Aburaya

For those of us in California, especially in the East Bay, when a craving for perfectly crispy, incredibly flavorful fried chicken hits, there’s one Japanese spot in Oakland that consistently comes to mind: Aburaya. This isn't your average fried chicken joint; Aburaya brings a distinct Japanese flair to this beloved dish, making it a standout in the local culinary scene. It’s a place that "slaps," as one happy customer put it, offering generous portions of delicious fried chicken that are "tender packed with a ton of flavor." Whether you're a local on a lunch break or just passing through the vibrant downtown area, Aburaya promises a satisfying and memorable meal that keeps people coming back for more.

Aburaya is conveniently located at 362 17th Street in Oakland, CA 94612, USA. This puts it right in the heart of downtown Oakland, an easily accessible area for many residents and workers in the Bay Area. Its central position makes it an ideal stop for a quick and delicious lunch during the workday or a casual dinner.

Getting to Aburaya is straightforward. It's within walking distance of several BART stations, including 12th Street/Oakland City Center and 19th Street/Oakland. This makes it a great option for those relying on public transportation. For drivers, street parking might be available, though like any downtown area, it can be competitive. However, there are typically several parking garages and lots within a short stroll, providing convenient options. Its prime downtown location ensures that Aburaya is a go-to spot for anyone craving Japanese fried chicken in Oakland.

Aburaya focuses on providing delicious food with efficiency and a friendly touch, primarily specializing in Japanese fried chicken.

• Dine-In: While the restaurant itself is noted as being "pretty small with just a few tables," it offers a fun and casual atmosphere for those who prefer to dine in and soak up the "fun attitude" of the decor.

• Takeout: Due to its intimate size and the nature of its delicious fried chicken, takeout is highlighted as "probably the best way to go for most who visit." It's perfect for grabbing a satisfying meal on the go or enjoying it at your office or home.

• Delivery: Aburaya also offers delivery services through popular platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. This means you can enjoy their legendary fried chicken and other dishes from the comfort of your home or workplace, delivering directly to downtown Oakland and surrounding areas.

• Catering: Aburaya is a popular choice for catering, especially for office lunches and group events. They offer generous portions and options that are consistently praised for being delicious and a "crowd favorite," making it easy to feed a group with their fried chicken family meals.

Aburaya distinguishes itself in the Oakland food scene with several key features that draw in a loyal local following.

• Exceptional Japanese Fried Chicken (Karaage): This is the undisputed star of the show. Made with shio-koji marinated boneless, skinless thigh, battered with potato starch, and fried in soybean oil, the chicken is consistently described as "delicious and tender," "solid chicken pieces," and "fantastic." Reviewers rave about its flavor and crispiness.

• Diverse Seasonings and Sauces: Customers love the "ton of flavor" and the "many options" for sauces and dry seasonings. Popular choices include the house BBQ sauce, garlic miso, and umami salt. This customization allows diners to tailor their meal to their preference.

• Generous Portions: A consistent highlight is the "massive portions" and "enormous portions," making Aburaya a "great bang for your buck sort of place." You definitely get a lot of delicious food for your money.

• Gluten-Free Options: Aburaya is highly praised for its extensive gluten-free menu, including gluten-free fried chicken, burritos, and sandos, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions. They use potato starch for their batter, which is naturally gluten-free.

• Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Beyond fried chicken, Aburaya offers excellent vegan choices like Fried Cauliflower, Fried Organic Tofu, and Fried Vegan Drumstix, all served with their signature miso ranch (vegan ranch available).

• Fun and Friendly Atmosphere: Despite its small size, the restaurant has "a lot of fun attitude" with its decor. The staff are consistently described as "super friendly" and "pleasant," contributing to a positive dining experience.

• Varied Menu Offerings: While famous for fried chicken, Aburaya's menu extends to other popular items like Oyakodon (fried chicken simmered with organic eggs and onions over rice), fried chicken burritos (including a gluten-free version), and sandos. They also offer a range of unique sides like Deviled Avocado and Wasabi Slaw.

Aburaya is known to offer specials that cater to its local clientele, adding extra value to their already generous portions.

• Happy Hour: Aburaya features a daily Happy Hour from 2 PM to 6 PM, with "ALL DAY WEDNESDAYS!" This often includes deals on small Sapporo beer and One Cup Ozeki Sake, making it an excellent spot for a post-work unwind.

• Family Meals: For groups or families, Aburaya offers "Family Meal" options, such as 20 pieces of fried chicken with sides, designed to serve 5 people, providing great value for larger gatherings. There's even a "Rock and Roll Party Meal" that includes a 12-pack of Sapporo.

• Loyalty/Cash Back Programs: While details can vary, Aburaya has previously participated in programs that offer cash back on purchases, encouraging repeat visits from loyal customers. It's worth checking local deal platforms like Groupon for any active offers.

For the most up-to-date information on any current promotions, seasonal specials, or daily deals, it’s always best to check Aburaya’s official website or their social media channels, or simply ask their friendly staff when you visit.

Ready to experience the "fantastic" fried chicken at Aburaya? Here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 362 17th St, Oakland, CA 94612, USA

Phone: (510) 502-7743

For current hours of operation, it's recommended to check their website or popular online food delivery platforms where their menu is listed. They are typically open Monday through Saturday for both lunch and dinner.

For anyone in California, especially those living or working in Oakland, Aburaya is perfectly suited as a local favorite. Its prime downtown location on 17th Street makes it incredibly accessible for a quick and satisfying meal, whether you're on a lunch break or looking for a casual dinner. What truly sets Aburaya apart for locals is its mastery of Japanese fried chicken (karaage), delivering consistently delicious, tender, and flavorful chicken with "massive portions" that offer incredible value.

The broad range of seasoning and sauce options ensures there's something for every palate, and the welcoming atmosphere coupled with the "super friendly staff" makes every visit a pleasant experience. Furthermore, Aburaya's commitment to offering extensive gluten-free and vegan options means that it caters to diverse dietary needs, making it an inclusive spot for the community. Whether you're grabbing a quick takeout order, enjoying a casual dine-in meal, or catering an office event, Aburaya is a reliable, high-quality, and fun Japanese restaurant that truly "slaps" and contributes vibrantly to Oakland's local food scene.

Aburaya

362 17th St, Oakland, CA 94612, USA