There are few things that get many out of the bubble of Hudson County, but if ramen has something to do with it, it’s fair game. And that’s exactly what Black Beard Ramen in Cliffside Park has done: Made us get in the car and drive to eat it. Intrigued to the point of obsession, the “trek” {dramatic, yes} was made to give this revered ramen spot a go. And it was quite the treat. Here’s all about Black Beard Ramen, located at 607 Cliffside Park:
About Black Beard
While Mitsuwa isn’t far and also offers a decent array of ramen specialties, Black Beard is a no-frills, hidden gem that has a chill vibe and a bangin’ Tonkotsu ramen, if that’s your thing. You’ll almost miss it as it’s a bit of a hole-in-the-wall, but they actually have parking {= clutch, if you’re a Hudson County resident}.
Once inside, there are about 7-10 small tables for seating small parties, and a casual bar with four chairs for more relaxed seating or if dining alone. {Trust that on busy nights — which is the reg — you may be sitting here if you want to ensure you get your ramen fix!}
^It’s BYOB, FYI!
What’s on the Menu
For apps, the Steamed Gyoza + Vegetarian Curry rice are go-tos. We actually ordered two baskets of the Gyoza for our party of four. Noms.
On the menu are several ramen options, not too extensive, just the essentials. The four options, all of which come in normal and large sizing, range from $10-$14 {and then you can add in extras}.
Tonkotsu {A silky-smooth pork and veggie broth topped with chashu [stewed pork], scallions, fried onions, marinated bamboo shoots, wild ear mushrooms, and dried seaweed}.
Tonkotsu Gyokai {A broth made by mixing the Tonkotsu broth with fish broth. This one is topped with chashu, scallions, fried onions, mushrooms, bamboo, fish cake, and dried seaweed}.
Miso {A pork, fish, and veggie broth combined with a house-blended miso — topped with chashu, scallions, fried onions, naruto, bamboo, mushrooms, and dried seaweed}.
Green Curry {A pork and fish broth that is topped with chashu, scallions, bamboo, and fried onions}.
The menu specifies that you can request the noodles to be cooked firmer or softer than normal, as well as less salt.
One drawback to the menu is that eggs aren’t included in the ramen dishes — each egg is an extra $1.5, but since the bowl of ramen isn’t insanely expensive, it’s not the end of the world {unless you want all the extras, then god speed}.
Want More to Do in Cliffside Park? Check Out Om Sweet Home’s Vegan Bakery
Hours of Black Beard:
Tuesday through Friday, 11:30AM – 3:00PM, 5:00-9:00PM
Saturday 11:00AM – 3:00PM; 5:00PM – 9:30PM
Sunday 11:00AM – 3:00PM, 5:00PM – 9:00PM.
Overall thoughts:
Huge portions, great flavor, authentic, and everything you could want in a ramen spot. Possibly one of the best in the area. BYOB makes it fun to dine-in, and it will be packed on weekends, so be prepared to wait.
Service is good, nothing fancy but the servers will explain anything needed to you, and the menu is in English and Japanese.
Word to the wise from personal experience: Don’t take your ramen leftovers home {seriously tho, on the rare chance} because it will definitely congeal in the fridge and you won’t feel like enjoying them, but in-house, it’s giving a lot of local ramen spots a run for their money.
See More: The Best Ramen Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City
Have you been to Black Beard Ramen? What did you think? Comment below.
