Tengu Quietly Dishes Up Ramen in River North

Tengu opened earlier this week with almost no advance notice, no website and not even a sign with the ramen shop's name on the outside of the building. Tucked into the back corner of the Industry development on Brighton Boulevard, it would be easy to mistake it for a loading...

By Westword Staff

December 12, 2014

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Tengu opened earlier this week with almost no advance notice, no website and not even a sign with the ramen shop's name on the outside of the building. Tucked into the back corner of the Industry development on Brighton Boulevard, it would be easy to mistake it for a loading dock entrance if not for the little plaque by the door reading "sake + ramen." The lack of signage and advertising didn't keep away the lunch crowd, though -- no doubt lured by the aromas of simmering pork and chicken stock -- when photopragher Danielle Lirette stopped by. With its brief menu of noodle dishes and a few Japanese appetizers, Tengu isn't a secret to RiNo hip kids or Industry business workers. Keep reading for more photos -- including a shot of the one-page menu.

There's a website now with Tengu's hours, address and phone number along with a parking map (it's a little tricky at Industry since the parking entrance is off Arkins Court, not Brighton Boulevard), but otherwise the noodle house is keeping it low key and minimalist. Pale wooden tables with handmade stools are the only furniture in the fifty-seat dining room. An attached bar offers additional seating surrounded by deep plum walls. And -- bonus -- there's a basement bar that opens at 3 p.m. daily.

Keep reading for more photos.

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