Takehachi — Restaurant in Sakata

UPDATE: Since reopening in May 2025, the owner has gone from being open almost every day to having set days off on Sundays and Thursdays. However, if he's bored, if he gets a large reservation, or if it's a holiday time he may open up on a given Sunday or Thursday. If the lights are on, he's open.

ORIGINAL POST: Nothing fancy - just simple and delicious home-style (chicken-based) food and drink that is reasonably priced with pretty large portions.

This place is famous for it's grilled chicken thighs (momoyaki), but it's all very good. I have had everything on the menu and even stuff I don't usually like is pretty good here.

My personal recommendations beyond thighs are the karaage (fried chicken chunks - made here from white meat as opposed to the usual dark meat, though that is available on request), the tsukune (kind of a chicken meatball, for lack of a better word), and the agedashi tofu (Deep fried tofu in sauce). Those interested in taking a walk on the wilder side (depending on where you are from) are encouraged to try the "tataki", which is blue-rare tenderloin. Organ meat such as heart is also available, if that's your jam.

A few words of warning:

1. Be careful ordering any shochu-based drinks such as the Lemon Sour or Oolonghai, as the owner tends to make them pretty strong (though he can make them weaker on request, and if you become a regular he'll dial it in to leave you feeling good when you leave).
2. There is parking space available for only 3 cars onsite, though there is overflow parking a short walk away. So get there early or be prepared for a short walk.
3. The owner is very friendly and welcoming, but doesn't speak any English. He DOES have an English menu, though, so you're not out of luck if you don't...

鳥もも塩焼き&鳥刺しを食べました。 焼きは塩加減が絶妙でしたが、鳥刺しは残念ながら鶏肉シャリシャリ（霜or氷）感が残ってたことですかね。 不思議なことは、土曜日6時ちょい過ぎに行ったのですが、看板の電気も付いてなく、暖簾も出ていませんでしたが、お店の明かりが灯ってたので恐る恐る入ってみたら、ななんと「いらっしゃいませ～🐽何名様ですか？」の大将の一言でした。 今考えたら、一見さんお断りなのかも、、、😅 個人的には、宮崎のじどっこを食べてきた人なので、焼きだったら焦げ加減、炭の匂い、タタキで食べれば、紅葉おろしやニンニク、わけぎ、玉ねぎの薬味と一緒に食べれれ...

Amazing chicken and great service. Owner very welcoming....