Katsu Bar — Restaurant in Santa Monica

I ordered the mushroom katsu and it was extremely oily and the sauce was too sweet. It tasted like someone put sugar in vegetable oil. I went in to tell the owner? And he wanted to not give me a different dish at my first request and explanation. First he tried to say that I ate it, I did not. I took a bite from on the cuts of the sandwich (you’re served a sandwich cut into 3) and let one person I was eating with try it to see if they wanted the sandwich. After a while of him arguing with me, saying that he’s not Costco and doesn’t give samples and restaurants don’t take food back because he can’t resell it since I ate it (What?! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a restaurant take food back once it’s left the kitchen)?!!! I told him I’m not asking for a refund just to change the sandwich and the sandwich I was asking for was half the price and a smaller dish than what I had ordered. After all that he finally handed me the sandwich I requested which was already pre-made! He didn’t even have to make it. The customer service here is eh at best. It’s crazy when the front register person has better customer presence than the owner, like what. This is a ripe off of kojima and coco curry. I recommend people go there. Its fast casual so they left tables dirty. (I get small businesses budgets can tough but I was trying to work with him on just bad food, and all of what he could work on like customer service or a clean...

Great vibes, great service and great food!

Food: Caprese Katsu Sando: Tastes just like what you think, a caprese in the form of a katsu sandwich. Wonderfully breaded chicken katsu with fresh sliced mozzarella and tomato. Enveloped by two slices of soft Japanese milk bread. Each bite is light and refreshing. Surprisingly was a big portion. Egg Sando: perfectly cooked egg! Not over cooked or under cooked! The egg salad is also quite light and the hint of fresh dill only brings the whole egg Sando to the next level. Draft Pineapple Cream Soda: I normally wouldn’t review the fountain drinks but this place has draft specialty drinks! I got the pineapple cream soda which was so refreshing on a hot LA summer day! Ringo Sparkling water: got these complimentary and they are a light refreshing sparkling water with the taste of apple. Waffle fries: crispy and perfect waffle fries! Was slightly skeptical at first but they are quite complimentary to the soft Japanese milk bread.

Service: Amazing service, although it’s order via kiosk, the service staff was very attentive and checked in with their customers even after serving the food. Even gave out free complimentary Ringo sparkling water. 5/5 service.

Setting: Great vibes, there is indoor and outdoor setting. Beautifully furnished and good...

I don't normally go to Japanese fast food take-out joints but went here because a friend recommended it and ended up going three more times afterward that same week. ITS THAT GOOD!

So far I've had the: Rosemary pork sando Mushroom Tempura Crisscut Rose Tteokbokki w/ Katsu (great with a side of rice) Pork katsu Chicken katsu Kamikaze katsu Sandwich Korean Gang Jung tender bite w/pork and chicken Hot Chicken Sandwich (my favorite)

Everything I tried was good. The katsu is juicy, tender, and perfectly crispy. Pork is good but I prefer the chicken, both are juicy and yummy. My favorite is the hot chicken sandwich! I'm a pretty spicy eater (I eat habaneros raw as a condiment) and the spice level of this sandwich did not disappoint! Love the mushroom tempura! The waffle fries are great but a bit overdone and on the dry side, but not so bad that I wouldn't eat it again and crispy enough to enjoy, especially when you have all the delicious sauces to dip them in! Haven't had the curry but cant wait to try more! The soda fountain drink options are great too. Unique flavors like pineapple cream, made with real sugar and no corn syrup.

There's a parking lot with plenty of free parking and prices are very reasonable! Its my new favorite neighborhood place to eat!...