You might not expect to see a line extending halfway down the block from a sleepy little storefront in San Mateo during the weekday lunch hour, but Ramen Dojo has been drawing crowds like that for almost half a decade. Tucked into a small retail space, this place has been called a local gem by many regulars. It’s also won the adoration of Bay Area foodies, who have left literally thousands of positive reviews on sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp.

What’s on the menu? Well, ramen in a variety of flavor profiles is the main attraction. Try the garlic pork ramen with mushrooms, chives, and quail eggs if you want to try out a customer favorite. Alternatively, you can build your own custom bowl by choosing from three different broths (soybean, soy sauce, and garlic pork), specifying your spice level (mild, regular, spicy, and extra spicy), and selecting your choice of toppings. Looking to beat the rush? Try to get there before 11:30 am.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Happy Tummy