn't as crowded and/or better staffed.
(4)Matt And Dene M.
I had the dumplings in chili oil and brisket. The dumplings were okay, nothing spectacular. They did have tiny pleasant crunchy pieces of something on top. Panko maybe? The kimchi, Matzo ball, with the brisket were delicious. They brisket had a great flavor. I had the sense that another flavor would have put the meal over the top to awesome. Maybe an herb or another spice? The salt factor was a tad high for my liking. The meal was good enough to go again to try another option. Next time I will get take-out because honestly I can't forgive the wait time.
(3)Yiwen S.
if you're going to cheu noodle bar for ramen, you might be disappointed. the owners, ben and shawn, have their philosophy written flat out as you enter the small restaurant. they state that they are two white guys trying to run an asian fusion restaurant, and that although their cuisine is informed by asian tradition, it is not defined by it. basically, have an open mind and don't think about whether this is "authentic" asian food or not. if you take the food at face value instead of trying to define or categorize it, you can judge the food simply for how it tastes, not how it is SUPPOSED to taste. now, with that in mind, i ordered the brisket noodles to try something different. the brisket was a bit dry, but the matzo ball and kimchi were good on their own. but i felt like together, the flavors didn't mesh well and the dish never came together as a whole. the miso ramen was actually decent (if non-traditional), but i've had so many bowls of miso ramen in my life that it truly has to be spectacular to blow me away. my vegetarian friend had the cold sesame 3.0 and said she really enjoyed it. i love soy as much as the next vegetarian, but i'm never one to opt out of a meat dish when it's available. if you don't want to wait, grab a few of your friends (3 or more to be exact) and make an early dinner reservation (between 5-6:30pm). we made a 5:30pm reservation and didn't have to wait at all. overall, my impression is that the food is decent and the service is excellent. but i probably won't be back, because it is a little too "fusion" aka experimental. and my palate prefers something more traditional asian in taste.
(3)Kim L.
Lives up to the hype. My boyfriend and I walked in on a Friday night and only had to wait a few minutes for a seat. We ordered drinks (I highly recommend the Spicy Bulleit if you're a bourbon fan!) and one of each of the buns - pork belly, mushroom, and beef - while we waited for our noodles. I ordered the miso ramen with high expectations in tow, and I didn't put my spoon down until I thought my stomach might explode. The pork shoulder was so tender and the broth was flavorful and delicious. My boyfriend got the yakisoba noodles and since we're carnivores, he added pork belly. I stole quite a few bites and I loved the texture of the soupless noodles. High quality ingredients and well thought out dishes! The staff is also great - very laid back and eager to help with suggestions. They switch up their menu frequently so I'm excited to come back and try some more of their creations!
(4)Peter C.
Since I ordered carry out and didn't get to experience a full service, I feel like I can't give this place 5 stars. However, the food by itself is close to 5 star worthy. I ordered the Miso Ramen and dumplings in chili oil appetizer (pork and potato). The dumplings were really tasty; smooth in texture, and lightly spiced. The ramen was excellent even though the dish might be better suited for cooler weather. The noodles were chewy and the broth was rich and surprisingly creamy. I will definitely be back to get the full experience, albeit with no more than three people. The seating area is quite small. Overall, great value for money and well worth a visit!
(4)Joseph D.
Having done the ramen tour of the East and West coast as well as a few cities in Japan. Cheu definitely ranks up in my top 3 of semi-non-traditional ramen. The other menus items are equally as good. A fun environment with great food and music.
(5)Vy D.
I absolutely love noodles. So I just had to come here once I heard about Cheu's existence. Reading the reviews and descriptions beforehand, I knew the noodles and food aren't authentic in origin but rather the creations of an excellent chef's culinary imagination. That chef happens to have cooked at one of the best restaurants (Matyson) in the city. Despite my general apprehension of Asian fusion cuisine, I ventured into Cheu's Noodle Bar fearlessly..fueled by my obsession of noodles. The inside is really small. Exactly how a noodle bar should be like. There's about 3-4 tables besides the stools. Overall, clean and modern look and yet had a very nice cultural and down to earth feel about it. Great first impression as you walk into the place. We ordered the following appetizers: *Black Garlic Wings w/ shishito peppers (4) $ 8: Great tasting garlic flavors on the outside. Had a nice crunch. Although lacked flavors inside. *Burger & Pork Belly Buns $7: The buns are fried briefly on the outside. The pork belly was absolutely delicious. It was tender and flavorful. Really melted in your mouth. Exactly how it should be. The bun itself wasn't anything special. *Eggplant w/ crispy garlic, herbs, tamarind $7: I'm not a huge eggplant fan so I can't really comment. Maybe you are and will love this dish! We ordered the following noodles: PORK BELLY RAMEN W/ POUCHED EGG, SEA BEANS, GREENS $12: THE GOOD: Once again, the pork belly was really good. Definitely the standout of the entire experience. THE BAD: The broth wasn't horrible. If you never have authentic ramen before, you might actually think it's delicious. My taste buds are spoiled from the likes of Ippudo and Totto. The broth lacked a certain richness and depth. THE UGLY: The ramen was chewier and harder than I liked. Not used to eating ramen with this type of noodles. DUCK PHO w/ FOIE GRAS MEATBALLS $13: I don't really understand why this is called Pho because nothing about it taste like Pho. Instead of the traditional rice noodles, Cheu decided to use the exact ramen noodles for the duck "pho" as well...speechless. Aficionados of Pho will be offended. The meatballs were tasty. If you are a fan of pho...be warned! Prices are on the heavier side. Service was friendly and accommodating. Ultimately- Come here with an open heart about how the food here is conceptionized and prepared and you'll love it more. Read this: Nothing about Cheu is traditional. I genuinely attempted my best to like the noodle bar but years of eating authentic ramen and pho ruined this experience for me. I wholeheartedly laud owners Ben and Shawn for coming up with this uber cool idea and having the courage to make it a reality. Wish them nothing but success! Will definitely come back one day to see how the food has evolved!
(3)Brian D.
This place is better than the majority of ramen shops in NYC. Their miso ramen with pork shoulder, sea beans, black garlic and soft poached egg was one of the tastiest ramen bowls I've had. The ramen was light and clean, unlike the fatty, oily ramen found at so many places in NY. And the pork belly bun...the pork belly melts in your mouth and the buns were so light and airy. The beef dumplings in chili oil were also delicious. It doesn't hurt that Cheu has serious hipster cred! I can't wait to try their other restaurant- Bing Bing Dim Sum.
(4)Ashley S.
I'm gonna have to disagree with most people including my Yelp friends (yikes!) and say that I really didn't care for this place. I came here with my boyfriend and a couple friends for dinner one night recently, and sadly we weren't impressed. I'm a big fan of Asian noodle soups, so I was really excited to try this place, too! I got the coconut curry noodle soup which sounded promising. The curry broth flavor was initially pretty good, but it was soon overpowered by the huge glob of peanut sauce they put in the bowl. In general, I like peanut sauce but I found the flavor combo really weird, and the peanut sauce was thick and jelly-like in texture, which I found gross. I ate about half of the soup and then gave up. My boyfriend and another friend ordered the brisket soup. Neither of them liked the dish again due to the "off" flavor. My other friend who ordered the hand torn soup did enjoy her meal, though. On to the drinks...I'm not a big fan of canned beer to begin with, but I figured I'd give a new one a try. They have several options, but I didn't find any standouts on the list. I decided to go with the Brewers Art brown ale which I found to be super bitter. I wasn't excited about any of the other beer options, so I decided to stop there. One of my friends didn't like the beer she chose either. Also, the place is quite small and only has a couple tables up front, so the four of us had to sit side by side at the bar. It was hard to have a conversation with the whole group because it was pretty loud in there. Overall, I was just disappointed because I've heard so many good things about Cheu. Given my experience, I probably won't be back. I will just have to stick to the more traditional Asian noodle soup places that I love!
(2)Tamiz M.
Been here more than once and it was decent for the most part. I got food poisoning once from bad lamb here and it was a nightmare but tried to view it as a mistake. However I just had a poor take-out experience. Ordered the brisket and paid full price (13$) which isn't cheap and only got a small slice of brisket and no matzo ball which is honestly the whole reason I ordered it. Kind of a huge bummer when you walk 8 blocks to get some dinner and drop a bunch of money only to be disappointed and hungry. I don't understand how half the meal is forgotten, I'd like to think they check stuff like that. The times they got things right it was very good, though mistakes are getting more and more frequent and causing illness hunger, so I feel like I need to stop going as they also don't respond well to complaints I understand.
(2)Steve E.
This is hands down my favorite restaurant in Philly. We come here at least once a month and always get the same thing (spicy crab / shrimp broth ramen and the matzah ball / brisket ramen). Best place to have great service and get a good meal
(5)Nicole M.
Wow! Less than an hour after arriving in Philly for my first time, I was told about this place and just had to check it out. We were able to snag 4 seats at the bar in less than 10 minutes on a Sunday evening. This service was spectacular and the beer options were just right. I ordered the coconut curry and LOVED it. I was worried about it being too spicy, but I made a simple request to the kitchen to go light on the heat, and it came out perfect. My boyfriend ordered the Shoyu ramen on special and it was fantastic as well. We definitely plan to hit this place up again before we head back to home to Las Vegas.
(5)Brian D.
What you have here is the lovechild of two obvious nerds. Equal parts dedication, curiosity, humor, food science and a downright disregard to convention, this place is to Asian food what Tired Hands Brewing Co. is to beer. Meaning, it's fairly apparent after spending just a few minutes inside that it's their weird world - you're just living in it. The staff is fast-paced, fun and very open to being actual humans if you care to engage them (that is, of course, if you're into that sort of thing). The music is always good, loud and fitting (how often do you get to enjoy 'Po' Folks' by the Nappy Roots while crushing a bowl of pork shoulder and ramen noodles?). The drinks are nuanced. And after having sampled nearly everything on their menu at least once, it wouldn't be hard to share specifics as to why this place deserves such unabashed praise for existing. But then again, why take the fun out of it? Every inch of this tiny, bustling, cramped-as-hell space screams "Hey! We give a shit about what we do!", so go experience it already. Leave your expectations on the curb. Forget everything you just read. Try and find a seat. Order a dish or three. Drink a beer. Shut your f*cking mouth and eat the f*cking magic. Oh yeah, and don't fall asleep on their rotating list of housemade juice. It doesn't get a lot of attention living under the shadow of their foodstuffs, but it damn well deserves some. Real life is happening here. It's palpable. And it's awesome to see so many people clambering just to bare witness.
(5)Charmaine W.
Ate here for lunch on a Friday afternoon alone. Very cute eclectic vibe. I had never had ramen or this style of food and the bartender was very helpful with helping me navigate the menu. I got the miso ramen and black garlic wings. Both were great pretty fast and attentive service.
(5)Cindy C.
After reading all the reviews on Yelp I came in with very high expectations. Though the service was exceptional, the food was a bit lacking. I tried their miso ramen, and it took forever to come out. Granted it was a busy night. There was barely any broth in our bowl and the noodle was not cooked entirely. The broth was rather salty, it felt like it was scooped from the bottom of the pot. I also had high hopes for the black garlic wings, but they were not very warm when they were served. The sauce was again too salty for my taste and the chicken didn't really have a crispy texture. Lastly, my friend pointed out that there is only one real ramen on the menu.
(2)Hillary D.
Much better than I expected. The miso ramen was delicious and as close to how ramen in Japan would taste. The place is small, but most people finish quickly. It has a nice vibe (the bathroom was probably the most decorated part). Would definitely come back. Didn't get a chance to try the small plates but will do that next time!
(4)Edward C.
A great place to eat. Cozy and hip, however, I couldn't bare the rap music with profanity. Aside from that, it's a great little place. Would have given it a 5 star. The ambience is pretty cool. Service is great
(4)Mary M.
This place was just absolutely stellar on every level. My husband and I stopped in for lunch last Friday after hearing quite the buzz. The buzz is well deserved. Grafitti/collage combined with dry ramen noodles being used as a wall decoration was just too flippin' adorable. Pork was the dumpling special of the day and chicken was the Bahn Mi of the day. So we ordered both of those and the ramen. THESE ARE THE BEST DUMPLINGS I HAVE EVER HAD. And I have eaten a lot of incarnations of dumplings at a lot of different places. The texture was superb and it absolutely melted in my mouth. So flavorful. We asked for chili oil on the side (I was worried about Han Dynasty level heat) but it's relatively mild. The ramen was brilliant as well. It had such an interesting taste; it is a miso based broth but it had this flavor that was just so unique and worked so well. Cheu poaches the egg instead of soft boiling and that was also a great touch and lets the egg mix infuse with the broth. The Bahn Mi was also delicious and loved the spicy mayo as a condiment. Unfortunately I have an aversion to cilantro and that ended up overpowering the dish. If you love cilantro then you would probably love this. Service was nice and attentive, the noodle bar overlooks the kitchen so you can see them preparing your dishes. Seriously just a fab addition to Philly's noodle scene. A great, small casual dining spot. Cannot wait to go back!
(5)Daniel T.
Had a quick lunch here on Saturday. Had to check it out after it was on a list of the 21 best ramen places in the country, and I love ramen. It's a cool little shop, funny thing - there are no Asian employees lol. Not that it matters, just saying! I had the pork belly buns and miso ramen. The buns were pretty good - B+. The miso ramen was very good - A, although it was expensive at $13/bowl. Wouldn't mind stopping by again if I am in Philly.
(4)Alick W.
Cheu is a great noodle bar. It is not a traditional ramen place but they put their own special twist on their dishes that make Cheu unique and sets them apart. There are a few tables and then a bar area to sit at. The waitress was really nice and food came out pretty quickly. I got the miso ramen which was very good, a little pricier and on the smaller side than other ramen places, but the variety of add ons and taste make it worth it. I also had their specials which were a mango green iced tea that was very refreshing and their pork, beef mushroom dumplings that had great flavor and taste. I would definitely come back here to try some of their other noodle dishes.
(5)Tyler S.
I want to have Ben Puchowitz's babies. He and his sidekick (co owner) Shawn really made this a great place with amazing food. I'm so amazed that even now being open for a few months both guys are there working during the Thursday lunch hour. I've actually eaten here about 7 times and every time they are both there. I'm really speechless over how much I love this place and the fact they keep updating the menu is great because everything Ben touches is gold. Perfect example is I hate chicken wings. I hate food that you have to work for , I'm not a hunter gatherer. Well, their black garlic chicken wings make me want to take off my pants and do a dance. I dream of those amazing bites of heaven. I'm actually shedding a tear as I yelp on my flight back to florida because I don't know when I'll get to eat those again. Oh Ben , will you come open up a cheu in the culinary black hole that is south Florida. Please ?!
(5)Ron H.
Smaller but funky interior. Classic rock to classic Tribe Called Quest playing at a nice level in the background. Limited seating with the majority at the bar which is literally "in the kitchen". It was 75 deg outside and what felt like 95 inside. In addition to my group complaining, we even heard the waitress commenting on how hot it was inside...this is not a place to go when it's hot out! Dumplings: 3 meatball sized pork dumpling in a mild chili sauce. Meat seamed on the mild side for flavor, but the wrapper was well cooked and they were stuffed full of meat. The sauce they sat in was a 1 on a scale of 1-10...if the menu didn't list it as a chili sauce, I wouldn't have known.. Black garlic Wings are average sized chicken wings drenched in a dark and sticky sauce. The wings were cooked well done without being dried out. The exterior wasn't crunchy, but not soggy...so I have to say they had good technique, but the sauce is a little flat, tasting like a generic canned Hoison sauce, and then covered in sesame seeds. I'm not sure where the black garlic came in as I tasted none. A good, just not spectacular or memorable. Crispy rice cakes: tatertot sized and tossed in a mild dark sauce with sesame seeds and sauteed myshrooms and cubes of pork...the dish fell flat for me lacking any complex flavors or heat. I'd bet this was the same sauce as the wings, only both sauces were so bland there was nothing distinct enough to help identify them. We each at two of them and left the bowl. This really isn't a dish even worth trying again Ramen with pork: Served in a miso broth with broccoli spears, a soft egg and noodles. The pork itself was cut slices off of a roast with the fat just before the rendered point. This may sound appetizing, but what you get is a ton of gelatenous fat and a little uncooked eggwhite floating around and the texture in your mouth is enough to make you want to gag. I picked out the actual meat pieces of the pork and it has a good flavor, I was not a fan of the miso broth, but if you're a fan of miso soup you'll like it. The veggies were cooked perfectly as were the noodles, I just wish there were more of them in the dish. If the pork had been seared a little in a pan before placing in the bowl, it might have been a totally different experience, but watching the chef and seeing how he handled each dish, I have no reason to believe this isn't exactly how he wanted the dish served. Ramen with briskit: same experience as the Ramen with pork, just with pieces of Brisket instead...at least the briskit was cooked and edible. The service was good, food came out fast and everyone was friendly. I have a hard time giving it 2 stars for the food, it was edible, but none of the dishes were anything I wanted to finish, and I grabbed food somewhere else after we left. So, why the 3 stars? Well, the overall experience is pleasant and fun and this is really a great place to take a new date. It's fun and hip with good music and the menu is very adventerous (I'm sure you date has never seen Pig Ears on the menu before!). You could ask that your bowl come with extra greens/noodles (minus the egg) and some leaner cuts of meat, but you shouldn't have to. If you're an easy going couple, come here and have fun and enjoy the whole experience, just plan on getting appetizers before at another place...oh, and bring your own watergun and mister if it's not a winter month!
(3)Veg L.
I love noodles, and I love Asian foods, so I was excited to try this place. I was in Philly traveling alone, and went on a Sunday afternoon. I had walked quite a bit before, so their special drink watermelon juice was very refreshing, though I thought it was a bit too pricey ($5 or something). I would have loved to try one of their cocktails, but I had to drive. For the noodle, I wanted to get soft-shell crab, but they said they're out of the crab so it'll be shrimp balls instead, so I went for it. It was delicious! I could tell that they made shrimp balls fresh, and I liked the fresh cilantro in them. If I'm back in Philly and crave for some creative, good Asian noodles, I'd definitely be back. It was also solo friendly, so that was a plus.
(4)Chrissy H.
Loved the appetizers, especially the dumplings and the buns! Was nervous to choose an entree because of everything looking very spicy, but it all turned out well and very delicious.
(4)Laur A.
Holy cripes- I have waited a while to review this place for fear that it will become more crowded than it already is.... But to put it simply- I'm addicted to this place. I love it. I need it. I gotta have it 2x a week. My favorite is the coconut curry ramen dish and you gotta order the dumplings. I'm jumping out of my skin waiting for their new place "Bing Bing Dim Sum" to open as it's going to be down the street from me. This place deserves no less Than 5 stars for the food. So. Dang. Good.
(5)Sarah P.
I love this place. You walk in and you can tell it's going to be good. Counter seating, great music, and the staff is friendly and seems to really enjoy being there. I crave the miso ramen everyday. The broth is soo good. (I need to learn how to make this at home.) I like adding a matzoh ball to it. The fish ribs and fries are also delicious. Each day they change their house made dumplings, fresh juice combo, and daily iced tea. They have a really interesting cocktail list, spirits, sake, and canned craft beers.
(5)Alexandra R.
Sooooo good. So good, I'm coming back here tomorrow. We had the dumplings, pork belly bun and the curry and regular miso both with pork belly. Everything was fresh and delicious!
(5)Steve C.
Really like the food here. They keep it interesting with their rotating assortment of dumplings. Their lamb noodle dish is amazing!
(5)Katie P.
Here are the go-to's: Dumplings Kimchi Burrito Yakisoba All three of these had interesting bold flavors, that I would totally come back for. As for the ramen, I give it a 3 star rating- I've had my fair share of mind blowing ramen (Ippudo NYC) and I don't think it stands up to it.... but I'd totally come back for the 3 items above as these were totally on point.
(4)Minoru M.
Kimchi ramen is my favorite.
(4)Jen O.
This was the best restaurant experience I've had in recent memory. I went on Tuesday evening with my boyfriend. There were no tables available, and they said it would be a 15-minutes wait, and we were welcomed to wait near the bar, but I felt like we'd be in the way since the place was hopping. They took my number and we had a beer at Varga while we waited. Within the next maybe 10 minutes they called to say the table was ready. Every interaction and every morsel of food was amazing. Kudos to our server Emmy for being awesome. We ordered the broccoli, the dumpling special (pork and beef in chili oil), the pigtails, and for noodles we got the short rib and the miso. There's not much point in describing the taste of each except to say they tasted amazing. Emmy made a point to tell us that there are best sellers, and then there are staff favorites. Go with the staff favorites.
(5)Monica L.
PROS: Delicious, high-quality food, cozy ambiance CONS: Small venue, somewhat pricey for the portions The small pork belly, cheeseburger, and mushroom-filled fluffy, warm buns were mind-blowingly flavorful, but maybe overpriced at $3 a piece. The well-dressed crispy rice cakes were both crispy on the outside and interestingly chewy on the inside. Finally, I got the vegetarian yakisoba, which was delicious, nicely textured, and well-accompanied by vegetal goodness. Overall, Cheu is the best noodle house I've been to so far in Philly.
(5)Joshua W.
Great noodle bar whether you like them brothy or not. Wide range of noodles and dishes. Personal favorite are the yakisoba and their broccoli. Menu changes (bring back the hand torn!) but always yummy. Can be a bit of a wait cause it small and they don't do reservations, but that's just cause the food is awesome and they don't need to. Go on the early side or during the week and keep the party small and you won't have too much trouble.
(5)Christine T.
After seeing this as a thrillest top 25 ramen places in the city, my bf and I instantly wanted to try it out. It is really a hole in the wall as there isn't much seating, but this is the atmosphere I expect from a ramen place. If there is a wait, the restaurant will put your name on a list and can call you when your spot is ready. We tried the Pork Belly buns which had a buttery bread to it and not the normal "man-toe" bread you would expect. It was a good change and we enjoyed it. I ordered the lychee white iced tea, which was good but for $3 in a tiny cup isn't worth it to me. I was told I could get a refill, but that was never offered again. We then got the Miso Ramen & Brisket which were okay. I mean its interesting and decent, but we decided that we prefer Terakawa in Chinatown more and of course NYC Ramen (Toto and Ippudo) are still million times better. We still can't figure out why it was listed as a top 25 though
(3)Khanh L.
Pretty damn good!!! I was craving ramen, so we went. We had the wings, dumplings, miso ramen , and the curry coconut ramen. The black garlic wings were amazing, so good, not too sweet just salty enough. Chicken was moist and tender. Dumplings, forgettable, forgotten, they weren't awful, just meh. Miso ramen, broth was balanced, had depth of flavour. It was really good. Lots of things to pick at in the bowl, so many ways to combine it, fun to eat. The curry coconut ramen was ok, the idea was interested but I thought the broth was a bit thick. In my mind I was thinking more like a south east asian seafood curry type broth lightened with coconut milk, but it came out more coconut creamy than seafood curry. The flavour was ok, it just didn't fly. all in all, if I ever go back to Philly I would definitely stop by, it's quick, it's cheap and it's good :)
(4)Daniel B.
I hate mushrooms. Cheu made me like mushrooms.
(5)Amanda M.
Love this place! Everything I've had is delicious. My favorite is the coconut curry with soft egg. Highly recommended. Had to bump it down a star bc of the incredibly rude hostess last night (9/19/14). If it wasn't for that, everything else about this place has been 5 stars every time I've been there.
(4)Tara G.
I stopped in at Cheu last week with my mom before catching a show at the Walnut Street Theater. We were running a little late, so we asked if they could have us in and out quickly. They were very accommodating. This place is very, very small. There's a little bar and maybe 5 tables inside. Luckily, there were 2 seats for us at the end of the bar. We just wanted some munchies to share, so we ordered 2 pork belly buns, dumplings in chili oil (brisket and dates inside) and the black garlic wings. Everything was really delicious. Everything was great, but I especially loved those wings. They were really fantastic- fried super crispy with that lovely sweetish black garlic sauce. I saw a couple of people eating some tasty looking ramen, and I was pretty jealous that I didn't have the time to try some. For my next visit, I will definitely make sure that I have more time so that I can try their inventive soups.
(4)Sally c.
Absolutely delicious! Reasonably priced, great service..go! You won't regret it. Yum!
(5)Luca I.
So last night was my first time dinning here, I have to say food was fantastic! We obviously ordered noodles and they where great, but what hit the spot for me where those pig tails and side broccoli plate. Good stuff all around, food, staff and atmosphere! Can't wait to come back.
(5)Vinny P.
After watching the popups, the name change and finally settling on a location, I made my way to Cheu Noodle Bar on a Friday evening with a buddy to see what it was all about. What I found was a very cool, fun, fresh take on a noodle bar and I'll be returning. The space here is a bit tight and most likely you'll have a wait on a Friday or Saturday evening. We chose to wait it out at Varga (conveniently located down the street) while our table cleared out. It didn't take terribly long before we were at our seats and ordering. I was very impressed with the black garlic wings. Heat and sweet were the tastes that hit my mouth but I did feel the dish was put together nicely. The wings were cooked perfectly and it wasn't too sauced. It had just enough to leave a nice impression. The dumplings (potato, egg, cheese, chili oil) were not my favorite due to the filling combo, but I would not be opposed to trying more of their dumplings (if they change). The star for me was the lamb neck hand torn noodle dish. The spice on the lamb was killer, and it was falling apart while I tried to eat it. The mustard greens and dates brought those other flavor punches that made this dish truly excellent. I would come back and eat here just for this. The spot is fun, the music is great (I heard mostly A Tribe Called Quest) and the kitchen worked really well together in the space they have. I think these guys are doing a great job and I hope they will be in Philly for a while.
(4)Miwako S.
They did a fine job creating a ramen. The noodle was a little uncooked and I wished the chef didn't take time putting stuff on top after the noodles and soup put in the bowl. The speed is life when it comes to putting everything in a ramen bowl so it is served sizzling hot. But the pork was tender and the soup was good.
(3)Zoe P.
If there's one thing that my husband loves, it's ramen. It's a guaranteed excuse for us to eat out if I can find someplace we haven't tried that has ramen on the menu. So when his stomach started rumbling Sunday late afternoon I suggested we check out Cheu's menu so that I didn't have to rush to cook dinner. The place was packed and it was only 5pm, which clearly spoke to the quality of the food. A quick peek at the menu and we were ordering their Miso Ramen (pork shoulder, egg, sea beans, black garlic) and Hand Torn Noodles (lamb neck, pickled mustard greens, dates) to share together. The two large bowls came out pretty quickly, and we dove right in, chopsticks eagerly grasping at noodles thick and thin. One bite in my husband declared that these were the best noodles he's had from a ramen place in Philly (or any other noodle dish, for that matter). The flavors in both dishes were superb - the roasted meats were tender and juicy, the noodles had just the right amount of bite. In the lamb dish, the pickled greens gave a great bright flavor contrast to the smokier flavors. Both were hearty and enough for the two of us, although the other dishes were very tempting. We'll be back another time for sure - he's hooked on those noodles now!
(4)Joe K.
Go here. Food was perfect. Not salty like some people have said (Don't believe those reviews now). Adequate alcohol options. Parents liked it a lot and they're pickier than me. Got the wings, dumplings, miso ramen, crab broth and yakisoba. All good. Definitely going back to try the other items on the menu.
(5)J S.
Had a few pre Kodaline show options n chose this spot since the reviews seemed good n my friend also told me it was good the one time she went. Haven't been to a noodle bar in months since I was at naruto in ny which was awesome. This place is small but the table turnover is quick so the wait isn't that long. We got a Rivertown Greatful white beer while waiting which was good then got seated not long after. The table we got was the closest to the door n we were greeted by server who gave us the special item of the day - Szechuan type green beans. Then after she walked away another server came up to give us the specials but he stopped once we told him we already were informed lol. We ordered the black garlic wings to start which were ok..I expected fried wings for sum reason but they were ok...the pork bun n cheeseburger buns were next which good but nothing compared to the ones at Momofuku...they are sliders n the bun is a biscuit tasting bun which is good but was disappointing going from the cheeseburger bun which was ok slider size to the pork bun which was like a subway sandwich which in my mind blows cos it's all bread n no filling...the pork is good but they need to triple the portion size...the brisket matzo ball ramen was good but not excellent. With kimchi being in there I expected n wanted it to be spicy but it wasn't. My friends beans were good but she would of preferred a ramen bowl instead. The other thing would be that it took a bit for a server to come back when we were ready to leave n this made us late for the show. I do wish I tried the dumplings and maybe I will if I go back but first impression doesn't live up to the good reviews I've glanced at
(3)Lindsay C.
We decided to check this place out around 2pm on a Saturday - bad idea. We had to wait about 20 minutes, not knowing there were only 3 tables and the bar inside. There's also really no room to wait inside so keep the weather in mind as well. The restaurant is small and a bit cramped. The food was delicious. I loved the ramen; however, the dumplings were a bit bland. The service was quick and friendly, although we waited a bit long for our meals. I think the many of the items were a bit overpriced, but not outrageously so.
(3)Nicole L.
Great place for a late-night bite, with friendly staff and a funky ambiance which lends itself to the quirks of this small restaurant. The black garlic wings were phenomenal, but not so impressed with the cold sesame noodles. My dining companion was plenty pleased with his ramen, though. Steeper than usual prices, but have to admire the inventive fusion in the food and the overall experience was good. I'll have to come back for another visit to see how the food has progressed.
(3)Kate S.
This place is worth the wait! The ever-changing dumplings dunked in chili oil are flawless. The chicken wings are also something I order nearly ever time I go. Get the hand-torn noodles or matza ball brisket soup! This is a place where I bring out of town guests- a small hole-in-the-wall cafe they wouldn't stumble upon themselves.
(5)Krystal H.
I've been here a handful of times now. The only complaint I have is that it's tough to get in. And it's tough to get in because it's SO SO GOOD. If you do find yourself on the wait list they take your phone number down and call you when your table is ready, which allows you to head to a nearby bar for a pint. I had been trying to get my boyfriend to go for awhile now but he kept being all Ben Stein about it until I guess he was sick of me suggesting it. We went ~7p on a Sunday and there were 4 tables ahead of us. 15-20min later we were seated at the bar. The staff is helpful, pleasant, warm, comfortable and just a joy to speak with. Someone came over quickly to say hello, get our drink order and tell us about the specials. We ordered and then watched the chefs RUN that place. They're prompt, precise and hard working. They waste no time and the place runs like a dream. Generally when you eat somewhere you don't get a feel for what's happening in the kitchen. I really appreciate being able to watch the magic happen and I have so much respect for the two women I watched pump out so many meals tonight, each more delicious than the last. One chef in particular was paying attention to our pace for eating and sent our small plates out one at a time so nothing was ever sitting there getting cold. This allowed us to fully enjoy each plate without feeling rushed. We ordered the following: Wings, 1 mushroom & 1 pork Belly Bun, Broccoli with Vietnamese sausage, Tuna Poke with watermelon, Hot oil dumplings and Spicy crab broth noodles. Would get all of these time and time again with one exception. Wasn't crazy about the hot oil dumplings (they reminded me of cheeseburgers) and I didn't taste any crab in the Spicy Crab broth noodles (was still delicious). That said, this place isn't meant to be "authentic" anything; it's Asian fusion. They do what they want and they do it well. Good music, good people, good ambiance. You just get a good vibe being here. This place is one of my favorite spots to grab a bite in Philly and I'd recommend it to anyone! Even my Ben Stein boyfriend loved the place. That's saying something.
(5)Mo P.
Worth the trip for the best ramen in the city. The dumplings in chili oil are a great way to start the meal. Soooo good! Tender and moist on the inside and very fresh. I ordered the brisket kimchi matzo ball noodle soup. Best ramen in PHL! Matzo in ramen is perfect with a nice thick but of brisket that falls apart with chopsticks. Did I mention that the matzo ball was light and tender? The broth.... Oh the broth. The nectar of the gods is one description another is balanced perfection that the pundits would term Umami. Screw them. This is da bomb. Enough said. Little pricey for Ramen but it is upscale Ramen and worth the dough so shell it out and plan on a little wait. Eating at the bar is fun to watch the cooks perform their cooking ballet.
(5)Kevin T.
Intense taste, super salty, minuscule portions. Come for the flavor if you like strong flavors. The mix of flavors in the noodle soup are interesting. However, prices are significantly higher than other ramen places in town, while portions about half of the average. Do not come for dinner if you don't want to be starving at midnight.
(3)Paul L.
It's hard not to pay attention to Cheu, not only are they a block away from home, if you like them on FaceBook, they tell you what they are serving for lunch, what they are serving for dinner everyday. The menu changes all the time, there are specials, there are events. You get a sense that the place is really happening. Especially the lunch post makes you look forward to dinner all day, it's a catch all. The fact that the place is still packed 4 months after its opening is a testament on how well the place is doing. I might have given an unfair review to Cheu last time, because they really just opened and haven't really gain a footing yet but what I like about Cheu is that they are continuously working on refining their dishes while trying to be consistent on service and quality. They have a liquor license now, which I'm sure makes everybody happy. The weaker dishes gave way to new innovative dishes. Portions seems to be slightly bigger and more satisfying. I find the willingness to please their clients impressive. I haven't tried all their new plates yet, since the menu change everyday, I have to time my visit but what I've had are pretty good. The fish ribs has become one of my all time favorite dish. Crispy skin with a slightly sweet tamarind glaze, while the skin is crispy the meat is not dry, it's perfectly cooked. Just take out the few bones and chomp down on the whole thing. My plate came with some awesome charred corn Elotes style, which I understand they are so good that they are now its own appetizers. I thought the scrapple was so good before but now they have added a mustard sauce with sweet cubes of melons. It does elevate the dish to another level. The mustard added some acidity and the melons added a great sweet contrast. Pig tails are nuggets of goodness, they reminded me of Chinese BBQ ribs except with smaller bones which makes them fun to nibble. I thought the dumplings were ok, the stuffing changes everyday so some days you'll get better one than others. Since most people come in pairs, how about serving 4 instead of 3? I'm a little torn about the Jade noodles, I like the composition but I feel like it's missing a wedge of lime or a pinch of shredded red pickled ginger for dimension's sakes. Service is still impeccable. I'm very happy to have them in my neighborhood. I'm eager to come back for the beef tongue fried rice, cross my fingers that it comes back soon.
(5)Aviad R.
Overall 4 stars, but the brisket noodles itself would have been 5!! Started with the beef dumplings in chili oil, potato latke and mushroom bahn mi sandwich. All of them were decent nothing too spectacular. The brisket noodles were GREAT!! The kimchi was spicy and the dish had the right amount of sweet, sour, fat and flavor. The matzah ball is an interesting part, not sold on it but give them props for going with it. Meat was cooked perfectly and highly recommend this dish. Small place so get there early or you'll be waiting.
(4)Zachary A.
Awesome beef ginger dumplings awesome wings awesome broccoli with soy sauce peanuts and Vietnamese sausage awesome ramen and hand drawn noodle Soop great service every time can get tight (pretty much always is tight ) but music is on point juices and beer are spot as well ... Great spot
(5)Robert D.
Great food. Awesome atmosphere. We had the special of the night and were not disappointed. The duck taco appetizer is phenomenal as well. Highly recommended. The cocktails were very good too, although slightly expensive.
(5)Jake H.
Was looking for a quick fulfilling tasty meal after moving in to new apartment. Fulfilled! girlfriend and I split 3 small plates - Black Garlic Wings, Dumplings (daily special- potato pork and curry), Buns (mushroom and Pork) then moved onto Cold Sesame for our noodle dish. I had a beer. Price was reasonable at under 50$ after tip. Leftover noodles for breakfast. Flavors in both Dumpling and wings were outstanding. Dumplings were a little dense but great flavor. Wings were perfectly cooked and the levels of flavor each had their own unique character. The buns were interesting. The tops were a little burnt, mushroom was by far better than pork. Sesame noodles were tasty, an interesting spice to them but the flavors and textures came together to create a very unique and tasty version of this classic dish. The setup of this place is fairly awesome. You can watch the line as they cycle the pleasantly presented dishes from ingredient to plate through. The staff is friendly and efficient. We must have finished 8 pitchers of water but never had to wait for it to be refilled, they were on it. They were happy to discuss their favorite dishes and make sure we were happy with the choices. Visually the restaurant is kinda cool. loved the mural and the ramen artwork. Constructive feedback - was a bit warm and could use some more cooling down, especially to entice me to eat ramen on a warm day. Also DESSERT! With the rest of the tastes you guys have achieved I was left to imagine what sweet concoction you could come up with. An original take on Mango Pudding perhaps? Will be back and looking forward to exploring the rest of the menu!
(4)Jason R.
Totally Unique Totally Delicious! The Noodle Bar gives off a New York vibe. Warehouse like (a small warehouse if there is such a thing.) There are places to sit at the bar and if you're lucky one of only a few tables by the front of the restaurant. The music is pretty loud which didn't bother me but I can see it being irritating to some. I love how you can see the chefs cook out in the open. Really cool. Of the appetizers, I ordered the the Black Garlic Wings. They were a bigger and meatier wing than I typically prefer but it was a very good and unique appetizer none the less. They came with shishito peppers (not spicy), lime, and cilantro. Squeeze the lime onto the sticky sesame sauce and you're in business. For my main entree I throughly enjoyed the Brisket Noodle Soup with Matzo ball, Kimchi, Sesame Chili Broth, and Bok Choy. The broth had the perfect amount of heat. The kimchi really made this dish special. A bit more Kimchi would've been great as I found myself wanting more after I devoured the small amount. The brisket was tender but had some edge fat that I found myself biting around. Leaner meat would be great as the soup seasoning wouldn't disrupt the advantage of a flavorful fatty piece of meat. The matzo ball was not too firm and not too mushy. It was delicious. Overall I was pleased and would certainly return. This isn't a place to go with a large group due to its size. Start working on your chop stick skills so you can have many well balanced bites as you will attempt to put together small pieces of meat, matzo ball, noodle, bok choy, and kimchi within the larger sized deep spoon for some magical mouthfuls. Fyi, desserts are not served here for those with a sweet tooth. You would probably be full anyway.
(4)Thuy C.
I was in the city and hungry. I went on yelp and decided to finally check some of my bookmarks off. I was in the mood for Asian and Cheu's dumplings and ramen pictures had me salivating. Sure enough I made my way over there. They had a nice crowd. The place was fairly small, hip and trendy. They offered a great selection of beers. I sat at the bar, my waiter greeted me and offered some of their special of the day. I ended up with the miso ramen and beef and cilantro dumplings. The dumplings came out first, really nice presentation. There was 4 dumplings and after trying 1 I could say that they need to work on the dumpling's skin because it was too thick and floury, the beef was dry, and the hot oil overpowered the delicate dumplings. Then my big bowl of miso ramen came out and the broth was good, creamy, thick, dense but after awhile it became a little salty. I didn't like how the pork had a cha siu flavor and it was also shredded, it was a little too bbq for the miso ramen. Also their egg is pouched and not completely cooked so when you poke into it, the egg yolk ran all throughout the broth which is something I did not like. All in all, this place is a very American inspired ramen bar. I probably will not be back for a second visit. I prefer Terakawa Ramen in Chinatown just because I feel like their ramen is definitely more authentic than Cheu's.
(2)Brad W.
Cheu is excellent. We had their bun of the day, which was brisket with horseradish cream. We had their dumplings, and we each had a noodle bowl (crab borth, and the other was short rib). Everything was very tasty and tempature hot. Quaint little place. Nice beer selection. Speedy service. Awesome experience.
(4)Ryan B.
Gotta love this place and you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't. So much flavor. Great service and atmosphere.
(4)Bust A B.
Simple menu. Good food. Decent coctail selection. Ok beer selection. Great music and ambiance. Not a ton of seating.
(4)Patrick H.
One of kind. The Ramen is amazing. Its crowded, small, and cash only, but still totally worth it.
(5)Meredith B.
I've heard all about Cheu Noodle Bar from friends who have had great things to say. I've had it bookmarked for some time now to come check out... I'm so glad I did. We came for lunch and decided to order a few items and share them all. Dumplings in chili oil - they were fantastic duck dumplings with a good amount of tasty moist meat served in chili oil. I would order these daily if I could. Daily Banh Mi - soft shell crab banh mi was served with the usual slaw and sauce on a roll. I added a little siracha to mine to kick it up a notch. I've never had a soft shell crab banh mi before - I really enjoyed it and hope to see it more often. Cold Sesame Noodles - also very good. Exactly what you would expect. We didn't order the cold noodles with any protein since we thought we might be over ordering on the food. We ordered the correct amount of food for two hungry people.. next time I'd like to order it with pork belly and switch it up a bit. Black Garlic Wings - I really really liked these. They were nice and meaty (def not skimping on the quality here). I'm excited to come back and check out Cheu's for dinner sometime. I've heard they pack a fun crowd with great tunes.
(4)Lindsay H.
Cheu's has been bookmarked ever since it opened for me so naturally, I was thrilled when I enjoyed my meal with some fellow yelpers last Friday night. Two of us got there early and were not expecting the size at all. I knew it'd be tiny but we're talking 4 tables and a counter and there were 4 of us trying to eat. They estimated the wait as best they could and to our surprise, 10 mins later, we were seated at the only 4 top. A noodle bar miracle! What we ordered: Broccoli with thai sausage- loved this. Fried chicken and pork belly buns- to my surprise, I liked the chicken better though both were pretty tasty and had a yummy pickled cucumber slaw on top that totally added great crunch. Dumplings in chili oil- definitely good but I love Han Dynasty's more. The Black Garlic Wings- the winner. Totally lived up to the hype. The were huge, crispy and delicious. BBQ pig tails- these were also great. I loved the sauce. It was sweet! Noodle dishes- Ramen Brisket Both of the noodle dishes were very good though I would have liked a little more depth of flavor with the broth. I also thought that the meat in each were a tad overcooked to my liking BUT that being said, i enjoyed both. I think I found myself being a little more critical of the noodle dishes since, well, it's a noodle bar. To sum up, I was totally thrilled with my Cheu's experience. Everything was really tasty and I really enjoyed. For my next visit, I'll likely go with no more than two people...I doubt I'll ever be as lucky to get a table as the first visit again. Something to consider.
(4)Casey R.
I finally got back to Cheu after tasting their food at the pop-ups two years ago. I was surprised to find it was even better than I remember! I started my meal with a Sixpoint Bengali Tiger IPA which I have found pairs very well with spicy food. We got the brussels sprouts to start which were great with the pepitas and pickled squash. I had been wondering about the squash since a friend told me about it and it definitely was a fun variation. For my entree I got the vegetarian coconut curry. The broth was very flavorful and the noodles were divine. As luck would have it we had made plans to have dinner on a week night that turned out to be the last snow of the year so the ramen style dish was the perfect compliment. I also tried a sip of the their juice of the day which was really flavorful! I will definitely be back here soon.
(5)Katie W.
My friend and I have been going to Cheu since they opened. We love the wings, dumplings, miso ramen, and coconut curry noodles! We've never had a bad meal, it is consistently delicious and keeps us coming back! Unfortunately, we are now hesitant to continue ordering take-out due to some recent poor customer service. I was unable to view the menu from their website on my phone, and the online menus that were available must not be up to date. When I called this evening and had a couple questions, the woman taking my order was very rude and abrupt. She did not help me with my questions and asked me to look online and call back when I made up my mind. This is the second time we've encountered rude customer service from the staff who take the phone orders. We would like to continue dining with Cheu because of the great food, but are very reluctant to support a place that does not treat customers respectfully.
(3)Cristie K.
Went here with a couple of friends, and the food was exceptional, until they made us leave. Yep, they declined our drink order after we had finished our food, which didn't even take an hour, saying the owner needed to flip the table for the next party. Fortunately, we're industry people, so we understood, but it left a really sour taste in our mouth. What if we wanted to order more food?... They essentially kicked us out after paying almost $200, which has never happened to any of us in any other restaurant. It's sad to say we won't be back.
(2)Nancy P.
I know ramen and noodle places have been all the rage lately so I wanted to check out Cheu Noodle Bar. I was curious about the different interpretation by others. I was excited by all the good comments about the pork belly. The place itself is pretty small and cozy. I love the lamps over the bar! My party of three were seated at the bar (and YES, there are coat hooks under the bar). I ordered a pork belly bun to start off with. It is really tiny, like the size of a two bite brownie. I wasn't really expecting such a fried and greasy "bun" or like some flat fried dough. There was a sauce inside along with cilantro and pickles with the pork belly. Honestly, I couldn't taste the pork belly with all of that greasiness. It was pretty disappointing. We also order the black wings. While it was nicely crisp, the sauce was super potent while the actual chicken had no flavor. We also ordered the brisket ramen and the pork ramen. I didn't like the super super soft poached egg, borderline gross. The broth had a nice kick but the noodles were chewy. Brisket was tender but matzo ball was weird and unappetizing..like a wet sock. Nothing special about the pork ramen broth. While the servers were really nice and the place is still a BYOB (for now), the food wasn't my cup of tea. It was pretty pricey for an unsatisfying meal. Definitely not a place I'd go to for a ramen craving.
(2)Joanne T.
Yay! I'm a fan, but not of their prices and cramped space. We opted to get ramen for dinner in the city. This was our first time venturing for ramen. I hopped onto yelp and decided to head over here. I remember reading about this place on foobooz before so i was curious. Plus it seemed more fun than the other ramen places. It was almost a perfect night. We got parking right across the street and seated immediately at the bar. Sad to say i kept on bumming elbows with the woman next to me. I wish there was a bit more elbow room. Note to the owners: elbow room is a necessity when eating noodles! Just try eating with your elbows tucked in, not so fun eh?!? Also, i would have to minus points for the bartender. He served me a flight of the sake (one was soju). However, he did not shake the sake. It was a nigori, i mean how could he not know. Sad to say i just let it go, usually i would have mentioned something but it was just a shot. Okay i've vented. We ordered the mung bean and the chicken bun. Both were delicious and the bun was not of the white dough kind that was expected. This one was more of the brown flakey kind. Nevertheless it was good and i would order it again. They did forget to bring out the special cheeseburger bun that the bf ordered. Next was the garlic flavored wings. The carnivorous bf devoured it. I had the smoked fish ribs. This has got to be one of the best thing i ever ate. It was a paku which is a cousin of the piranha. The dish was very flavorful. The skin was crispy and perfect. It was definitely a party in my mouth. We ordered the pork and miso cod ramen. The cod was cooked perfectly with a little crispness. The noodles were cooked al dente, it was great. The broth was mediocre, i'm trying to remember it but there was really nothing memorable about it. The bf finished his bowl completely. Yikes! we got the bill and for 2 people it was about 86 with tip. What a pricey ramen experience!
(4)Sal W.
I'm not really sure what this noodle house is trying to be. Supposed it is Asian food but a) there isn't a single Asian working there b) most of their very limited menu is "Asian inspired" with a lot of non Asian additives to it. Like matzo balls, really? Had Bolognesea ($12) which was pretty tasty for being a unique dish. Had it not had horseradish on top of it I might have thought it was an Italian dish. Also tried some Pork belly sliders and I thought they were pretty nasty and way overpriced. Not only was it super greasy, but the meat seemed low quality and it was literally 2 bites for $3 The place is very small and cramped. Most of the seating is at the bar (hence the noodle bar) but it was a very uncomfortable bar area. Not only did I have a thousand people rubbing by my back as they were walking by, my knees were slammed into the bar and I had to lean over to eat. The bar counter just not come out far enough. Also, the food preparation was very slow and service was really non existent because you pour your own water. They could have doubled the amount of noodles in the dish and the cost would have been insignificant to them and my star rating would have gone up one and I would probably eat there again. Food Quality/Taste = 3 Stars Portion Size Given Price = 2 Stars Price = 2 Stars Experience with Staff = 3 Stars Decor = 2 Star Wait Time = 2 Stars
(2)Enid C.
You can just call me Natalie Imbruglia, 'cause I am torn. Cheu Noodle Bar is a cool place. Service is friendly and the ambiance is chill. The hanging lamps were created by one of the owner's glass-blowing brothers. Canned craft beers and other libations will soon be available to knock back with. The hand-torn collage on the back wall adds a touch of funk. They serve up raw Shin Ramyun as a complimentary appetizer (awesome idea). One must keep in mind that this is not meant to be an Asian restaurant. Rather, it is two American men identifying aspects of various Asian cuisines and recreating it according to what tastes good to them. Taking this into account, Cheu successfully accomplishes what it set out to accomplish - providing a cool atmosphere for people to enjoy what the owners personally like about Asian food. But Asian food it is not. The noodles are a bit too chewy (though props for being made in-house), and the flavor combinations are heavy on the "sweet and sour" aspect so characteristic of Asian fusion. The ramen broth is better than some other ramen joints in Philly, but it could stand to be more complex. The pork belly is fatty and delicious, but the flimsy poached egg is a bit of a travesty ramenly-speaking. I preferred the cumin-seasoned lamb neck (served with hand-torn noodles), even if the noodles were a bit too large and stuck together. The black garlic wings were the highlight of the meal. Crispy and juicy, similar to Korean fried chicken, but a little greasier (in a good way). So yes, Cheu is a really cool place. And the owners did a great job of creating dishes they liked. That just isn't quite in line with what I personally like. It happens. I'd come here again to hang out and have a drink, maybe order some wings. For other food, I'd probably just walk to Hand Drawn.
(3)Max P.
There's no need to write a bunch of stuff about noodles here. Just go, order some food and you'll be happy. It's easy if you try.
(5)Dave B.
Recently learned about this noodle heaven during South Street Food Truck festival on 8/15/2013 where we ordered the famous black garlic wings, they were juicy, hot and delish. We went back to the restaurant to try the other dishes on Monday 8/19. The location is cute, fun and trendy and wait staff were amazing. We started we the dumpling special and it was soooo good, I wanted to order more. I had a delicious ramen noodle soup, it really satisfied my craving for a hot soupy lunch specially that I wasn't feeling that well. I can't wait to return and try out all the other menu items. This place is way better than the other noodle hut in Chinatown.
(4)John C.
Great place in Center City. It's always packed and you can tell why. First time I went there I got the Coconut Curry and I vowed to work my way through their entire menu. Great flavor and friendly staff.
(5)BostonBestEats X.
Keeping it simple is often the key to brilliance, and with a short focussed menu of 5 apps, 6 different kinds of noodle dishes, and a few et ceteras (hmm...scrapple in ramen!?!?!?), all packaged in a cool space with lots of counter seating and a giant 'Eat More Noodles' mural as backdrop, Cheu accomplishes this goal. This is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated openings of 2013, a 'noodle bar' from partners Chef Ben Puchowitz (of Matyson fame, one of our favorite BYOBs) and his buddy Shawn Darragh. Their pop-ups last year were apparently a smash success, with a line down the street, so we made a point of stopping by Cheu early on opening day to see what the excitement was all about. We arrived exactly at opening (3PM), and were immediately seated at the counter with a few others (there are also several tables, for total of ~30 seats). It was mostly full by the time we left, but there was rarely a line, and we left before the dinner rush. Between the two of us, we tried (see photos): ~Complementary spiced crumbled instant ramen, fairly spicy, and something David Chang would appreciate (if you watched 'In the Mind of a Chef' on PBS). ~Garlic black wings with shishito peppers ($8/4)--Actually we got 5, 3 drumettes and 2 wingettes, which were crispy, meaty, with a light dose of a sticky sweet soy sauce, and some mildly spicy peppers. My favorite dish, I could make a meal out of these. KILLER! ~Pork belly and hamburger buns ($7/2)--We could choose any combination from 3 different buns (including the mung bean that we didn't try). These are tiny two-biters that look smaller than the photos I've seen online, but are very tasty. The Angus beef was topped with Wisconsin cheddar and house-made pickles. The pork belly was also topped with pickles. The buns are a bit strange, a bit like tiny English muffins, if that makes any sense, toasted in a skillet. My favorite was the pork belly, which like the pork with ramen below was melt-in-your mouth. ~Pork belly with house-made ramen noodles, egg, sea beans, greens ($12)--A very very intense broth (I suspect borderline too intense for some), but overall a very good dish. The ramen was perfectly al dente and the egg appeared to be soft poached. A good sized bowl, but not huge. I added in some of the pho fixin's below. ~Duck pho with foie gras meatballs, turnips, fixin's--I only tried a little of this, but it seemed like the pho was pretty similar to the ramen above. Thinly sliced, very tender duck, and melt-in-your mouth meatballs, although I can't say I got any foie flavor. The broth is much milder than than the pork belly's above. Comes with the usual pho accompaniments of basil and mung beans, lime, and also pickled white radish (I think). Of the two noodle dishes, I think I preferred the lighter broth of the duck pho. Cheu's mish-mass of Chef Benny's whatever "I think tastes best" manages to avoid the ongoing 'Raman Wars', where ramen is stylistically divided into smaller and smaller subgroups and aficionados endlessly (and nonsensically) argue about which ramen shop more is more authentic. Come on guys, who cares if it is 'authentic', if it tastes good? And Cheu's noodles definitely taste great! Or maybe Cheu defines a new subgroup: 'Philly Style' ramen! [Speaking of 'Raman Wars', to reviewer #3, Ron N, who is apparently an expert on what is and is not ramen, that "asparagus" you didn't like is actually sea beans. But it does kinda look like asparagus, which would be really weird, ramen or not.] Currently BYOB (we brought some Guinness), with sodas, etc available, but planning to get a liquor license (big orange placard on the door). Service was quick, friendly and efficient, with Shawn greeting customers at the front. Parking is fairly easy in a few local lots. Some nice photos and background from Zagat: blog.zagat.com/2013/03/s… Cilantro!
(5)Katie L.
In our striving to experience all that Philadelphia has to offer in terms of ramen, my Significant Gentleman and I made our pilgrimage to the newly-opened Cheu. I have to agree with all of the previous reviewers about the Shin Ramen snack which was hella spicy. Yes, it's a cheap way to keep your hungry customers from eating their own fists (a 90 minute wait on a Saturday night - could have been worse), but that's the kind of thing I like to do at home because I just can't help myself, so thumbs up for that. Dennis L hit it head-on when he said "The buns are delicious, but not $7 for 2 delicious." Seriously. We also had the broccoli & sausage appetizer which was pretty tasty, but not $7 tasty. It's a shame because a lot of the tastes on the appetizer menu looked really intriguing but perhaps not worth the price. As for Mr. Significant's brisket, he reported that the meat was a high for him (although I can't vouch as he didn't share - tisk tisk - but a sign that it really was that good, I suppose.) In fact, all of the meats were the best part of the meal (the pork belly in the bun, the sausage in the broccoli.) I had the duck pho (not true pho as others have pointed out), but the foie gras meatballs in this dish absolutely shine. I'd like to take home about a dozen of those and never leave the house again until they roll me out the door. Oh, and also the egg in the brisket was nearly perfect. We love our runny eggs. (Could I just get a bowl full of ramen noodles and eggs? Somebody open up that kind of shop...) Overall, Cheu was satisfying but there were things that didn't shine as much as other places. Music was a little loud, prices were a little high, but go ahead and try it. It's definitely worth seeing what it's all about.
(3)Brad P.
Cheu Noodle Bar is a small, casual noodle place with friendly service and funny lamps above the bar. Since Matzo balls improve everything, it is only logical that they would be one day added to a ramen noodle dish. It is hard for me to express how happy the brisket noodle made me at this place. The hot sauce is good in the ramen but not so good on anything else. Also, take care with your force level so that you don't splatter hot sauce everywhere and make a stupid mess of things. The wings are just OK. They are like 7 bucks for a very small number of wings and nothing really stuck out about them as amazing. They had a nice glaze but at the end of the day, I would've been happier with the wings at my other favorite haunts.
(4)Ben W.
Great ramen. Great service, great atmosphere and great beer and wine selection. There Brussels sprouts and wings appetizers are a must. I prefer the miso over the coconut curry but both are good. This place is a must go.
(5)Stacey K.
First off, the staff here is awesome and the food is just as amazing. I love the Brisket Ramen - it makes me so glad I am no longer a vegetarian! ;) I recently tried their dumpling appetizer and it was the perfect starter to a delicious, hearty meal. I love Cheu and can't wait to come again!
(5)Indie D.
Ok I feel deceived. I went to this place based on the yelp reviews from my fellow Philadelphians. "This place is awesome" you guys said. "This place is tasty" I read. "This place was built by the food gods themselves and carved out of the purest gold and marble found on earth!" they all said... Ok I made the last part up, but the rest of those quotes are LIES! I ventured to Cheu yesterday with my fellow country women and was very excited to try a few menu items. Namely the ramen(yuck), wings(meh) and dumplings(what the hey??) Firstly this place is the perfect setting to catch a airborne illness. You're practically sitting in the next persons lap. Seats fill up pretty fast so if that happens you have to wait, but there's no place to wait!!!!! After waiting in the smallest of corners, we got a table and I greedily ordered several items. The wings were pretty meh. They're top with black sauce, sesame seeds and peppers. Needed salt. The dumpling in chili oil were a joke. Chili oil should be hot. Mine was stuffed with BBQ pork and rice. Interesting yes, delicious hell no. It tasted like crunchiness in very very mild oil. The temperature setting was on -10. The bowl labeled ramen. wtf? Please change the name to "We tried and here is our failure". The pork was REALLY DRY, i dont know how that is possible when it was sitting in liquid. The broth was overly creamy. The egg was under cooked. The bok choy was random and chewy. There was way to many of those onion thingys lol. I honestly couldn't wait to leave. Now now I understand this isn't a "Ramen place". I however think you shouldn't name something ramen if it tastes like milk water. That's just rude!
(1)Edward S.
Eh, I went to cheu noodle bar three times, and I'm not that impressed. I feel like at a very basic level a noodle bar should probably make their own noodles, and they don't. For $12 or $13 bucks for a bowl of soup, the serving and product just doesn't wow me. There are countless places in Chinatown that serve far superior broth and noodle soups for half the price. That being said, I did enjoy the brisket and liked the combo of Jewish/Asian fusion. I get that they are doing a fusion and it's not traditional, but then it should at least be outstanding. For $20-$30 a person with drinks to eat here, I just don't get the hype.
(2)Arthur S.
I came in for lunch around 1:00 in the afternoon on a Monday. It was really busy, there was a wait to sit and I didn't realize it was so small inside. I decided to just order soup to go. Personally, I thought it was way too stuffy in there.. I honestly don't know if I could comfortably sit and eat a meal there.. Especially at the bar. I ordered their brisket and matzo ball soup in a chili broth. It didn't take me long to get home, so everything was still hot. The brisket was wonderful.. But everything else fell short. I really didn't care for the noodles at all.. They seemed stuck together and not properly made.. It reminded me of tagliatelle pasta I make at home before I learned how to properly execute the process. The broth was weak in seasoning all together. The matzo ball took on the flavor of the broth so i didn't really care for it. It was really disappointing after so many good reviews from friends.. Maybe their recent increase in popularity is making their food quality and consistency suffer? That being said, the staff was very nice and I got my food quickly despite how busy they were. I always give places another chance, so I'll have to go back a few times and perhaps edit my review.. Although, I can assure you I will be taking my food to go.
(2)Gautam T.
With all the hype I was hoping to eat some Ramen that was extremely delicious. I will admit it was very tasty, but I was disappointed in the amount of choices I had. I eat everything from beef to seafood to veggies, unfortunately my girlfriend doesn't and ordering for a person who only eats chicken and vegetables; Cheu falls a little short. I ordered the lamb noodles and ordered the pork shoulder ramen without the pork for my girlfriend. We both enjoyed it however the pork ramen was very bland so we had to add a healthy serving of Sriracha to make it to our liking. This place is good if you're a full on carnivore like myself, alas I now have to be more selective on the types of restaurants I choose when I go out my girl. It sucks!!! Anyway sorry for getting side tracked. I had to give it a 3 just because of the lack of menu choices and vegetarian options.
(3)Matt D.
My 200th review was a good one! Cheu lives up to the hype and is a wonderful addition to this part of the city. I love the decor and vibe of the place. It has a distinctly unique urban, Asian diner feel to it. The staff is welcoming and accommodating, and the chefs behind the counter are fun to observe. We started with the dumplings of the day, which were brisket, onion, date, and liver with moderately hot chili oil sauce w/ green onions. They were delicious and unlike anything I've had before. The chili oil made them borderline greasy, but still well worth ordering. We moved on to the cheeseburger and pork belly buns, which were flavorful and unique (a trend is forming with that description). They were cooked nicely, but I would have liked a little more of the pickled garnish. My dining companion disagrees.... Then came the wings that are carrying a lot of hype on the food blogs. I had very high expectations, and surprisingly, I was not disappointed. These are excellent, triple fried, jumbo wings with a deep flavor profile. Sticky, Asian, salty, oniony, garlicy, spicey, soy-ey! We shared the hand-drawn noodles with lamb neck, pickled greens, and dates. It was delicious, and the pickled greens added an unusual level of flavor that I was not expecting. Everything was served piping hot, and watching it come together made for some great food theater. This review will go to five-stars if the second visit is as good as this one. Next up on our list is the broccoli, octopus, and brisket.
(4)Becky J.
Love Cheu. Always tasty, service is great. I work nearby and come here for lunch frequently. The dumplings are great.
(5)Mr. L.
Everything here is exceptional. The only obstacle standing in the way of me giving Cheu 5 stars is their slightly hefty price tag. A bowl of Ramen, no matter how exceptional it may be (and everything here IS) shouldn't cost upwards of $15. That being said, it is absolutely worth every filthy cent. Although truly everything is incredible, your order for 2-4 people should consist of: 1 pork belly bun 1 mushroom bun special dumplings of the day black garlic wings sour broth- pork ramen with a pork belly and egg ad-on Miso Ramen Hand torn- with lamb's neck and an add-on egg If you're an industry monkey like me, go on Mondays, they give an industry discount! Great fellows doin' great food. Beer selection could improve a little, but it's satisfactory overall.
(4)Dan R.
Cheu Noodle Bar's Black Garlic Wings are likely to have ruined many future Sunday football delivery orders for me. These things are criminally delicious. I think I could eat an infinity times infinity of them. Perfectly crispy skin, juicy dark meat in every bite, shishito peppers on the side (a personal fav), and that sweet-meets-salty mystery sauce?! With pigskin season around the corner, I'll never be able to enjoy future boring BBQ and buffalo wings quite the same. Luckily, Cheu is no one-trick winged pony. Their Charred Corn is a messy, but inspired take on elote. I was surprised to see how well truffle oil paired with corn on the cob, although those who worship everything truffle probably just scoffed at such initial skepticism. And while I was hoping for bigger chunks of crab meat, my Cold Jade Noodle entree got better with every dash of sriracha, every chopstick-clasped peanut (the real winning taste here). Cheu is a small, casual space that doesn't take reservations. We only waited maybe 15 minutes for a seat at the bar, but in that time, the staff let us place drink orders (the special was $4 Foster's 24 oz. "oil cans") and guzzle brews on the sidewalk. They had a great beer selection otherwise (Oskar Blues Mama's Little Yella Pils, 21st Amendment Watermelon Wheat, and Allagash Tripel, to name a few), but I opted for value pick this time around. I'm typically a traditionalist when it comes to noodle joints, but Cheu's creativity was just too delicious to ignore. Now give me infinity more Black Garlic Wings, please.
(4)Perry H.
Finally got the chance to stop by Cheu this past weekend. Definitely one of those situations where you're super excited to find a new favorite spot, but know its so close to home that you're going to want to go 2-3 times a week. We snagged a seat at a table but now regret that as the counter seems the way to go if you are lucky enough to get a spot. Next time. There's a solid drink menu with cocktails, canned craft beer, sake, wine....definitely impressed with all the Sixpoint choices, even had Resin on special. Kudos to the two old timers that decided to go for the last two... My wife and I split as much food as possible to get a good sampling of the menu and we weren't disappointed with a single thing. We started with fresh tomatoes with yuzu, ricotta, watermelon, and mint along with the charred corn with miso truffle, and black vinegar. Both were incredible and very different. Either dish would bring me back. We then had a pork belly bun and a cheeseburger bun. These were almost like perfect little (southern) biscuits....my god I could eat 20. The BBQ pig tails with peach kimchi and seasame...finger-licking good. Then we finished off splitting the brisket noodle bowl with matzo ball, kimchi, egg noodles, chili broth. The homemade chili oil spiced this up nicely and I can't wait to have this in the winter. Man, soooo good. I love love love this place and can't wait to go back. I don't know if we ordered super well or if this place is really just that good.
(5)Erica B.
We just discovered Cheu this weekend, after hearing that chef Ben Puchowitz was nominated as one of James Beard's Rising Star Chefs of the Year, and I will most certainly be going back as soon as possible. First of all, it's a really cool place. We sat down at the long bar and got to watch the chefs do their thing right in the middle of the restaurant. The ramen mural running along the wall was great, as was all the decorations hanging from the rafters and the collage stuck on the wall. The beer list is incredibly impressive and INCREDIBLY affordable- I got 2 beers from Florida that I have yet to find anywhere else, each for $4.50. They are mostly bottled or canned, but it really fits in with the laid back atmosphere. Now onto the good stuff: the food. We started with fried pigs tails, which came coated in a sticky, spicy sauce and topped with sesame seeds. They were piping hot, and extremely meaty (I've had pigs tails in the past that were really fatty). It reminded me of really juicy, wonderful bacon. My boyfriend got the miso ramen, with came with a disk of pulled pork that you broke up and mixed into the soup as well as with a soft boiled egg. The egg, when broken, turned the broth into this creamy blend that went great with the tofu. And I'm not a tofu fan. I could have drank that broth all day. But the best dish of the night was the hand torn noodles, pulled right in front of us and served with lamb neck and pickled greens. It had the gamey taste from the lamb with a nice bite of salt that was PERFECT with the greens. Sweet, tangy, rich, my word it was so good. And the chunks of lamb were so meaty and tender. I would tell anyone to try this dish, and I most certainly am getting it again. This is unlike anything I've had in Philadelphia yet, especially right in the heart of Center City. Get there now!
(5)Gerald F.
Nice. For apps we had pork dumplings and Brussels sprouts and fish ribs-- all Awsome. Then curried noodles. The curry may have been created by the chef, certainly the dish was, with cilantro hot chili and a blend of spices that were really top notch. One bok choy added to the aroma. Special ramen in beef cream sauce and yakisoba, a toasted sesame oil Asian herb dish for the two dishes by my partners who accompanied me. We all loved everything.
(5)Anabel D.
Like some spice in your noddles? This is the place. Great vibe to this place and the staff is on point! Will come back for sure.
(5)Samantha B.
Was pretty blown away by this place. The space is teeny, and we were nervous that we would have to wait at prime time on a Saturday night. Due to the holiday season or otherwise, we sat right down at the bar. Staff is super friendly and helpful, and the décor is awesome. I started with the Spicy Bulleit, which was inventive and paired perfectly with the meal. We started with Pork Belly Buns, Dumplings in Chili Oil, and the BBQ Pig Tails. All of the appetizers were phenomenal. I was seriously blown away by how delicious everything was...the pig tails especially were super tender, fall off the bone, with a perfect barbecue-y sauce. We then split the Miso Ramen and the Hand Torn noodle bowl. Both were very rich and tasty. Everything was so unique, and the place really has a personality. A great melding of Asian and Jewish flavors. Will be back for sure!
(5)Lily Z.
My friend and I decided to check this place out one night after hearing many good things. Oh what a disappointment it turned out to be. I ordered the Cold Sesame Noodle which came out first. First bite, bland. Mixed it around some more to blend in the sauce. Second bite, bland. Had to add in some spicy sauce to help myself finish the rest. My friend ordered the Yakisoba. He said the noodles were oily and bland. I was thinking to myself what's going on here?! I tried the noodles myself and indeed it was another bland bowl of noodles. Sigh. Cute, small place. Service is average. Atmosphere is chill. Food is just bland. Sad to say that we were not impressed w the food and don't think we'll be back again.
(2)Asdy W.
I had the Ramen, their dumplings of the day (smoked pork + mushrooms), and their bun of the day (tempura pig ears with kimchi). While their Ramen was alright, their appetizers were GREAT! Just so you know, they told me their noodles were made in house which I think is a great factor they should stress more about... house made noodles rather than mass produced store noodles definitely makes it better! It was also nice that they give you a little snack before your meal; for my friends and I we got a small saucer of honey lime chili popcorn. It was a little stale (and we ate it when the restaurant opened for the day...so I suspect this was not freshly made for the day), but the flavor was great. But onto the food: RAMEN ($12): - Noodles itself were good and had the thick semi springy texture of fresh noodles that I like; I wish there was a little more of it though. If I didn't have appetizers with it, I don't think I would have been that full with just this Ramen bowl itself. - Broth was average... wasn't terrible but it was a bit on the bland side, I had to add some sriracha to give it a little kick. - Cha siu they used was more like Chinese style red pieces of cha siu which was not too bad since the meat was tender. But I wish they used Japanese style cha siu for ramen?? There was no fatty meat in the pork at all. - There was also a poached egg and some veggies in the ramen. It would be nice if they could someday make ajitsuke eggs though for their ramen! That'd really be a delicious plus. DUMPLINGS ($3): They're made in house! There was three in the bowl, it is small-ish like dimsum sized, and come in chili oil. The skin had a nice semi chewy texture to it, and the filling of smoked pork and mushroom WAS AMAZING I loved it so much. I wish there was more because it was so good and delightfully flavorful. BUN ($2 EACH) I had the pig ear with kimchi special of the day just because it sounded interesting... Their buns come a bit smaller than typical Asian buns but I forgave it for the interesting flavor combos they had. They make their bun bread a tiny bit different, as in they pan fry it or something to give it a crunchy texture? I like the way they make their bun though, and the insides of tempura pig eared with kimchi was quite delish! Delightfull crunchy with good flavor mix. My friends got the normal pork belly bun, and I think the only criticism they had about it was that the fat-to-meat proportion of the pork belly was too high! Almost 3/5 fat and 2/5 meat. I would have knocked this restaurant to 3 stars, if it wasn't for the redeeming facts that they make their noodles in-house and their unique and very delicious appetizers! I think Cheu Noodle Bar really has potential if they fixed their broth to be more flavorful, as ramen should be the star of the restaurant seeing that they're a noodle bar.
(4)Angie K.
I give this place 3 stars AT BEST. I honestly think the food was 2-star, but the cool decor, atmosphere and the creativity bump this place up another. As others have mentioned, I came in knowing that the noodles at this place would not be authentic. That's fine by me, as long as Cheu's interpretation was tasty. However, I was disappointed, even with my bar low. The Pork Belly Buns- were good, but a bit on the greasy side because they pan-fried the buns itself. Then you top the pork belly, and you get a the heaviest single bite you can get. Pork belly was good, but I've had better, at many places. I felt like the pork belly itself was lacking something. I added their house spicy sauce (on the table) to cut through some of the greasiness. The Pork Belly Ramen (I love pork belly, can you tell?) broth was lacking depth. The noodles were a bit hard and gritty. The sea beans were CRAZY salty. The pork belly was the same as those in the buns- good, but nothing I haven't had before. If I were to come back, I would try the other dishes because I do feel the menu items are inventive. However, I would be reluctant to go back anytime soon.
(3)Eileen O.
This place actually lived up to the hype. Chef Ben Puchowitz was recently named a semi-finalist for the James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year Award. Went for dinner on a Wednesday with a friend and had a great meal. We started with the Brussel sprout/brisket dumplings and pork belly buns - delicious. I had the brisket and noodles - wonderful and not too spicy. Affordable, good food.
(4)Janice W.
This place is outstanding! As it says right on the front of their menu, yes this is a noodle house run by two white guys and it won't be crazy authentic, but it IS delicious. I had the coconut curry noodles w/ pork belly added and it BLEW MY MIND. The broth had a sweet potato purée in it and reminded me of thai curries, then it had ramen noodles (not the best noodles I've had, but that's ok), plus peanuts, bean sprouts, bok choy and pork belly. OMG it was great. Since these guys aren't breaking their backs to be 100% authentic, it means they can have fun and offer up dishes like this. We started w/ spicy rice cakes which were also great and I really enjoyed the laid back, friendly vibe of the staff. I wish I lived in Philly so I could be a regular here.
(5)Brian M.
Black Garlic Wings. Just wanted to highlight those real quick. Just silly good. Probably the best wings I've had anywhere. If you don't order these you're a gosh darn buffoon. The rest of the food was just decent, but man were those wings great. I love the concept of Cheu and hope it's a gateway into more people enjoying this type of food. Thing is though, you get get better versions of a lot of this stuff 5 blocks north but you have to buy it in a dirty shop from someone who doesn't speak English very well. The bun, for instance, were smallish here and even at $2 probably too much. Ramen and brisket for over $10? Nah. Just didn't blow me away, but I'll likely be back if I'm in the neighborhood and hungry. Love that they serve lunch now. Interior is cool, BYO is a huge plus and just strikes as a nice place to chill. Overall solid jawn.
(4)Jeff G.
Really enjoyed the brisket bowl and the matzoh ball was a nice touch. Music was really jamming for lunch time and it was hard to hear the nice man taking my order. I'd like to try other items on the menu and will be back.
(4)Joey L.
Small place and good luck finding a spot to eat on a busy day. We had the garlic wings, beef special dumpling of the day, pork belly bun, ramen miso bowl and crab broth noodle soup.
(5)Sarah P.
This place is excellent. My only wish is that they had more! seating. Waited 45 minutes at 9 p.m. on a Friday night, and I didn't even mind. Well worth it- friendly, knowledgable staff and well-priced.
(5)Cori C.
I was pretty impressed that the staff found us a spot in this teeny tiny and popular spot. It was a bit like eating on a train at rush hour, but it was an experience. The food was good - I appreciated the attention they took creating an imaginative menu. I arrived here starving after getting off the bus and left stuffed and happy.
(4)Elizabeth J.
The best meal that I had in Philly. I had two dinners there and they were both amazing! The vibe was cool, the noodles perfect, the drinks delicious, the service friendly and the appetizers all delicious. Couldn't recommend a better place to eat.
(5)Adam D.
I came to Cheu's with five coworkers for dinner on a Tuesday night. We were hoping to get seated around 7:00 pm, but there was a long wait and we didn't end up sitting down until 8ish. The waiter felt bad that we had waited so long (and our table was small even when we did sit) that he gave us a free round of sake for the table. That was just the beginning of a great meal with fun and friendly service and delicious food. I wouldn't recommend coming with a group bigger than six, and the smaller your group the easier it will be to get seated. But it's worth the wait! We had the dumplings, the fries, pork belly buns, brisket soup, and the miso soup - all were fabulous!
(5)Timothy I.
Solid food. Wings were great. Miso ramen was missing something--I think it was a little heavy in the dashi. The service was great and very accomodating. Will go back to try the brisket at some point.
(4)Jennifer C.
Wow! My husband frequents Cheu on the regular and I finally made it there last night and am so happy that I did! From the vibe of the place to the service to the food, everything was awesome! I recommend checking out the Yakisoba noodles.
(5)Joe Y.
The appetizers here did not disappoint. I tried their signature buns, served on biscuit goodness and one of three filling options: pork, cheeseburger, and mushroom. I also had the dumplings were made of curry beef and potatoes; however, the kitchen mixes up this dish on the daily and perhaps hourly. Within a few hours of ordering, the daily dumpling dish had changed. However, the noodles were pretty standard. I had the duck pho which wasn't anything fantastic. Honestly, I would stick to the appetizers here.
(4)Mark K.
First, let me say that the food here is outstanding, and I have been there twice. Fine. That said, I will never return. Why restaurnters still don't get that one dines out for the enjoyment of the food and the company of others, and that is almost impossible when music is blaring and bouncing off the walls, made worse in this case by the intimate size of the room. And to be told that the volume could not be turned down because the manager- who was absent- wanted it that way, as did the customers. Anyone ever survey the room? Patrons have to yell to be heard across the miniscule tables. So, no matter how good the food, I never return a third time: I always give a second chance! I am accused of being an old fogey, but I can't believe ANYONE, at ANY age, enjoys having to speak loudly during a dining experience. I am done.
(2)Tram P.
Save your money or walk up three blocks to Hiro Ramen. My experience at Cheu's made me miss Chef Andy Ricker and his amazing dishes at Pok Pok (Portland and NYC). What is extraordinary about Ricker is he spent a lot of time in Thailand and learned all the subtle nuances to Thai cooking and methods. There is something to be said about learning another culture's cuisine. The broth in the ramen noodle dish was flat. That in my opinion is one of the worst things with food. The broth is THE glue - the singular thing that pulls all the other mundane ingredients together. I checked out Cheu's menu online and read that the chefs aren't trying to be "authentic" but rather are "keeping it real" which sounds like a cop out to me.
(2)Henry P.
The Burger buns are amazing. I didn't even know you can make beef taste so good. Their dumplings are delicious. The Miso Ramen was okay. The bill does rack up.
(4)Thanh T.
I had high hopes for this place, but it doesn't really cut it. I had some really awesome noodle dishes in my time and this was just a notch down from okay. I got a glass of pinot noir and the brisket noodle soup. First of all, the pinot noir was in the wrong glass. This was the first time I ever got wine in a glass cup instead of a wine glass at a restaurant. This is a $8 glass of wine... at least give it to me in the right glass. Next, the brisket noodle soup was disappointing. The broth was bland and not spicy, the noodles were kinda soggy, however, the brisket was pretty good. I'm not going back here again. I can make better noodle soup at home with instant ramen and a few added ingredients.
(2)Amanda G.
Plates: Beef and Rice Dumplings with Miso Ramen Bowl and Brisket Bowl. Really enjoyed the service we had here at CheU as it was our first time here. The food was very delicious and different really than anything I've ever had before. The service was wonderful, the workers were really good at making you feel at home. The only complaint I had was that the atmosphere was very cramped and you had to push yourself between chairs to get to your table. Other than that, my experience here was a wonderful one and we will definitely be back in the future. Also, I absolutely loved the way that the restaurant looked, it was very unique and artsy.
(4)Emily H.
Second time visiting. It was the perfect meal for the first night that felt like fall was returning. Kept it simple this time with a spicy bulleit cocktail that was delicious. We followed it up with an order of miso ramen and the crab broth ramen. Both were delicious. The miso had a great smokey taste and the crab had a great heat that really added depth of flavor. Good news. We noticed they do take out. Can't wait to hit this place up at bring it back home!
(5)Christopher D.
Finally had lunch at the noodle Mecca, sans noodles. I started with dumplings, duck and scallion were the flavor of the day. The pillows of flavor were good, but the oil they were floating in left a lot to be desired. And it wasn't especially hot either. The broccoli and Vietnamese sausage was tasty though I would have preferred the sausage in larger chunks. It was a satisfying lunch, and proved that you can have a great meal at Cheu without having noodles or soup. Not cheap, ($16.00 including iced tea before tip) but good food never is. Look forward to returning.
(3)David R.
Brisket ramen with a matzo ball was goooooood.
(5)Brian T.
Great! I tried to go to anotehr restaurant, but didn't feel like dealing with the whole BYOB thing as I was in town on business and unprepared for that. I passed by and caught this awesome noodle bar with great hip hop playing. Sign me up! I had the bacon, egg and cheese dumplings and this awesome duck Pho with Foie Gras meatballs. SUCH a good meal! I will for sure be back!
(5)Youssouf C.
I've been here twice - once randomly after it somehow made it on my list of places to go try out. The second time the day after with a few more friends just because I loved it so much. Cheu doesn't claim to be authentic Japanese food - what it does aspire to is something close to authentic but with dynamic variants and unique flavors. The hand-torn lamb bowl has succulent perfectly cook chunks of lamb neck and the dates bring a mild and very pleasant sweetness. I also tried miso ramen which I loved for its intense flavor. I can only say that I wasn't a huge fan of the watermelon ginger juice, but it was solid and the fact that they had something like that available made me content enough. Service was great, atmosphere awesome, interior small and intimate. Cheu is bold and that's why it will become one of my staple Philly places.
(5)AF A.
For the first time in my life I had a craving for Ramen. This place was well reviewed and worth the mile walk I made to it. I had the brisket and Kim chi noodle bowl. Perfect amount of spice. Brisket was tender enough that I was able to pinch pieces off with chop sticks. Will absolutely be going back to this spot.
(5)Reid C.
The place is clearly doing well. I went for lunch and they quickly filled up in a matter of minutes. Sure, it's small, but it's clear that they do their best to accommodate as many people as they can. I sat at the bar. Behind is the kitchen where Ben and his crew are hard at work and the aromas of their food alone will warm you up. The beer selection is awesome: craft IPAs, crisp pilsners, dark stouts, again it was lunch so I wasn't drinking, but if I ever came for dinner... The duck tacos were good. I took one bite and knew that they needed a little something, so I picked up the lime slice on the plate, gave each a quick squirt and boom, very tasty. Definitely looking forward to trying other apps next time. Next up, what I came for: noodles in a big bowl of hot broth. It was cold out and I had been walking around most of the morning so I figured this would be perfect. It was pretty perfect. Ahh ramen. Extra noodles? Yes please. Pork belly for only a couple of extra bucks? Yup! The pork belly was vital. A little chili paste, a couple of squirts of fresh lime and I went to town. After I was done, I felt great. When I left the building, it just felt a little warmer outside. Next time I'll come by with some friends for dinner. Dark beer and hot noodles would be perfect for any bleak and chilly winter night (or any night).
(5)Michael M.
I live by here and have been here twice. Both times were pretty average, so I don't get the hype. The place is very hip and usually packed, which is a good indicator, but the food generally was unimpressive. I liked the dumpling appetizer, but it was nothing to write home about. The noodle dish I got was the spicy crab. I didn't taste much crab and it wasn't all that spicy, but the noodles themselves were good. I wish I could give 2.5 stars. For the money, I'd head a few blocks north to Chinatown to get something more authentic.
(2)Reba K.
I really wanted to like this place after reading so many great reviews, but I was pretty disappointed. At our server's recommendation, i got the hand torn noodle dish with lamb neck, pickled mustard greens, and dates. It had this weird sweet taste - presumably from the dates - which i did not enjoy in a savory Asian noodle dish. My friend's miso ramen was pretty unremarkable, if not just straight up salty. After trying Cheu Noodle Bar for myself, I think the good reviews for it on Yelp speak more to the lackluster ramen scene in Philly rather than the excellence of the restaurant.
(2)Matt S.
Broccoli app was the best thing on the menu we tried (been twice). Entrees are just above average, but not much in choices and way over priced.
(3)T M.
Lovely atmosphere and our server was excessively friendly but the food was lacking. I was with a friend from Japan and she didn't give it the nod either. I had the Soba noodles and they were very greasy. Her hubby told us afterwards that the Miso is supposed to be good but neither of us had it.
(2)Minty N.
I have dined here twice and both experiences were awesome. One of the owners happened to remember me the second time I came which was a pleasant surprise, and definitely not something you come across at other local restaurants. The noodle dishes are original and simple it's always interesting to see what their nightly specials are. Definitely give this noodle bar a go if you're even interested in a twist on Asian cuisine!
(5)Khanh V.
This place is very inventive and creative in their food, fresh and tasty to the eyes. Portions are small and space is small as well and very crowded so be ready to wait. Took two trips to get a spot inside and is not good for groups at all. Also the last time I was there they didn't have a store sign so it was hard to look for it. Overall I like the creativity of the food and funky decor, but wouldn't visit often just because of the wait time and portion size + price.
(3)Sindhu N.
This place has a great ambience and features an impressive beer list. For appetizers, I had the broccoli and sausage which had a very flavorful peanutty taste. I went with the miso pork ramen for my entree and it was great. The noodles were just the right amount of chewy and the broth was very flavorful. Be warned: like most/all ramen bars, this isn't a place to come and linger. It's a very busy place and sometimes you might feel a little rushed.
(5)E A.
Amazing ramen and Asian fusion. Everything bursting with flavor. Everything expertly cooked and the service was top notch. How can you not like this place? Yep - a bit small but we were able to get the four of us in comfortably with a 5 minute wait. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Kelly S.
Great service, atmosphere, beer list, food, and not too shabby of a price. We tried the beef dumplings in chili oil, pork buns with pickles and cilantro (great), and cold sesame noodles. Fun place, can't wait to go back.
(5)Cesar S.
Three stars, because the food was not that good, I went there because it was mention on a food magazine. Just average, but the service is really below average. Despite the fact that is a REALLY small place.
(3)Stefanie A.
4 for food and drink, which is really most important. 3 for service/ambiance. 2 for misc. For an average of 3. Let me explain... We got to this small, mostly-counter space restaurant before the rush. There were a few tables (all taken) and many counter spaces available. We tried to take the end counter spots, but were asked to sit in the middle. Once we ordered, we were asked to move over one seat to accommodate a couple. After we got our drinks, we were asked to move to accommodate a larger party. After the food was finished, we were asked to scootch down to accommodate a single party. This was super annoying, Cheu--you need your staff to plan accordingly, or have the walks in wait for space to open, not inconvenience your guests. Our irritation was somewhat assuaged with an "I'm sorry' salad. And it worked, somewhat. Because the perfectly ripe tomatoes, sweet watermelon, and homemade ricotta was a delicate combination of flavors and textures. The dumplings were perfectly cooked, though it was a small portion, the ramen with fall-off-the bone pork was flavorful, and the brisket matzoball soup was inventive, and was served in chili broth wit the perfect amount of spice. And the thai iced tea with rum is a fantastic idea and execution. I'm on the fence as to whether I'll go back--can get just as good food, some better, in Chinatown for much less. And no one at Nan Zhou or the choo choo place has never asked me to get up to accommodate another party. And I bet they never will. Might try lunch. Might not.
(3)Jonny D.
I might have felt different had there been a long wait tonight (Thursday) but we got immediately seated at the bar, which was good enough, and enjoyed some really, truly amazing food. Here's what I ate: the lamb neck (tender as heck with a nice fattiness) with dumpling-noodles (they were so thick and chewy and delicious it really went beyond noodles) with mustard greens (cold and bitter-in-a-good-way, providing a great contrast) and the coup de grace, the dates to provide some sweetness and true depth of flavor. If I can pick a single non-flaw about this dish it's what I wish I had a dozen or so dates in there instead of the 4 that I got. In addition, I had a cheeseburger bun, a pork belly bun, a mung bean bun, and scrapple w/pickles, and dumplings in chili oil, and a pig tail (I was hungry and so were my sharing-happy companions). All of these were completely outstanding. It came out to $20 a head--a bit pricy for the quantity, but when you really get some over-the-top delicious food like this, it's worth spending more than you would for a step down (sorry, Nan Zhou! Yeah, I went there).
(5)Laura T.
Absolute must go. The dishes are always evolving and somehow keep getting better. Hard to pick favorites but the black garlic wings and the pig tails are standouts. Just tried the yakisoba and can't imagine a more delicious noodle dish.
(5)Hyun K.
I was pretty excited when I heard that Cheu Noodle had opened up down the block from my apartment. My coworker and I wandered inside one afternoon to try it out. It was crazy small inside and we were seated by the window at a very small table. Our server was polite and explained the menu to us and she brought out a plate of broken up Shin Ramen with the spice on top. I guess it's kind of cute that they use that as a "snack" but I think it's a bit lame too... Anyone can go to their supermarket and pick up a package of Shin Ramen and eat it raw.. It's nothing special. Plus, I could hear people around us complain about how spicy it is. The servers should remind customers about the spice level! The servers do suggest ordering about 3-4 appetizers per 2 people, but just ordering one app, and two noodles, it cost us around $35. Imagine ordering 3-4 apps on top of that! you'll be running a $50 bill for lunch. Crazy. My coworker and I decided to order the mung bean and burger buns, the pork belly ramen, and the duck pho. Our appetizer came out fairly quickly, although they gave us a pork belly bun instead of a burger one. We didn't complain about it. The buns were quite delicious. They came with a cucumber and cilantro on top. The pork belly was nice and juicy, with the right amount of fat on it. While the mung bean bun was tasty as well. My only quip is that they're pretty small. Our noodles took much longer to come out. When they finally did, we were starving! I had the pork belly ramen, and I was really looking forward to it. Which was my biggest downfall..... The broth was terribly watery, the egg was waaaay too under cooked for my taste, and though the noodles are made in house, they're not as great as you would hope. Think Hand Drawn noodle type noodles. I know that Cheu Noodle Bar is aimed towards americanized asian-fusion tastes, but that ramen... phew, what a train wreck. I'm too used to traditional Japanese ramen. It's like they took instant ramen beef flavored soup powder and mixed it in vegetable broth. The only good thing about the dish was the pork belly. My coworker had the duck pho and I tried some of it. It was definitely not your typical pho. The broth was oddly sweet, flat, and of course, watered down like the ramen. The noodles were the same as the ramen as well. The broth wasn't too terrible, which made it 94547563403 times better than the ramen, but this bowl of pho wasn't handed down from Jesus either. I could go to South Philly and pick up a bowl of pho for $7 that tasted a fajillion times better than Cheu Noodle's interpretation. Again, the meat was the only banger of the dish. The duck was great, and the fois grois meatballs were tender and so yummy. Would I go here again? maybe if I was starving and I was standing right in front of the restaurant. The only reason I'm giving it 2 stars instead of 1 is because their meat is delicious and their appys aren't too bad either. Please, please, please, fix your soup or just open up a meat only restaurant.
(2)Chad W.
I have heard a lot of buzz about Cheu Noodle bar on twitter for weeks. So I was dying to try out one of Philadelphia's highest trending restaurants. The ambience was amazing, and the staff was so friendly. We sat at the bar where we had dumplings to start which were amazing. Then I choose to have the Brisket Ramon Bowl. Honestly was one of the best bowls or meals I have had in recent memory. Just the right amount of spice in the broth, mixed with the noodles, brisket, and a matzoball!! Amazing, can't wait to go back.
(5)Jenny M.
Being an avid noodle fan, I was enthused to hear about this new noodle bar opening near where I lived! I understood coming into this restaurant that it was 'not-your-typical' Asian fare. But I love trying new things, and was looking forward to see what unique twists to the traditional they would bring. I was, however, very disappointed. This being a noodle place, one would expect the noodles to be the star item of the menu. Alas, this was not the case. We ordered the duck pho and the pork belly ramen, both of which came highly recommended by our server. (As a side note: both are the owners' "interpretation" of pho and ramen - they are very unlike the real thing...) Purported as handmade, the noodles were unlike anything I had before - very bitter and very gritty. Bland, undercooked - I can take... but this; I've never had anything that tasted so full of baking soda! They completely overpowered and flavored the broth with a strong, non-appealing aftertaste. The ramen broth in itself was much too thick as well. Neither of us could stomach more than a few bites of our dishes, which is a shame because the meat (fois gras meatballs, pork belly), was delicious!! It was just the noodles that ruined the overall flavor. We ended up splitting wings to make up for the noodles, which tasted much better! The staff/service at this restaurant, however, are wonderful. The bar layout of this place provides a comfortable & cozy atmosphere as well. In conclusion, if you are looking for a place to eat good noodles - I would direct you to the nearby Chinatown. If Cheu can better their noodle recipe (or expand their meat selections - I'm telling you, that pork belly was good!) - only then would I be back!
(3)Josh S.
Nooooooodles!
(4)John B.
Pork belly buns should be required on every visit. The broccoli is outstanding, I've loved every noodle dish I've tried and they always have creative specials. I wish there were more stars to give.
(5)Eileen H.
Worth checking out if you're a ramen or noodle soup fan, but nothing to rave about. This place strays from the traditional preparation of ramen, but hasn't quite nailed down all of its twists. There are slight things here and there that are off (or maybe I am just a purist), and after I finished my dishes I was either left wondering if I liked their twists (i.e. the matzo ball) or wishing I had the traditional instead (marinated egg vs. the soft poached egg they give you). That said, their apps are a completely different story. The dumpling we got were the creamy corn and bacon, which tasted like corn chowder in a dumpling. That's not a great description, but if you are a corn chowder fan, you will love these dumplings! Surprisingly sweet and creamy, with just a hint of salty ummami from the bacon. They also had a BBQ pig tail dish, which looks almost like ribs. For some reason, I was expect curly octopus like tentacles on my place. The dish itself was very fatty, but the sauce was out of this world. In my opinion, the music was just awful, hipster music and the volume changed from being barely tolerable to an intolerable volume. Same thing with the lights, as they kept randomly dimming. Not sure what that's about, but it made for an anxious dining experience.
(3)Ann X.
Dumplings in spicy oil? truffle aioli fries? Pork belly buns for only $2.5?! This gives momofuku a run for their money! I don't think it gets any better than this! Not only that, the owner Ben Puchowitz's passion and dedication shows in his food and he is very creative in his undertakings to perfect a menu that provides variety for the "foodie palette" as well as a different spin on food. The noodles brings together the perfect blend of szechuan, thai and chinese flavors to create a blissful, delicious flavor. In addition, they have a wide selection of beers including an IPA called flying dog snake dog. They also serve fresh juices such as dragonfruit, etc. Overall I give this place a 5!! Great tastes overall -- a must try, would definitely come back again for the baos and garlic wings!!
(5)Sarah R.
Amazing cozy spot to go to on a cold winters night. Coconut curry noodles were divine, the host was hilarious and the music was fun. Their menu is small and so is the restaurant so be prepared to wait or go early. Would have loved a few more vegetarian options.
(4)David E.
Reminds me of a Japanese ramen shop with an American twist. The miso ramen is fairly close to traditional and I like the poached egg. The unique dish was the Jewish version of ramen with brisket and matzah ball.
(5)Dan W.
So I came here after all the hoopla on the foobooz site and because Matyson is an awesome byob(and who doesn't love delicious noodles). I have to say, had the burger and pork belly buns and they were excellent. Also had the BBQ crisp appetizer that had a great flavor yet it needed something to soak up the sauce. Finally had the lamb braised noodles and they were great. Again I wanted to soak up every ounce of the sauce. They should go against the norm and serve a nice crusty bread- blasphemy you might say but seriously something must be done to soak up these flavors. Now onto the bad part, the prices. Way too expensive for everything. Nan Zhou hand drawn noodles Isn't that far away and their delicious noodles are 3-5 bucks depending on either the peanut or soy pork sauce; Cheu's prices are around 11-15, and small to boot. Also sampan isn't far away with a great priced happy hour. I know Cheu is just starting up, so hopefully after a time they will be a little more affordable. This place is great with a comfy feel and a warm and inviting staff. I will be back, just not often or I'll be broke.
(4)Pat M.
You can't go wrong with anything on the menu at cheu. The ingredients are fresh and thoughtfully added to make each dish well rounded. I do suggest the brisket ramen. Also the dumplings are always a good choice. Service is very quick and friendly. Good craft beer selection as well. One of my favorite places to eat in Philly.
(5)M C.
Okay. So I've been on a small hiatus from Yelp but now I'm back and reeling on the new flavors landing in Philly. And speaking of new flavors, the Ramen scene seems to have gained popularity in Philadelphia. So, it's hard for me to dis on a place and especially Cheu since I love Ben Puchowitz's restaurant Matyson. I also really want to like Cheu because its ambience reminds of the BEST noodle bar in D.C. Toki. But the ambience is all it has going for it right now, especially after being charged $14 for a large bowl of a minimal amount of noodles in my Cold Sesame noodle order. How do you mess up Cold Sesame Noodles? And how do you warrant charging $14 for half the bowl of noodles? Was I paying for the ambience alone? I ordered Cold Sesame noodles on a really hot day in July thinking its your basic Asian meal, not too much can go wrong there and it won't break the bank. BOY was I wrong! First of all, the point of a noodle bar is overflowing noodles in your bowl not the other way around. And even though you don't want to stay authentic to a tradition of cooking ramen, the basics are still important. My noodles were too al dente. The pork belly was a nice touch but if that was the reason for the $14 bill then no thank you. The kimchee cucumber on top covered with chili oil was a nice touch but it was poorly done,the kimchee lacked the original balance of just enough sourness to just enouph spice to give it its umph. Instead it was doused with chili oil that took away from the flavor of the noodles. And even though Laban praised this dish as close to authentic my authentic asian palette states otherwise. For now I'll stick to the lesser of two evils and frequent the Ramen chain that is Terakawa. It's broth is on point and its noodles overflow the bowl. Ben, a small suggestion, don't stray too far from traditional flavoring when your dealing with oriental cuisine and don't rush to add too many culinary delights to the menu before mastering what your "noodle bar" is named after.
(2)Michele R.
Use the Jin Ga as a mixer, try the fish ribs, & do NOT sit in front of the range at the bar unless you want a grease burn. :-)
(4)Maeve M.
INCREDIBLE. The black garlic wings, nutty broccoli and - how is this even real??! - matzo ball brisket all blew my mind. Wacky and adventurous, Cheu rivals the best uber-authentic ramen joints I've been to. Great ambiance and the super friendly wait staff rounds it out. I only regret I was driving and couldn't try the awesome-looking cocktails. Philly people, go here!
(5)John B.
I really like this place. Their Thai squash noodle soup is really fusion done right. I also love their bolognese noodle. The best part about their restaurant is the atmosphere. You sit at the bar you see the actions and the bar tables have a hook underneath for your coat (to which I exclaimed they really thought of everything!!)
(5)Cory H.
Philly is doing it right with this place. Had recommended drinks that were delicious (bourbon with the daily made apple/ginger juice - awesome!) and we got the specials of the day as well. Glass noodles with tuna, beef dumplings, and then we each got our choice of ramen. Both amazing.
(5)Julia W.
Ever since I happened upon Cheu Noodle Bar's Instagram accout a few weeks ago, I've been itching to check it out. From the pictures posted to Instagram alone, I could tell that their chef/owners constantly change up their menu, and everything looked so darn tasty. I finally had an opportunity to check it out this past week, and I'm happy that my friend and I decided to check it out on a weekday (Wednesday night) because the space is quite cosy and the bar not quite big enough had we wanted to grab a drink as we waited (about 10 mins). It was totally worth the snowy trek across town - we sat at the bar and ordered a couple beers as we looked over the menu. Sitting there, we had an opportunity to really soak in the hipster-ness of the place. I wouldn't describe myself as hipster, but I remember thinking that I was glad that I had taken a little time to pick out what I was going to wear that night. It was by no means dressy, but it's definitely not a place I'd wear sweats to. Anywho, when I go to a restaurant for the first time, I generally go big, so my friend and I ordered 3 appetizers and 2 entrees. To start we had the broccoli, black garlic wings, and a pork belly bun. And for our entrees we shared the yakisoba and brisket ramen. I was nervous that it might be too much food, but we had no problem finishing everything. The wings came out first, and boy were they meaty. Honestly neither of us had ever had black garlic so weren't sure how garlicky the wings would be (and I love garlic), so honestly it was my own fault that the wings weren't quite garlicky enough for me. That being said, the cilantro, sesame seeds, and sweet and savory sticky sauce was delicious and the wings super meaty. I'm glad we tried the pork belly bun, but honestly since we split it I can't really give a fair assessment of it. I think I may have to go back and eat an entire one for myself before I pass judgment. Preliminarily, however, it was as good of a pork belly bun as I've ever had. We both LOVED the broccoli appetizer. To be fair, I LOVE broccoli in pretty much any circumstance, but I thought it was cooked perfectly, and the fresh peanuts and sauce were a great compliment to broccoli's natural nuttiness. I will definitely be going back for more. Now, the entrees were tasty and filling and perfect for the frigid cold night that we went, but I can't say that I was blown away. The yakisoba was stick-to-your-bones good, especially with the creamy egg on top, but I didn't think it was seasoned as well as it could have been. The tofu was cooked perfectly, and the noodles not overdone, but it felt like some flavor was missing. The brisket ramen was flavorful and comforting, but I was a bit disappointed by how fatty the meat was. That being said, we slurped up every last drop of the broth. Next time I head to Cheu Noodle Bar - and there will definitely be a next time - I want to try their miso ramen and other entrees. I'm seriously loving their Instagram postings, so I'll definitely be keeping tabs on what specials they have and try to head over when I see something that looks especially tasty.
(4)Steve M.
So Cheu's... Cheu's is small. Like, really small. If you're eating with two people and want to eat at the bar, then you're probably ok, but for four... four's tough. That said, we somehow got our party of four seated at one of the five tables in under ten minutes. The staff was incredibly attentive and friendly, and the ambiance of the place is vibrant and bustling. Unfortunately the food didn't fully live up to my high hopes and the fun of the interior. First, the good... - Black Garlic Wings: This was maybe my favorite dish of the night. An absolutely delicious sauce coating but not soaking a mound of thick, crispy fried wings. Not greasy, just salty and garlicky and addictive. - Ramen Noodles: I could eat this all day long. Pork shoulder, egg, sea beans and maybe the most delicious miso broth I've ever had. A big bowl of out-of-this-world. The pork was a tiny bit overcooked but I can live with that. - BBQ Pig Tails with Peach Kimchi: These were just what they should be: thick nuggets of pork soaked in sweet barbecue sauce. The peach kimchi... well either I sacrificed that to my sharing partners or I ate it and just didn't taste it, I'm hoping it's the former. I would have loved if this were more spicy, but still... delicious. ... and then the less-than-good: - Buns (Pork Belly / Fried Chicken): I got to sample each of these buns, and I wasn't blown away by either, I'm sad to say. I loved the little biscuit they were served on but found myself missing the classic steamed bao bun's texture, and the fillings just didn't light up my mouth like a more classic bun does (with hoisin and pickled veggies). - Dumplings in Chili Oil: Our dumplings of the night were pork and almond, two flavors I love but have never had together. They were good... but not out-of-this-world good as I'd hoped. I love dumplings, pork, almonds and chili oil, but somehow this didn't come together into the bold flavor I'd expected. Not quite spicy, not quite sweet, not quite salty... just almost-there on all fronts. - Lettuce Wraps with Foie Gras Meatballs and Plum BBQ: These were just not good. Dry meatballs, almost-no plum BBQ sauce, way too much veggie and lettuce to the point that the heart of the dish (the foie and plum) were lost. Plus they were served in a kind of pile, not in four distinct wraps, all so buried in veggies that it was hard to find how to pick it up and share it. This one was a miss. Brisket Noodles: A moderately good matzoh ball in a chili broth that you'd only know was a chili broth if I told you. The brisket itself was well-cooked, but the rest was a little bit boring. The online menu calls it a "Chile" broth so maybe it's just a non-spiced South American soup I'm not familiar with... but my money's on that being a typo.
(3)Fiona S.
I went on a Sunday at 3:30, and it was surprisingly busy! I got the brussel sprouts with fermented squash to share and the coconut curry noodles, which were both delicious! I was afraid it would be too spicy, but it was perfect. Loved the hipster atmosphere and not-so-traditional Asian cuisine.
(5)Chris J.
went here twice, got the miso ramen both times, and thought it was significantly better the second time. absurdly good the second time. cheeseburger buns are dope
(4)Joe A.
We ate at Cheu for the first time yesterday and it was mighty impressive. The place is small with only a few tables and seating along the bar with a view of the open kitchen. We started with the buns appetizer, which I thought being it's a Asian Fusion cuisine would be more like Dim Sum, but the buns are comparable to sliders. We had the pork belly and the mushroom buns. The flavor was excellent and they clearly could be addictive if you order more than a few. We also had the noodles, Coconut Curry and Lamb Neck. Both were excellent. Great flavor and presentation and nicely spicy but you can add some heat with the chili oil or sriracha condiments on the table. The service was very attentive and the kitchen is immaculate. This place is really great and a nice addition to the middle village neighborhood.
(5)Matt M.
"I thought that poached egg looked shady" A review of Cheu; 255 S 10th st. April 24, 2014 Cheu offers a modern take on classic asian dishes including BBQ pork and kimchi burrito, Bolognasian noodles, and the now infamous Miso Ramen. Aside from the pallet wood decor, the atmosphere is pleasent and relaxed, the food is great, the service is quick, and the prices are only slightly unreasonable. Having had a hair cut appointment down the street and a few extra dollars in the bank, I decided to treat myself for lunch today. 12:30 is the peak hours so my seat was directly next to the bar access and prep station. Watching the crotchety young "chef" prepare meatballs, pigs feat and other raw products a few feet from my meal was not all that appetizing. My Miso Ramen came only a few minutes after ordering, as the plump cooked shuffled through her station to concurrently make many of the same dish. Mine was only on the order-out bench for a few brief seconds until it was passed to me and the rest is history as they say. The noodle had a red and white miso based broth, seabeans, fermented garlic, braised pork shoulder, and a poached egg -- which was where I began. The meal itself was delicious and the music was pleasing and eclectic, I stirred and slurped down the dish quickly -- half due to hunger and half to get back to work within my typical hour break. Back at the office it was back to work to make the deadline tonight. A rendering cooking on this computer, one done on another, and some floor plans to fire out for tomorrow afternoon. All the movement had me a little queasy. I sat down at one of my stations half the office away to watch the computer render a few frames and let my stomach rest. Then came the headache, acute at first, then pulsing. My palms became sweaty and I knew it was just a matter of time. A few minutes in the bathroom and my lunch came forth like it was made from the excriment of a cow with a terrible case of BSE. Overall I would give the restaurant a restaurant a 2/10 with a generous five point deduction for food poisoning.
(1)Daniel O.
Hands down my favorite place to eat in all of Philadelphia. The dumplings are always a must and always wonderfully creative, they've ranged from beef to loaded baked potato (which tastes like the best pirogi you will ever have.) The service is top notch, the brisket ramen is coco bananas good. My only complaint is that it's a little small so there can sometimes be a wait, but it's always worth it.
(5)Katie H.
OMG. CHEU. I had a fantastic meal at Cheu. I'm not a very adventurous eater, so I was so terrified of trying the seared octopus, which was the special about a week or so ago. It was AMAZING. Literally, I wish I could've had an entire entree of it. It didn't taste fishy at all! I also got the Brisket bun, and it was amazing. It tasted like home cooking. I also got the brisket noodle bowl (I guess I was in a brisket mood, huh?) and that was amazing. A little spicy, but I'm very sensitive to spicy food, so don't listen to my opinion on those kinds of things! I love the ambiance of Cheu. Yes, it's small, but it is also very homey and I love being able to see the entire meal prep! Definitely going back!
(5)Z B.
Small place with tight seating. The menu was okay selection wise, and the items we ordered (wings, brisket, rice cake, dumplings, curry noodles) were all okay. The best part about the place for me was the service.
(3)Jae A.
Had a take out miso ramen. I certainly appreciated the broth with deep enough flavor and pork shoulder. Its ambience and rest of menu also intrigued me. I only wish I had enough time to enjoy the bowl sitting down at bar with a drink. Certainly worth of my returning visit! Hipefully, next time I will enjoy there.
(4)Matt M.
I don't understand all the 3 star reviews on here. This is a solid new spot with great apps and homemade noodles for their soups. They make a perfect soft boiled egg that goes in some of the soup dishes, that I guess scared a few people? Also their kimchi is the best I've had so far in philly. Friendly service, fair prices, BYOB, fresh juices everyday and unique food combinations. We had the crispy rice cakes, kimchi, fish ribs, ramen noodles and hand torn noodles with lamb. I would definitely go back, remembering to bring a 6-pack and I need to try the wings, I hear they are awesome.
(4)Steve T.
I grabbed some lunch with co-workers here and we were all very satisfied with the decision. The meal was absolutely delicious and service was pretty fast. My only complaint is that the portion size for the dumplings is a tad small. Other than that, I'll be visiting them again in no time. I recommend the Hand Torn with an egg. It's pretty incredible.
(4)Vivian T.
Yummy white boy asian fusion. totally correct. I love their creative fusion options. Their ramen is really yummy. I have already been here twice and I came here the second time all ready to try their maztah ball and kimchi ramen. The server totally sold me on the special and I ended up ordering their pastrami ramen, which was totally amazing. Thick cuts of pastrami topped with a oozy poached egg on a bed of ramen- what is there not to love? I love their creative trials and I'm so glad they are willing to take risks to fuse white and asian cuisine- totally great. We also got their Ma po pork shoulder with rice cakes...and I totally loved it. I was most surprised by how spicy it was. I totally enjoyed it but I was surprised that a "white" place would serve something as spicy as that (normal spicy by asian standard). It was great. The spicy pork shoulder coupled with sticky browned hot rice cakes...chewy and satisfying...amazing all around. I also love their specials that includes unique dumplings. We got the date and pork dumplings topped with crunchy quinoa- again love their creativity that keeps my taste buds guessing! I now cannot wait to come back again just to try with matzah ball ramen open- but I'm sure I'll get distracted and order their special again. YAY! :)
(4)Michael F.
Some foodie friends have been talking this place up to me so I finally decided to check it out, and it was definitely worth it. The dumplings of the day were Pork and Mung Bean, and they were decent. The dumpling dough is perfectly chewy and excellent as far as thickness. The filling I thought was a little under seasoned, but when I rolled it around in the Chili Oil, it was quite tasty. I also had the burger, which I thought was an unusual item to have on the menu for a noodle bar, but thought it would be interesting to try. The burger is on more of a denser bread than a typical bun, and the mustard greens and acidic sauces worked great together. The burger had a lot of Eastern flavors, but was still a burger, a well cooked one, at that. Enjoyed a quick tasty lunch for 12 bucks. As the temperatures rise this summer, I'll probably try the cold noodles and I think the ramen is calling for me this winter.
(4)Kim S.
My boyfriend and I decided to try all the ramen places in the city and compare them. After reading all the dope reviews we were hopeful. We came with 2 other friends and not one of us thought it was anything special. The wings were a little better than average. The miso ramen was bland, and so was the brisket broth (although the brisket was alright), and I'm not sure what they were even trying to do with the Bolognasian. And I love watercress! The drinks were again, too pricey for what it deserves, even in Center City. All for of us left disappointed that we spent the money on such a big letdown. So to sum it up, this place is boiled down to one word. OVERRATED.
(2)M L.
I was torn whether to give Cheu 3 or 4 stars. I liked the food, but nothing I ordered was especially amazing. Everything was reasonably tasty. I opted to order pickup because there always seems to be people waiting for a seat outside...figured if I'm going to guarantee food before 8pm I better order it to go. The folks in Cheu are incredibly nice and friendly. I felt a very warm atmosphere inside. The lighting was low, which is what I'd expect for dinner time but still on the dark side for me. The music was a tad loud for my taste during dinner but their taste in music was great...hip place, cool neighborhood find. Now the food. The pork belly bun was tasty, but the bun was grilled, so the texture was not the soft, luscious, pillowy bite I was hoping for. The pork itself was great. There was some kind of mayo sauce and pickles that added a nice texture and flavor. Next the kimchi. I should know better than to order kimchi EVER. No one makes kimchi as good as my mom. It was ok. I won't fault Cheu for kimchi because it was more an interpretation. Lovely presentation and as a cabbage side dish it was fine. The black garlic wings were good, but I wish they were saltier or spicier or something, just seemed to almost be right. The wings themselves were perfectly cooked though so I really appreciated the care they took. Now the mains. I tried both the ramen and the brisket (by the way, I didn't eat all of this myself, luckily I was ordering for others so I got to try a lot of things). The brisket is great. Definitely my favorite thing; perfectly cooked egg, right choice of noodles and lovely broth. Fall-apart brisket and matzo were perfect accompaniments. The ramen was good too. Not the best ramen I've had but I'm terribly spoiled with ramen. I think it was a good version, but not a rich and salty as I personally prefer. Would I eat here again? Yes! Do I recommend it? Yes! I have a tough palette to please, I love very spicy and salty foods, so when I eat "Asian fusion" fare, I'm generally quite displeased, but Cheu had some lovely elements and it is still a new place so I'd like to keep trying it to see how it develops over time.
(3)Lisa E.
I'd give this place more stars if I could! I've loved this place from the very beginning. These guys know how to make noodles and how to pair them perfectly in all of their dishes. To be honest, I've been here more times than I can count now, and I've had a taste of basically the entire menu. Everything is always delicious! The ramen is a classic staple made here. All ingredients are fresh and perfectly paired with one another. It's also fun to watch them put this dish together - so much care is put into the presentation, too. The dumplings are also a highlight on the menu. Three little dumplings are served with chili oil and stuffed with whatever ingredients they are serving for the day - the combinations are awesome. I had a pork and pickle one a while back, it was divine! Other great appetizers are the black garlic wings and the bbq pig tails. Man, they know how to make sauces and put them together on these dishes. The broccoli with Vietnamese sausage is my go-to order, as well. This dish never fails with deliciousness and flavors! The staff is great, and they love their customers. It's a great open concept kitchen and the music is always turned up! Sit down at the bar, watch them cook, and enjoy an astouding meal!
(5)Jeff B.
For the price, it's a decent cultural exploration into an odd style of dining. The restaurant is very packed even at off times sure to a lack of seating, and the tables are so small you'll kick the person across from you at least a few times. The food itself is an interesting mix of American cuisine and Asian culinary style, which provides a fresh experience, but the novelty end quickly as you realize the dish lacks both the true flavors of Asian and doesn't stand out as the best brisket you've ever eaten. All in all the restaurant wasn't a bad place to eat, but it's refusal to conform to the authenticity of its adopted styles is both its selling point and its downfall.
(3)Eileen T.
We ate at Cheu Noodle for the first time last week. The place is small (10 seats at tables and maybe 10-12 seats at the bar) and it is a popular place but tables turn quickly. The energy is great, and the food is really good and affordable. My husband and I split these dishes: Lamb neck noodles, Chinese sausage and beef dumplings, Charred Brussels spouts. Each dish was tasty and well-prepared. They only offer one kind of beer on tap, but it was very good. We will definitely go back.
(4)Lan H.
First and foremost: my brisket noodles had one of the most tender brisket slices my mouth had ever encountered. Yay! Please do not take my review as one by a novice who doesn't quite appreciate the hipster scenery that makes up Cheu Noodle Bar. On the contrary, take it as one by an open-minded Yelper who doesn't feel so comfortable having a bowl of noodle soup at a bar-like establishment. I wanted to try to like the atmosphere so badly - no doubt I enjoyed watching the chefs incessantly prepare the food. Entertainment to say the least :-) Ok, I will shut up and stop writing so that I can think about coming back to Cheu and trying out more of the food. I work close by, so it's not like I can avoid the possibility of re-visiting ;-)
(3)Stephanie H.
I don't want to say how good this place is because I don't want it to get more busy but.. damn, this is the best noodle bar!
(5)Alli S.
This place is delicious. Loved every bite. Brisket, miso ramen and coconut curry were terrific, as were the dumplings and buns. I went a few months ago and I can't believe I haven't been back yet, as I have actually had cravings since then based on that one visit. I think some people need to keep in mind that it's not supposed to be a traditional noodle bar experience...these guys are cooking what they like to eat. Some of the flavors are what I would call "stoner food." That is not an insult - far from it!
(4)Nelli C.
I would have given this place 4 stars had it not been for 2 things that really bothered me. So background to how we came up to this place. Came here with my boyfriend when we were in Philadelphia for a business trip. The place is small and cozy. When we got there, it was 9pm and had been walking around in 20degree weather, so we were down for something warm. Here is where half a star leaves the rating. The hostess did not look like she wanted anyone coming in. She had a little attitude when she told us to stand by the ramen wall. When seats were available, the hostess took her sweet time cleaning up despite people waiting to be seated. I understand the place is a little cramped but it does not take 10mins to clean a table, especially if the table is literally 3x3. The waiter and waitress were wonderful and after we had ordered I was watching the chef cook. The other half star for the following: The entire time the chef was cooking, she would pull her phone out and text. That's disgusting! She wasn't wearing gloves also. The chef is picking up up ingredients with her hands that she just used to text and puts them into the bowls they're serving! Now onto the food. My bf and both got the miso ramen with the spicy bean paste as an add on. The broth was good but after adding the spicy bean paste and mixing in the egg, it got creamy and even better. If I was back in Philadelphia, I might consider coming back but probably if it was a last resort.
(3)Allison S.
Wonderful Lunch Fantastic Food, Friendly Service, they were so accomodating, we had a party of 4 . They recognised one of our Parties Birthdays, shich was greatly appreciated and One of the guests was on a Low Carb diet and you would think that would be a challenge at a Noodle place but Fear Not the Staff and Kitchen are totally accomodating Making the Best Low Carb Soup you will Ever have. We will surely be back!!Thank you
(5)Christine B.
I was lucky enough to get a preview at one of the Matyson pop-ups, so I was really looking forward to Cheu. I finally got a chance to go on a rainy Thursday for lunch when I had a meeting at Pennsylvania Hospital. The bar counter is nice for eating solo. Pretty sure Shawn was my server part of the time, and he was super friendly. I tried the dumplings in chili oil which were a brisket, onion, and date combination. These were some of the best dumplings I've ever had. They should do dim sum on the weekends. I also tried the ramen which was a huge bowl of noodles, egg, pork belly, and sea beans. I've been to Japan, and I know they aren't doing traditional food, but all I really care about is taste, and this was really good. It didn't taste too salty either, although I got really thirsty in the afternoon so I suppose it was on the saltier side. A lot of people around me had the brisket noodles, and someone ordered the BBQ pork and kimchi burrito which looked awesome. The kitchen is totally open so you can watch everyone cooking. I really enjoyed everything about this spot and I'll be going back for dinner soon!
(4)Christian L.
Very accommodating service and tasty food. Really good informal place to go with friends, definitely friendly on the budget. A nice twist on a staple food group (ramen), and makes for a good lunch too. It's nice they serve beer.
(4)Carly B.
This place deserves a solid four star, which is pretty good considering the fact that most Asian-fusion restaurants that I've been to are, in my opinion, REALLY bad. Most of the appetizers on the menu are very good. I would recommend: Tomato + Watermelon salad Black Garlic Wings BBQ Pig Tails Crispy Rice Cakes I've only had the ramen, so I can't really say much about their noodles. The ramen is very delicious; the broth is rich and, unlike many noodle bars, not terribly salty. The pork is nice and tender, and the raw egg is a nice touch. Their freshly brewed iced teas are also good. I had the Jasmine Thai-Basil tea; a bit too subtle for my taste but nevertheless refreshing. However, they could have put the iced tea in a bigger glass, or maybe refill it. Service was also really good. Both attentive and friendly. The food is not exceptional, but I would definitely go back.
(4)Mia W.
The coconut curry is amazing!!! Very cute, small place, with great food and beer selections. Great for a casual date.
(4)Ellen H.
This place rules!!! The black garlic sauce on the wings is incredible. I wish they delivered so i could have it at work right now! And the staff is super friendly and fun. Everyone in philly needs to go here!
(5)Alyson C.
Went on a Wednesday night and it was packed. Had a cozy seat at the bar. Me and the bf shared a couple beers and small plates to start. The mushroom buns were a delish vegetarian option that didn't feel "vegetarian". We shared a bowl of ramen, which was pretty disappointing for a ramen bar. The broth was really lacking in flavor and depth. Overall, it was a decent, trendy place with good service, but I just don't see what all the hype is about.
(3)Huong N.
This is a cute little comfy bar with great service and delicious food. The dumplings are amazing. Great music! Upbeat and great vibes and energy in here and yummy cocktails :) if ever in Philly again I will be back!!!
(5)rey b.
i would pilgrimage pretty damn far for a stellar bowl of ramen, so this was an obvious choice when my friend brought it up as an idea for a saturday lunch. went in with high hopes that this would be my new spot, since so many downtown korean spots closed in the last few years. yes, i know ktown is not that far. we shared the dumplings & i had the pork ramen. i really wanted to love this bowl of ramen, but i didn't. i could live on ramen, i truly could, but not this ramen. i am thinking i need to come back to give this place another chance. i know i have been spoiled by totto & ippudo, so i really wanted cheu to be the local hero! the broth was bland & the texture of the noodles did not have the texture i was hoping for. the dumplings were flavorful & i would definitely order them again. i like the owners kept to the intimate noodle house environment, small & cozy. some of my favorite noodle houses require adjustment to ideal personal space. the service was attentive. all in all, this place is probably worth it's weight, but not for the ramen. maybe i am just a purist when it comes to noodles...leave the trendy embellishments at the door & bring the rayu!
(3)Carla W.
Wings are crispy, flavorful paradise. Brisket ramen is something I will crave and return for. Really cool spot and interesting twist on many dishes you could get "traditional" style a million other places. It's nice to be surprised. Matzoh balls, foie gras meatballs, scrapple- all on the menu. There's a lot of delicious twists and turns and much I will return to try. The best part is the service. One of the owners saw I was preggers and made sure I got my Ramen without the egg and offered the bag of dry noodles they give as a snack while you wait so that I could check that the ingredients were all safe for me. As you can see, I haven't written many reviews but this place was worth a mention for the service alone. The menu is an added perk.
(5)Stephen S.
I've always been a fan of supporting new restaurants when they open up in my neighborhood. I popped by Cheu Noodle Bar the first week to see if it was worthy of adding to my regular eating rotation. I really wanted to like this place. When my wife and I walked in, the decor was modern, fresh, and clean. The background music was well chosen and added to the hip ambiance. In terms of the food, it could really use some work both in terms of taste and pricing. We started out with the Broccoli and peanut appetizer which was actually quite tasty. Unfortunately the portion was minuscule and was finished in nearly three bites. For a $7 broccoli appetizer, I'm expecting a little more product on the plate. I mean how much does broccoli cost now a days anyway? If you walked a few blocks down the street, you could get some calamari or a tasty salad at Kanella BYOB for $8. For the next course, we both tried the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup. It was a decent sized bowl of soup but the broth lacked the depth and character of other Pho soups that we've tried. The meat also had a bit too much fat that needed to be picked off before being consumed. You can have the same sized bowl of soup at Pho 75 (BYOB) on Washington Ave. for a mere $5.75 versus the $13 we paid at Cheu. On a positive note, the service was friendly and the owners and servers were very interested in making sure that you had everything you needed. I just couldn't stomach paying over $40 for 2 bowls of soup and some broccoli. From reading these reviews, I see that I'm in the minority, but I just feel like these ratings are padded or something. I mean I'm no statistics major, but take a look at the "ratings distribution" it just seems a bit abnormal. April and May the reviews were mixed and averaged out to 3 starts. In June the ratings went through the roof... go figure?
(2)Doodly D.
This place is good for what it is: an american take on asian street food. It is not a ramen place, it does not serve "authentic ramen" (which I think most American believe is Hakata ramen?). It does, however, serve high quality tasty street food that is different from everywhere else. Their pork belly is great, either in noodles or in bun form. Their lamb noodles is superb, the pickled mustard greens is a great contrast to the chewy wide hand torned noodles and lamb. My only complaint is that the place is expensive.
(5)Isaac T.
Wings and lamb neck noodles are great
(5)Christy B.
I went to 2 new restaurants this weekend; one a local, very large, highly regarded sports bar, and the other a brand-new, teeny-tiny spot that opened basically on my front door. Out of the two, I couldn't wait to get home and Yelp about one-- the currently unmarked treasure that is Cheu noodle bar. We went a little late on Sunday night, and was surprised at how tiny the spot was. There was a wait, but fortunately it moved quickly and we were seated at the bar in under 10 minutes. Our waitress was cute and attentive, and very familiar with the menu. She was able to point us in the right direction for menu choices, and every dish was more delicious than the last. To start we had sweet and sour cucumber, garlic broccoli, and some sort of eggplant dish. All three were unlike anything I've tasted before, and they were all amazing. Then our main courses came; I got the Duck Foie Gras pho, and he got the lamb neck noodles. Even though the mix of fancy elements with Asian street food was a little intimidating to me, the taste was out of this world. I want to go back right now and repeat this entire dining experience, and my dining companion asked if this place could be visited frequently in our dinner spot rotations. Endearingly, the bar faces the the cooking area, and we were lucky enough to watch the head-chef in action. This place was amazing, and I can't wait to get back and eat more of exactly everything I got last time, plus some new sides. :)
(5)Nhu V.
If you're looking for a bowl of Vietnamese pho or steam buns, this is not the place for you. You would be happier going to a place in Chinatown. You will not be able to find pho with overbundance of rice noodle, steak and meatball. Instead, you'll get homemade ramen; foie gras meatballs that have the perfect balance of the richness of foie gras and the texture of a meatball; slices of duck flank steak that are softer than filet mignon and look nothing like duck; and amazing flavors that are packed in every bite. I find the techniques and skills that go into making an Asian dish foreign to Asians extremely remarkable. Every dish we ordered was a pleasant surprise. There was so little Korean in my favorite Korean dishes - fried chicken, rice cake and kimchi - that this might be the only restaurant where I can find my new favorite "Korean dishes." I believe it was intentional that chef Ben did not do a perfect replica. With that, please don't judge the restaurant based on "authenticity." I haven't seen a poached egg perfected until I've eaten here (no clear eggwhite, the yolk is between liquid and solid so that when you take a bite of the yolk, it doesn't run but remain in shape). It was not meant to be a seasoned hanjuku tamago. As far as cost goes, the quality of ingredient and taste is much better than Chifa and Morimoto at a more affordable price.
(5)Van L.
I went on a Friday night with a friend and fortunately did not have to wait. It was surprising to see how small and intimate it was. The interior was really neat and the atmosphere was casual and inviting. On to the food, started off with the pork belly bun--was phenomenal. As the night went on, we settled with some cold sesame noodles, garlic wings, and pork dumplings in chili oil. The food was great but for those prices, one could definitely go to Han Dynasty for cheaper and better cold sesame noodles, Soho for the wings, and any joint in Chinatown for the dumplings. Don't get me wrong the people at Cheu are on the right track but their dishes just needs that extra kick of flavor.
(3)B. P.
The dumpling of the day was chicken and watercress and not very good. We ordered two different noodle soups. The miso broth was pretty good though I didn't really like raw veggies in the soup. The other noodle soup we got (brisket) was terrible- no flavor at all.
(3)Jeff M.
Very good. The wings were very tasty and the matzoh ball brisket ramen bowl was pretty amazing. The pork belly bun was good too, but it is not on the traditional bun and was on the smaller side.
(5)Sophia S.
I came here with a group of four and had a great experience. There are tons of interesting appetizers to try--we had dumplings with corn and mushrooms, wings, and some specials that are escaping me. Each of us also got an order of noodles. These are not chinatown noodle house portions, but they also aren't chinatown noodle house ingredients. Interesting, fresh, and tasty. Plus its a great deal and BYO to boot. Great addition to 10th street!
(4)Lili B.
First time at this place and I was extremely satisfied with the food and the service. My friend and I went there on a rainy friday evening and the place was just packed. We waited about 10 minutes to be seated and got to look at the menu while waiting. We ordered 2 pork belly sandwichs, the duck foie gras meatball, and a pork belly ramen soup (we just shared everything). Since i bookmarked this place, I have been waiting to try the pork belly sandwich based on the pictures so my expecting were pretty high and i was not disapointed. it was just delicious. The meatball were tasty and the ramen soup is definitely something I will order again. The service was just Exceptional. The waitress was on top of her game. I told her a little late I was very sensible to spicy food and she was like: " if you find it spicy, i will just ask to have a new one made". I will definitely go to this place again (and a definite plus: it is BYOB")
(5)Colin G.
2nd time there..it's great. easy take-out option is a plus
(4)Rob B.
Pho always feels like a lot of work for me but this was great stuff. Lots of peppery flavor-al dente noodles. Juicy, melt in your mouth brisket. Also LOVE the dumpling of the day-chive pork dumplings in a smoky chili oil sauce. Amazing fries w garlic sauce and some Japanese elements (fish flakes). Omg! This food is good!! Made with great care and love.
(5)Danielle L.
Not sure what all the hype is about. They succeed at being different, but not being flavorful. We had the dumplings in chili oil, the miso ramen, and the brisket matzo ball soup. The dumplings were the best and most flavorful part of our meal. The meat in the noodles were both very good but unable to compensate for the lackluster broth. All in all, our meal was not bad, but just not memorable either. There are way better options in Center City, especially with Chinatown so close by. The miso ramen brought me back to memories of my days in Japan eating $3.50 bowls of ramen. And even those had more flavor.
(2)Michelle T.
I enjoyed their rendition of pork belly bao bun, with the fluffy flaky bun they used. I could eat the duck tacos all day - I loved the banana blossom and cucumber. My miso ramen as nice and flavorful. However, my pork in the ramen was more salty compared to my friend's miso ramen. I guess they can improve the consistency of the dishes they put out.
(4)Huyennnn D.
Found this little place on yelp while craving for hand drawn noodles. We ordered the dumplings TO START. The dumplings actually came out last after our pork kimchee burrito and miso ramen. The waiter said there was some mix up in the kitchen. (it wasnt even that busy) Everything was just OK. I'm not a fan of burritos but the pork and kimchee burrito was surpringly good. the miso ramen however was too salty and the egg was barely cooked. I know we are suppose to eat the noodles with the broth to balance out the flavors but i'm those types that like to enjoy my broth. There are other ramen places in philly i rather go to.
(3)Bill D.
Incredible noodles!! Everything I tasted here was outstanding including the hand torn noodles with lamb. The place is a little crowded and doesn't have many places to hang out while waiting... but it was worth it.
(5)Zareen S.
This tiny spot on 10th street is pretty cool and captures the noodle vibe well. Staff, ambience, music and everything else - great. Black Garlic Wings w/ shishito peppers & herbs - this is how I fantasize wings to taste in my mind and lives up to all the raves. sharp asian spice profile with some lime tang, I have never tasted anything like it. A personal favorite, shishito peppers, are yummy to eat as well. I was a bit confused about if I should or should not eat it, but it tasted fabulous, so why not ? Fish Ribs -w/ charred corn, tamarind & herbs - The corns were crunchy and fresh. Im a sucker for crispy fish skin however the fish aspect of this particular type of fish was entirely too overwhelming for me personally. So be prepared ! Thin egg noodles w/ egg, matzo balls & chile broth - The quality of the brisket is phenomenal and cooked to perfection. The broth is spicy and well seasoned w/ generous serving of noodles. Who knew a delicious matzo ball could compliment the whole dish so well. Also that matzo ball was no joke. Loved it. However, the spoon that comes with it is a tad awkward to eat out of. They need a different one thats more easier to eat with. Hand Torn noodle w/ lamb neck, pickled mustard greens & dates - This was my second favorite dish after the wings. The lamb melts in your mouth and its texture compliments the wide noodles perfectly. Lucious and a mouthfull that is bursting with complex flavors of spice, tang and sesame. The pickled mustard greens cuts the richness of the lamb perfectly. They also have a good list of beer and limited, but nice liquor list.
(4)Mary C.
Stopped in here on a cold day enroute to catch a show in Philadelphia for some noodles. Small place with trendy music, simple menu of not so simple ramen. We were a party of 5 an seated after a very short wait. Wow, beef dumplings and pork belly buns were delicious starters. Miso ramen with shredded pork shoulder and soft cooked egg, torn noodles with lamb and pickled vegetable, crab broth noodles with meatballs and brisket noodles with matzo ball all very different and not what we expected for traditional noodles but wow how delicious!!! A bit pricey with bowl of noodle for between $12-13 a bowl plus extra for more noddles or egg or other extras but certainly worth for uniqueness and tastiness. Didn't try the wings but looked very good - next time for sure.
(4)Rebecca S.
To say that I am a fan of this place is an understatement. My boyfriend and I went opening day and have been so many times since (8 for him total, 7 for me). We love the food, the owners (Shawn and Ben), the ambiance, and the attitude. Favorites: Pork belly bun (gotten one each time!), buckwheat noodles, hand torn noodles, broccoli, and the scrapple. These guys clearly love this place and are always striving to make new, creative dishes (hence the changes in the menu frequently). I tell all of my friends about this place because it's just that tasty. Can't wait to go again!
(5)O B.
Ate the kimchi (okay) , seaweed seasame cucumber noodles (good) , miso mushroom asparagus noodles (good), and long beans (best of the dishes I tried). The food would have been tasty, but all of the dishes were extremely salty!! Would have been better with less salt. Ate several hours ago and I still cannot quench my thirst despite drinking lots of water. Venue is tight. Since it was crowded got take out instead. If you are eating with a vegetarian, I would not recommend it. It seems like the big attraction for this venue is their meat.
(3)Susanne F.
Cheu is a must go to. Their ramen and Brisket noodles are divine! I could eat either of these dishes once a week, easily. I'm a bit sad they removed the Bahn Mi but I will live. The mix and fusion of foods is really delicious as well as unexpected. Looking forward to the winter and eating here a lot.
(4)R. M.
Just finished dining at Cheu noodle. I live right across the street and was excited to try it out. Throughout the week I had been salivating at the thought of a nice restaurant moving across the street. I think all of this salivating made me so hungry that upon returning home from Cheu I was still hungry. I am a petite 5 foot 2 girl. Usually it doesn't take much to fill me up but today, it just was not the case. I did share some of my meal with a friend but they did not eat much of it. I ordered the wings which were great. They were the right amount of crispiness. Following this, I had the dumplings and the Lamb which was all great. However, after spending 30 dollars, I can only justify going here after work instead of Sampan's Happy Hour because it is literally across the street from me.
(3)Frank L C.
Casual atmosphere, BYOB while they are waiting for a license. We had an exdellent meal, noodles and dumplings. The dumplings were excellent, the ramen decent, and the lamb with glass noodles superb. Atmosphere was a bit noisy, but that is very consistent with the customer base--young, hip, and cool.
(4)Francis G.
For the price I feel this place is a little overrated. The food is mediocre and the drinks are ok. I can't complain about but I'm also not raving. I think the portions are a hot small for what you pay. A bowl a noodles should be somewhat filling to the average adult. I wasn't disappointed per say, it was just an all around Meh considering all the hype.
(3)Claudia B.
i walked over at 645 on a sunday evening to pick up some noodles on my way home. 55 minutes later i left without my noodles having been harassed by an incredibly rude manager and having paid my bill 2 minutes after arriving as asked. i pity his poor abused staff. the boss was determined to serve everyone who's order came in but had a seat before i got my silly noodle bowl. really? had i been told that that was the policy upon arrival i obviously would have thanked them and left. they kept saying almost ready.... inexcusable. shame on him!
(1)Douglas D.
Food taste good. But, damn, can I get some noodles with my noodles?
(2)Katie C.
Foods Ok but the wait is not! The place fits 20 ppl max, how can they not handle that? Me and from the sounds of it, all the other neighbors, are OVER IT. You want some real soup? Pho ha blows this place away, with no wait :)
(2)Eric R.
Cheu is awesome. The brisket matzo ball pho is unreal and the buns are phenomenal. Go here now.
(4)Lee F.
While the wait was pretty long, it was certainly worth it for the best noodles I have ever had. Every item we ordered was delicious, but the best were the curry noodles. Even though the place was completely packed the staff was very attentive and friendly. Had a great selection of beers and ciders plus a few interesting cocktails I am looking forward to trying next time. The place is very noisy and they pack it pretty tightly, so it's certainly not for every occasion but if you are looking for good noodles you won't find anything better.
(5)Holly T.
Cheu Noodle Bar is by far the best eating experience I've had recently. We had overdone it the day before, so we were craving a light but delicious meal, and Cheu Noodle Bar hit the spot. We came for lunch on a weekday and I was worried there would be a line out the door, but we managed to get lucky and snagged a prime table by the windows. We started with an order of the dumplings, which that day consisted of chicken, mushroom, and corn. They were absolutely wonderful. We also shared an order of the broccoli appetizer, served with Vietnamese sausage and peanuts; it was a delicious combination of flavors. It was a warm summer day, so we shared an order of the cold jade noodles. The noodles were delightful in flavor, complemented by fresh veggies and chilled crab meat, and very refreshing. We washed everything down with a few craft cans, our only regret being that we could not eat the entire menu in one setting. We'll be back!
(5)Steve I.
Had a really fantastic lunch at this small place. The servers and staff were very friendly and efficient. The food was excellent. We arrived at 1:15 on a Friday and the place was not crowded I believe that when they a full it could be a little tight, but the food makes up for any lack of space. This is a real Asian Fusion place, the lamb dumplings had just the right amount of heat kick from a chile oil base. The lamb was very flavorful. The real fusion item was the Brisket matzo ball kimchi soup with egg noodles, one of if not the best matzo ball soups I have ever had, again the soup had just the right amount of heat and very tender flavorful brisket. The Broccoli with Vietnamese sausage with peanut topping was a fresh interesting combination that without the peanuts would have been at home on any Italian table. The cold sesame noodles were good but did not stand out as much as the other items we tried.Next visit I have to try the Cheu Fries with miso truffle, they looked fantastic.
(4)Gerard Z.
Great place. Not a ton to it, just a noodle bar done right with innovation and little pomp. Price is right, food is delicious, service is great. Broccoli and brisket noodles are musts.
(4)robert f.
Some of the best dishes we've had. The duck tacos and the "bolognasian" was also terrific.
(5)Trang N.
We came here for the first time for a 40th birthday 'Noodling' party this weekend. I always wanted to go here but with the limited menu, I was afraid I wouldn't find something filling that I would like to eat, boy was I missing out. I was surprised that the space was so small, it's LITERALLY a bar with stools and a couple of two tops. (Duh hence the name I supposed) There is a paper machete wall of pictures of various food items and people- colored christmas lights add to the laid back ambiance. I was really happy with everything that I ate- the staff was really friendly and the bartenders made great drinks. I highly recommend the milky sake- yum! The wings, some sort of goat cheese wonton and miso ramen noodles were delicious! We will be back here again go try out the menu.
(5)Danan R.
Solid fusion ramen although it's not actually authetic ramen. My yakisoba with soft-cooked soy egg, kimchi, and lamb sausage was good, albeit greasy. There were only a few pieces of the lamb, and I wish that there had been more as it was very tender and flavorful. The noodles themselves were pretty standard and a bit on the greasy side. We also tried the katsu rice bowl which was just okay, although the actual katsu was solid. The fried coating could have been crispier but it was still tasty. The brisket ramen was nice fusion take on a classic with a flavorful broth and chewy noodles. It wasn't served steaming hot but was solid, regardless. The beef croquette special was okay but nothing special. I would stick to the ramen and noodle dishes here. The venue is TINY but the tables turnover very quickly, at least.
(3)Justine S.
I really really wanted ramen. And I really really wanted to love this place. Not to say it was bad, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. We ordered the brisket matzo ball kimchi ramen and the coconut curry ramen. The toppings and ingredients were all there and sounded fantastic, but the flavors just fell a bit short. The matzo ball itself was delicious, but my brisket, though cooked nicely, tasted a bit bland and the broth was somewhat lacking. As was the coconut curry ramen, I could taste some curry but it just wasn't all there. At least not for me. On the plus side, the noodles had a great texture and the portions were perfect. I also did love the ambiance-- very hipster and chill with friendly workers.
(3)Abby W.
Fabulous. I can't wait to go back! Met up with the incomparable Sari A for a delicious dinner after work. On a Thursday at 6pm the place was already nearly full but we managed to snag the last two bar seats in the house. This place is teeny tiny, it can't seat more than 25 people I'd guess, so plan accordingly to either wait or get there early. It does get pretty loud when it's full. To drink I went with the mo-CHEU-to, a house twist on a mojito with jalapeno, and she got a spiked juice. They have a daily rotating selection of a fresh house juice blend, as well as a house iced tea. I love it when bars also cater to people who don't drink alcohol! The juice of the day was a pineapple/chai/vanilla blend, which didn't sound super appealing to me but was actually delicious. My drink had a lot of kick- where so often a drink that features jalapeno is timid and disappointing, this was bold, assertive, and very refreshing. I loved it. We shared the popular black garlic chicken wings, which were very good - crispy, substantially meaty, and had a nice glaze. While I was tempted by the crab gazpacho ramen for my entree, I had eaten gazpacho at home every day that week so I went with the item that first caught my eye, the yakisoba. They had just changed up the ingredients so this one had lamb sausage, harissa, pickled mushrooms, and raita. It was like Turkish-Japanese fusion and I loved it. There were some nice crisp-tender pea shoots in there for texture and a pop of green and the flavour combination really worked well together. My partner in crime was also interested in straying from her usual brisket ramen and trying the yakisoba, but she's not crazy about lamb. They happily substituted the brisket for the lamb and she seemed to enjoy it very much. Service was very friendly and personable and we had a great time! I don't have a single complaint - will definitely be back soon with my main squeeze. Total before tip was a very reasonable $56 for both of us and it was plenty of food. The cocktails aren't cheap, around $9, so you can get away even cheaper if you don't drink (but if you like a good cocktail it is worth the splurge!).
(5)Jenn F.
I would never think brisket, matzo ball, Kimchi, egg and noodles would work but holy cow! Amazing favors, perfect amount of food. Stop by for lunch, no wait and plenty of options. Service was great.
(5)Andrew W.
I stopped by Cheu for a lunch last week with a work friend. They've seemed to put as many tables into their small space as possible... but it didn't feel overly crowded even when filled. The food was really good, definitely a different take on noodles and kim chi than I've been used to, but the service was a bit slow during the lunch hour. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, though, since they indicated that they were down two staff members when we walked in. (Good job managing expectations on their part, there) All in all, it was a nice lunch spot... I'll definitely head back to try some of the other food items.
(4)Justin V.
Another disappointing ramen outing on the East Coast. Perhaps I have been spoiled by the plethora of awesome Japanese restaurants out in Los Angeles, but alas I continue. Came here on a beautiful Saturday evening, perhaps 7:30. Come inside and the restaurant as pretty filled and busy, generally a good sign. Interesting atmosphere; a little hipster-esque but the music was an nice mix of genres which was appreciated( example: Dr. Dre - The Next Episode, a West Coast classic). Service was nice and friendly all night. My waiter at the bar was extremely charismatic. Unfortunately the food fell sort of expectation. I am a firm believer that good fusion is extremely difficult to do. Thankfully, I had a dining companion, a recent transplant from China who has never experienced this type of food, with me to discuss thoughts on said food. Black Garlic Wings (2.5/5) - These wings were missing texture to them. The texture was equivalent to eating pre-cooked hot wings that were thrown into the oven for 45 minutes which was extremely off putting. Flavors were bold (and interesting to my friend) and the shishito pepper was a nice addition. Wish there could have been to crunch to these wings. Shrimp Toast (1/5) - Shrimp toast is typically slightly sweet but the shrimp here was lacked flavor. It wasn't seasoned properly to exhume that inherent sweetness from the crustacean.The toast was burnt which led to a bitter, bland tasting small plate. The avocado was lost in the toast and didn't add much. I found the addition of the seaweed to be slightly off-putting as well. Friend agreed that it was a weird tasting dish. Brisket Ramen (2/5) - Noodles came out molto al dente but got better as the noodles sat in the dish. The amount of brisket in this dish is truly sad.Two slices, when combined, about equal the size of your typical business card. I know this is CC Philadelphia but c'mon. $13 for a noodle soup dish, there should be more meat. It's not as if the accompanying side dishes (matzoball, kimchi) were particularly expensive.The kimchi was a welcomed addition but the matzoball just seemed out of place.The base was just a sad salty/spicy dump. There was no essence in the soup. This didn't taste like a soup that was cooked with bones overnight. It tasted like that powdered shit you ate when you were in college. Pork Belly Bowl (3.5/5) - The saving grace of the restaurant came last. It's really hard to go wrong with pork belly. Served here was the breaded and fried version; the first of this type that I've encountered. The piece we received was decent in size and had a fair amount of fat which gave it great flavor. The sauce, which tasted exactly like hoisin, was at times overwhelming with it's sweet flavor and viscosity, but it paired well with the included sliced cucumber (a classic combination). My dining companion thoroughly enjoyed this dish as well. We both agreed it was the strongest of the night. For me, fusion generally comes off as food that I would have made in college when I was high. Here at Cheu, it's unfortunately not too far off. I'll be back to give it another shot when the menu changes up.
(2)Sarah P.
I went back here for a date night recently and I've decided that I can't let my last review sit at 4 stars- the meal I had was perfection. My boyfriend's first impression of Cheu was warmth and friendliness. The staff chatted with him as he sipped on a beer by himself at the bar (he waited a while for me to bike there from UCity). It's possible they were just being nice because he looked like he got stood up on a date (lol), but he said the hostess and servers kept him entertained the whole time he waited. As for the food, he ordered the yakisoba (subbing tofu for chorizo) and I got the coconut curry with soft egg added in. As an afterthought, we threw in the crispy corn rangoon appetizer. Let me tell you, it was the best damn afterthought I've ever had. These fritters may honestly be up there with the best things I've ever eaten. The crispy coating is light and delicious, contrasted with smooth and creamy goat cheese and corn filling. Pair it with a tangy red miso, and you have perfection. Highly recommend. The yakisoba was similarly fantastic. The queso fresco on top was an interesting choice, but it worked really well with the dish. I swear, the best part of having a significant other is being able to always steal their food. I got the coconut curry, because I remember it being pretty good the last time I ordered it a year ago. I think they've upped their game too, because it was definitely spicier and more flavorful than the first time I tried it. I didn't NEED to add any hot sauce this time (but I did anyway). Pair those flavors with some of the best noodles in town, and you have a great meal. At 40$ for everything, it isn't too expensive either. I think sitting at the noodle bar really changed the experience for me as well: the location places you at the center of all things fun and lively. Plus you get to watch the chefs do their thing. Cheu noodle bar makes for a great date spot, because the small space brings you in close proximity with your dining partner, but the casual atmosphere also doesn't make things feel stuffy or stilted. Already fantasizing about my next trip here.
(5)Jennifer E.
For an Asian, I have to say that it was an Americanized version of ramen and dumplings. It doesn't taste as great as the reviews have put it. Probably not the best noodle place to go to if you come from an Asian family! Recommend Chinatown instead for really good broth and ramen! Giving it a three star only because the brisket was good.
(3)Ron G.
Note, take out review: My love for postmates continues to grow, as within 45 minutes, I had hot meal delivered to me from a place I've been meaning to try. The good: My brisket noodle soup and dumplings in chili oil arrived hot. The broth was separate from its components such that the noodles were al dente and when combined together, were just right. The brisket was very good. The dumpling filling (pork) was fresh and better than most. The bad: The broth was very underwhelming. It was certainly salty and savory enough, however, just left a lot to be desired. Considering the broth brings the whole dish together, I really couldn't get through it. The matzo ball addition to the soup seems forced to me, or, I'm just not a matzo fan. The dumplings were cooked well and the filling, as mentioned, was well done, however, the chili oil it was in lacked flavor. I think the rest of the menu seems interesting enough to try again, most likely in person. Noodle soup is probably best enjoyed at the restaurant, so this review may be a bit biased.
(2)John K.
The melange of all things Jewish and Asian isn't just with relationships (yes, I went there!). The juxtaposition of cuisines is offered from the mind of Chef Ben Puchowitz, who previously helmed the kitchen of reknowned BYO Matyson. His global approach helped propel him forward in 2013, with Cheu Noodle Bar. This isn't Philly's version of Chef Andy Ricker of Pok Pok fame. In other words, this isn't just a non-Asian chef who's simply doing great Asian food. It's a true melange of cuisines. And why not? There are common and, more importantly, complementary elements from both ends of the culinary spectrum. And with the newly opened Bing Bing Dim Sum from the partnership of Chef Puchowitz and Shawn Darragh, I thought it was high time I finished up this review of the original Puchowitz-Darragh production! White Peach Mint Iced Tea [$3] While the mint could have been more pronounced, I appreciated the unsweetened and subtly saccharine approach of the white peach iced tea. Cheu Fries [$8] Miso truffle aioli, fish flake The Cheu fries featured smoky bonito fish flakes on top. Asian poutine? Count me in! While the oft-decried combo of cheese and fish wasn't in this dish, an umami-laden blend of miso truffle aioli replaced the curds. Perhaps a nod to the way the Japanese love mayo with pretty much everything? The fries could have been a bit more crisp, but each bite offered the epitome of umami. Black Garlic Wings [$10] Shisito peppers, lime, cilantro If there's one dish to try besides the ramen, it's the black garlic wings. There's a bright punch of flavor from the juicy wings - spicy, sweet, salty, and savory - it's all there. The black garlic definitely emphasizes the sweet and savory elements, but it's the combination of cilantro and lime that really makes the dish. There's some additional texture coming from the sesame seeds and the accompanying shishito peppers are nicely smoky. Pork Belly Bun [$3] We decided to try one of each of their buns as well. Obviously the pork belly is always a must order for me. Realistically though, this was not the best iteration I've had. The pork was definitely gluttonous, but there was a lack of seasoning that rendered the flavor and texture of the pork rather one note. I definitely prefer the traditional bun as well. Cheeseburger Bun [$3] To their credit, this was a decently moist slider. However, for $3, it seemed rather lackluster. Mushroom Bun [$3] The shiitake mushroom bun was nice and offered prototypical flavors founded in most Asian mushroom-based dishes. Yakisoba 2.0 [$13] Shrimp, shiso verde, charred corn, radish On a brighter note, the GF really enjoyed the yakisoba, especially with the addition of the charred corn and thinly sliced radish. The shiso verde and scallions helped to cut through the richness of the well-coated and al dente noodles, with juicy bits of shrimp studded throughout. Brisket Ramen [$13] with Pork Belly [$3] Matzo ball, kimchi, sesame chili broth If there's something to get at Cheu Noodle Bar, I would recommend the brisket ramen, with the added addition of pork belly. Might be going overboard on my end, but come on now, does it get better than this marriage of Jew-Asian cuisine. You've got pungent kimchi providing some balance to the weight of the matzo ball. The richness of the porkbelly and the broth is punched up by the textural beefiness of the brisket. The noodles have good bite and seem to soak up the umami of the broth. The vibe of Cheu Noodle Bar is a bit hipster-Brooklyn-too-cool-for-school, with creative takes on comfort cuisine. Do try the black garlic wings and definitely check out that ramen!
(4)Sari A.
Yesterday, the temperature hovered just above zero, and the snow was accumulating up to 3 inches, I bravely decided to take a walk, fight the nasty storm and avoid the fear of falling! Now I'm freezing cold and starving, and it hit me, nothing would be better than a comforting bowl of hot noodles in a frigid, wintry day like this. A light bulb moment. Cheu Noodle Bar! Luckily I live less than two blocks away from Cheu, I got there covered in snow and I saw no single empty seat!!! OMG. All of those people- just like me- decided to take walks to Cheu instead of curling up and Netflixing!! The sweet and friendly hostess said the wait would be up to 30 minutes, so I opt for take out. I was on-call and I didn't have the luxury of wasting time waiting and dining in, in addition, sitting on my lovely couch, eating my hot noodles while binge-watching suddenly appeared to be a brilliant idea! At this point, I'm not even sure why I'm out! Yeah I needed something delicious and warm lunch, because nutrition and stuff. I ordered the brisket noodles, dumplings in chili oil and a fresh juice. Noodles: brisket - matzo ball, kimchi, sesame chili broth. Tender beef brisket,firm and elastic noodles. Not being Jewish, I never even heard of matzo ball before, but it is totally delicious! Dumplings: Ginger Beef Dumplings. All I can say is hands down to the best dumplings i've ever had. Fresh Juice: Apple and Ginger Fresh Juice Actually i didnt had the juice, they forget to add it in my take-out bag. It happens! So I called them, and as I expected they were really nice and offered a refund to my card. I cant wait for this frigid winter to end, I may just hibernate until the sun shines again. Oh Noooo, Cheu doesn't offer delivery yet. So I'll have to suck it up this few cold weeks- thanks Groundhog- and just go back and try another intriguing dish, you know that noodles aren't the ONLY reason to go to Cheu! Four and half Yelps!
(4)Taos D.
Definitely try out the beef brisket w the kimchi and the matzo ball- a spicy taste explosion!
(4)Casey B.
Finally got around to trying Cheu! Love the small, cozy, Christmaslight-y vibe here, although it's usually pretty packed I guess since it's so small. The waitstaff were super chill, willing to answer any questions, and were very proactive about things like bringing extra bowls for sharing, refilling water, etc. Came with two ladyfriends and shared the: Pork & pickle dumplings Crispy corn rangoon Yakisoba (no broth) Coconut curry noodles (brothy) Everything was fantastic, although my personal faves were the crispy corn rangoons and the coconut curry noodles. Left feeling perfectly full but not over-the-top i'm gonna vomit type full. Will definitely be back!
(5)Ashley T.
since my last review i have gone to Cheu 3 more times. Their noodle dishes are delicious. The right amount of noodle/meat ratio and friendly service as always. thank you!
(4)Joshua V.
The apparent ramen boom in this city was just in its fledgling stages during my twilight years in Philadelphia. Alas, if the timing for the boom was more timely, perhaps it would have been enough to ensnare me in the City of Brotherly love for just a bit longer, instead of being tempted by the bright lights and more-tolerant/accepting-of-azn-dudes attitude as seen in NYC. But nah... Be that as it may, the book of a space serving as the place of business for Cheu Noodle House is a small cozy stretch of bar with hues of red and dim atmospheric lighting. Luckily my dining party was able to make reservations for our squad of 3 (reservations apply for dinner time only, and parties of 5 or smaller... place is tiny) While some may cry foul at the fact that this joint is smaller than a Malaysian in a cold pool (think about it...) I actually dig the extremely efficient use of space; a very Asian touch, reminiscent of ramen-yas in the land of the rising sun... whether or not this was by accident or design is irrelevant, so kudos Cheu. And they really do need all the touches of the Orient as they can get... as the inverse principle laid out by the dad of -Fresh Off the Boat-... "white people like walking into steakhouses and seeing a familiar white face"... Asians (more than me I'm sure) get a feeling of comfort seeing Asian people running joints serving up Asian cuisine; not because we're racist sons of b*tches, but rather because we can at least rationalize that the food is authentic (prob even more so than the "whites" and "steakhouses" connection). So I was a bit taken by surprise when I was greeted by a non-Asian hostess and served by some Williamsburg rejects... but save for a mistaken order (Viet sausage and broccoli instead of the dumplings we ordered) the service was pretty much on their game, and it was a packed house. Most importantly, the food was pretty spot on. It was cold as eff the day I paid this place a visit, and some hot soup was desperately needed. But first, my dining companions and myself needed a few appetizers to stave off our collective hunger. The black garlic wings had a nice sweetness to that garlicky bite that's pretty terrific, the dumplings were standard fare (not bad but kinda small), and then oyster and pork belly buns were tasty as hell (wish didn't need to share, but I like company... so rock and a hard place). The star of the show though was my noodle bowl. I opted for the brisket noodle bowl. Not exactly a traditional bowl of ramen... beef brisket instead of pork belly, and a matzo ball instead of a soft boiled egg... but I'm all for a bit of fusion of done right (just like your staff here). The broth was spicy enough (don't let the red scare you off) to give me a bit of heat while still being edible, the matzo actually proved to be an effective vehicle for mopping up the soupy soup (prob burned off the roof of my mouth and my throat trying to down this thing), and the brisket was tender as hell. For the value (ranges in pricing from $12-$14), the bowls of noodles here are relatively cheaper than the stuff I'm used to ordering here in NYC, and I'm all for cheaper. Good job Neu Noodle House, I wouldn't mind coming back to see you.
(4)Debbie L.
Loved the brisket kimchi ramen but I would recommend substituting the matzo ball with an egg! The matzo ball is made of matzah meal (unleavened bread customary to Jewish culture), and made the ramen meal heavier than it needed to be (more carbs). Cheu Noodle Bar has a great collection of cheap, unique beers - great for the wait at this tiny restaurant!
(4)Rohenne L.
This place is amazing!!! Everyone must try the matzo ball with brisket noodle soup. The brisket is super tender, the meat just falls apart after you put it in your mouth. The slightly spicy soup seeps into the matzo ball giving it the most flavorful taste. Lastly, the noodles were perfectly cooked. It was al dente and not too soft like most Asian noodle soups. (It was so good I forgot to take a photo!) We also had the dumplings in chili oil - reminded me more of a ravioli than a Chinese dumpling, but I loved it! Wasn't too spicy and the dumpling skin was nice and chewy. Another dish we had and of course, loved, was the pork belly rice bowl. It's a katsu so the pork belly is slightly breaded and fried. Oh my, the pork was sooooo tender. The sushi rice they used paired perfectly with the pork and the katsu sauce they used. I'm drooling just thinking about it. If you get this dish, I'd recommend adding some of the hot chili oil they give you on the table. Gives the dish a little bit of a kick. I'm definitely going back to this place!
(5)Jon O.
Best ramen in Philly. I got the kimchi, matzo ball, brisket ramen (+egg) and it was really good... but I'll get the miso ramen next time. I tried my wife's and it was knockout. Probably the best ramen I've ever had.
(5)Rachel K.
My boyfriend and I were in the mood for some ramen yesterday, so we decided to try Cheu and I'm glad we did! I had the beef brisket ramen with matzo ball and kimchi... whoa baby! I'm half Asian and my dad's side of the family is Jewish.. felt like my culture in a bowl, haha! But really, it was absolutely divine. Our waitress was friendly and had the right amount of attentiveness. I appreciate the balance of keeping an eye out but not hovering over the table. The interior of the restaurant was small but cute. We arrived when there was no one in the restaurant and upon walking in, were greeted with "welcome to your own personal dining experience!" which made us giggle. Glad we came when we did though, because the crowd came in after we paid. Will definitely be back when the mood for ramen strikes!
(5)Caroline J.
Stopped in for lunch with three friends around 1:00 on a Tuesday. There was a 10-20 min wait, but eventually got seated right by the window. Service was pretty quick and friendly, and food was delish. A tad pricey for ramen, but in the gayborhood that's to be expected. Beer was reasonably priced and they had some cool specialty drinks. I also loved the decor! Fun place to stop in for some good soup on a cold day.
(4)Sam W.
Very cool place. Decor and ambiance was 5/5. Food was 4/5. Interesting flavors.
(4)Rey R.
It was a very snowy cold day and hot soup was the cure. Heard a lot of buzz about this place since they're opening a 2nd restaurant in my neighborhood on E. Passyunk. I got the Braised Beef Noodle Soup that contained a Matzo ball, different touch that I liked. The broth was spicy and delicious, drank every drop. Wifey had the curry soup and she enjoyed it. Chicken wings won a award and deserved it. Crispy and flavorful. I would definitely return again.
(4)Katie K.
My boyfriend went for a walk to see what was around his new apartment. Not only did we wander way to far, but we got hungry in the process. Finding this place was a total accident, but it was crowded so it had to be good. We put our name down and 45 minutes later got the call that our table was ready. I really appreciate places that take your number. It's so much nicer to be able to walk around rather than stand in front of the place and wait. First off, we didn't get a table but rather got the counter. Usually I don't like to eat at counters but facing into the kitchen is pretty cool. I really like to see what being put into my food. It was also pretty fascinating to see how both chefs worked together but separately. One chef makes the soup bowls while another makes the noodle bowls. So if your party order both soups and noodles, they will come out at different times. I don't mind it at all, and actually prefer that I get my food as soon as it's done. I got the brisket ramen. Oh. My. God. It was so good. As someone who doesn't necessarily like fusion cuisine, I was so impressed and didn't feel confused eating it. The brisket was so tender and obviously smoked perfectly- with the beautiful pink ring on the outside. The matzo was typical, but served as a great textural element with the broth. The kimchi was as good as I've had at any Korean restaurant. But the menu indicated this was going to be spicy. While it had a bit of heat, it didn't make me sweat- which I guess is good for the summer. They have chili oil and sriracha on the counter. I thought about using it, but I didn't want to mess up the flavor profile or being stuck blowing my nose during the meal. The staff was really friendly. Every waitress came up and talked to us- both checking on how we were doing and telling me I looked like Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones. They also have a really good playlist, but it was a little loud. There was a lot of people talking in a very small space. But I come to restaurants for the food, not necessarily to have a salon. I could be heard without yelling and the food was phenomenal. That's all I look for.
(5)Laura G.
Great costumer service always compels me to write a review! I've experienced this at both of these restaurants cheu and bing bing! There was mix up with my contact number so my wait to eat here was bit longer than it should have been. The hostess was apologetic and also buttered us up with free dumplings when we sat! The food is amazing here. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Great staff, clean and super cool vibes
(5)Di P.
I like that this place was really upfront and said-- hey, we're a bunch of white guys who like ramen and other asian stuff, and we're gonna make it out own. I appreciate the asian fetish being spelled out. While this place is pretty small (and therefore often has a wait) it's a pretty cool place to have a low-key delicious dinner. Yays: fun place to get ramen not in Chinatown with a quick and efficient staff Nays: i miss the authenticity and didn't really like paying a higher price to sit in a not very comfy place (lots of stools and hard chairs) If I lived closed to this noodle bar, I'd pop in more regularly because the food wasn't at all bad-- but not really worth me waiting an hour for.
(3)Mike M.
Fantastic, worth the hype in every way. Ambience is hip, small, and fun with most of the space taken up by the bar but there are a few tables for larger parties but would not advise coming here with more than a group of 4. Daily specials to your left when you walk-in, for beer, dumplings, etc. Hostess is right there, mine was very friendly and offered to take our number and call us when a table opened (15 minute wait on a Monday @ 7 p.m.). Ordered the wings, which our waitress informed us were voted best in Philly. If they were voted most unique, I would buy it. They have a very unique taste given the preparation (black garlic (?), seeds), but I thought the meat quantity lacked a bit and was just a tad too breaded. I would still recommend, and for $9 I think there is value there but best in Philly is a stretch. The ramen was insanely good. I allowed the waitress to pick, and she ordered me what I assume is the standard version on the menu - Miso ramen with pork shoulder and an egg. Wowzers....incredible flavor, portion size was great (for $13), pork shoulder was absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. I cannot say enough good things. My buddy got the same but added pickled jalapeno and pork belly, he shared my opinion....supremely good stuff. Got some drinks as well, I had the bourbon with mint which was really refreshing, light on the booze though.... Net, highly recommend, if it were healthy food would be here once a week for sure.
(5)Ashley L.
After dining here close to a dozen times, I thought it would be a good time to write a review. Can I start by just saying wow?! The restaurant itself is very small, so I wouldn't recommend it for groups. But whether you snag a seat at bar overlooking the open kitchen, or at a table, you will be in good hands. I've been pretty lucky every time I come here not to wait for a table, but you may encounter a wait. The menu is pretty simple- which is good. Some appetizers, 3 soup options, and a few noodle dishes. They also have a nice selection of craft beer cans, wine, and unique cocktails. Our go-to items here are the dumplings (fillings change on a daily basis but you can't go wrong), miso ramen, and the matzo ball brisket ramen. I've had my fair share of dumplings, but these have to be my absolute favorite. So flavorful, and topped with a bit of crunch, adding an amazing texture. The miso ramen is my personal favorite. The broth is heavy, but I've never tasted a soup with more flavor. I thought they may have added cream to the broth, but found out it's really just from all the fat- but no complaints there! The matzoball brisket is also a crowd favorite. I mean, just the description is so unique you have to try it. The broth is a little spicy, so not my forte, but I've never seen an empty bowl. And the staff are great too. You can see all the chefs working hard, and no-matter the wait, always serve up the food in a timely fashion. The waiters are cool, very down to earth and speak to you more like a friend than a customer. All adding to one-of-a-kind experience that is Cheu. This is for sure one of my favorite restaurants in the city. A must try if you haven't been yet!
(5)timaree s.
The coconut curry noodles......... *droooooool*. Seriously, everything I've ever eaten here is delightful. The waitstaff is fantastic, the drinks are quality and the ambiance is cool. If they had the ability to make the space twice as large to accommodate more people at a time, it would be flawless.
(4)Sondra C.
I had the ramen with pork. Chewy ramen, succulent, fall off the bone pork, drizzled with a sweet brown sauce... a soup so rich in flavor you could bite it... and a jiggling soft boiled egg, that, when broken, adds that velvety texture and taste. I slurped down every drop. And so should you.
(5)Chris C.
A different kind of soul food! This is what I want hands down if I'm hung over, if it's cold out or really anytime. It warms your soul. The cornmeal matzo ball is top of the line. Love the brisket bowl. Have yet to be disappointed
(4)Kelsey G.
Hands down one of my favorite places in the city. The yakisoba noodles are my jam. The buns are also incredible. I recommend the mushroom, but I'm also a vegetarian; however they do have a variety of meat buns like pork belly and cheeseburger. The service is awesome and super friendly. Music is always on point. The drink selection never lets me down. If you haven't already, come to cheu. If not, that's cool. Less of a wait for me.
(5)JB Y.
Perfect place. Casual and friendly staff, really chill atmosphere and food was fantastic. Cheeseburger bun and pork belly bun were amazingly tasty, brisket matza ball kimchi ramen was amazing. I definitely recommend it for casual very tasty dining.
(5)