Hyperlocal Tokyo

My favorite yakitori place in Shibuya! ✨ I've been here countless times, but it's become so popular in recent years that it's almost impossible to get in without waiting in line. It's a real bummer. 😔 But I crave their yakitori so often that I braved the heat and waited in line again! 🔥 The large skewers are incredibly satisfying. ✨ The grilling and seasoning are perfect. 💯 I also love that they have large mugs for their draft beer! 🍻 I tried their eel skewer for the first time, and it was amazing! ❤️ So fatty and delicious! ✨ I'll definitely be back soon! 😄

I visited in September 2024. Arriving at 3:00 PM on a weekend, there was a 3-person wait. We waited outside for about 30 minutes. The waiting rules were unclear, and there were many foreigners, so people were cutting in line and checking the door, or wondering if they should sign in inside. It seems like you just need to wait in the line outside. We were seated at a window table on the second floor. The view was great. As far as I remember, the prices were: - Kirin Ichiban Shibori draft beer (large): ¥930 - Shiitake mushrooms: ¥418 - Tsukune (chicken meatballs): ¥363 - Chicken and bitter melon with plum sauce: ¥580 - Fried chicken: ¥920 - Chicken rice: ¥955 Considering the location, the prices weren't too high. Most of the skewers were ordered with salt, which was quite bland. We adjusted the flavor with the chili powder on the table. We also ordered one skewer with sauce, which was as expected. The fried chicken, simmered dishes, chicken rice, and plum sauce side dishes were delicious. There were families with children, so it's understandable, but with this atmosphere, it would be nice if smoking were allowed. There were many foreigners, but how did they find this cool place? Is it in a guidebook? There are still many dishes I want to try, so I want to go back... Would it be easier to get in on a weekday?

A popular establishment known for its grilled chicken skewers (yakitori) and eel. I visited after a long time. • Grilled chicken skewers (salt) • Chicken meatballs (salt) • Fishcake (stuffed with ground meat and green pepper, served with sauce) • Chicken wings • Chicken cartilage karaage (deep-fried) • Eel champuru (stir-fry) • Appetizer (edamame, nameko mushrooms, okra simmered in broth) The prices are higher than those at typical izakayas, but the portions are generous. I think the secret to its popularity is the unpretentious atmosphere and high-quality food. The flavors were nostalgic and everything was delicious. The chicken cartilage karaage was absolutely exquisite. I tried the eel champuru for the first time, and it was delicious. It was a cold dish with bitter melon, fried tofu, and lettuce. The eel was marinated in sauce and not stir-fried. Depending on the time, you might have to wait in line. Be careful around 6:00 PM. The first floor has a kitchen and counter seating. The second floor and basement have tables. You can order takeout. They accept credit cards and, I believe, IDs as well.

There's always a line of customers waiting to get in. You might get seated sooner if you're dining alone. Due to the location, there are many international (Asian) visitors. The basement level only has tatami seating. Ventilation is poor, and cell phone reception is nonexistent. A five-skewer set costs ¥2,000. Individual skewers start at ¥350. They also offer rice bowls. The chicken rice is a simple dish made with onions, peppers, and ketchup. Recommended items include the Tsukune (chicken meatballs), neck, and liver. The value for money is not great.

The atmosphere was lively, and the staff were very attentive. The ingredients for the yakitori I ordered were fresh, the grilling was perfect, and the presentation was beautiful. However, the overall saltiness was quite subtle, which I personally found a bit lacking. Especially for the chicken thigh and gizzard skewers, while the focus might be on enjoying the natural flavors of the ingredients, I think a bit more salt would have brought out the umami even better. That said, it might be perfect for those who prefer lighter flavors or want to savor the simple taste of the ingredients. I'm looking forward to trying the tare-grilled skewers next time.