Neon Lights & Tokyo Nights: Blade-Runner Inspired Ramen Bar, Chika, Has Opened On Sansom Street
Early reviews indicate that Chika is fun and the vibes are absolutely stellar.
Pulse Nightclub goers now have a pre and/or post-dance food option right in the same building: Chika Ramen Bar has opened up in the basement where the Federal Donuts used to exist, right under the Bagel & Co at 1526 Sansom Street. It also joins fellow ramen places Nom Nom Ramen on 18th and Ludlow, and Maple Japanese Ramen on Chestnut and 21st within Rittenhouse, and is giving me some serious FOMO for the Tokyo nightlife that I never got to experience (yet).
Judging by the coverage by Eater, Visit Philly, Wooder Ice, and more, Chika Ramen Bar is scoring a solid 10/10 on looks. I’ll admit: if there’s one thing parent company Glu Hospitality does well, judging by their list of cool-looking places like Leda and the Swan, Vesper, Izayaka, and more, it’s definitely nailing a neat aesthetic. If you don’t believe me then definitely check out Leda.
The Philadelphia Inquirer has the deets on all the past incarnations of the space, from its beginnings as a luncheonette (hence the vintage signage on the facade) to its current iteration. One of the nicest aspects of Chika, for me personally, is that they kept the cool bar stools that Federal Donuts had. Plus, maybe the seats? It lends itself well to this retro yet chic look.
Hours are perfect for the Pulse nightclub and late-night owls as it’s open until midnight most days, 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10p on Sundays. So its location on Samson Street as a late-night ramen bar is absolutely perfect.
They offer drinks modeled after the movie so I’m hoping the Roy Batty is a flaming drink, based on my favorite and most memorable scene from Blade Runner:
The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long. And you have burned so very very brightly, Roy.
Follow Chika on Instagram.
