Bokujo Ramen
Restaurant seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

About
BOKUJO RAMEN

If you’re cruising through Rapid City, South Dakota, and craving something that smashes comfort, creativity, and pure culinary joy into one bowl — make a beeline for Bokujo Ramen. This hidden gem is the brainchild of celebrity chef and culinary rule-breaker Justin Warner, and trust us: once you step inside, you’ll know you’ve stumbled onto something special.

Bokujo Ramen isn’t your average noodle joint. It’s got a one-of-a-kind vibe that fuses street-level ramen culture with local South Dakota soul. From the vintage Japanese pop culture décor to the powerhouse flavors coming out of the kitchen, this place delivers the kind of offbeat dining experience that turns casual food lovers into lifelong fans.

Godzilla, Gyoza, and a Whole Lotta Soul

First things first: let’s talk atmosphere. Bokujo isn’t just a place to eat—it’s an experience. The second you walk through the door, you’re greeted by an aesthetic that hits all the right notes. The interior is moody, modern, and full of personality, with a serious nod to vintage Japanese collectibles. In fact, their Godzilla collection alone is worth the visit. It’s playful, nostalgic, and somehow sets the perfect tone for what’s to come—unexpected, exciting, and full of flavor explosions.

The space is small but mighty. It’s got that underground ramen-shop vibe with enough Rapid City charm to keep things grounded. It feels like a place where regulars return again and again—not just for the food, but for the entire experience.

From Tokyo to the Great Plains: Ramen with a Local Twist

At the heart of Bokujo’s magic is their made-from-scratch ramen, which is the real star of the show. Every bowl is crafted with the kind of attention to detail you’d expect from a master chef, but there’s no pretension here—just rich, soul-hugging flavors that stay with you long after the last slurp.

One of the most standout options? The Bison Ramen. Yep, that’s right—bison. Chef Justin Warner doesn’t just lean into local ingredients—he celebrates them. The Bison Ramen is a genius-level fusion of regional and traditional, bringing the boldness of the Great Plains to the heart of Japanese cuisine. It’s rich, earthy, tender, and totally unforgettable.

Prefer a classic? Go for the Tonkotsu Ramen—a silky pork bone broth that’s simmered low and slow for hours, until it becomes pure liquid gold. Paired with springy noodles, perfectly cooked eggs, and savory toppings, this bowl is the very definition of comfort food done right.

Dumplings, Buns, and Next-Level Sides

But don’t sleep on the rest of the menu, because Bokujo’s greatness doesn’t stop with noodles.

The Oxtail Gyoza are juicy, savory, and packed with deep flavor. These dumplings are a nod to traditional Japanese technique with a bold twist that reflects the local flavor profile. Each bite delivers layers of richness, balanced with just the right amount of crisp on the pan-seared side.

Then there’s the Roasted Bison Buns—soft, pillowy bao loaded with tender roasted bison, seasoned to perfection. It’s a mash-up of East-meets-West in the best way possible, and you’ll want to order a second round before you’ve even finished the first.

Even the simplest items here have depth. From house pickles to umami-laced broths, it’s clear that every ingredient is chosen with purpose—and every dish is built to impress. You’re not just getting dinner here. You’re getting a chef’s point of view on what ramen can be when you ditch the rules and let creativity lead the way.

Chef Justin Warner: The Flavor Architect

Of course, none of this would exist without Chef Justin Warner, who’s been blazing his own culinary trail since his early days on Food Network Star. Known for thinking outside the box and going where others won’t, Warner brings that same spirit to Bokujo. He’s not trying to copy traditional ramen. He’s reimagining it—with a South Dakota twist.

What’s especially cool is how Bokujo manages to be both wildly inventive and totally accessible. You don’t have to know anything about ramen to fall in love with this place. The staff is welcoming, the vibe is chill, and the food speaks for itself—loudly and deliciously.

Rapid City’s Best Kept Culinary Secret

Bokujo Ramen may still be flying under the national radar, but for those in the know, it’s one of the most exciting food spots in the region. It’s a testament to what happens when local ingredients, global inspiration, and bold culinary vision all meet in one tiny restaurant with a big heart.

This is the kind of place you tell your foodie friends about. The kind of place that makes you want to reroute your road trip, just to grab another bowl before heading out. And yes—it's that good.

So if you're anywhere near Rapid City, don't just roll past. Pull over, step inside, and let Bokujo Ramen blow your expectations out of the water. From the handcrafted noodles to the quirky Godzilla collection, every inch of this spot is packed with passion. Come hungry, leave happy—and don’t be surprised if you start planning your next visit before you even finish your last bite.
Aired on September 15, 2023
Updated April 5, 2025

Address / Location

518 Mt Rushmore Rd
Rapid City, SD 57701

bokujoramen.com website