Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ — Restaurant in Tustin

My boyfriend and I have been to many other Gyu Kaku locations (Cerritos, HB, SD, etc), but this was by far the worse we've been to. Originally went to HB location but they were full, so we called the second nearest close to us and they said there was no wait.

We ordered the Ultimate and began ordering. Meats/sides took forever to arrive (I never got my hot water even asking twice), and all the workers there always avoid walking by the tables and seem to be chatting/hiding in the back area. Always had to ask for grill changes, water refills, and if we needed more food because they won't do anything unless I ask. I noticed a few workers look over our table (obviously needing grill changes, no food, etc.) but still would not do anything. Mind you, it was not super busy at all. There was no wait outside.

Also was told that they were out of beef tongue (limit one in the Ultimate menu), so why didn't they bother to tell us that when we told them we were going to order the Ultimate menu? To add on top of that, when we wanted to order the dessert on the Ultimate menu, the Manager (assuming he was based on his attire) told us AGAIN that it was ALSO sold out. I was not in the mood to make a scene or argue, so I just looked at my boyfriend like ???? This guy??? lol.

I usually leave quite satisfied with Gyu Kaku, but this made me want to never come back. It might be the management, but the staff needs to be retrained or something. I'm only giving two stars because I noticed there were two Asian female workers that were attending the neighboring tables with much more positive/helpful energy.

I guess we were super unlucky that the "manager" (and the rest) was in charge of our table. He literally sat us down and never came back. We had to ask another staff for our server so that we can order more (but he never came). I see why there's no wait for this location. The meats were also super marinated and salty than usual. I ended up enjoying the sides (spinach, mushroom) more than the meat. Their egg soup was also super watery. I do not recommend it. It was the saddest egg soup ever.

TLDR: super slow service/food to come out, servers just ignore you, servers have an "I don't care" aura, staff does not bother telling you certain items are sold out of the ayce menu,

Do not recommend coming here. Just wait for...

Food selection was great! Lots of protein choices. Similar to Korean BBQ but different flavors. You get 90 mins during your visit and have 3 tiers of food selections to choose from, ranging from $50-$80.

Our experience: (party of 2) went on a busy Saturday night, around 730, expect a waiting time unless you made reservations. We waited about 35-40 minutes. Our server was pleasant and attentive in the beginning. Service started lacking after a couple of rounds and had to wave down staff to order more food. The manager was very present, a little too attentive, when he went around thumb-upping our table every 5 mins. I guess it was a way for him to make sure staff was on top of their tables. Still, it got somewhat annoying. We ordered an item a la carte, which we never received but weren't charged for it. When our drinks came out they were always placed right next to the grill to warm up, even though we had plenty of room on our table. Same when our ice cream came out, we were still on our last bite of protein and when we finally got to the ice cream, it was half melted. Also, not sure if it was just an off night, but make sure you keep your own timer because the menu says there's a 20 min last call before your time ends but they don't warn/let you know. We wanted to order some more steak, and couldn't cause the kitchen was already closed. No apologies, just given the option to order dessert before our time ended. Overall, the food was great, very flavorful and good portions. Service was a little lacking, could use some tweaks especially for the price and experience you expect to have. This is in my opinion a step above Korean BBQ and expected a better...

If you miss the tight and intimate back street ambience of Japanese bbq restaurants or something akin to that NYC startup, this a good place to reserve a table and bring your guests.

Right off the main road standing alone amid some offhand services and stores, you'll find this gem up front against the curb behind some prime parking.

If you are familiar with concept of Korean BBQ places then this is very similar save for more Japanese sauces, preparations, and garnishings. Of course the imported Sapporo here and there.

You have two grills at a table where the staff operates them for you while dropping and picking orders. Menus have meals for 2, 4, 6, and 8 all recommended to save you from being overwhelmed with options. And when they mean food for 2, they mean enough food to fill the both of you up. Order some extra rice on the side if you want, or veggies, or a side salad to keep you nibbling.

Service is prompt and courteous, and will greet and send you off in japanese. Absolutely charming and like something out of a wholesome anime.

Another important point is price. For about 6 friends, I cashed in roughly 30 USD with an even split. This is after ordering a beer and some rice. So the price is about average for a premium meal/entree which I would say is a very fair price. With quality ingredients you'll have to cook your food with as much love as you put into your company.

Worth a date. Worth bringing family. Worth...