This Michigan Gaming Shop Is Worth a Stop Just for the Noodles

I found myself needing to buy dice earlier this year. This is a new phenomenon for me—I’ve never been a “dice person,” though I now understand the appeal of having a velvet bag full of tiny glittering math tools. Finding dice in Michigan shouldn’t be hard, right? We’re a state full of unexpected gems. There’s even a store in Clawson boasting over 177,000 collectibles. But that’s a bit of a hike for me, and my sudden need for polyhedrons required a more local solution.

That search led me to The 8th Side in Lincoln Park, Michigan. I walked in looking for dice and walked out a changed person. My first set had a liquid core and shimmered like a tiny galaxy trapped in plastic. Then came my second set. And my third. I’m a sucker for a mystery box and mildly hypnotic swirls, but it turns out that dice weren’t the only magic trick waiting for me inside this place.

I’m also a sucker for noodles. Yes, I enjoy a hearty plate of spaghetti now and then, but ramen? That’s where my heart lives. A bowl of hot, flavorful broth, bouncy noodles, and surprise toppings? That’s more than dinner... that’s an experience. And as it happens, the best ramen I’ve had since moving to Michigan is tucked into the back of a game store.

Inside The 8th Side, just past the shelves of games, dice, and Magic: The Gathering cards, there’s a small window with a sign above it reading “Noodle House.” It’s the kind of place that doesn’t announce itself with flashing lights or giant menus. Just a simple board with the day’s offerings and the unmistakable smell of something very right happening behind that window. It’s something you have to be there to experience.

According to the team that runs it:
“We have a full Asian-inspired noodles restaurant that is open daily! We are partnered and working as one cool twist on a local game store! Our menu features various Asian dishes and Bubble Tea! Stop by and grab some noodles while playing D&D or shopping for singles!”

I did just that. On my first visit, I ordered the ramen with hot dogs. Why? Because if there’s something weird on the menu, I will always order it. It’s a personality trait. These weren’t just chopped-up hot dogs, though. These were tiny, lovingly sliced hot dog octopuses, and they were delightful. Cute, salty, and just strange enough to make me feel like I had discovered a secret level in a video game.

At the Noodle House, the menu is all about choice and customization. While there aren’t rotating specials, the variety comes from building your own bowl exactly how you like it. Start with your choice of noodles (or go noodle-less!), then pick a broth, from rich tonkotsu to spicy chicken. Add your favorite protein, from beef to tofu, and pile on unlimited veggies at no extra cost. With so many combinations, every visit can still feel like a new experience... No surprises needed.

What makes this place truly special is how seamlessly the noodle shop and the gaming store work together. This isn’t just a food court add-on or an afterthought: It’s a partnership. A ramen-and-role-playing hybrid that feels like it was designed by people who genuinely love both. Whether you’re there to build a deck, paint minis, or just eat your weight in broth, the vibe is friendly, laid-back, and very, very cool.

So here’s your quest: visit Lincoln Park. Stop into The 8th Side. Eat the noodles. Buy the dice. And if you’re thinking about diving into a tabletop game but don’t know where to start, pick up a beginner’s guide online... or better yet, ask the folks behind the counter. They’ll happily help you get started and maybe even throw in a recommendation for the bowl of noodles. And if you're looking for a sweet treat afterward, Calder Dairy is nearby and worth the stop.

Because in Michigan, sometimes the best bowls of ramen come with a side of dragons.