Baka Umai, the Hawthorne ramen shop that built a following for fiercely spicy bowls, has quietly opened a second outpost in Northwest Portland called the Ramen Den. The new den soft-opened earlier this year and is already serving the full ramen menu in a dimmer, more intimate dining room with table service. Management says finishing touches and a cocktail program are being installed ahead of a formal grand opening.
As reported by Eater Portland, the Ramen Den began its first service on February 12 at 1203 NW 23rd Avenue, and the shop plans to complete a custom walnut sign and add extra tables before announcing a grand opening. The piece notes that Baka Umai is known for intensely spicy bowls, including habanero and ghost-pepper options, along with occasional experimental one-offs that sell out quickly. Owner Bobby Greenup told Eater he was able to expand only after building a strong team at the original shop so both locations could operate without lowering standards.
A City of Portland liquor-license notice for Baka Umai LLC confirms the NW 23rd address and shows the application was accepted on Sept. 9, 2025. The notice lists 26 indoor seats and 12 outdoor seats and identifies Robert Greenup as the applicant. It also sets posted operating hours that match the den’s current schedule and indicates the business sought a full on-premises license to serve alcohol.
A Cozier, Spicier Room
The Ramen Den trades the original counter service for table service and leans into a low-light, den-like vibe while offering more beer on tap. Eater Portland reports the cocktail menu will include a Paper Crane made with Toki Black whisky, Aperol, mizunara liqueur and mandarin ume sake, finished with a miniature origami-crane garnish. Staff say those drinks and a handful of interior updates were expected to roll out within weeks of the soft opening.
Noodles, Commissary And The Team
The original Hawthorne location continues to operate as the kitchen and commissary, producing broth, noodles and prep for both spots while keeping the Hawthorne counter-service experience running. Baka Umai notes the operation makes multiple types of house noodles, a point the team says helps maintain consistent bowls across two sites. The owner has emphasized that building staff depth and tightening back-of-house systems made the expansion possible without diluting the restaurant’s punchy flavors.
Hours And Practical Info
Per the City of Portland, the Ramen Den’s posted hours are Wednesday–Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., and Sunday noon–8 p.m., with the shop closed Monday–Tuesday. The notice also indicates outdoor seating is part of the design, and the team says the full ramen menu is already available at the NW 23rd location…