Boriken

I was just wasting time on the interwebs when I spotted a picture of ramen with pierogis in it. I knew I had to have it. So I made the drive to Lorain and have no regrets. First off I need to say the friendliness and passion of the owner and staff is definitely 5 stars worthy. They want you to enjoy your time at Boriken and they are happy to explain everything about the menu. It was nice to hear that they try to use local ingredients as much as they can and that they try to have little food waste. To explain further, they will only make so much of something a day, when it's out it's out. This also means that some dishes might have whatever is available in the fridge at the time. An example of this is their Beast Bowl (not listed on the menu). The Beast Bowl $13 is the chef's take on ramen. The night I had it the goods inside were 2 fried chorizo pierogi, pork, jowl, and sausage. There was also a poached egg, green onions, and cooked red peppers. While I'm not a big fan of sausage and I'd prefer a soft boiled egg (hate when the white part is clear and goopy), the broth was good and overall it was a tasty dish. I liked that it wasn't salty or plain in flavor and that it did not contain mushrooms. I would get this again - I would just add more hot sauce and ask if the pierogis can be sauteed instead of fried (love me soft with a slight crisp!). Of course since it was my first time there and not close to home I had to try other menu items out! (Don't do this, ate too much and it hurt). I got the Tostones $6 and the Might "T" Fine $6 as well. The salty tostones had nice crispy fried edges, you just have to rip them up to dip them in the aioli since the container it's in is not wide enough for maximum dip coverage. However I would deal with this any day over them using those throwaway plastic 2oz containers. I ended my night with dessert. The might t fine is basically like chocolate pudding with homemade marshmallows on top. The marshmallows were torched so they had that fire smell, but it was a satisfactory treat for sure. I guess this dish usually comes with fried up bits of shredded carrots on top as well, but they were out. Other notes about the menu: It will change seasonally/based on whatever is available locally so keep watch on their Facebook page for new dishes. Also, I hear they have some good gravy covered fries that are a shout out to the gravy fries the chef used to get in the LHS cafeteria. The fries are frozen which is disappointing, but the chips are housemade. I was told salt and pepper are not on the tables because they don't think you need it. I find this a bit cocky, but was glad to hear they will get them from the back if you ask. They are working on getting a licence so expect alcohol offered soon. As for the building and atmosphere I would rate that lower. The restaurant is on the basement level of an apartment building and while there are 3 entrances (front, side, back for handicap), none of them directly open up into the restaurant. Not much when it comes to decor inside, plus no TV or Wi-Fi. I was told this is so that families are forced to interact with each other. I asked about people dining solo and was told to bring a book. The staff I encountered definitely had lively personalities so just give them a chat. It's also a bit chilly inside, I ate with my coat on. Overall, I know the menu might look a bit interesting/odd, but you should come in and give it a chance. The inside doesn't have much going on, but if you have an easy going personality you won't mind. I'm not sure about that drive, but I will eventually be back to give them another try and I wish Boriken all the best!

Sometimes the out of the way spots can be the best kept secrets. Spread the word on this one. Boriken Juke Joint is a great mix of comfort food. So many things i wanted to try. Here is what we got. Collards - butter and spice Pierogi Potstickers - mushroom, spinach, bacon. Boriken Miso Ramen. - pork, wheat noodles , eggGumbo - chicken, garlic sausage, pork, shrimp, corn, okraAlso Chef Joe brought out some of his homemade pepper water Looking forward to eating here again. Want to try the burger and homemade chips. See photos

I love this place! Not only does it have a great atmosphere, but also great food. The staff is fantastic, the owner is kind (plus such a good cook), and the cocktail menu never disappoints. This is the hidden gem you must visit!

The atmosphere was good. Very hidden. Music was a bit odd. Menu was different. We all got burgers. Not what they looked like online but good. They don't have mustard. Odd for a place that has burgers? Also there is NO WAY you can get dip for your side of chips unless you order it as a 10.00 appetizer . Odd? No liquor license yet but thankfully Angie will make you an amazing beer cocktail !

Good food. Service ok. Absolutely no hot drinks? It was cold on the night my group chose this venue and they had no coffee or hot tea to offer up. Only cold water or soft drinks? I thought all restaurants at least had the means to serve hot coffee. Somewhat disappointing. No liquor to offer as the owner's license has not gone through yet. This is understandable on new openings but we were quite surprised about the coffe

I was so excited to go back to this restaurant although last time I went there was poor service and they were out of stuff, but the food I tasted was really good. I kept on thinking the service does not match the food. Today I went back and thought I'd try the pork chops....although the menu said it came with greens, the server stated that was a mistake and they didn't have greens anyhow. Although I seen the table next to me get served a plate of greens. When I got my pork chop it was hard and very sweet, I gave a couple of people around the table a bite to taste it, I then asked the server if I could exchange it for a hamburger since I did not like the pork chop and she said No because I had eaten half of it already. I told her I just cut up some of it and gave the other people bites but she basically said too bad cuz I had eaten half of it. I said wow, not very good customer service, she said "it is what it is." It should be noted that while we sat there a group of people came to the door and they got tired of waiting so they left. Also, my guests were not given any silverware. They had no straws, lemons for the water, salt or pepper, etc. The smothered french fries had hardly no gravy on them, first time we had them they were delicious....today, just french fries. We were given our check without asking how the food was and/or if we wanted desert and we were gone....no goodbye, no nothing. Needless to say me nor my guests will be back

So, this guy owned the place in lorain. It's closed mow. He opened up a small place in avon. It doesn't show up on yelp for some reason. Not surprised. It was not good at all. Pricey for what you get. I had two tacos One shredded beef and one ground beef. The ground beef was inedible as it was so salty it was impossible to eat. I didn't want to ruin it for the young couple that came in after us and ordered the same thing. My wife's veggie burrito was a joke. Even the bottled Diet Coke was not drinkable. Rather than making a stink, we left. Hungry. I'd like to see them survive, but it is not likely.

First time here. Our table ordered the gumbo that was good, the down low moco was good and the patty melt was the best I've had. Chips with smoky dip delicious! Bar tender was great. Beer cocktails good considering they are waiting on liquor license to serve liquor. My only criticism is our waitress didn't know the menu and unfortunately the menu wasn't descriptive enough. I asked about the steak raja and she didn't know what it was or what kind of steak it was so I ordered the patty melt. It was a cozy place and will come back for the ramen.

We walked in last night when they were about to close and they were very accommodating. Owner/Chef came out a few times to talk to us and we caught up about Lorain and he told us some info regarding his inspiration for the menu and future plans when the liquor license is finalized.Appetizers we had: Plantains and Lorain High Fries. Plantains were probably the best that I ever had. My friend had the Lorain High Fries and became reminiscent.Dinners: Cat Fish, Porky Red Beans and Rice.Porky Red Beans and Rice had great flavor and a second order was ordered to go.Cat Fish breading was flavorful and cooked perfectly. Not dried out at all. Only complaint I would give is the mixture of Cat Fish, Hush Puppies and plantains were equal. I was expecting mostly fish.This is my second time here and I will be back.