Napa Kimchi
Gyu-Kaku

Gyu-Kaku

510 Gray St, Ste A, 77002, Houston, United States

Meat • Wine • Drinks • Japanese


"Went with my teenage daughter before a Rocket game. Had reservations on a Friday at 4:30–early, right? Well, they were busy and we had to wait 25 min to be seated. Appeared to be a work shift change going on—lots of diners, young couples with kids, and empty or dirty tables. Lots of workers standing around appearing not doing much. Sign of the times with not enough help or not experienced? It appeared to be unorganized, to say the least. When we did get seated, we ordered and were alerted some items may also be out already. Sign of the times? We made some contingency orders just in case. Getting my beer and our food took a long time, but it eventually all came out in rapid succession. Didn’t get all what we ordered, but the contingencies may have confused them. The food was tasty, I must say. I’ve been to Korean style BBQs over many decades, and this Japanese style wasn’t much different. We ended up with various beef dishes, and they were all tender and tasty. Even the vegetables I cooked come out well. We ordered off the lunch menu, as that seemed to be always available, as it has less selections and quantity—just what we wanted—rather than the all you can eat menu for dinner. Can you imagine trying to get subsequent orders? For the quantity we did get and quality of food, it was very reasonable. Would I go back? No. I’ve had much better at other places around Houston (Korean) with much better coordinated service. The service was friendly though. If you’re not in a hurry and doing something in Midtown or Downtown, give it a try, but I think you can do better—so can they."

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

19620 Stevens Creek Blvd #150 Cupertino, CA 95014, United States

Asian • French • Casual • Japanese


"Dear Gyu-kaku, I am writing to express my deep disappointment regarding the service I received during my recent visit to Gyu-kaku on October 7 at 8:00pm. While I have had positive experiences at your restaurant in the past, this particular visit left me extremely dissatisfied. Upon entering the restaurant, I was seated at a table that was clearly inadequate for my party's needs. We had made a reservation for 10 people, but the table provided could only accommodate 8. This immediately set the tone for our experience. To make matters worse, a waitress (not my main waitress) rushed us through the meal. She told us to put food to our places so she can have spaces to put more trays of meat. However, this is BBQ and the food just arrived within 5 mins. The meat hasn't even done yet to be edible. I asked her to set the trays at another table and we can grab them when we're done with our current plates. She said she couldn't do that and we must divide the food now so she could have spaces to set more trays. It was very reasonable to rush your customers through the meal. We're paying for our dinings. Gyu-kaku is a place to enjoy high quality Japenese food, and the service should uphold the standards of its high quality, not this rude and unprofessionalism. I value the dining experiences I have had at Gyu-kaku in the past, which is why I am particularly disappointed by this recent visit. I believe that the issues I have outlined above do not align with the high standards I have come to expect from your establishment."

GyuKaku New York NY East Village

GyuKaku New York NY East Village

34 Cooper SquareNY 10003, New York, United States

Bbq • Full • Wine • Japanese


"Full disclosure: I don't eat much red meat, and the stock and trade of Gyu Kaku is steak. While I don't order the wagyu, rib steak, and filet that fill the tables, cooktops, and bellies at Gyu Kaku locations, what I order is always terrific. Other than the vegetable spring rolls (whose wrapper is not the close to phyllo pastry that exists in traditional spring rolls), resulting in something closer to an overly Americanized item, what I enjoyed on 8/5/23 (served with thoughtfulness and skill by KK and bussed by TJ), was as perfect as I expected. My typical order at Gyu Kaku is the avocado salad (whose Yuzu dressing ought to be licensed and sold a la Rao's sauces and Jeni's ice creams), garlic noodles with chicken, and a sushi roll, which was switched with whatever the spicy tuna on top of fried rice is called. Everyone with whom I've dined who sears their own steak, shrimp, and chicken has been very happy with the results. Were salmon on the menu, and I'm surprised that it's not based on the cooking methodology, I'd likely order fillets or pieces to cook and not my a la carte dishes. Gyu Kaku seasons the dishes well, presents generous portions, and provides high quality meats, poultry, and shrimp. That the restaurant is according to posters throughout the locations the #1 Japanese barbecue franchise in the world is a contradiction to the quality of and care shown to the food. Check it out."