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Pasadena - Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town, Pasadena, CA

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town

4.7 (1646)
$31 to $50
Japanese
70 West Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91105

Make a reservation

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town restaurant

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town

4.7
$31 to $50
Japanese
Pasadena

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 17 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for happy hour
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Barbecue, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–10:15 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:15 pm Sun 9:00 pm–10:15 pm Happy Hour Mon 11:30 am–10:15 pm Tue–Sun 11:30 am–6:30 pm Tue–Thu 9:00 pm–10:15 pm Fri, Sat 10:00 pm–11:15 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    You are the Chef!
  • Private party facilities
    Your party is our party. If we can assist you in any way to host a large party or special occasion dinner, please let us know. We offer custom-made prix fixe menus as well as tailored seating arrangements to best suit your needs.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Pasadena
  • Cross street
    De Lacey Ave.
  • Parking details
    VALET AVAILABLE: $7 with validation, $10 without. <br />PUBLIC PARKING AVAILABLE: The closest parking structure is location on DeLacey. The first ninety (90) minutes are free and then it costs $2 for each thirty (30) minutes thereafter with a $6 maximum. <br /><br />Street parking is also available, though limited.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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Experiences

  • Prix-Fixe BBQ Courses for Everyone: Starting at...

    $34.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy our delicious prix-fixe Japanese BBQ courses for any occasion and for parties of all sizes! Our courses are designed on a reasonable budget and for beginners and fans alike. Try a variety of popular small plates, signature BBQ dishes with our unique marinades, and more. Selection and pricing varies between courses, and may not match the starting price listed. Visit our website for more details. www.GYU-KAKU.com
    Prix-Fixe BBQ Courses for Everyone: Starting at... Photo
  • Mother's Day Special Niku Flower Courses

    May 5, 2026 - May 11, 2026
    Make memories at Gyu-Kaku this Mother's Day! Gift Mom a beautiful arrangement of handcrafted Niku Flowers! From 5/5 (Tue) to 5/11 (Mon), we're offering 3 different limited-time courses for parties of 2 or more. Enjoy a variety of signature Gyu-Kaku BBQ meats, appetizers, and a very special dessert of Strawberry S'mores or Chocolate Fondue. Bring the whole family, and friends for a large celebration. Download our Gyu-Kaku Mobile App and earn points and a very special chance at up to 20% off on a future visit when you order Mother's Day Course. Please visit our site for full menu, pricing, and promotional details. Other restrictions may apply. Visit our website for more details. www.GYU-KAKU.com
    Mother's Day Special Niku Flower Courses Photo

Concierge
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What 1,646 people are saying

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Pasadena

    Best Food

  • Pasadena

    Best Value

  • Pasadena

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Pasadena offers a lively dining experience with quality meats and "great service." It's a "fun restaurant for all," perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Guests appreciate the "unique dining experience" and late-night happy hour. Some mention slow service, but the overall atmosphere remains vibrant and welcoming.
1,646 Reviews
  1. Salene

    Los Angeles5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wow totally amazing second to none, food is always exceptional and service matches. Did I mention the coldest draft beer I’ve ever chugged

    Is this helpful?

  2. Prem

    Los Angeles5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was great, we ordered the family meal for 6 and we felt it was a bit too much food. Go there hungry :)

    Is this helpful?

  3. Tim

    Los Angeles4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    In an era where opposite of good service is normative, Gyu-Kaku breaks the mode. Reservations are demanded to eat at this fine establishment, but they are worth the trouble. Food of course is delicious, but the kind attention of the staff sets this place apart. Five stars in every aspect. Will dine there every time we're near Pasadena. Great place!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Matt

    Las Vegas1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service will return soon Excellent location

    Is this helpful?

  5. Habib

    Las Vegas2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food with great service. Quality of the meat is what keeps us coming back!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Cherry

    Orange County1 review

    1.0

    Dined on May 3, 2026

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 1
    It felt like I ate 10 teaspoons of salt instead of eating the meat. I will probably never eat there again. I am very disappointed in the food

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  7. Deidre Gold

    Los Angeles63 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 2, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Delicious as always. Service was a bit slow in beginning. Love the late night happy hour. Indicating my birthday on this app did nothing.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Joann

    Los Angeles3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 26, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    My family loves to go and it is a Great time as always

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  9. Ardie

    Los Angeles1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 25, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was great. Value was not. Portions were very small

    Is this helpful?

  10. Lisa

    Los Angeles1 review

    3.0

    Dined on April 19, 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    I was surprised how long we had to wait even with a reservation. 20minute wait the reason was the hostess was behind with seating the parties with reservations.

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Barbecue, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–10:15 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:15 pm Sun 9:00 pm–10:15 pm Happy Hour Mon 11:30 am–10:15 pm Tue–Sun 11:30 am–6:30 pm Tue–Thu 9:00 pm–10:15 pm Fri, Sat 10:00 pm–11:15 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    You are the Chef!
  • Private party facilities
    Your party is our party. If we can assist you in any way to host a large party or special occasion dinner, please let us know. We offer custom-made prix fixe menus as well as tailored seating arrangements to best suit your needs.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Pasadena
  • Cross street
    De Lacey Ave.
  • Parking details
    VALET AVAILABLE: $7 with validation, $10 without. <br />PUBLIC PARKING AVAILABLE: The closest parking structure is location on DeLacey. The first ninety (90) minutes are free and then it costs $2 for each thirty (30) minutes thereafter with a $6 maximum. <br /><br />Street parking is also available, though limited.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

FAQs

Yes, Gyu-Kaku Pasadena is a popular choice for date night thanks to its interactive tabletop yakiniku grills and lively atmosphere. Guests often praise the fun, social experience and high-quality meats like Harami skirt steak and Prime Kalbi. Expect a bustling, energetic dining room (not quiet), so it’s best for couples who enjoy a casual, hands-on meal rather than a quiet, intimate evening. Call ahead for a good table or request a booth if you want a cozier spot.

Portions vary by how you order: guests say the all-you-can-eat (AYCE) option delivers plenty of food and value, often leaving people full. A la carte orders can feel more modest, some guests noted smaller portions that encouraged ordering more rounds. If you’re sharing, consider ordering combo plates or AYCE to sample a wide variety without running short.

The Pasadena Gyu-Kaku hours are: Mon–Thu and Sun 11:30 AM–10:15 PM; Fri–Sat 11:30 AM–11:15 PM. Happy hour windows are listed during daytime and early evening on select days (owner info lists specific happy hour blocks). I recommend checking the restaurant’s website or calling before you go for any holiday-hour updates.

Family-friendly seating: yes, many guests bring families, celebrate birthdays, and report attentive service for groups with kids and toddlers. The venue offers booths and private-style seating that work well for families. Accessibility specifics (ramps, wheelchair-accessible tables) aren’t stated in the available information, so call ahead to confirm accessible seating or special needs before your visit.

The vibe is lively, social, and casual, perfect for groups, families, or date nights that enjoy activity and noise. Guests describe a fun, energetic atmosphere with good music and a bustling dining room. Note occasional complaints about loud ventilation, smoky tables, and being too noisy for a quiet meal; if you prefer calm, aim for weekday lunch or early dinner.

Casual dress is the stated policy, come comfortable and relaxed. Guests commonly visit for casual celebrations, family dinners, and date nights without formal attire. If you have a special event, you can dress up a bit, but everyday wear is perfectly acceptable.

Yes, the staff often accommodates birthday celebrations and seating requests (guests reported managers organizing birthday singing and staff helping with larger party seating). For menu substitutions, accessibility needs, or to request a quieter table or booth, call the restaurant ahead of time so they can note your request and prepare.

Yes, many guests bring children and celebrate birthdays here. The hands-on grilling and variety of meats and sides make it a family-friendly spot. The restaurant is casual and accommodating to families with toddlers, though there isn’t specific information about a children’s menu, consider calling ahead if you need high chairs or menu flexibility for younger kids.

Yes, the restaurant gets very busy and guests frequently report waits even with reservations. Host seating can be delayed during peak dinner times, and some parties reported 15–30 minute waits past reservation times. Make a reservation, arrive early if possible, and expect possible short waits during Friday/Saturday evenings and holidays.

Busiest: Friday and Saturday evenings and holiday nights, guests report long waits and a lively dinner rush. Quietest: weekday lunches and early week dinners are typically calmer with faster service. If you want lower noise and quicker turnover, choose weekday lunchtime or an early dinner on weekdays.

Weekdays, especially weekday lunch or an early weekday dinner, are the best days to avoid crowds and enjoy quicker service. Guests commonly report the weekend evenings as the busiest times, so choosing Monday–Thursday (or an off-peak lunch) will give you a more relaxed experience and easier seating.

Often yes, guests reported dining there on Thanksgiving and other holiday occasions, so the Pasadena location does open for some public holidays. Holiday hours can vary, so call the restaurant or check their website before planning a holiday visit to confirm hours and availability.

How FAQ content is generated

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Make a reservation

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town restaurant

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town

4.7
$31 to $50
Japanese
Pasadena

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 17 times today
Experiences are available.
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