Gyu-Kaku in Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena – Gyu-Kaku – a funny name for a restaurant!  Gyu Kaku is a Japanese BBQ restaurant that features a mini grill in the middle of your table where you can cook different kinds of meats, veggies and seafood.  If you are like me, you’ll want to bring a friend, who has experienced the joy of table grilling and doesn’t mind keeping an eye on food (so it doesn’t burn), while keeping the conversation going. 

The menu is extensive.  In fact, it was a bit overwhelming.  There are All You Can Eat options, full day Happy Hour menu, Lunch menu and A La Carte and Bar Menu available for your perusal. We were there at lunch and ordered from the Happy Hour selection.  The waitress warned us that the portions were going to be tiny and boy… she was right on!

We each started with their Starter Course which included Gyu-Kaku Salad, Rice, Miso Soup and Glass Noodles.  It was only $5 for all the items listed.  The salad was fresh with the typical Japanese style dressing.  The soup unfortunately was lukewarm and had to be sent back to the kitchen – nothing special.  Noodles were pretty interesting.  I did enjoy them.  But, the white rice was too sticky and cold.

Starter Course

For our main entree we ordered Bistro Harami which consists of pieces of marinated beef and Shrimp Garlic.  The beef was tendered and nicely marinated.  The shrimp was pretty plain – not much garlic or flavor to speak of.

Beef Harami

Overall, it was an interesting experience and I can see it being fun especially in a large group – family style.  However, I guess I prefer the food to be prepared to perfection so that I can concentrate on my conversation and the ambiance of the restaurant.

Not sure that this is a true 365 Things To Do In Pasadena® experience, but worth a mention.  Let me know what you think!

Location:
Gyu-Kaku Pasadena
70 W Green St
Pasadena, CA 91105

(626) 405-4842