JuRin — Restaurant in South Elgin

I recently the restaurant with my family, and unfortunately, I left feeling a bit disappointed.The overall experience didn’t quite meet my expectations.

Atmosphere: The seating was quite cramped, with tables placed too close together, which made the space feel congested. The exhaust system seemed to be doing the bare minimum, so it was uncomfortably warm and smoky throughout the meal. Given that hibachi dining usually involves cooking at the table, I expected a bit more ventilation for a more pleasant atmosphere.

Service: We were there for lunch and wanted to share a lunch combo, but there was clear miscommunication between the waitress and the chef. Fried rice, soup, salad, and noodles were served first, but when it came time for the meat/protein, there was confusion. Eventually, the waitress informed us that they no longer allow sharing and that we could simply take from each other if we wished.

If this was the case, it would have been helpful if she had mentioned it earlier. Additionally, there was no usual hibachi show or interaction—something I had been looking forward to. The chef merely made a smiley face to begin cooking.

Food: On a positive note, the food tasted good. I really enjoyed the soup and fried rice. However, given the lack of show and interaction, the food alone couldn’t fully redeem the experience.

Overall: While the food was tasty, the cramped seating, lack of coordination between the staff, and absence of the typical hibachi experience made for a less enjoyable visit. Overall, I would rate this...

We've been going to this restaurant since it opened - probably 25 years at least. I was there for my birthday in April and even then it was great. Now, they are cutting corners in the worst way. The tiny chop sticks should have tipped us off that something had changed. Still, we sat down and ordered the same thing we always get. When our sushi arrived, instead of actual fish, they were filled with some kind of paste. It didn't feel or look the same and it certainly didn't taste the same. I have a wheat intolerance, so I'm extremely careful to avoid gluten. I marked the sushi card with, "no tempura crumbs please!" as I always do. There were none in top, but this paste they put in their rolls now is, (according to a server) fish paste mixed with bread crumbs. The spicy tuna wasn't spicy and I'm not sure you could call it tuna. I complained. I told them I can't eat wheat. The server asked if we wanted it wrapped to go. They charged us full price and claimed this is how they always made their rolls. As I said, we've been eating there for decades and I've been gluten free since 2010 so I can tell you for certain it is not the same as before. My stomach blew up like a balloon before we even got to the car - and it will be that way for a day at least, despite two gas x. I feel sick and will not be getting sushi there again. What a shame! I will miss ju rin. This was always the best to place for...

Been coming here for over 15 years. Probably no more. Expecting no crowd since it was minus 5 out, with a 30 mph wind. I was correct, no one waiting, and 2 hibachi tables prepped and open. Was told an hour wait. So we went to the sushi bar. First 30 minutes, 2 tables remained open. then some guests were shown and seated. A few minutes later , 2 table left, and now 3 were open. Our entire time there, 2 tables were always open. At the sushi bar, soup and salad immediately. barely a chance to try the salad, the fried rice came. Almost right after, the entrée. Table was completely covered with bowls and dishes. Not sure how long the food was sitting in the back, because I've watched how long it takes to grill. Rice and vegetables were cold. Shrimp was cold, and the filet was raw. Mushrooms? I scrapped my plate in search of, found 3 slim slivers, when piled on each other, wouldn't have made half a mushroom. Vegetables looked like they were leftovers from another table. The experience and food was terrible. Not why you go to a hibachi grill. When I explained my experience to the manager when we left, he stood there like a bobble head. In the past, not a lot of options. And we are loyal to a good service and good food. Now, there are other...