Tsukushinbo is a gem no matter what—especially in light of the steady disappearance of Japanese restaurants in the I.D.—but the main reason to come here is Ramen Friday.

Once a week, Tsukushinbo makes the shoyu (soy sauce-based) broth for ramen, and the limited number of bowls go quickly as soon as the place opens for lunch. This is one of very few places that serves this type of broth (versus the more popular pork-bone variety); the noodles are also exceptional, similar to what you’d find in Japan.

On other days of the week, you can expect decent sushi (ask if they’re doing anything aburi-style), good tempura, udon, and donburi. Tsukushinbo offers great value at both lunch and dinner—the ramen comes with rice and gyoza.

Although this might be the worst looking of the remaining Japanese restaurants in the I.D., lining up some pretty sake bottles on a shelf can only do so much for a space. Yet somehow, it’s still a pleasant and inviting place for a meal, and when you’re jousting for a table on Ramen Fridays, at least you know you’re in on something special.