Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Dining

The Scene – Traditional (tatami booths) meets modern (exposed overhead piping) in this narrow dining room that buzzes with excitement, perhaps from the anticipation of playing with an open grill. Gregarious servers hustle to a looping soundtrack of hip-hop and electronica. The crowd runs the gamut from hipsters sporting vintage Levi's to families enjoying quality time. – – The Food – With outposts on nearly every corner in Japan, Gyu-Kaku is the Starbucks of Japanese barbecue. And like the java joint, this Asian chain boasts the same efficiency and high quality. The…

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Know Before You Go:: The menu is predominantly a la carte, although there are two complete dinners offered for couples.

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User Reviews (26)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“They have great happy hour specials (sometimes 1/2 off certain meats, $.99 beer, etc.) It's fun to cook your food on a hibachi-type BBQ planted in the middle of your table, and because everything is grilled it feels very healthy.” “It has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere and the good is fastastic.” “The service was good and the place has a romantic setting.” “The smores are fun at the end for dessert.” “Wonderful atmosphere and exceptional service.” “the service is always friendly and accomodating, the ambience is fashionably lowkey chique, and u can't beat their happy hour deals.” “The waiters are totally attentive and parking is easy (valet after 5pm).” “Lots of fun and the food is excellent” “Why I LOVED this dining expereince: tasty food that won't break your diet (you don't get as full b/c you take your time grilling and eating the food, without carby sides like mashed potattoes), cool low-key ambience, waitors that are attentive but not in-”
dessert	100.0% positive	“The smores are fun at the end for dessert.”
drinks	100.0% positive	“They have great happy hour specials (sometimes 1/2 off certain meats, $.99 beer, etc.) It's fun to cook your food on a hibachi-type BBQ planted in the middle of your table, and because everything is grilled it feels very healthy.” “As always, the food was just awesome and the newer items, including some of the drinks were delicious.” “The service is excellent and they also have a bar.”
food quality	89.0999984741211% positive	“For $15 per person (the minimum required) you can totally get full off all kinds of yummy appetizers (wontons,calamari, ahi poke..)” “I'm pretty discerning when it comes to food, but this place has never failed me.” “As always, the food was just awesome and the newer items, including some of the drinks were delicious.” “My husband and I paid $60 for a great meal.” “the food was awesome, salads were so good and fresh, love the way you cook everything at the table yet you don't come out smelling that much.” “Why I LOVED this dining expereince: tasty food that won't break your diet (you don't get as full b/c you take your time grilling and eating the food, without carby sides like mashed potattoes), cool low-key ambience, waitors that are attentive but not in-” “not only that, but we will have had the most delicious meal, enjoyed ourselves (since you pretty much are left to cook your own food) - all for about $35 for two people!” “The staff is super friendly and helpful with the grill, suggestions for selecting items if you're unfamiliar with the food, and fast w/ the refills on alcohol!” “The food is good and the first time I went there I loved it but the second time I felt like it was too expensive.” “Im a big fan of Japanese food and sushi; I finally had the opportunity to check out Gyu-Kaku.” “The food is absolutely amazing, make sure you try the Kobe Kalbi or the Harami Miso both are truly the best meats I have ever eaten, melts in your mouth.” “having just relocated out here and having such horrible food experiences, i am pleased to have stumbled upon this kick ass place.” “You can go to a good Korean BBQ restaurant and pay at least half the price for a larger portion of meat and vegetable dishes, and come out of the restaurant without feeling ripped off.” “Lots of fun and the food is excellent” “The food was fresh and marinated to perfection.” “The servers are on the ball and are there to help guide you thru the tasty menu.” “recommend the Bimba spicy rice as a side.” “Highly recommend the garlic noodles or Ramen noodle soup in addition to rice, meat and veggies.” “The food is really good, and it is entertaining to cook your own stuff.” “Gyu Kaku has great food.” “The beef is juicy and tender, and bibimba is also excellent.” “They have great happy hour specials (sometimes 1/2 off certain meats, $.99 beer, etc.) It's fun to cook your food on a hibachi-type BBQ planted in the middle of your table, and because everything is grilled it feels very healthy.” “There's a choice of pricey or moderately priced beef, while the rest of the entrees are all fairly priced (my favorite entree, the basil chicken, was around $7).” “If you want sushi, this is not the deal for you as far as happy hr is concerned.” “The grill can get pretty dirty through the course of the evening and picky vegetarians probably won't like meat parts touching the veggies.” “Two things though: 1) You must like meat 2) you must like alcohol.”
menu variety	100.0% positive	“This place is very clean, non-smelly, with a wonderfully diverse menu.” “The servers are on the ball and are there to help guide you thru the tasty menu.”
overall	100.0% positive	“Gya Kaku is a great place for Japanese BBQ.” “My favorite restaurant!” “The service was good and the place has a romantic setting.” “This is a great place to go to with someone that you don't know well because it gives you an activity to do.”
service	91.66999816894531% positive	“It has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere and the good is fastastic.” “The service was good and the place has a romantic setting.” “The waiters are totally attentive and parking is easy (valet after 5pm).” “the service is always friendly and accomodating, the ambience is fashionably lowkey chique, and u can't beat their happy hour deals.” “not only that, but we will have had the most delicious meal, enjoyed ourselves (since you pretty much are left to cook your own food) - all for about $35 for two people!” “The service is excellent and they also have a bar.” “Wonderful atmosphere and exceptional service.” “And WHY do people think Gyu Kaku is expensive?” “The servers are on the ball and are there to help guide you thru the tasty menu.” “It is also a family friendly restaurant.” “Why I LOVED this dining expereince: tasty food that won't break your diet (you don't get as full b/c you take your time grilling and eating the food, without carby sides like mashed potattoes), cool low-key ambience, waitors that are attentive but not in-” “The staff is super friendly and helpful with the grill, suggestions for selecting items if you're unfamiliar with the food, and fast w/ the refills on alcohol!”
value	61.11000061035156% positive	“There's a choice of pricey or moderately priced beef, while the rest of the entrees are all fairly priced (my favorite entree, the basil chicken, was around $7).” “You can go to a good Korean BBQ restaurant and pay at least half the price for a larger portion of meat and vegetable dishes, and come out of the restaurant without feeling ripped off.” “The food is good and the first time I went there I loved it but the second time I felt like it was too expensive.” “And WHY do people think Gyu Kaku is expensive?” “Dinner can get a little pricey, but you won't be disappointed in the end.” “the service is always friendly and accomodating, the ambience is fashionably lowkey chique, and u can't beat their happy hour deals.”

04/04/11

Yummy....BUT

by Lillianbekerman at Citysearch

I love the food at this place. My favorite is the garlic rice and the juicy kobe beef. The reason I gave only 4 stars is because this place needs to have a better upkeep. I understand they are busy....thats because the food is so good, but I dont like to see dust and crumbs of food left over in crevices that should be cleaned. Besides that, you will definitely enjoy the food!!

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12/29/08

Can't Beat 50% off Happy Hour!!!

by feedthebaby at Citysearch

I always wanted to try this place but it was always soo packed! And now I know why. It wasn't until I discovered that beer (the good kind . .Kirin & Sapporo) was only 99 cents, did I make an effort to try it. This place is totally awesome and is my new Friday night hang out for their late night Happy Hour (they have happy hr twice a day). We usually go in a group of 4 or more and it works out ALL the time. No hassles with the check afterwards like usual. Two things though: 1) You must like meat 2) you must like alcohol. If you want sushi, this is not the deal for you as far as happy hr is concerned. For $15 per person (the minimum required) you can totally get full off all kinds of yummy appetizers (wontons,calamari, ahi poke..) , select meats ( we always get the garlic kalbi chuck & chicken), and did I mention, beer/sake!!! Besides the value, the restaurant itself is quite nice. Great for groups & birthdays as well a casual date or just hanging out at the bar. The staff is super friendly and helpful with the grill, suggestions for selecting items if you're unfamiliar with the food, and fast w/ the refills on alcohol! It's been a couple months now and we're still not sick of this place.

Pros: Everything!

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11/19/07

So much Fun and Yummy!

by traceyharris at Citysearch

I recently went here on a date and it was so much fun. We were able to cook our food on a grill in the middle of our table. It kept us entertained. The food was fresh and marinated to perfection. I recommend the Bimba spicy rice as a side. They bring it to you in a cast iron skillet and it cooks at your table. All of the beef dishes are very tasty as well. The smores are fun at the end for dessert. The only thing I don't like is if you go hungry, it takes a while to cook and the portions are a bit small.

Pros: fresh, fun, and tasty
Cons: can be expensive if you are hungry

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10/24/07

Lots of fun and the food is excellent

by alyssa88 at Citysearch

This is one of my favorite places to eat. It has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere and the good is fastastic. They have great Happy Hour specials (sometimes 1/2 off certain meats, $.99 beer, etc.) It's fun to cook your food on a hibachi-type BBQ planted in the middle of your table, and because everything is grilled it feels very healthy. Highly recommend the garlic noodles or Ramen noodle soup in addition to rice, meat and veggies.

Pros: Great food, great ambiance, friendly atmosphere
Cons: If you don't like cooking your own food, forget it

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10/14/07

Gave it a chance...amd LOVED it!

by paulinask at Citysearch

Yes, I was a dibeliever regarding the benefits of "cook it yourself" dining (why would I want to go out and cook the food myself if I could do it at home for free?!?). I also never enjoy traditional Korean BBQ joints since I come out smelling like a grill and they don't have a good selection of chicken & seafood. But I gave Gyu Kaku a chance and was won over. This place is very clean, non-smelly, with a wonderfully diverse menu. And WHY do people think Gyu Kaku is expensive?!?! There's a choice of pricey or moderately priced beef, while the rest of the entrees are all fairly priced (my favorite entree, the basil chicken, was around $7). My husband and I paid $60 for a great meal... Why I LOVED this dining expereince: tasty food that won't break your diet (you don't get as full b/c you take your time grilling and eating the food, without carby sides like mashed potattoes), cool low-key ambience, waitors that are attentive but not in-your-face... Overall this is a new favorite date spot for us.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Dining

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Editor's Tips

04/04/11

Yummy....BUT

by Lillianbekerman at Citysearch

12/29/08

Can't Beat 50% off Happy Hour!!!

by feedthebaby at Citysearch

11/19/07

So much Fun and Yummy!

by traceyharris at Citysearch

10/24/07

Lots of fun and the food is excellent

by alyssa88 at Citysearch

10/14/07

Gave it a chance...amd LOVED it!

by paulinask at Citysearch

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