Suzu Noodle House

Wanting to get away from the cluttered confines of my room on my first day of summer vacation, I got a ride from my father to Japantown in San Francisco! Japantown has been one of my favorite places to go since I was a child, and to spend my morning there today was rather relaxing, even though I kept thinking of all the people I left behind......

Since I haven't started working yet and don't have too much money, I walked around the Kintetsu and Miyako malls and looked into my favorite stores. I think I've really learned how to manage my money. I did buy a few things, but I didn't spend an extravagant amount like I used to. Eager to try a new restaurant, I peered at some menus and decided to eat at Suzu Noodle House. I'd eaten there once before about a year and a half ago, and thought their ramen was pretty tasty.

I was alone for lunch, and was seated outside at a little wooden table. The view was interesting; Suzu Noodle House is downstairs and has a perfect view of people coming down the stairs and meandering around. Perfect for people-watching. The service was rather prompt and nice; I received a free cup of tea as I sat down that was refilled a few times. The tea was deep brown and tasted like mugi-cha, which is barley tea. It was hot and refreshing! I was worried the waitresses would forget about me since I was outside, but they never did.

I was in the mood for a lunch combination, which is always a good deal in Japantown. I ordered the Tonkatsu Noodle combination, which consisted of a little bowl of tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) over rice and a bowl of noodles. I had three options: udon (thick white noodles), soba (thin buckwheat noodles), or ramen (thin Chinese noodles). The noodles could be served either hot or cold. I chose hot soba noodles.

The noodles and tonkatsu came quickly! The noodles were steaming hot; they tasted soft but fresh. Green onion and little clumps of tempura batter floated around. The little bowl of tonkatsu hit the spot; it was light, tasty, and fresh. I was very satisfied with my meal, and the fact that there are many options to choose from makes it a restaurant I would want to visit again. The prices aren't too high; my meal was $9.95, yet for a dollar more I could have had chicken katsu, which I find strange....why charge an extra dollar for chicken?

However, I understand why this place is crowded on the weekends for lunch. Luckily, today is Thursday and it wasn't crowded at all. Be sure to get there early if you do go on the weekend!

Suzu Noodle House

1825 Post Street

(between Fillmore St & Webster St)

San Francisco, CA 94115

(415) 346-5083

Rating: 4 out of 5

Prices: $$

Tippies: Go for the lunch combinations! :) And check out all the different kinds of Ramen they serve!