Restaurant Review: For a nice change of pace, try West Loop’s Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

If you’re tired of turkey and stuffing after this week’s celebration, a great alternative for dining on Friday or any other night might be Gyu-Kaku, a charming Japanese BBQ in the West Loop. 

It was at Gyu-Kaku that I learned that “small plates” are a universal phenomenon.

My friends and I sampled from the Happy Hour menu (Monday–Friday 2pm–5pm,) where prices are reduced, sometimes by half, on their regular menu. And for someone like me, who’s never experienced Japanese BBQ before, it was a great introduction!

Gyu-Kaku, or “Horn of the Bull” in Japanese, according to its website, provides an authentic Japanese yakiniku (grilled barbecue) dining experience where customers share premium cooked meats over a flaming smokeless grill, while sipping on Japanese sake, shochu, and frosty cold beers. (Or, one of their tasty tropical drinks! I recommend their Tropical Sunshine!)

We shared several small plates from their huge menu, including Yuzu Shishito Peppers which were fried shishito chili peppers in Japanese yuzu citrus sauce. While they promise that they’re “almost always mild,” my friend warned me that every ninth or tenth might be …spicy! Delicious, tangy and tender. Another friend had their Napa Kimchi Napa Kimchi, which was lightly spicy pickled cabbage. Another friend had us salivating over their Spicy Addicting Cucumber, which was fresh cucumbers in crunchy garlic chili oil, with a dash of Shio Tare, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.

I was crazy for their Vegetarian Bibimbap, a huge bowl of seasoned rice festooned with lightly steamed asparagus, mushrooms, broccoli, and other vegetables. I also appreciated the handy guides and attentive servers who told you exactly how long meats and fish should cook. 

My friends and I enjoyed cooking proteins such as fresh shrimp, spicy pork, and thinly sliced steak. We shared it all while laughing and talking. 

A word about the service: they’re attentive, yet not intrusive. They work overtime to make sure you understand their cooking concept and make sure you enjoy the process as much as their food. 

I wished I’d had room for dessert! S’mores sounded like such a fun way to use the smokeless barbecue to end the meal. Also, they had mochi and tea ice cream, and several other selections. Next time!

I’m not the only one who’s impressed. So is this Open Table reviewer:

“Always a fun experience as a date or with a group great meal prices for what you get the cocktails are sweet. It is a great interactive experience. I personally enjoyed going on a date or bringing a group of friends and it’s always fun and the flavor is always up to par.”

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is located at 1364 W. Randolph. They are open Sunday–Thursday from 11am–10pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11am-11pm. Reservations are recommended. Click here.

Thankful for you!! 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago