Ramen Pop-Ups Are Suddenly All the Rage in Charleston

Now that the weather is cold-ish in Charleston, the ramen pop-ups are multiplying across the city. It seems every January, broth-seekers can count on a few newcomers, and this year is no different. In 2021, we’ve spotted five to follow.

2Nixons

The workhorse of the bunch is 2Nixons. Chef Jeffrey Stoneberger has stationed himself in Charleston with noodles since 2015. 2Nixons became a more permanent fixture on King Street when he teamed up with cocktail bar Proof. Stoneberger and his team now serve lunch and dinner every week from Wednesday to Friday. The ramen combinations are always changing, so one week customers might get Benton’s bacon and local shrimp shio ramen and the next week it will be blue crab ramen. The bowls are available for dine in or carryout.

Ramen With Friends

Jackrabbit Filly started its Ramen With Friends series back before Shuai and Corrie Wang had a brick and mortar restaurant. Guest chefs create a special ramen dish every Wednesday in January, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This year, the Wangs invited chefs Julian Lippe of Stems & Skins, Bob Cook of Edmund’s Oast, James London of Chubby Fish, and Jeremiah Bacon of the Macintosh. Available for takeout and dine in with outdoor dining as well. The bowls tend to sell out fast.

Katsubo

Starting tonight, Wednesday January 6, new ramen slingers Katsubo will pop up at the Daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. These bowls come from the team at hot chicken restaurant Kinfolk on Johns Island. They will offer shoyu, spicy miso, and tonkotsu. There will also be several options for katsu, including a hot chicken version. Available for takeout and dine in. This will happen every Wednesday and Thursday.

Bok Choy Boys

Another brand-new pop-up, Bok Choy Boys recently took over the kitchen at Spanglish to sling bowls of ramen. Owner Setrini Sison can be found around town at restaurants and breweries with a selection of shio, kotteri vegetable broth, and tonkutsu. Available for dine-in or takeout when available. Keep a close eye on Instagram for dates.

Chasing Sage

Rutledge Street restaurant Chasing Sage has been switching up concepts ever since it opened during the pandemic. Most recently, the theme was “Everyone Loves Ramen” and offered tonkutsu and a vegetarian broth for carryout and outdoor dining.

If we missed anyone, please drop a note to carolinas@eater.com