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Long a staple food for amateur dormitory chefs, ramen noodles—often in instant form—are a go-to for a hot, filling meal that only costs a dollar or two.

But the traditional Japanese dish—if done right—is a whole lot better than what you can pull off in a microwave. Here are a few of the best spots to grab a next-level bowl of ramen in and around Denver.

2022 S. University Blvd., Denver

Located just across University Avenue, Tatsu Izakaya is a one-stop shop for all your sushi roll and ramen needs. Their ramen offerings include tonkotsu, miso, and vegetable, among others. The tatsu ramen—a massive bowl with creamy pork broth, chicken skewers and typical ramen toppings—is hard to beat. Pair it with a boba tea, and you’re in for a spectacular meal. With ramen ranging in price from $16 to $18, it’s certainly a step above the typical dorm room ramen.

2337 E. Evans Ave., Denver

Conveniently tucked in on the corner of Evans and University, Tokyo Bowl, while best known for their fried noodle and rice bowls, is certainly no slouch when it comes to cooking up ramen. Featuring two styles of ramen—a traditional tonkotsu and Korean style, which comes in a variety of flavors—Tokyo Bowl is an easy walk from campus, has plenty of indoor dining space and offers large portions. With ramen ranging from $12 to $15, you certainly get your money’s worth.

4225 W. Colfax Ave., Denver

Just south of Sloan’s Lake, Mizuumi Ramen & Sushi is right next to the Alamo Drafthouse on Colfax, about a 20-minute drive from campus. If you’re looking to pair a delicious bowl of ramen with a night at the movies, it’s a prime choice. They have a range of traditional ramen alongside their signature seafood, duck and fried chicken styles. Add in their reasonable prices (anywhere from $13 to $16) and their well-stocked sushi bar, and Mizuumi makes for a great spot to grab a bite to eat. Ìý

2590 S. Broadway, Ste. A2, Englewood

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, Miyako Ra-men Spot is a go-to if you’re in the South Broadway area. It’s about a 10-minute drive from campus and it’s worth the trek, especially with their wide variety of tonkotsu, miso, shoyu and other types of ramen on the menu. And with prices ranging from $14 to $20, there are deals to be had. Based on their ramen alone, Miyako is great, but when you add in a decent selection of poke bowls, sushi rolls and nigiri, it’s a standout.

1472 S. Pearl St., Denver (Four locations)

Sukiya Ramen has locations in the city on North Broadway and South Pearl and additional restaurants in Greenwood Village and Lone Tree. The South Pearl Street location is a great spot to grab lunch near campus, but all four of them deserve a spot on this list. Offering dine-in, takeout and delivery, Sukiya has a ton of options for tonkotsu, miso, shoyu and house special ramen. But if you don’t have a hankering for any of those, Sukiya also lets you build a D.I.Y. ramen from the broth up. It’s not the cheapest option around, with a bowl starting at $15, but the food is certainly worth it.