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AniMates Hideout: Unique Anime Store & Ramen Bar in Forest City, NC

AniMates Hideout in Forest City, NC, masterfully blends an anime store with a ramen bar, creating a unique haven for fans and food lovers alike. Their made-to-order ramen bowls, especially the rich tonkotsu broth, offer comforting flavors that stay with you. Beyond ramen, they serve creative boba teas, including Pina Colada and mango blends with popping fruit, as well as gluten- and dairy-free options, accommodating diverse tastes. The cozy space also features board games and a gift shop with affordable, intriguing anime merchandise. Friendly staff and a welcoming vibe make AniMates Hideout a must-visit for families and enthusiasts craving quality food and culture.

AniMates Hideout at a glance

  • Address 217 Oak Street Extension, Forest City, NC 28043, United States
  • Phone +1 828-919-0641
  • Restaurant type Ramen restaurant , Asian grocery store , Bubble tea store , Gift shop , Ice cream shop , Lunch restaurant , Poke bar , Restaurant .

Photos & Gallery

AniMates Hideout: Reviews & Ratings

Melissa Barrett
5

This place is in the old Sweet Frog building. They have an anime store with some pretty cool stuff for all ages. They also have a ramon bar, salad in a mason jar, desserts, bobba teas and more. I definitely recommend going! My daughter and I got the miso broth and my honey got the tonkotsu broth, both are good but us and our daughter preferred the tonkotsu broth. In the pictures you will see the Ramon bowl paper where you choose what all you want in your bowl.

Heather
5

My son and I recently visited their new location. They have so much to offer! I was very excited to find that they offer gluten-free and dairy-free options! It's so hard to find local places that offer that. The menu is unique and there are many options to choose from. My son absolutely loved his milkshake. They have some board games and a dart board you can play with too. The gift shop has all kinds of interesting items. Their prices are cheaper than Amazon. All of the employees are very friendly and helpful. Our family plans to visit as much as possible

Karen Reid
5

The drinks here are amazing! We got the Pina Colada and Mango teas (each mixed with vanilla ice cream and popping fruit). So good!

Samantha Lee
5

Such a cute spot! A must go to for boba and anime lovers! I go all the time and get boba tea and check out their shop. They are always adding new items too! Absolutely love this place, highly recommended!

Steven Edwards
5

We built our own tenkatsu ramen bowl and it was made to order and delicious. Since it's made to order it took a little bit but it was well worth the wait. Will be back again when travelling through.

Michael Hilliard
5

This place has amazing food that I have always been wanting to try and the staff and super nice and friendly. There is a nice lil shop to pick up some nic-naks too. Hands down my favorite place.

Abraham Anderson
5

The staff is friendly, the establishment is run by Christians who also use some of the profits to fund mission trips. There is a little Asian shop connected to the bubble tea house. They have more than just traditional boba; they can turn it into a milkshake also.

Location

  • AniMates Hideout
    AniMates Hideout
    217 Oak Street Extension, Forest City, NC 28043, United States Hotline: +1 828-919-0641

AniMates Hideout, nestled at 217 Oak Street Extension in Forest City, NC, is a unique gem that artfully blends the passion for anime culture with a creative dining experience. This spot is not just a restaurant; it’s an immersive hangout for anime fans of all ages, offering a vibrant gift shop filled with collectibles and merchandise that’s both affordable and ever-expanding. The atmosphere immediately invites you to linger, with cozy spots to enjoy board games and darts, making it much more than just a meal.

The highlight here, though, lies in their made-to-order ramen bowls. The option to customize your ramen via a thoughtfully designed paper menu allows every ingredient to be tailored to your taste, delivering a truly personal flavor journey. From the rich, savory tonkotsu broth to the lighter miso base, each bowl carries depth and comfort, embodying the soul of authentic Japanese ramen. The flavors stay balanced, hearty, and fresh, an achievement that impressed not only me but also the customers who rave about their experience.

Complementing the ramen variety is an enticing selection of drinks, including imaginative boba teas mixed with creamy vanilla ice cream and popping fruit, delivering a burst of texture and sweetness that perfectly counters the warmth of the ramen. The pina colada and mango teas, in particular, stood out for their tropical freshness and smooth finish. Plus, the menu suits diverse dietary needs, featuring gluten-free and dairy-free options—a thoughtful nod to inclusivity that adds to the overall welcoming vibe.

Moreover, the innovative salad in a mason jar offers a fresh, crisp alternative for those looking for lighter fare. And the dessert selection, while subtle, provides a satisfying end to the meal. The friendly, attentive staff further enhance the experience, making every visit feel personal and enjoyable.

In sum, AniMates Hideout is a flavorful retreat where culture, creativity, and cuisine intertwine seamlessly. Whether you’re an anime enthusiast, a ramen lover, or simply someone seeking a distinctive dining adventure, this hideout delivers a memorable experience that beckons you to return time and again.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • Delivery
    • On-site services
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards