Late-Night Yonsei Ramen Shop to Pop Up at Oakland's Hopscotch

 Moyashi vegetarian ramen at the Yonsei Ramen Pop-Up Shop

By Meesha Halm

Although here in the Bay Area, folks line up at all hours of the day (including lunch) to squeeze into their favorite ramen shop, in Japan ramen shops are more of late-night phenomenon. Over in Oakland, chef Kyle Itani, chef of the relative Japanese-inspired American newcomer Hopscotch, hopes to tap into that spirit with the debut of his new once-a-week late-night pop-up called Yonsei Ramen shop. The name, Yonsei, comes from the Japanese term for great-grandchildren, and is the chef's way to pay homage to the cultural background that inspires his cuisine. (The oysters on the regular menu are also lovingly called the Yonsei oysters.)

Beginning this Friday, and running every Friday night thereafter from 11 PM- 2 PM, chef Itani will be offering two classical-made Japanese-style ramen dishes - one with meat, one vegetarian, for $9. The ramen will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but the full bar will be offered so guests are encouraged to order a drink (perhaps some hops and scotch?) to enjoy while waiting on line outside. Take-out will be available but where’s the fun in that? The inaugural Yonsei Ramen Pop-Up happens to coincide with Oakland’s Art Walk, which takes place the first Friday of the month from 6 - 9 PM, so you can take in some art, and then slurp some noodles. 

Hopscotch, 1915 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, 510-788-6217