From dorm room to Lava Room: New Japanese restaurant in Florence features ramen bowls

FLORENCE — Tyler Ross, owner of Wildwood Tavern and Chicago Cafe in downtown Florence, is bringing a new flavor to Mobile Street with Lava Room and Japanese ramen.

“Lots of people told me they were looking for a ramen place and were going to Huntsville to find it,” Ross said when asked why he chose this concept. “I saw a niche to fill and I thought it would work well with something else I’ve always wanted to try, which is egg rolls.”

In addition to the variety of ramen bowls and egg rolls, Lava Room will also feature bao buns, appetizers, and desserts, and a bar. Ross and his business partner Matthew Samples opened the restaurant Tuesday night.

“We have about 10 craft cocktails, a selection of sake, and several Japanese whiskeys,” Ross said. “For the bao buns, we slow cook the meats, and if you want something gluten-free, we offer the same fillings in a lettuce wrap.”

In keeping with its name, Lava Room features red lighting and a massive smoking volcano
behind the bar, where you can choose cocktails with names such as Feel Like Makin’ Shrub, Hello Kit-Tea, Pea-Chy Foam Home, and The Lava Lamp.

For those less adventurous, beer is on tap and wine is available.

Appetizers include house edamame, blistered shishito peppers, and gyoza pork dumplings.
Homemade egg rolls and bao buns come in traditional, Korean barbecue, veggie, Southwest, pizza roll, and Cuban flavors.

Ramen bowls include pork tonkotsu, miso chicken, and veggie lovers, or you can build your own version by choosing your base, protein, toppings, and a spice bomb.

For dessert, choose from kakigori, a Japanese shaved ice with pear syrup and sweetened cream; a cannoli egg roll; and green tea ice cream.

Aside from food and drink, you will also find entertainment at Lava Room.

“We are also a music venue and plan to introduce that during the W.C. Handy Music Festival at the end of July,” Ross said. “We will have karaoke, comedy shows, and bands performing.”

For the first couple of weeks, Lava Room will open Monday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. As things progress, Ross said lunch and Sunday hours will be added.

Check it out at 116 West Mobile St. in Florence.