The Izakaya — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

This 1 star negative review is only for the NYE event held at the Izakaya for Dec 31st 2024. Let me preface this by saying the service staff was absolutely great and this 1 star review is only concerning the organization of this NYE event and the management team that created this event.

I have been to the Izakaya before for dinner and absolutely loved the experience. The food quality was spectacular as well as the dine in service. Due to this great past experience, I decided that their NYE event marketed as celebrating 10 years of the Izakaya/Momotaro would be worth the price.

Sorry to say, it was not worth the price. The food was setup as a tiny buffet station in the back corner room that created a very long line, which also made it difficult for the staff to quickly replace food as the tables were all against a wall. For the price paid, the least the management team could do is set up food and deserts as passed appetizers, as the restaurant is already quite small this would have alleviated line problems. Pick up plates were running out constantly and the sushi was getting warm the more it sat. The plates were tiny, making it difficult to carry back to a standing area by the bar. I saw people asking service staff for larger plates or trays, and the service staff did their best, but were not able to provide large plates or trays for all folks and those larger plates quickly ran out.

While it was clear from the advertising that the NYE ticket included 2 drinks, it seemed like the star of the show was going to be the food and desert and we were willing to pay for that. But I was sorely let down with the overall experience. For that price it would have been better to just make a late dinner reservation upstairs at Momotaro and enjoy NYE there. The wait time for drinks were very long, and the drink tickets were from a very limited menu. Also, the place is already quite small and they had many people standing at the bar in places where barstools could have easily fit. If you weren't one of the very first in line there is no chance you got a seat anywhere for this pricey event. That should have been made clear in the ticket advertising, or they should have sold this event by the table/ bar seat - instead of creating an experience that overwhelmed all the staff and the attendees.

I understand NYE events are pricey experiences, but I was not expecting such a stressful and disappointing experience from this event. I am open to a remediation offer and hope next year if they do a NYE event, that the management team sees this so they offer a more organized and better experience for...

My husband and I decided to dine at The Izakaya on a casual Sunday evening. We typically avoid Japanese and Chinese restaurants because sesame oil and seeds trigger allergy, but this restaurant is part of the Boka Group, and we’ve been trying all the restaurants under their umbrella, as Boka itself holds a Michelin star.

When we arrived, we were seated at the bar and informed the bartender that we would be dining as well. As expected, we were asked if we had any allergies. We carefully and explicitly detailed my husband’s severe allergy to sesame seeds, sesame oil, and any cross-contamination with sesame. We ordered TSKUNE DANGO-AGE, BLISTERED SHISHITO, and two MOMO ROYALE burgers. Each time our food was brought out, the server reassured us that everything was sesame-free.

We trusted them.

Unfortunately, that trust was shattered. As soon as we left, my husband had a severe allergic reaction—he started sweating, itching uncontrollably, and experiencing extreme discomfort. We were in shock because we had taken every precaution and had been assured repeatedly that his allergy was taken seriously. I had to rush him to urgent care immediately. This is not the first time he's had such a reaction, which is why we go to great lengths to avoid dining at random restaurants. But this was not just any restaurant. This was part of the Boka Group, a name we thought we could trust.

The worst part? After calling the restaurant during the emergency, they apologized and took my contact information, promising to follow up. They never did. Not yesterday. Not today. No concern, no accountability. My husband’s life was literally at risk, and they’ve chosen to ignore it. They didn't care if he was okay or not.

It’s terrifying to think that this restaurant doesn’t take allergies seriously, despite all the reassurances we were given. Their negligence in handling such a critical issue is unacceptable, and the fact that they still haven’t followed up shows a lack of care. Dining out with a severe allergy should never feel like gambling with someone’s health.

If you or someone you love has food allergies, I urge you to be extremely cautious if you choose to dine here. We will not be back, and I can no longer trust this restaurant or the Boka...

Below Momotaro's culinary mastery lies an Izakaya on the underground level a hidden treasure enhancing the overall dining experience with sophistication. This secretive enclave allures guests through its discreet entrance, guiding them into an intimate, stylish space that harmonizes perfectly with the excellence of the superior Japanese cuisine offered above. Entering the Izakaya feels like stepping into an exclusive retreat. The dimly lit ambiance exudes mystery, creating a cozy yet chic setting. Elevated seating and traditional Japanese elements contribute to an authentic Izakaya atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking seclusion and a relaxed environment. The menu includes various small plates for sharing, allowing guests to relish a diverse array of flavors. Opting for simplicity that evening, I chose the wings. The Nagoya Style Tebasaki Wings presented a tantalizing fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, elevating the concept of chicken wings to new heights. The star of the dish was undoubtedly the sweet soy-pepper glaze enveloping each wing. Striking a perfect balance between sweetness and savory richness, with a subtle undertone of lingering heat, the wings had a glossy sheen a testament to the artful application of the glaze, creating a visually appealing, mouthwatering experience. The accompanying ranch sauce, a decadent and creamy counterpart, offered a cooling respite from the bold wing flavors. Its smooth consistency and subtle herbaceous notes provided a delightful counterbalance, making it an essential accompaniment to the dish. Beyond their delightful flavor, the wings provided a visual spectacle, being three times larger than typical chicken wings inviting diners to savor not only the taste but also the aesthetic appeal. From the first succulent bite to the lingering heat on the palate, each element of the dish showcased meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering an extraordinary dining experience. This dish not only satisfies wing cravings but elevates them to an art form that captivates the senses. Izakaya adds allure to an already exceptional dining establishment. Whether seeking seclusion or eager to explore the world of sake, this hidden gem is truly worth...