Shu Shop

The service is always wonderful. It's the place where you're welcome to come a sit at the bar and still have a great time.

My group made our way to the Shu Shop last night after reservations at Chez FonFon did not work out. This is a neat place. It's part dive bar (but much more upscale), part tapas bar, but exclusively serving Japanese small plates and ramen. The bar serves a decent selection of Japanese beer and whiskey along with creative cocktails. Service is great and the staff are friendly. I was honestly surprised to find a place like this in Birmingham as the atmosphere was more akin to a bar in New York City - something about the low lighting and tight seating conditions gave the place a cool ambiance. I lived in Japan for 3 years so I can't say the ramen was the best I ever had, but it was decent and satisfying. Definitely beats having to drive to Atlanta.

This is not really a restaurant but a bar that serves ramen. Only 21+. The atmosphere is dark and cool with a small long, space and loud music. The ramen is good. They do run out of menu items. At 5:15 on a recent Saturday the wait for a table was 45 minutes. Parking: Birmingham doesn’t check meters in the evening, so if you can find a street spot, take it. There are several pay lots around this bar. Kid-friendliness: No kids as they only admit 21 and up at all times

Food is expensive but good. It's is very cramped and loud.

We tried to pop in for a drink. The bar was half empty. The host was rude and said we had to wait an hour to get a drink. Obviously, we left.

4.5 over all. Have you ever been in the middle of Birmingham Alabama and thought I could really go for a ramen bowl right now? Neither had I but I stumbled across this place and decided to try it out. I had their tonkotsu ramen (pork ramen) with an added egg and garlic oil. It was a solid four out of five. There take on takoyaki was also pretty good. More hush-puppy like than normal takoyaki but that's how they advertise it. Tako Puppies. Their sashimi plate was okay. The atmosphere in this place was great. Very cool hole in the wall feel. A heads up to anyone under 21: They check IDs at the door but I also got there very late at night and the front part of the restaurant is predominantly a bar with some booths on the right. What you can't see from the front door is that the restaurant extends back a long way. If you happen to be in the area it's definitely worth a try.

Best ramen I’ve ever had and I’ve had me some ramen.

This place is amazing and inviting. The Saki was really light and delicious. The kimchi was extremely fresh and flavorful with a nice little kick. I definitely suggest eating it with the seasoned rice. The spicy ramen was also very tasty as the pork had a delicious smoked taste to it. The service was quick and engaging, and the atmosphere is perfect for a quaint date night. If you haven’t been here yet, what are you doing?

Food is well worth the wait and money! It even made up for not a good experience with service. Hoping this was a one time thing, will update if my next visit is better. If you give this place a shot, please keep in mind that it is 21+ to enter. Make sure to have your IDs with you or they will not seat you.