Message from Gyu-Kaku

Ira-shai-mase. Be your own chef. Cooking tasty morsels to your liking over a charcoal fire. There's a saying in Japan, "people who eat together from the same pot of rice develop and enjoy stronger, meaningful and long lasting relationships". At Gyu-Kaku you can share the warmth not only of our delicious food, but also the warmth of your family and friends. Enjoy.

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Do-it-yourself Japanese barbecue gets a hip makeover at this jaunty Japanese import.

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 fun begins when you get your tongs. Transfer the fresh, uncooked bites of meat to your very own charcoal-powered grill and flip to your heart's desire. Tender kalbi (short ribs), briny shrimp and half a dozen other meats are doused in ta're, the usual soy sauce-based sweet marinade; shio, a salty sesame secret sauce; or miso.