When the temperature drops in NYC, so too should you - into one of the many ramen joints that eagerly wait your arrival. Filling up on a delicious, warm noodle soup is a great postgame move. So whether your happy place involves a bowl full of creamy Tonkotsu broth or you’re more into miso ramen, these are currently the five best ramen restaurants near NYC Footy’s 2024 winter indoor and outdoor leagues.

5. Karazishi Botan: Cobble Hill (255 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231)

Closest Winter Pitch: The Post-Baltic Street

Pitches Within Long Range Striking Distance: Dean Playground

When your menu description includes phrases like “Sichuan-style numbing ramen” and “Make sure to protect yourself,” it’s a pretty safe bet you are dealing with a kitchen staff that isn’t afraid to challenge your senses. Choices like Point Blank Ramen include a wasabi and horseradish topped broth that is our pick to clear out those sinuses right before your pre-game warmup. Our Wednesday night option at the nearby Baltic Street location of the Post kicks off at 9pm, which means you’ll have plenty of time beforehand to grab an early dinner and wipe away those wasabi induced tears before connecting with your team.

4. Okiboru House of Tsukemen: Lower East Side (117 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002)

Some of the best ramen houses don’t always offer the biggest menu. That’s usually because one great broth that’s big on taste is all it takes to create a following. At Okiboru House of Tsukemen, there’s only three broths to choose from, but each are so exceptional in their own right that it’s hard not fo find the dining room packed on most days. If you’ve never tried tsukemen, heads up you’ll be served cold noodles which you’ll then dip into a warm broth made with chicken and fish - though you can opt for a vegan broth option too.

Closest Winter Pitch: Sara Roosevelt Park - Canal St & Nike Field

Pitches Within Striking Distance: Baruch Playground

3. Wanpaku: Greenpoint (621 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222)

After eating a bowl of Wanpaku’s miso beef ramen, you may want to pause a bit to savor the taste before heading onto your next destination. Luckily, you don’t have to travel too far if you’re searching for a cocktail because The Hidden Pearl is under the same roof. Wanpaku offers both chicken and vegetable based broths, along with a variety of small plates ideal for sharing with your squad. The beef rib ramen, which sometimes pops up on the menu depending on the week, is worth getting.

Closest Winter Pitch: McCarren Park

Pitches Within Sriking Distance: Bushwick Inlet Park

2. Jun Men Ramen Bar: Chelsea (249 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10001)

Brothless ramen, otherwise known as mazeman, is a personal favorite of ours at Jun Men Ramen Bar in Chelsea. They offer one on the menu and its made with uni, porcini butter, pancetta, and parmesan, which is the chef way of saying get ready for flavor fireworks to go off if you’re going to order this.

Closest Winter Pitch: Chelsea Park

Pitches Within Striking Distance: Chelsea Waterside Park

1. Kohoku-Ku Ramen: Hell’s Kitchen (709 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019)

Heading out to DeWitt Clinton Park for an outdoor night game in winter means you might want to know about a nearby ramen stop. That would be Kohoku-Ku Ramen, which is known for its vibrant, colorful, and cozy dining room in addition to its ramen line up. The creamy, pork bone based Kumamoto made with black garlic is a crowd pleaser.

Closest Winter Pitch: DeWitt Clinton Park

Pitches Within Striking Distance: Chelsea Waterside Park