Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ — Restaurant in Houston

Disappointing Experience at This Location – Will Stick to the Other Branch

I recently visited this Japanese BBQ spot with my family, including two babies, and unfortunately, it was a frustrating experience that left us disappointed.

First off, we were told we’d be put on a waiting list because there weren’t enough tables for our party of 6, even though the restaurant was far from full. In fact, there were at least half a dozen empty tables, and yet they continued to turn away multiple parties. We ended up waiting over two hours just to be seated. Our kids love this place, but the overall experience didn’t reflect the quality service we’ve had at other locations.

The seating arrangements were poorly managed. Instead of seating larger parties at the available big tables, they kept splitting them up and placing them at smaller tables, which created unnecessary delays. It was clear they didn’t know how to efficiently seat guests, especially larger groups. On top of that, the staff seemed disorganized. The girl who greeted us wasn’t cleaning the tables properly—she was just wiping food off to the grill, which didn’t seem very sanitary or professional.

Unfortunately, the service was not only slow, but also unfriendly. The staff lacked any warmth, empathy, or even a basic smile. The atmosphere felt unwelcoming and cold, which is a big turn-off when dining out.

Overall, I was unimpressed with this location. The service was unprofessional and there was a noticeable lack of hospitality. I’ll be sticking with the other branch, where the service is much better, and the wait times are more reasonable. I hope the management at this location takes the feedback to heart and works on improving both the service and the customer experience.

I won’t be returning here and would advise others to consider...

I received exquisite service from a Melissa, however they did not have the Basashi (raw horse meat) that I explicitly recall eating the last time I dined at this fine establishment. When I told them I had the dish no more than a few months before, they all but accused me of fabricating the menu items existence. I was tempted to escalate but Alyssa thought quick on her feet and offered up some alternative food items in its stead. They were all of course delicious. I was tempted to order more than 3 of the chocolate lava cakes but i know my doctor and my wife (don't tell her!) would not be pleased. I was able to scarf down a fourth while my wife was in the bathroom (irritable bowel syndrome) thanks to Maria's quick work. What a brain freeze I had when my wife got back! The quality of the food was good but they don't cook it for you. So in essence, you are paying to cook your own food. Some people might find this strange. I am of course referring to myself. I am some people. The good news is, I am likely a better cook than whoever they have in the back, no offense!. I was able to seer my food to perfection, however my wifes demonic digestive system would not settle for any less than well done so her meats came out a bit burnt. After checking one last time with my server Mariza if they offered the basashi (worth a try) she denied the item was ever served at this establishment, however, I am onto her. All in all I would recommend this establishment to people who do not trust kitchen staff to cook their food for them, and people who like quick and discreet service. My wife (developmentally disabled) and i had a splendid night out and made it home just in time for bed at...

FANTASTIC FOOD AND SUPERB SERVICE!! This place took me back to my last trip to Japan! From the second you walk in, the staff greet you and the host announces your presence in Japanese and then everyone echos their "Welcome In" greeting.

Once you are seated, you are given a menu, which at first can be quiet overwhelming considering the number of meats and appetizers available, but should you have any questions, the staff are right there to guide you through!

After ordering, the appetizers are brought out followed by the meat (in my case as you can see in the pictures, I ordered quiet a bit!) and after each meat is placed on the table, the staff inform you of the best cooking times for each meat! My wife and I were VERY impressed with the waitress who listed each cooking time from memory!!!

From here, you cook the meats and enjoy! Should you need anything, from lemon slices for your water or soy sauce for your rice, do not hesitate to ask! The staff are attentive and eager to help with all of your needs!

Lastly, the delicious desserts... you HAVE to get something yummy after all the appetizers and meat! Be sure to save room for the Smore, which you toast the marshmallow right over the fire at your table! I had the Taiyaki... which is a deep fried delicious dough almost like a soft churro, stuffed with red bean paste and served with either vanilla or green tea ice cream! DELICIOUS!

Overall, this is one of the best places I've eaten at, not only in Houston, but ANYWHERE I've been in the U.S. Will be...