Karazishi Botan is a casual pocket ramen shop on Smith Street with a sense of humor and a ton of creativity. Helmed by Fumihiro “Foo” Kanegae (ex-Ramen master at Ippudo), KB calls its approach “New York–style” and means it: seasonal, nontraditional, with an attitude.

The room is a proper ramen-ya layout: a slim corridor with a counter and a few two-top tables. Larger groups, be forewarned: this may be better as a solo or date affair. Some light superhero theming throughout (repeated Venom posters, a Spider-Man action figure mid-climb up the wall) induced bemused smiles. Perennial fixture? Seasonal decor? Either way, it’s funny.

Drinks include Japanese beers, sake, wine, shochu, whiskey. There isn’t much of a bar, though seasonal frozen concoctions are available. There are a few oddities:

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