Ramen Tatsu-Ya, the popular Montrose ramen shop 1722 California that started in Austin, is turning 10 years old. To celebrate this milestone birthday, it’s rewarding every single diner (yes, every single one) with free prizes from September 1 through 4. If you pay the restaurant a visit during the promotion, you’ll get a lucky red envelope containing a surprise. Prizes include perks like up to 50% off your next bill or a year’s worth of free ramen. If you’re an early bird to the party, the first 25 customers on September 1 will receive one of the ramen shop’s beloved, cheeky T-shirts.

“We don’t take this special milestone for granted,” says Shion Aikawa, partner and Senior Vice President of Culture. “We wouldn’t be here without the people who have supported us, so we wanted to do something special to say, ‘Thank you,’ especially to our fans in Houston. We opened in Space City in 2017 because people would drive two-and-a-half hours to have our ramen in Austin. That’s pretty amazing.” 

The dining room at the Houston location of Ramen Tatsu-Ya. Photo by Carla Gomez.

If you miss out on the 10-year birthday festivities, you can still drop in to try the newest seasonal bowl, Hatch Chile Miso. The limited-release ramen is layered with noodles, scallions, corn, ajitama (marinated egg) and a lime wedge, while also incorporating karaage, or Japanese fried chicken. Hatch chile miso tare (dipping sauce) and dusting powder add smoky touches to the broth. The special is available through the end of September.

Ramen Tatsu-Ya is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cindy Wang

When she isn’t daydreaming about her next travel destination, Cindy likes to crochet, mix her own cocktails at home, and torment everyone with dad jokes that are so bad they’re good. Otherwise you’ll most likely find her getting cozy with a flat white or a glass of whiskey at a favorite local haunt!