Tachibana Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Lexington

Was one of my favorite restaurants. Tonight was busy so I try to be patient and almost never leave reviews.

Tonight, the only time my son and I saw the server was when she brought our drinks. What I believe was the busser brought out our ramen after about 20-25 minutes. (We eat here a lot so that's pretty long even on equally busy nights.)

When my son dropped his napkin, thankfully another lady got us a new one while we waited. I needed a fork and had to get up from the table and was completely ignored as the server walked right past me by less than a foot. Luckily, the same busser that brought out my soup gave me a fork.

The server, ironically, asked every table around us (literally. Even a table that was already done eating.) if they were good but us. I had wanted to order more food but unfortunately I waited about fifteen minutes once done eating the ramen and ended up getting up to pay for my food after watching the gentlemen at table next to me pay at the counter.

I gave an 18% tip but only because everyone but the server serviced me.

(We waited twenty minutes to be seated, btw, in a line behind one couple that got seated, one couple that went to the bar to get served, one man that went and ordered takeout at the bar, and another couple that was seated at a two seater.

There was one table that had been open like the two seater, that we ended up getting seated at, after said server called everyone on a list that another older lady already checked (same older lady eventually told server to stop calling people on the list and seat us) even though none of the people who were on said list responded before she sat us. This isn't the first time we've gotten off service from said server but it may be the last.)

SOOOO disappointed cause we've spent hundreds of dollars here and they used to be so solid and quick. I guess they have a server shortage but it doesn't take much to make EVERYONE feel welcome, even...

Had read good reviews about this restaurant so decided to give it a try even though we had to travel from London KY. Arrived at restaurant about 7:35p and although there were several people waiting to be seated in front of us, we were seated about 8:10. Was about 15 min. before waiter got our drink order then about another 20 min. before drinks were delivered, two sweet teas and a water and he took our order. About 20 minutes later waiter brought my husband's salad and soup. By this time it was almost 9:00p. Several other diners who had had been seated after us had already been served so I went to the check out desk to ask how long our service would be. The waiter who took our order was at the desk. I ask how long our orders would be. This he ask where we were seated, asked what we ordered then turned to another server at the desk if they had taken our order. When I said, You took our order, he looked confused started looking through his orders. At that point my husband came up and said let's go, thanks for the drinks. My suggestion for anyone who want to try this restaurant - MAKE SURE YOU RUN DOWN YOUR WAITER EVERY 5 MINUTES TO MAKE SURE THEY DON'T FORGET YOU'RE A CUSTOMER AND NOT A EMPTY...

This place was within walking distance of our hotel, so it was convenient to stop in on our way back to Louisville. I love the design of the building and the interior. It had a "homelike" atmosphere and very clean (even the restrooms--we checked lol). We were seated and the staff was helpful in telling us about the specials for the day.

We (my husband and I) were impressed with everything so far, but we wanted to taste the food as well before we made any judgments. The niku udon and karaage were the first items to arrive. The udon broth was an aromatic beef broth with delicious and chewy udon. We both enjoyed this bowl. The karaage however, had potential, but coming from NYC just a few weeks ago, it did not compare to what we had at Ippudo. Plus, some parts looked a tad undercooked.

I ordered the grilled saba (mackerel) and it was delicious, but I had to take it to-go because I was getting full.

The sashimi was as good as we had in NYC so that was a plus.

Overall, we would love to go back because we felt it would be a better experience for dinner versus lunch. Perhaps on a cold, winter night we can opt for a heated sake and explore their...