Musashi Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Colorado Springs

Honestly expected better. There is a reason this place always looked like some abandoned building to me. There is absolutely no ground maintenance and that in itself should have been a sign.

I don't even know where to begin with this review.

The Visuals - The architecture is interesting but doesn't take away from the fact that the entire interior of this place lies in at least a millimeter of dust. The grills are nasty and worn and the hoods are dripping with disgusting old grease and who knows what else. The glass isn't even clean. This place doesn't even try to hide any of this. It really makes me concerned about what the kitchen, prep, and storage areas are like. The food carts that they use are dirty and the "sauces" are carried in old, soiled, six-pack beer cases. Luckily, at least the dishes appeared cleaned.

The Staff - Our waitress filled our water and offered nothing beyond taking our initial order. She didn't even attempt to ask us if we wanted more beverages apart from the tiny cups of water she kept refilling and then performing a disappearing act. The soft drinks were flat and they make it a point to tell you that there are no refills of any kind. The cook offered very inappropriate and unprofessional conversation while prying into the relationships of the customers at the table. Glad we didn't bring the kids.

The Food - The food was cooked so slowly that most of it was cold before we even were able to put it in front of us as a meal. The prices are absolutely insane for the small amount of portions that you receive. The chef cooks a big amount and then divides it up between the customers so if you're around the last to get served, you get very little. Everything is absolutely drenched in soy sauce including the steak, it was so salty it was nearly inedible. It looks like they precut the lobster so that you don't receive the entire thing from the get. The weights of the steak aren't listed and are cut extremely thin and for the $50 cost for the lobster and steak you get practically nothing but soy sauce drenched meat and cold lobster. The vegetable options.. oh there are none, you get zucchini and onion only with your meal.

Overall, I don't understand why the family member that dragged us to this overpriced, disgusting, and rundown establishment wanted to come back for their second round but I can tell you this much - there is no questioning the fact that I will never be coming back, nor will I recommend this place to anybody. I wish I seriously took photos of this unbelievably dirty restauraunt. I seriously can not fathom why this place even remains open or even has a rating above a 1-star. I hope every hard working employee that works here finds somewhere else and soon because this place deserves to crumble if it continues to operate in this manner.

0/10 do...

We decided to try Musashi out on Christmas Eve without reservations. We figured we could just hit up another Asian restaurant if they were booked. We walked right in at 5p (when they open), were greeted and shown a table. The staff asked if we had any allergies and were very serious with how much of an allergy my wife had to pineapple since they do make drinks with it. She was extremely pleased with that. The chef came over a bit later and was friendly and entertaining. My kids hadn’t been to a teppanyaki style restaurant before so it was a blast watching their reactions.

The food was excellent. Seriously the best fried rice and soup we’ve had. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and the steak was good. I really liked their hot mustard sauce that was the flavor without the crazy heat. The salad was also delicious. The ginger dressing was the typical runny version I’m used to seeing in Japanese restaurants (it is not thick like Americans make) but had a fantastic flavor.

My wife and I had hot sake which they kept in a porcelain container on the grill to keep warm. It was perfect, not too alcoholic that I couldn’t drink it without coughing from the fumes.

Is the restaurant a grease trap? Yes. Do they need to clean the walls and perhaps repaint? Yes. However, I LOVE the 70s Japanese business man bar look and the traditional atmosphere of a Japanese house with rice paper windows in the walls. It’s fun to watch the fire dance in another room through them.

Overall, we had a great time with attentive and thoughtful as well as entertaining staff. They also did a great job with my kids of...

We have gone to Musashi since they opened. We like them a lot better than AI even though they are a little more run down. Always have had good food and good service. Have celebrated birthdays at least 3 or 4 times a year with 15+ people. Just a place our family enjoys. I was so happy they were back fully opened- no COVID restrictions. I called today to make a reservation for 16 people-2 tables for 3 weeks out. Was told by Brandy that they will only accept 1 reservation for up to 8 people. Ok, I ask can I make 2 separate reservations? Nope. Can I make 1 and have someone else make the other? She said you can do that but you absolutely will not be seated near each other. Never said it was due to any restriction. Huh? How can she say that. I could maybe understand if she said there’s a possibility you may not be able to be seated near each other but we will try. No she reiterated 2 times that we will not be seated near each other. No idea how she predicts that. I explained it’s our tradition to go and how glad we were that they were back open and it’s gonna be my mother’s 84th birthday. Nothing. I asked if we could put a credit card down. She really was a snot and just could care less. I told her I really did not want to go to AI that we like them. She just said well I hope they can accommodate you. I thought restaurants were wanting people back out? Last time we went it was about $500 with tip etc. I guess they are doing so well they don’t need my business. Just thought I would share my call 30...