Izakaya Toribar — Restaurant in New York

Aggressively Mid, Cockroaches, with Servers Who Mock Customers.

Typically, when I go to a mid restaurant, I just don't go there again. However, the unprofessional nature of the wait staff made me feel called to write about my experience.

THE FOOD: Ordered the Umeshu Tonic, which was weak and didn't taste like much of anything. Skewers: Chicken Skin with Salt, Chicken Meatball with Tare, Gingko with Salt, and Liver with Tare. Everything salted tasted wayyyy too salty, leaving my mouth dry for awhile after I left the restaurant. The Liver, which cooked correctly is tender and buttery, was way over cooked and tasted with the texture of flavored dried leather.

Nothing I ate or drank justified being worth called a specialty izakaya, let alone at the ridiculous price tag.

The one redeeming factor was the generous portion, not the taste, of the Tako Wasabi.

THE SERVERS: Shortly after I ordered, a family came in and a cockroach 🪳 crawled up the little boy's leg, causing him to cry. The table quickly left without ordering.

Instead of the servers being compassionate and troubled, I witnessed the servers mock and make fun of the little boy's reaction on and off for about 15-20 minutes throughout the whole duration of my meal. It was unsettling and I paid nearly 55$ with tip for one person for aggressively mid food, a weak drink, and bad vibes all around.

Would not...

Food: 5 stars Service: 5 stars Ambiance: 5 stars (for fun dinner/drinks, not romantic)

I’ve visited here few times already and food is consistently amazing. While skewers seem to be their popular picks with variety of options, their dishes like yakisoba and karaage are deeeeelicious.

Food: My personal skewer favorites are chicken thighs, chicken wings (with sauce), and chicken skin. Chicken meatballs have been the favorite from everyone at the table with egg yolk sauce. Yakisoba with pork belly and agedash tofu are also amazing. Food comes out as they are being prepared, so pace yourself and order accordingly.

Service: everyone is very attentive. Let’s just say your water cup is never empty and you won’t run out of clean napkins without ever asking.

Place is vibrant and fun. I would go there for a romantic date, but it’s a great place for a fun date or small group fun evening. I think the biggest table was for 6 people.

Drink options are also very good. I’ve only ordered sake, beer, and whiskey on their rocks. I think they have cocktails but decided to stay with other ones.

I’ve gone there with my kids. They LOVED the food, but I would definitely go there when it first open at 5 to avoid the crowd.

Lastly, I don’t want to give away my secret but that their fried mochi...

I have read about Izakaya Toribar when it first opened here in midtown and immediately added to my bucket list. Finally, last night I had a chance to check it out and let me tell you; I’m glad I did!

Located on 56th st between Lexington and Third Avenue, has a fiery grill in the open kitchen, lively atmosphere and attentive staff. We had to wait about 15mins for a table since is a small space and they do not take reservations unless is a party of 8 or more.

The menu ranges from sashimi to chicken wings, sushi rolls to steak, ramen to dessert. The yakitori skewers include chicken meatballs, chicken neck & skin, short rib and pork belly and come grilled or deep fried. We had Pork belly and short ribs skewers, both DELICIOUS!

Since is tapas style we also ordered some small plates including Yakisoba (sautéed noodles with pork belly) and Ebi Mayo (fried shrimp with Japanese mayo).

For drinks I remember seeing everything from beer, Japanese sake, wine, and whiskey.

Food – *Purple Sweet Potato Fries with spicy mayo & honey mustard *Chicken Karaage: deep fried chicken *Ebi Mayo: shrimp topped with Japanese Mayo *Yakisoba: Stir-fried noodles with Pork belly *Yakitori: Short rib and Enoki wrapped in pork belly

Service was top notch and food is absolutely delicious! Definitely going...