Ichiban Japanese Grill — Restaurant in Knoxville

My husband and I went into this establishment for lunch for the first time. They weren't busy, so it was quiet. A family of regulars then came in after we did and we're sat near us. They were greeted by NAME. The server asks us our drink order. She came out with drinks for both tables and proceeded to take the other groups order first. She was very pleasant with them. She came over to our table, loudly told me they didn't have veggie rolls, but then they did and it would be 50¢ extra. My husband then told her his order and asked for double shrimp. She cut him off told him it would be an extra charge. He calmly told her "Cost isn't an issue, I want double shrimp." My husband walked up to the other male server and asked if he could order some sushi. He was also rude. The other tables food was brought out first and she refilled their cups. Our food was brought out soon after. She never offered to fill up my half empty cup. The food was very small portioned. I was very disappointed at the rude, stereotypical service my husband and I received. My husband is culinary trained and I am a seasoned server. We not only tip VERY well, we always try go to new restaurants with an open mind and understanding heart. We will never return back to that restaurant.TO THE RUDE SERVERS: NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER. AND PLEASE BE KIND TO EVERY...

I went in for a late lunch around 3:30 on a Saturday. It took a few minutes to be seated because there was only one server. He was buzzing around taking care of tables, bussing tables and running the register. All the tables were full (which is about 14). Understandably it took him about five minutes or so to take my order because he had two other tables come in when I did and several orders come up for table delivery. During my time there he cleaned and sat four more tables as customers came and went (not including carry out orders). As a former server I was amazed at how well he handled the entire restaurant alone. Waiting didn't bother me and he never once seemed to become frustrated with the constant demand for his attention. The food had excellent flavor as well. Only thing is the waiter forgot my salad but I chose not to remind him because I sympathize with what he was going through. The temperature was a bit warm for me so I can only imagine how hot he must have been zipping around. My bill was $14 and some change. I gave the guy a $20 and didn't ask for change back. He humbly asked me if I was sure I wanted to do that because he realized at check out he forgot my salad. I would definitely go back to this place and be waited on by him again. Only next time I hope he'll have help and it...

Truly enjoyed my first visit to Ichiban. I've known about the place for years, but it took a DoubleTakeOffers certificate to motivate me to give the joint a try. I like that the restaurant looks a little rough around the edges: keeps the riffraff in and the foodies out.

And oh, the food! After debating over several menu items, I went with the specialty sushi rolls, which are "buy one, get one 50% off." They were well-made, large portions, and beautiful to look at. The spicy ones were quite spicy indeed. Next time I'm gonna sit up at the counter and watch the sushi chef at work.

I started with hot and sour soup, something I order at EVERY Asian restaurant that serves it, sort of as a litmus test of a new place (buffet-style venues always fail it), and it was excellent. A couple sitting next to me raved about the Bento box they were sharing, especially since there was enough food in it for them to take some home.

Ichiban was busy on the Thursday night I visited, and I bet it's VERY busy on weekends. So the waiter and waitress (she in rolled up straight-legged jeans, Keds, and a ponytail; he tattooed and with BIG spiky hair; both just adorable) were rushed and running around like crazy, and folks waiting on takeout orders seemed a bit miffed. That's tough, `cause the food is worth the wait....