Unearthed like a 3.5 billion-year-old Archaean rock, I stumbled upon the findings of a lifetime at local ramen joint Cheu Fishtown. Upon a quick glance at the menu, waiters surrounded my table, slapped a fat bowl of brothy ramen down so hard the chili oil splashed six feet into the air and down directly into my left cornea, and demanded that I eat. Not wanting to be rude (in spite of the blinding pain the oil caused on my eye), I humored the staff and ate it. And boy O boy, was that a correct decision. The flavors exploded like fireworks in July, and I suddenly blacked out, waking up six miles east with my WaWa rewards card stolen, and $5 added to my wallet. I assume that was the staff’s doing, or maybe God. Either way, the service was excellent and the ramen sapid, and for the rest of my life, I’ll have sweet dreams taking me back to the open doorway of Cheu Fishtown, this time with eyes open, graciously accepting that sweet broth directly into not just one, but both corneas. Would go again.
Cheu was a fun little date spot. The service is efficient and they checked in on us the perfect amount-- careful to keep our drinks full, remove used dishes, offer seconds, etc. without interrupting us or rushing us. It was not super busy despite being a beautiful Sunday night so it was easier to chat and we LOVED how spacious it felt. Cocktails were great! A little sweet for my preference but the season of spring may be part of that influence. Food was nothing mind-blowing. We got wings and both versions of the poke bowls. I appreciate how fresh the ingredients were but the balance was... one-note? The tofu bowl was especially anti-climactic. There's a large price difference between the ahi tuna cause you don't get the tuna or the tobiko... instead you get what appears like regular, cubed, cold tofu. If it were grilled, fried, or treated in some way it might shine more than something you could toss together at a salad bar in a grocery store. I am willing to try it again cause the wings were cooked well and I want to try more of the cocktails. We'll see if we order food Vegetarian options: The vegetarian poke bowl I got was kinda whack not gonna lie but I'd try their other items like the curry noodles or apps! Dietary restrictions: Menu is clearly labeled with major ingredients and allergens. The staff took positive initiative to ask us if we had dietary restrictions which was nice. Parking: Parking in Fishtown is a stuggle anywhere you go, even if paying haha. Kid-friendliness: I was suprised there was a child dining at the table next to us but they seemed to be enjoying the food! No "kids" menu. Wheelchair accessibility: No steps to get inside! there are a few low tables towards the front to bring a mobility device up to.
Be kinder. I ordered takeout, the time for pick up changed from 30 min to over 50. I get there early and the hostess pushes back on it being ready at the time it was designated. Then offers to see if the kitchen can fire it up. She comes back and says they’ll try but they’re backed up. I said it’s fine I’ll come back. I come like 15 min. She says it’s not ready yet while on the phone. Another woman comes up and asks if I need help. I say I’m just waiting on my food it isn’t ready yet. She looks at another area and it is ready. It was placed not where it should be and I could have been waiting another 16 minutes or so. I don’t appreciate the games some hostesses at restaurants like to play on customers. Food was delicious but that experience was not right.
The food , service and drinks at cheu are always great! This particular time I was waiting for friends to meet me and after sitting alone at my table for a while the bartender came over and gave me a drink. So sweet!
Went there on a casual Wednesday and hit them at happy hour! My boo & I were very pleased! We got about 4 appetizers and 2 ramen bowls and 2 drinks, priced a bit over $100, total tab w tip $130. To give you an idea we left so satisfied. We were sat at the bar which had open concept, and could watch the cooks from our seats. We got the Rangoon twice, the chicken wings, pork shumai (kind of plate), their miso ramen (creamy) and brisket ramen (hearty). You can also add items such as extra meats or egg at additional cost. Our first time was fantastic, great cuisine.
The Mapo tofu, roasted carrot w tofu hummus, and pork dumplings were fire.