Colorado Eatery Hailed As One Of The Restaurants That Are ‘Worth The Wait’
In Denver, hunger isn’t just cured, it’s conquered with a steaming bowl of ramen that makes waiting in line feel like a badge of honor.
Uncle, the brainchild of chef-owner Tommy Lee, has transformed the city’s noodle scene into something unforgettable. Broths bubble with depth, noodles slurp with spring, and creative toppings turn tradition into pure culinary theater.
With two packed locations and a loyal following that happily endures the wait, Uncle has secured its place as Colorado’s ramen kingdom where patience is always rewarded with flavor.
1. Soul-Warming Ramen Bowls
Few joys rival slurping into Uncle’s ramen, steam fogging glasses as broth perfumes the air with soy, garlic, and slow-simmered depth.
Chewy noodles snap perfectly, each bite earning respect worthy of Tokyo’s finest chefs. Seasonal specials keep fans guessing – spicy chicken, fiery kimchi, or inventive twists that vanish once bowls sell out. Vegetarians savor thoughtful options too, proving flavor doesn’t need meat to shine.
Prices hover around $15–18, a wallet-friendly indulgence for the comfort delivered. Pro tip: Highlands sometimes rolls out different surprises than West Wash Park, giving hungry fans every excuse to double-dip on ramen bliss.
2. Melt-In-Your-Mouth Steamed Buns
While ramen simmers, Uncle’s steamed buns float in like little clouds, pillowy and warm against crispy fried chicken or melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. Pickled vegetables add a tangy perfume, while house sauces ignite flavor fireworks with each bite.
Texture play feels magical, the soft bun cushioning a crunchy, juicy filling that keeps you reaching for another.
Order them solo, grab a pair, or pass plates family-style – the table always empties fast. Regulars insist the wait feels worth it for buns alone, proof that starters here don’t just tease the meal, they sometimes steal the spotlight entirely.
3. Cozy, Open-Kitchen Atmosphere
Forget stiff dining rooms, Uncle thrives on intimate energy where food feels like theater. At Highlands, cozy quarters hum with chatter as chefs ignite woks, steam rising in dramatic clouds that perfume the room with soy and garlic.
Every sizzle sparks applause, strangers at neighboring tables trading stories until they feel like friends. West Wash Park grants a touch more elbow room but carries the same pulse. Exposed brick and minimalist touches frame the stage without stealing attention.
Design fades to the background, spotlight fixed firmly on bowls, buns, and plates that keep fans lining up for more.
4. Smart Reservation Strategies
Smart diners treat Uncle like a secret mission. West Wash Park grants a golden ticket with actual reservations, while Highlands stays first-come, first-slurped. Early birds win big by lining up 15 minutes before opening, broth aromas already teasing the crowd.
Solo diners or pairs often slide into counter seats with ease, chopsticks clicking before larger groups are seated.
Winter weeknights promise the smoothest path to ramen glory, while summer weekends demand patience. Locals pass the wait exploring nearby shops or sipping cocktails. Remember, the waitlist is old-school – names written in person only, no apps or phone calls allowed.
5. Constantly Evolving Seasonal Specials
Just when taste buds think they’ve seen it all, Uncle’s chef Tommy Lee flips the script with seasonal stunners. Summer bowls might sparkle with chilled ramen, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes perfuming the broth with garden freshness. Winter shifts gears, earthy mushrooms and rich stock steaming like edible comfort blankets.
Beyond noodles, small plates hide treasures too – crispy Brussels sprouts caramelized in fish sauce, sending sweet-savory aromas that spark cult devotion among Denver foodies.
Specials board always deserves a peek before menus open, since these fleeting creations blend comfort with adventure, filling Instagram feeds and seats night after night.
