Kokko — Restaurant in San Mateo

Kokko is a decent yakitori spot. It tries to be a comfort food style yakitori and beer with no frills, yet somehow the price point misses the mark. If you want to go for the "shack" and okay-to-be-charred feel, you want to back it up with appropriate pricing. On paper the prices look "cheap" but you get miniscule portions that almost tease you rather than fill you.

We were so used to seeing an endless wait for Kokko so when we got reservations, we were super excited. We were seated in the parking lot shack - not a problem - except the table wasn't "flat". And given the decor, we were certainly going for the "street comfort food" style. Again, can play along.

Before I comment on the food, I'll mention it the last time. Portions are tiny so don't be fooled by what looks like reasonable prices. You have to order a LOT.

The skewers were quite good in many ways. None of them were the best, but they all score above average and were flavorful. We had about 10 different kinds but none of them were memorable. It certainly accompanies beer well. So decent marination.

Where the taste was "off" was when there were burnt parts (fully understandable once in a while) where the skewer itself tastes bitter. At a yakitori place, this is just not acceptable. Many were great. Just a couple.

Service is super slow and hectic. I appreciate everyone trying to bring out skewers as they come out, but there doesn't seem to be a dedicated server for your table, and thus, there are periods where you just can't get a hold of anyone.

I won't be returning unless someone is begging to go for some yakitori and I'm out of options. Heck, Mokutanya a few miles north is...

I've been trying to come here for so long! Reservations are highly recommended for Fri & Sat nights. Great, casual spot to try new foods (like beef tongue or gizzard) for an adventurous/interesting date or just to catch up with friends (family style so you can try more things!) Skewers range from $2-5 each and can rack up pretty quickly if you're not careful! I think we spent like $30-40 per person (without drink..) oopsieeeeeee. We did get to try ALOT of stuff though and we were all really full.

Service is fast and attentive and food just kept coming :) Tried a few skewers and most of them were pretty good.. the onigiri was actually one of my favorites because it wasn't super thick full of rice and it was crispy on the outside (yommm) The chicken skin was pretty whatever (surprisingly!) because it wasn't browned/crispy enough :(

Their non-yakitori items are also great/ Chicken kara age (fried chicken) was delicious and my favorite dish for the night even if it wasn't yakitori .. juicy chicken pieces with light and crispy batter :3 Tori soboro don (ground chicken w/ egg over rice) is a must get! $3.90 and four of us got a decent serving.

I'd definitely return, but next time I'm drinking beer with my yakitori! We opted for a bottle of sake and .. I think we're getting old because we only killed half a bottle between three of us. Though it made for a more interesting night :)!

Big plus is I didn't smell like fried/grilled food...

Best Izakaya I've had in the Bay Area! Go with a large group so you can order everything on the menu but do make a reservation in advance since it's a small restaurant! Also, this place is moderately priced so you don't come out feeling hungry like all the other over-priced izakaya places in the Bay Area that serve you tiny portions.

Must-Order Carbs: Tori Soboro Don - Ground Chicken Rice Bowl w/ a Soft Poached Egg - Only $3.95, whattttt?! The crispy pickled radish that comes with this rice bowl provides for a nice acidic crunch. So good! Sesame Ramen - Unique, haven't had this anywhere else in the Bay Area. Broth is very thick and flavorful. Get it with two runny poached eggs instead of just one. This one gets you filled up so definitely share with a few other friends so you have stomach space for all the other yumminess they offer here.

Must-Order Veggie Dish: The eggplant. I think they have more than one eggplant dish here, but ask for the kind that comes on a long plate with sauce drizzled all over it. It is amazing.

Must-order Grilled Goodies: Bacon wrapped quail eggs Bacon wrapped enoki mushrooms Beef Tongue (both the miso and the salt flavored ones) Duck Breast Meatballs Pork Belly Pork...