Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Good was good, prices were reasonable for what was included, good vibes overall. Only issue was, I called to make a reservation for a party of 6. I was told by the manager it's a "first come first serve" which I understand. When I got to the restaurant the first question I was asked with my party being big was "do you have a reservation?" Please ensure rules are clear and all staff are aware of these rules especially if they're subject to change.

I came in a party of 6, so we got the Gyu-Kaku Feast. I liked the variety of this course (to list a few examples, you get appetizers, soup, bibimbap, and several cuts of beef), and we were all full afterwards. However, I do agree with the other reviews that this place is on the pricier side for what you get since it isn't too impressive.Overall, the food and service was pretty good. Some items lacked a bit of flavor, but the sauces on the table (ponzu, sweet soy, and spicy) definitely helped out. I didn't particularly like the Gyu-Sushi, since it was tough to chew and there wasn't much taste to it. On the other hand, I really liked the dressing they used in the Gyu-Kaku Salad that was sweet, smooth, and just a bit sour.

Went there for lunch. Was the only one there which was a little worrying. I am happy to say lunch was great. The service was great & I had the impression when it gets busy the place must be vibrant.

I've been curious about this place for a long time...and somehow, I expected it to be a very nice, upscaled dining experience, especially given their lofty pricing. Well, sadly, I can't lie...the place disappointed me at all levels.First of all, the place was somewhat rundown. The dining booths were small, the tables were too small as well...and the overall ambiance was just lackluster. Barely audible overhead music as well. The place itself was not only basic, the layout was cramped and awkward!I tried KBBQ many times, but this was my 1st try at Japanese BBQ (J-BBQ?), and I really did expect a much higher calibur experience...especially because I think so highly of Japanese foods. HOWEVER...the only thing that was higher was the pricing. The menu itself was nearly ridiculous itself, with one too many pricing options...and WAY overpriced. I normally feel that KBBQ pricing of $30-40 (norm?) is quite generous, given the amount of foods and options included. Here, however, I didn't feel that way at all. We came for a Mother's Day dinner, and I didn't want to overwhelm my son... so went with the Premium AYCE option (cheapest of the 3 AYCE options!)...which at $54 per person, didn't even include some of the better quality meats, and my Korean favorite, Kalbi. This is unheard of in most Korean versions (KBBQ). For such a high fee per person, normally, EVERYTHING is included. There were these limiting rules of ordering as well...and each order of meats were quite skimpy. The entire ordering process was just not smooth...and as you can expect, there were plenty of mistakes, including unreasonable delays. We also had to ask for EVERY LITTLE THING...like napkins and water! We also had to repeatedly remind the waiter and/or servers to deliver missing items, like water, rice and sauce. Since it was Mother's Day, the place was obviously busy...and it was also obvious that the wait staff was overwhelmed.We did enjoy some of the meats (and shrimp)...but not sure if it was due to being so hungry, or if it was the quality of the meats. The best part about this J-BBQ experience was its inclusion of items like Garlic Edamame and Spicy Cabbage Salad. As expected, the best apps and desserts (as well as the best meats) were not included in the Premium AYCE option. I did like that they had Fried Calamari (not included in our option though)...but as it turned out, it was a bit underwhelming. The appetizer that we all liked were the Fried Pork Dumplings...but frankly, this is an item that just about every KBBQ places aces. Overall, even their apps/sides were a bit disappointing. Guess I expected to see things like Shrimp Tempura or some Katsu appetizers as well??Also, I must mention the crappy presentation. Nearly everything looked sloppy! Unlike KBBQ places, they didn't even prepare and present the sauces for you.. They just dropped these empty sauce holders, and you have to pour them all yourself. HUH?!? To top it all off, they gave us plastic spoons with our ice cream! WTF?!? $54 per person meal, but we didn't even get silver spoons with our desserts??? Sorry, but I call this crappy!BTW, at one point, our waiter (or server??) even left ANOTHER DINER'S USED glass (with some drink in it) on our table!! We had to flag down someone to pick it up...as it grossed out my husband.Everything was SO crude-shoddy!! From its cramped, lackluster ambiance, to the botchy delivery of foods, ridiculous pricing, and slapstick service... everything was just off! Truly, I've never experienced such a bad experience at any KBBQ joint. This place made KPot (or ANY other KBBQ place!) look like some 5-star dining...at half the price! BTW, I am not being some Korean snob to this Japanese version of KBBQ. Again, I'm a HUGE fan of Japanese foods....I actually prefer Japanese foods to any other! However, I was truly disappointed in this J-BBQ dining experience. My boys felt the same. In short, we've had MUCH better foods, service and ambiance at just about ANY KBBQ joints...again, at nearly half the pricing. I really struggled with 1 and 2 stars...but I've got to be honest. It was the worst Asian BBQ experience I've had in my life (1-star experience!), especially in terms of ambiance, food presentation and service. Foods weren't bad, but just not as good as I anticipated them to be. All I know is that my son paid way too much for the crude dining experience that we had. Very doubtful that we'll return here.

This place is laid back and fairly welcoming. The service was pretty slow. Maybe they intentionally drag their feet to keep customers from ordering more. It's an all-you-can-eat deal, after all. Sneaky move, but I see you. However, giving credit where it's due, when we asked them to cool down our grill because our food was turning into crispy critters, they actually listened and adjusted the temperature. And when our grill started to become charred, they didn't hesitate to replace it when asked to. So, props to the staff for being decent and helpful. Can't say they were the friendliest bunch, though. I don't think I saw a single smile from any of them the whole time.The food might be a bit on the pricey side, but it was so good. No complaints. So, if you're willing to trade a bit of snail-paced service for some delicious Japanese BBQ with a higher price tag, this place is worth a visit.

I took my teenage daughter and we had the best time trying all kinds of small plays and entrees. Our server was so helpful, friendly and prompt, food was amazing. We really had a great time and now my daughter is excited to try new things (yay!)!

Fun dinner. Japanese grill. With a guide to assist you you grill your meats. With 2 kids the chefs dinner for 2 was enough . We ordered an extra appetizer and side as well. Noise level wasn't too bad. We did have free parking in the garage there .

Japanese bbq chain in Charlotte, but is it better than korean bbq, I don't think so. Some cuts of the meat are tough and not marinate well. You still have fun grilling your own food in front of you. Their drink looks pretty appealing, didn't try it this time but next time I am going try their Asian flavor mix cocktail.Parking is free in the building, if there is a spot available.

I have been there for lunch during the week twice since I work nearby in uptown. Both times we ordered the gyu-combo from there lunch menu where you choose the meat items and it comes with miso soup, salad, and rice. During these times I was with the same person and we ordered-. duck breast, teriyaki chicken, garlic shrimp, Fillet mignon, and smore's dessert.They turn on the stove top for you and bring you all of the items. The miso soup was good and I didn't have the salad so I made sure to skip it the second time so I didn't waste it. They bring out the raw meat in small portions so it's easy to cook and there is a chart to you with how long you should cook it. It doesn't take long to cook it at all- Only about 3 minutes per side.The smore's dessert was a nice finish by toasting the marshmallow and putting it between the graham cracker and chocolate square. The Restaurant set up is nice booths for everybody to sit in and we had a great time and I would totally recommend this place.PARKING LOGISTICS: There are literally like 3 free parking spaces on the street in front of the place so for parking you have to drive-in to the garage attached to the building. Then you have to download an app and give your license plate. when you show up at the restaurant, here is a sign with a QR code for retail parking so it is free for 2 hours. The first time I went I found street parking and the second time I went in the garage stay on street level for retail shops) with no problem.

The food and service are excellent. Went for Charlotte's Restaurant Week, to try something I would not normally visit, or even know about. This place delivers! Delicious food, and plenty of it!!! The servers were great! Happy, pleasant, such great attitudes!