Madison Foodies | A Japanese Gem Beyond Gyu-Kaku! 🍣🔥

If you’re willing to take a little drive from Madison for amazing Japanese food, this one’s for you! Recently, a group of friends and I made the trip to Appleton (yep, it’s a drive – but totally worth it) to try Katsu-Ya of Japan, and oh my—it did NOT disappoint! Here’s why this place is getting so much love: 📍 Katsu-Ya of Japan 338 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911 🅿️ Ample parking right next door – super convenient! ⭐️ Open daily, but note: they close at 9 PM. 🍱 What Makes It Special? Bigger & More Variety Than Gyu-Kaku: While Gyu-Kaku focuses mainly on BBQ with more beef and side options, Katsu-Ya offers a whole experience: sushi, sashimi, a full bar, teppanyaki, AND BBQ—all under one roof! Great Value: Portions are generous and prices are reasonable. Perfect for groups! Fresh Sashimi: Their sashimi is incredibly fresh – way better than most places in Madison (except maybe RED). We ordered ALL 12 pieces of uni (sea urchin) they had left that day… that’s how good it was! 🏼 🔥 BBQ Review: The grilled meat options are delicious and well-marinated, though the service can be a bit slow when it’s busy. We went on a Saturday—they open at 5 PM, but my friends got there at 4-ish to snag a table! Pro tip: Come early or be prepared to wait. The waitstaff might take a while to tend to you, but the food makes up for it. 📸 Visuals & Vibe: The restaurant is huge, beautifully decorated, and has that authentic Izakaya-meets-grill-house feel. Some of the photos I’m sharing are from regular customers – just look at that spread! 🌸 Final Verdict: If you don’t mind the drive, Katsu-Ya is a fantastic alternative to Madison’s Japanese options. Is it Chicago-level? Not quite… but it’s definitely one of the best in the region! Rating: 4.6/5 – Definitely worth the trip! 👋 Have you been to Katsu-Ya? What’s your favorite Japanese spot in or around Madison? Let me know below! #UWMadison #WisconsinEats #ChicagoFoodie #JapaneseBBQ #MadisonFood #FoodTravel #SashimiLovers