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The Izakaya at Momotaro, Chicago, IL

The Izakaya at Momotaro

4.7 (1018)
$31 to $50
Japanese
820 W. Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

Make a reservation

A photo of The Izakaya at Momotaro restaurant

The Izakaya at Momotaro

4.7
$31 to $50
Japanese
West Loop

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 45 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Hot spot
  • Lively
  • Great for creative cocktails
The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro. The Izakaya and its shared-plates pub-inspired menu echoes the Yokocho street scene of Tokyo. Narrow lounge-inspired ‘alleys’ around a central bar bedecked with hand-painted Japanese menus, moody neon lights, and vintage Tokyo street signs set the scene for the Izakaya’s direct nod to Tokyo’s most famous post-war black markets. Dark, energetic, and ripe with expectation, the Izakaya additionally offers a 30-seat bar featuring crafted cocktails, sakes, and a quality selection of Japanese whiskeys. Parties and programming are no strangers to the Izakaya, where a rotating selection of events, including Monday Night Karaoke, feel right at home in this lively lower-level atmosphere.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Sushi, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Gene Kato
  • Private party facilities
    The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro
  • Private party contact
    Event Sales Manager: (312) 773-4818
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    West Loop
  • Cross street
    Green
  • Parking details
    Valet is located on the corner of Lake & Green
  • Public transit
    #8 Halsted Bus at Lake Street. Green & Pink line at Morgan stop.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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Experiences

  • Karaoke Mondays With Greg Corner

    Multiple dates available
    🎤✨ KARAOKE MONDAYS ARE ALIIIIVE AT THE IZAKAYA ✨🎤 Grab your glitter, your besties, and your wildest vibes — it’s time to sing your soul out with DJ Greg Corner spinning the hits from 7PM–11PM at The Izakaya at Momotaro (820 W. Lake Street)! 💥 KILLER DRINK SPECIALS 🍣 LATE-NIGHT SNACKS THAT SLAP 🦄 BIG ENERGY, NEON LIGHTS, & ALL THE VIBES Whether you're belting out Beyoncé or bringing boy band realness, Karaoke Mondays are your stage. LET’S GET LOUD, CHICAGO 🎶🎤🌈
    Karaoke Mondays With Greg Corner Photo

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 1,018 people are saying

The Izakaya at Momotaro 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
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Izakaya at Momotaro offers a "fantastic food experience" in Chicago with a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of Japan's lively streets. Known for the "best burger in the city," the restaurant also features delicious hand rolls, ramen, and unique dishes. Despite occasional service delays, the attentive and friendly staff enhance the dining experience.
1,018 Reviews
  1. Andy

    Columbus1 review

    5.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was AMAZING everything we got (like 4 small plates and of course the burger) was unreal. 10/10 would recommend. Prices were very reasonable as well. Super cool vibe. Thanks to that team!

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  2. Alex Gold

    Las Vegas19 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Fun spot for quick Japanese fix. Nothing too fancy, but quality was solid. Will be back

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  3. Marisa Gold

    Chicago10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 2, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food, fantastic service. Izakaya never disappoints.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Matthias

    San Francisco1 review

    1.0

    Dined on May 2, 2026

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 1
    run ! noisy, so noisy bad food dinner in the dark a nightmare

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  5. Alex Gold

    Chicago13 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 1, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Vibes were great, lively with fun music. The burger was as hyped, like an extra delicious Big Mac. Rice dish was disappointing, tasted mostly burnt and lacking in flavor. Appetizers were all good - standouts were the gyoza, pickled salad and tuna tostada. Service was meh, rarely came by to clean off empty plates, leaving the table cluttered throughout the meal.

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  6. Gabriel Gold

    Chicago5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 30, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Positive 5 star experience from the food, the environment and the service. Thank you Izakaya team!

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  7. Brittney

    Chicago2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 28, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    So amazing loved everything , ill be going back best burger

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  8. Mariah

    Tampa2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on April 28, 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was very overpriced and mediocre for the price. They call themselves an Izakaya but don’t even have yakitori on the menu. Drinks were ok. Would not come back here

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  9. Gabrielle

    Orlando3 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 25, 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Overall a nice restaurant, we had a later reservation and the music inside was incredibly loud. The food was pretty good but the way their chicken wings were served made them nearly impossible to eat. Service was pretty good!

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  10. Megha Gold

    Atlanta10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server Justin was wonderful!! Went for Monday and there was karaoke so a little louder than anticipated.

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Sushi, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Gene Kato
  • Private party facilities
    The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro
  • Private party contact
    Event Sales Manager: (312) 773-4818
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    West Loop
  • Cross street
    Green
  • Parking details
    Valet is located on the corner of Lake & Green
  • Public transit
    #8 Halsted Bus at Lake Street. Green & Pink line at Morgan stop.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, 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, the team often accommodates special requests. Guests repeatedly report personalized birthday menus, complimentary desserts for celebrations, and staff helping with seating changes. For seating preferences, accessibility needs, private-party arrangements, or dietary concerns, call ahead so the staff can prepare and make your visit special.

Families do dine here and guests frequently celebrate birthdays with children and teens. However, the venue is dimly lit, often loud, and focused on small shared plates and cocktails rather than a kids’ menu, it’s better for older kids or family celebrations than for very young children. Consider an early seating or a private/cozier table if you bring younger kids.

Yes, the Izakaya can accommodate private parties and special events. Guests frequently celebrate birthdays and anniversaries there, and staff have arranged personalized menus and complimentary touches. Contact the restaurant in advance to discuss group size, room availability, and menu options for private events.

Casual dress is the official policy, come comfortable but stylish. Guests regularly visit for birthdays, dates, and nights out in smart-casual attire and the venue suits both relaxed and slightly dressed-up looks.

Yes, The Izakaya at Momotaro is a lively, moody spot that's great for a fun, slightly adventurous date night. Guests praise the intimate, Tokyo-inspired ambience and frequently call out the Momo Royale burger and hand rolls as highlights. Note that the room is often dim and music can be quite loud, so if you want quieter conversation request an early seating, a corner/rose-blossom room, or a booth away from speakers when you reserve.

The ambience is dark, energetic, and Tokyo-inspired, think neon, moody lighting, and upbeat music. Guests love the immersive, speakeasy feel and lively vibe, making it great for celebrations and nights out. Be aware that music levels are often high and lighting can be very dim, which some guests find makes conversation or seeing dishes difficult.

Busiest: Fri–Sat evenings, holidays, restaurant-week nights, and event nights (like Monday karaoke), guests report loud music, sold-out items, and packed dining rooms. Quietest: earlier weeknights or early dinner service shortly after opening tend to be calmer and better for conversation. Reservations are recommended for peak times.

Dinner hours are: Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm; Fri–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm. Guests recommend reserving ahead for popular nights and note the bar can be a good walk-in option if tables are full.

There’s no formal public waiting-list policy shown, but guests report busy nights, occasional delays past reservation times, and bar seating as an alternative for walk-ins. If you’re concerned about availability on peak nights, call ahead or arrive early, guests also recommend making reservations well in advance for weekends and special dates.

For a lively, party vibe go Friday or Saturday night or attend themed events like Monday karaoke. For a steadier, more conversation-friendly dinner, choose a midweek night (Wednesday or Thursday) or arrive early in the evening. Either way, reservations are recommended for popular nights.

Portions vary by dish, many guests find the burger and certain sharing plates very generous, while some sushi/uni-pasta items and specialty pastas are described as smaller. The menu is share-friendly, so diners often order several small plates to sample a range of flavors. If you want a full meal, plan to pair a substantial item (like the Momo Royale or a donburi) with a couple of sides or hand rolls.

Go early on a weeknight or arrive right at opening for a more relaxed experience, guests report quicker seating and easier conversation earlier in the evening. If you want lively energy, weekends and certain event nights (like Monday karaoke) are popular but much louder and busier. Walk-ins often find space at the bar when dining rooms are full.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. West Loop

Make a reservation

A photo of The Izakaya at Momotaro restaurant

The Izakaya at Momotaro

4.7
$31 to $50
Japanese
West Loop

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 45 times today
Experiences are available.
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