The 1981 story
1981 Ramen Bar was built in Lowell, for Lowell.
When we opened our doors on October 10,2015 at 129 Merrimack Street in the heart of Downtown Lowell, we had a simple idea: bring something different to the city we call home.
We wanted to take the ramen we loved and make it our own-respecting tradition while never being afraid to break the rules. From slow-cooked broths and ramen bowls to baos, shareable plates, cocktails and unexpected flavors 1981 has always been about creating food with personality.
But somewhere along the way, 1981 became about much more than ramen.
It became a place where friends meet after work, families share a meal, couples have their first dates, and familiar faces come back year after year. Our customers have watched us grow, supported us through good times and the difficult ones, and helped turn a small restaurant in Downtown Lowell into a community.
Over the years, hundres of Google reviews have shared stories about favorite ramen bowls, unforgettable baos, great nights at the bar, and most importantly to us-the people behind 1981. We've heard customers describe our staff as friendly and welcoming and say that when they walk through our doors, they're treated like family.
thats exactly what we always wanted 1981 to be.
Nearly every bowl we've served has been a part of a bigger story- our story, Lowell's story, and the story of everyone who has supported us since 2015.
After more than a decade, we're still here doing what we set out to do: making great food, trying new things, taking care of our people, and giving Lowell a place it can call its own.
Thank you , Lowell, for every bowl, every drink, every review, every recommendation and every person you've brought through our doors.
Since 10.10.2015
Still Lowell. Still family. Still 1981