Conveniently located near Union Station, Jinya Ramen Bar brings a dynamic approach to ramen with a menu that caters to a range of preferences. The restaurant specializes in broths that vary from creamy, pork-based tonkotsu to lighter chicken and vegetable-based options. Customizable toppings, including seasoned eggs and marinated beef, allow diners to tailor its bowls to their liking. The attention to noodle texture and broth depth ensures that each bowl is a satisfying and personalized experience.
At Jinya, ramen isn’t just a dish; it’s an art form. The menu offers a thoughtful selection of broth styles to suit every palate, from the rich, slow-simmered tonkotsu to lighter chicken. Diners can personalize their bowls with an impressive lineup of toppings — think perfectly marinated chashu pork, seasoned soft-boiled eggs, fresh green onions, crispy garlic and spicy miso paste.
Standout selections we tried included the Spicy Chicken Ramen, a fan favorite with its fiery kick and balanced, savory broth and the signature Tonkotsu Black, known for its bold garlic oil and ultra-creamy pork base. And for those craving a little extra indulgence, there’s the option to level up your bowl with additional noodles, eggs, or extra protein.
On our visit to Jinya, we met with Dino Arvanetes to discuss the menu and the 15-year expansion of the ramen bar. Dino is a fascinating man who has traveled the world investigating restaurants and cuisine. Working his way up from a 15-year-old busboy to Colorado Area Manager and Director of Operations has been a journey in itself. With about 60 franchise locations today, the LA-based ramen bar is growing quickly across the United States as a local favorite.
“We chose ramen, because it’s really growing, and hasn’t really scratched the surface yet as far as restaurant concepts go,” Dino shared about the inspiration of Jinya. Over our interview, we enjoyed an iced green tea that arrived like a cool breeze on a summer day. Served in a tall, sweat-kissed glass, the house-brewed green tea is impeccably crisp, striking a perfect balance between earthy, vegetal notes and a subtle, natural sweetness.
“Tomo Takahashi and his team curate the entire menu,” Dino continued, one of the restaurant’s founders and CEO as he recommends dishes for us to try. Our first course was the pork bao bun adorned with cucumber, spring mix and Japanese mayo to die for. The pillowy-soft steamed bun felt like biting into a cloud, delicately cradling a thick slice of tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork chashu.
The richness of the pork was balanced by the cool, crisp snap of fresh cucumber and the subtle peppery bite of spring mix. But what truly made this bao memorable was the Japanese mayo: impossibly creamy, with a slightly tangy umami kick that elevated every bite.
Next was the salmon sushi Akura. A clean, beautiful bite that struck a bold yet balanced note. Each piece featured a buttery slice of salmon, so fresh it practically shimmered. Resting atop perfectly seasoned rice, it was crowned with a paper-thin slice of jalapeño — a playful pop of heat that danced on the palate without overpowering the delicate fish. But what sealed the deal was the drizzle of Jinya’s house-made spicy mayo: rich, silky and carrying a gentle heat that lingered just long enough to keep you reaching for the next piece. It was a simple composition, but every element earned its place on that plate.
Then came the shredded slow-cooked beef brisket ramen — a showstopper in a bowl. The aroma alone was a full sensory experience: deep, savory notes of rich broth mingling with fresh herbs and citrus. The slow-cooked beef brisket was fall-apart tender, strands of meat soaking up the flavorful broth like a sponge. Each bite reminded us of the comforting crock pot roasts our family would make back home — that familiar, hearty depth — but with a distinctly Japanese twist. The addition of fresh cilantro, diced onions and a squeeze of lime cut through the richness with brightness and a touch of acidity, creating a perfect balance. The broth was so good you found yourself hesitating between savoring it slowly and unapologetically tipping the bowl to your lips.
While ramen is undoubtedly the star, Jinya’s atmosphere is fun and inviting. A small neon sign in the dining room reminds you that Denver loves ramen, but truthfully none can do it like this. Just right of the sign is a beautiful, minimalistic bar for sharing a drink or some great conversation. The drinks program features a curated selection of sake, Japanese whiskey and local craft beers that pair perfectly with the bold flavors on the menu.
The vibe inside Jinya strikes a balance between casual comfort and polished energy. Warm wood accents, sleek black fixtures and communal tables create a lively but inviting setting — whether you’re grabbing a quick solo lunch or catching up with friends over shared small plates and steamy bowls of ramen.
Since landing near Union Station, Jinya has carved out a significant space in Denver’s competitive ramen market, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with local independents and other national concepts. “We have a great location we’re right across from Union Station, so it’s always something happening down here and that’s great for us,” Dino tells me, “It’s been very good down here.” Its consistent quality, thoughtful service and welcoming atmosphere keep both ramen enthusiasts and first-timers coming back.
One of Jinya’s standout qualities is its commitment to authenticity while still offering guests flexibility. Customizable bowls allow diners to dial in their ideal combination of broth richness, spice levels and add-ins — a rarity in the ramen world where most places stick to preset recipes.
Jinya Ramen Bar is located at 1710 Wynkoop St., Denver. Its hours are Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.