Gyukaku Yokohama Shioiri — Restaurant in Yokosuka

On Thursday, October 24th, I visited the Japanese, barbecue place in the back of COASKA Bayside Stores in Yokosuka. I was there with a friend, and we were having a great conversation. Unfortunately, the experience was spoiled by one of the waiters. From the moment he approached our table, he was rude—blunt, unfriendly, and unwelcoming, with no clear reason.

I’ve been to this restaurant many times, both with my husband and daughter, and have always had positive experiences with friendly and helpful staff. However, this man was different—he showed no interest in providing good customer service.

I ordered a pineapple sour, which ended up having a gnat (or small fly) inside of it. I pointed it out to the waitress, who saw it and took the drink away. I asked her if I had to pay for it, and she tried her best to respond in English. I also used Google Translate to help. Eventually, she told me that I wouldn’t have to pay for the drink. However, when the bill arrived, the drink was still included at ¥639 (about $3 USD).

The rude waiter insisted that I pay for the drink, which made no sense since it was such a small amount, and I clearly had no reason to avoid paying for something that inexpensive. When I pointed this out, he questioned me rudely, and then had a different waiter ask if I had taken pictures or had proof, even though the waitress had already removed the drink and could verify what happened. When she tried to explain, the original rude waiter cut her off and dismissed her.

I ended up paying for the drink, as I didn’t want to cause trouble in a foreign country. Still, it was frustrating to be treated so poorly over such a minor issue.

The experience was disappointing, as I’ve been living in Japan for over three years and frequent this restaurant at least bimonthly . I’ve never had an issue until now, but this encounter was the worst service I’ve experienced in all my time here. The small bowls I ordered were also dirty, and I cleaned it myself rather than bothering the staff.

I’m not sure if this man works only during the weeknights or if he’s new, but after this experience, I will not be returning to this restaurant.

Sincerely, A...

Gyukaku Yokosuka Shioiri Branch is a popular yakiniku chain restaurant located in Honmachi, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It features an international atmosphere with many foreign customers due to the presence of a U.S. military base in the neighborhood. The restaurant is spacious and clean, ideal for families and friends. The weekday lunches are especially delicious and highly reputed for their excellent cost performance.

1. Location and Access

The restaurant is about a 4-minute walk from Shioiri Station on the Keihin Kyuko Main Line and within walking distance from the East Exit of Yokosuka Chuo Station. If you are coming by car, there are several parking lots in the vicinity of the store. For example, Bay Square Parking (approx. 200 m, 3 min. walk) and Corska Bayside Stores Parking Lot (approx. 211 m, 3 min. walk) are available. Parking fees depend on each parking lot, but some stores offer discount tickets, so it is a good idea to check when you visit the store. 

② Facilities and Services

The restaurant has approximately 92 seats, and although there are no private rooms, you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere. The all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink menus are well received by many customers, especially the all-you-can-eat menu. Recommended menu items include juicy beef kakubi ribs and fresh hormone. Prices are reasonable, making it easy to visit with family and friends. In addition, the restaurant has English-speaking staff, so foreign customers can feel at ease. 

③About the highlights, attractions, and history

Gyukaku is a nationwide yakiniku chain restaurant that offers high-quality meat and a diverse menu. The Yokosuka Shioiri branch is particularly popular with foreign customers, who enjoy the international atmosphere of the restaurant. The restaurant is open year-round, but the beer and yakiniku combination is especially popular during the summer months. Also, for birthdays and anniversaries, desserts and surprise gifts can be discussed, making it the perfect place for a special occasion. One point that is often overlooked is to make a reservation in advance to ensure a smooth entry into the...

Newest Gyukaku that opened almost a year ago (late 2019). If you visit during lunch, there are a few lunch sets that are reasonably priced. For dinner, you can either go a la carte or there are a few AYCE (all you can eat) courses to choose from as well as a small kids menu if you have little ones with you, like myself.

Kids under age 6 (or when they start elementary school) eat free, and school-age kids are half price. With any of the AYCE courses, any of the kids menu items are included plus self-serve soft serve ice cream for dessert with a small toppings bar.

On the most recent visit, AYCE (middle course) and drink bars for two adults (kiddo was free) ran about $85 but we definitely ate enough meat that it was worth it. They also validate parking if you park at Coaska so don't forget to ask for a validation ticket as you're...