Is This Nationally Acclaimed Ramen Chain’s Northern Colorado Spot Worth a Visit?

Finding excellent Japanese dishes in Colorado is, well, like finding a juicy cheeseburger in Japan. Challenging.

My tastebuds danced when I heard udon featured at one local spot. We nearly walked out when the bowl of noodles swam in what tasted like canned chicken broth, not the traditional umami-filled broth.

So, when a spot that has gained national acclaim for its ramen opened in Fort Collins, Colorado, I had to try it.

Impressive, Nationally Acclaimed Ramen Bar Lands in Northern Colorado

Jinya Ramen Bar recently opened at Fort Collins' Foothills Shopping Center. The ramen chain has 60 locations across the United States and Canada, including Colorado restaurants at Union Station in Denver and Ameristar in Black Hawk.

Off I went to find a flavorful, more authentic bowl of noodles.

One dish definitely delivered with a full-flavored, deep broth expected of ramen. That dish, the Cha Cha Cha, will soon move from highlighted special to secret menu status. The bowl “for garlic lovers” features pork chashu (pork belly), seasoned egg, bean sprouts, chopped onion, green onion, garlic — even a side of fresh garlic to add more — and chili powder.

Chili might be a theme, even if unplanned, as other dishes featured doses rather than dashes, as often happens when kitchen staff attempt to make veggie entrees special. I usually prefer showcasing more veggies and letting them sing with just a bit of accompaniment.

Jinya prominently features plant-based and vegan options, including the trademarked Impossible faux meats. Among those options are traditional ramen bases and additions. Rice bowls or quinoa-bean mix bowls offer a ramen alternative.

Mini wonton-shelled “tacos” and pressed sushi are unique offerings among appetizers aplenty. Jinya even has takoyaki, octopus balls. You find them all over Japan at restaurants and cute streetside stands. The ones I had in Japan were big on octopus. I hear Jinya’s are more breading, but I didn’t try them.

Bonus, for authenticity. Bonus, too, for sake and Japanese beer selection. The bar offers an extensive selection of New Belgium, Odell, and Horse and Dragon craft brews, too. Creative cocktails and mocktails (right on the sober trend) impress.

Everything but the noodles is fresh-made in-house, which is impressive for a fast-growing chain.

The modern vibe echoes the menu. Moody vintage-styled lightbulbs cast a golden glow across loft-style faux brick and more traditionally inspired wood tables. A community table and kitchen-side ramen counter showcase modern and traditional vibes. The bar, too, will be a great midtown drink stop.

Jinya would make a great Fort Collins happy hour spot. And whether you know your noodles or are a newbie, give the dishes a try.

Here’s a look at the Jinya Fort Collins experience.