Yoshinoya Shin-Okubo Station — Restaurant in Tokyo

So I’m a tourist and speak Japanese at an intermediate child’s level, and was quite anxious coming here because it’s a more “local” place and definitely not meant for tourists or catering to English speakers.

By the way, the window to the left of the entrance is the takeout window when looking at it from the outside of Shin-Okubo station. I ordered inside because I did not know this at first but for the next time, I will order at the window!

When I entered inside, a worker (older man) greeted me and asked if I’m doing takeout. I told him yes and he pulled out a menu for me to order. I told him that my Japanese was poor (in Japanese) with the intention of just ordering completely in Japanese, but letting him know to be mindful I might not understand everything he’s saying. However, he immediately—and politely—told me to wait and he grabbed another coworker that spoke English. I was greeted kindly in English, but I pursued to complete conversation in Japanese. I think he understood to speak in more simpler Japanese since his coworker told him to help me out. The worker took my order and served me in Japanese as I spoke in Japanese and had me wait off the side of the register near the door.

The workers work quick and hard and are serving 5 other people at a busy time. It was 21:30 on a Saturday and the place had ~12 people eating inside or more. While I was waiting, all the other workers were serving others and bringing out food and taking more orders. Super efficient and making sure everyone gets helped.

I waited

This was our first dinner here in Tokyo and we came here after getting settled at our accommodation. Also it was conveniently located right by the station too.

We had a party of 3 but they only had a 2 person table. I was just going to squeeze and share one side with my friend on the booth side, but the waiter discouraged it and pointed me towards the counter for a single seat or another table for just me. I awkwardly still sat with my friends and we were unsure of what to do. Luckily the man at the table next to us finished his meal so I could sit at his table a couple feet away.

I ordered the Beef Bowl and added a side of kimchi and miso soup. I think I got the medium size for the Beef Bowl. It was pretty good. Beef was delicious, it had a good umami and savory taste. The caramelized onions were great, and the beef and onions were on top of a bed of white rice. Kimchi and miso soup were good too. I felt like the portion size with the sides was perfect to me, but it was nice to have options for a large and extra large size for the bowls. Overall, it was a pretty simple meal but I liked it.

I ordered my meal on the touch screen, and it was very easy to order. Seconds after announcing to my friends that I was finished ordering, my food came out and we were all in shock lol. For Yoshinoya being considered as "fast food", they weren't kidding about the speed.

This place was very affordable, food was good, and service was unbelievably quick. I have no complaints, I'd definitely come back to try other things...

Well maintained and kept clean considering it’s right in front of the JR station. Large parties will probably be separated or have to wait a bit. We had a party of 3, and had to sit in two different places. We didn’t mind though because the waiter seemed more upset than we did. In this place, you get seated, peruse the menu, call the server, place your order and get a pitcher of water plus cups. I had the sweetly grilled unagi (eel) with rice and a side of their spring egg (the yolk was very orange). I smooched it with the rice. It was delicious. My partner had the karaage (fried chicken) set with Yoshinoya beef. He got a bowl of rice & soup as well. Seems like the set is the way to go. I had some of his chicken and it was tasty. When we were done, we went up and paid. I noticed the guy who was our host was also our waiter and server and busser. These Yoshinoya guys work hard with multiple hats. Kudos for...