Yakitori Taisho — Restaurant in New York

DECLINING OLD JAPANESE HOT SPOT! Oh! Taisho, otherwise known as Yakitori Taisho, has seen it better days. This Japanese yakitori joint used to be a great spot to hang out at night; munching with your friend some tasty yakitori and cold beer. As a traditional yakitori place, it opens late in the afternoon and remains open until late hours at night. They have moved a few doors down St. Marks place, so this place has somewhat a better look. Unfortunately, its popular signature dishes, the quality of food and ambiance has plummeted in some unexpected ways. I visited this place a few weeks ago with my family, we ordered a little bit of everything to rekindle with the Japanese cuisine that we have learned to love so much. As appetizers we had rice "Onigiri" and Gyoza. The Onigiri was very dry and bland (no salt!) the Gyoza was oily, it tasted like pre-cooked food heated in a microwave. (I know not expect Michelin quality food here, but this was bad). As entries we ordered, Chicken Teriyaki Don, Karaage Tei, Taisho shrimp fried rice, Yaki soba, Yakitori Party Set, and the classic Tonkotsu Ramen. Our early excitement to eat here quickly turned into a great disappointment, all dishes were poorly seasoned and cooked. However, the yakitori party set was a BIG mistake. We knew something was wrong when they brought out the food sooo fast (about 10 minutes for 30 skewers!) At first, they look great (see the pictures I posted) but the taste was hideous. And that's not all, I have to warn you, if you are a ramen fan, please DO NOT order the ramen in this place. Our Tonkotsu ramen was so repulsive, that we left them untouched. (I was truly surprised the waiter or cook didn't asked why didn't we eat it). The broth tasted like dishwasher soup mixed with hot water ( I am not kidding!) and the sliced pork, smelled so bad. I was so embarrassed to even bring it up to the waiter. (even though, I know I should have, but I'm not that type of person, I just simply never return to the establishment, why even bother!). In most Japanese restaurants, their food quality and service are usually the best to be found. NOT Oh! Taisho, I am sad to say it, but I would be surprised if this place last longer than it takes them to cook their...

Oh! Taisho has been in the East Village for as long as I can remember. It's extremely popular amongst those who visit the city, as well as students at NYU. I mean, everything sounds pretty decent. You have a pretty low price point, there are tons of bars around the area, and its a pretty lively restaurant. What I've learned throughout years of dining is that the food here is pretty mediocre in comparison to other izakayas around town, and that if you're willing to spend a little more, you'll also get a higher quality experience.

Oh! Taisho is literally in the heart of the East Village. Located on St Marks between 2nd and 3rd, this place is right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the East Village. On any given night, this area will be as crowded as Midtown, and Oh! Taisho is no exception. Before coming here, know that they don't take reservations. It's pretty much first come first serve, so depending on when you do arrive, there could be a 30-45min wait. With that being said, there actually is a decent amount of seating here, which is good if you're coming with a larger party. If you're thinking about coming here for a date, you might want to reconsider because the noise level here, as with most spots in the East Village, is pretty loud.

Now in regards to their menu, there really is a plethora of things to choose from. From your yakitori, to rice/noodle dishes, to your fried items, you have the ability to mix and match your meal. Typically, you select a couple yakitori items, toss in a salad for good measures, throw in some grilled squid, and finish it off with some yaki onigiri. Taste-wise, it's not horrible, but it's not mind blowing either. Mediocre or as expected is what I'd describe the food here. Luckily, the price isn't too bad.

If you're going for quality over quantity, then I'd recommend leaving the East Village. There's Yakitori Tori Shin and Yakitori Totto to name a few, and both those places are extremely amazing. Nonetheless, if you're going for a bang for your buck or just want a place to drink and snack, then Oh! Taisho can satisfy your needs. Just don't expect to have...

Yakitori Taisho has quickly become our go-to spot for authentic Japanese flavors in Manhattan. From the moment we entered, we were greeted warmly and seated promptly, setting the stage for an exceptional dining experience.

The highlight of our evening was the Yakitori Party Platter—a mouthwatering assortment of perfectly grilled skewers. Each skewer was expertly seasoned and grilled to perfection, showcasing the chef’s skill and attention to detail. The chicken, pork, and beef skewers were tender and flavorful, while the vegetables added a delightful crunch.

The Onigiri was a delightful surprise—warm, fluffy rice wrapped around a savory filling, creating a comforting bite-sized treat that paired perfectly with our skewers.

The Calamari Deep Fried was a crispy delight, with tender calamari coated in a light, flavorful batter.

Another standout was the Pork Belly with Mayonnaise—a rich and indulgent dish that melted in our mouths with each bite. The pork belly was perfectly cooked, and the creamy mayonnaise added a delightful contrast of flavors.

Service was impeccable throughout our meal. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and offered helpful recommendations. They ensured that our drinks were topped up and checked in on us regularly, enhancing our overall dining experience.

The ambiance at Yakitori Taisho was vibrant yet cozy, with a bustling atmosphere that added to the authenticity of our dining experience.

In conclusion, Yakitori Taisho exceeded our expectations with its delectable yakitori skewers, flavorful dishes, and exceptional service. It’s the perfect place for a memorable Japanese dining experience in Manhattan, and we can’t wait to return for more of their...