This Denver Ramen Shop Is Filled With Cats 🍜🐱

Neko Ramen and Rice on Colorado Boulevard wasn't really on my radar until a few people mentioned it in the comments. A ramen shop in a strip mall near I-70, sharing a parking lot with a Starbucks and a Carl's Jr. — not exactly where you'd expect a meal worth writing about. But that's kind of the point.

The inside is a different story. The whole place is lined with Maneki-neko figurines — those waving lucky cat statues you see at Japanese restaurants — except here it's not just one by the register. It's a full wall of them. Dozens. Maybe more. It reads less like decoration and more like someone made a commitment. The vibe is cozy without being overdone, and the space is small enough that it feels personal without feeling cramped.

What I Actually Ordered

The ramen is the obvious starting point. The chashu is thick and well-executed — the kind where you can tell someone spent time on it rather than just slicing something and dropping it in the bowl. The noodles have real texture, which matters more than people give it credit for. A lot of ramen spots in Denver get the broth right and then undershoot on the noodles. That's not the case here.

One detail I genuinely did not see coming: there's a surprise at the bottom of every bowl. A cat. Not an actual cat — a little design or figure at the base of the bowl that you find when you finish. It's a small thing, but it's the kind of detail that makes you realize the owner put actual thought into this place. Vincent Yu opened Neko in 2023 after working in fine dining, and that background shows up in the execution even if the prices and atmosphere don't feel precious about it.

The appetizers are worth ordering. The creamy shrimp and takoyaki both hold up — they're not afterthoughts. If you're going with someone else, splitting a couple of apps before the ramen is the right move. Great for a group, actually, since the menu is designed for sharing.

What Works, What Doesn't

The location is a little odd on first approach. Strip mall parking lots on Colorado Boulevard aren't exactly inspiring, and the exterior doesn't do much to sell you on what's inside. If you weren't specifically looking for it, you'd probably drive past. Worth knowing before you go so you're not second-guessing the address.

The hours are a real differentiator — they're open until midnight on weekends, which puts Neko in a pretty short list of ramen options in Denver when it's late and you actually want something good. Most places that stay open late aren't worth the tradeoff. This one is.

If you're comparing Denver ramen spots, JINYA over at Union Station is the more well-known name and a solid choice if you're already downtown. Neko is a different thing — smaller, more character, and the Park Hill location means it's drawing a neighborhood crowd rather than a tourism crowd. That matters for the atmosphere.

Worth the Drive to Park Hill

Denver's ramen scene has gotten genuinely better over the last few years, and Neko fits into that without trying to be the loudest option in the room. The food is good, the space is fun, and the late-night hours solve a real problem. If you're in the northeast part of the city or cutting through on the way somewhere, it's worth stopping.

Head to 4030 Colorado Blvd — it's in a strip mall at 40th and Colorado, unit 103. You'll find parking, even if it takes a lap around the lot.