Chicago Japanese Food | Sukiyaki & Yakitori at This Spot: TenGoku 🍲

This West Loop spot called "TenGoku" (meaning "Heaven" in Japanese) really surprised me! As someone often disappointed by Chicago’s Japanese food scene, this place brought me a little comfort 🥲. It’s a classic izakaya—only two pages of food menu, the rest is all drinks! 🍶 Great for catching up with friends or a date night—nice ambiance, and just a 10-minute walk to Jeni’s Ice Cream (highly recommend 🍦) and West Loop’s bar street. Yakitori Skewers: 1️⃣ Gizzard – Chewy and flavorful! A must if you like offal. 2️⃣ Chicken Skin – Crispy, fragrant—reminiscent of Chinese street BBQ. 3️⃣ Kimchi Pork Belly – Pork belly wrapped around kimchi, a perfect combo—not greasy at all. 4️⃣ Gyutan (Beef Tongue) – Just okay, and at $12 per skewer, a bit disappointing. 5️⃣ Shio Pork Belly – Another solid pork belly option. Other Highlights: 6️⃣ Toro Tartare – Refreshing and tasty, perfect for summer. 7️⃣ Yuzu Chuhai – A light, citrusy alcoholic drink—great for cutting through rich flavors. 8️⃣ Sashimi Botan Ebi (Sweet Shrimp) – Fresh, and the heads are fried into tempura! Only 2 pieces for $20 though 😅. 9️⃣ Black Cod Misoyaki – Delicious but a bit salty—pairs well with drinks. 🔟 Wagyu Sukiyaki – A small but flavorful hot pot with all the essentials. Worth trying! 📍 TenGoku Aburiya 651 W Washington Blvd Suite #101A, Chicago, IL 60661 🕐 Closed Monday, open until 10–11 PM 💰 ~$80–90 per person if you want to feel full. Prices are fair, but portions are small. #JapaneseFood #RestaurantRecommendation #VibeDining #ChicagoEats #ChicagoTravel