Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ: An Interactive Dining Experience in NYC

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Introduce

Step into a world of sizzling grills, rich aromas, and shared laughter at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, a premier dining destination located in the heart of New York City’s East Village. The name "Gyu-Kaku" means "Horn of the Bull" in Japanese, a fitting name for a restaurant that specializes in the authentic art of yakiniku, or Japanese grilled barbecue. This isn't your typical restaurant; it’s an immersive and interactive dining experience where you and your party take on the role of chef, grilling premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and vibrant vegetables right at your table's personal smokeless grill.

With a presence spanning over 800 locations worldwide, Gyu-Kaku has perfected the art of creating a memorable and enjoyable dining atmosphere. The East Village location, situated on Cooper Square, upholds this tradition with a friendly and energetic vibe that makes every visit feel like a special occasion. It's a place designed to foster connection and conversation, making it a popular choice for everything from a casual lunch to a celebratory dinner with friends or family. The menu is a playground of flavors, offering everything from expertly marinated beef, pork, and chicken to a variety of Japanese appetizers, noodles, and rice dishes. Gyu-Kaku’s unique approach to dining, combined with its welcoming service and fantastic food, has cemented its place as a go-to spot for an unforgettable meal in NYC.

Location and Accessibility

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is located at 34 Cooper Sq, New York, NY 10003, USA. This prime address places it at the crossroads of several dynamic neighborhoods, including the East Village and NoHo. The restaurant’s central location makes it a magnet for a diverse crowd, from nearby college students to tourists and local families. It's easily accessible via several subway lines and is a short walk from the Astor Place station. The area is also well-served by buses. For those driving, paid street parking is available, though as with many parts of Manhattan, it can be competitive.

The restaurant prides itself on being an accessible space for all patrons. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring a smooth and easy entry. Inside, the layout is designed with accessibility in mind, offering wheelchair-accessible seating and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. This commitment to inclusivity, combined with its family-friendly atmosphere and amenities like high chairs and a kids’ menu, makes Gyu-Kaku a welcoming choice for people of all ages and abilities.

Services Offered

Gyu-Kaku offers a variety of services designed to make your dining experience as convenient and enjoyable as possible.

Dine-in: The primary experience at Gyu-Kaku is dining in, where you can cook your own meal at a personal grill at your table. Table service is provided, with attentive staff to guide you through the menu and the cooking process. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is known to have a wait.
Takeout: For those on the go, a selection of their most popular items, including Gyu-Combos, Gyu-Bowls, and appetizers, are available for takeout.
Delivery: Enjoy the flavors of Gyu-Kaku from the comfort of your home with their delivery service, which includes no-contact options.
Happy Hour: Gyu-Kaku is well-known for its excellent happy hour, which includes special pricing on both food and drinks, making it a popular spot for a budget-friendly outing.
Full Bar: The restaurant has a full bar onsite, offering a great selection of cocktails, beer, hard liquor, and wine to perfectly complement your meal.
Kid-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant is great for kids and offers a kids' menu and high chairs, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner.

Features and Highlights

What truly sets Gyu-Kaku apart from other Japanese restaurants is its unique approach to dining and its commitment to a quality experience.

Interactive Yakiniku Experience: The main draw of Gyu-Kaku is the interactive, cook-your-own-food style. Each table is equipped with a personal grill, allowing diners to enjoy the fun of cooking their meal exactly to their liking. This format encourages conversation and provides a memorable, engaging meal for groups.
Premium Meat and Ingredients: The menu features a wide variety of high-quality meats, including popular items like the Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib. The meats are seasoned to perfection, offering a flavorful base for grilling.
All-You-Can-Eat Options: Gyu-Kaku is famous for its all-you-can-eat packages, which are perfect for groups and big appetites. These packages allow guests to sample a wide array of meats, appetizers, and side dishes.
Excellent Dessert: A unique and much-loved feature is the S'mores dessert, which you can make right at your table's grill. This fun and interactive dessert is a highlight for many diners, particularly for celebrations like birthdays.
Great Drinks and Happy Hour: The restaurant offers a fantastic selection of beverages, including a diverse beer list and signature cocktails, all of which are often available as part of a great happy hour special.
Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance is a perfect blend of casual, cozy, and trendy. The restaurant is well-suited for a variety of occasions, from a laid-back night out to a celebratory group dinner.

Contact Information

For reservations or more information, you can contact Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ using the details below:

Address: 34 Cooper Sq, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (646) 437-8305

What Is Worth Choosing

Choosing Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is about more than just a meal; it's about the entire experience. The main reason to come here is the interactive yakiniku dining, which is both incredibly fun and delicious. This style of dining ensures that your food is always fresh and cooked exactly how you want it, giving you a personal touch on your meal. The quality of the meat is consistently praised by customers, with many finding the cuts to be tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The "Meat Lover’s" package, as highlighted in a customer review, is a fantastic value for groups, offering a generous assortment of meats and sides, including the beloved s'mores dessert.

Beyond the food, the service is a major selling point. Many reviews highlight the staff's exceptional kindness, attentiveness, and professionalism, which contribute significantly to a positive dining experience. The staff's willingness to go above and beyond for special occasions, such as helping with birthday cakes and singing, creates a truly celebratory and welcoming atmosphere. The fact that the restaurant is family-friendly and well-equipped to handle large groups makes it a perfect venue for anniversaries, birthdays, and other gatherings. Gyu-Kaku provides a dynamic, engaging, and delicious dining experience that is both a feast for the taste buds and a joy to share with others. For New Yorkers looking for something different from the typical dining scene, Gyu-Kaku's unique blend of great food, fun activity, and wonderful service makes it an unbeatable choice.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Menu

Gyu-Combo To-Go
Gyu-Combo 2 $16.00
The closest you can get to the Gyu-Kaku yakiniku experience without grilling the meat yourself. Customize your meal! Select two proteins as single or double portions, two marinades, and rice portion. Includes Miso Soup, White Rice, and a Set Salad.
Gyu-Combo 3 $20.00
The closest you can get to the Gyu-Kaku yakiniku experience without grilling the meat yourself. Customize your meal! Select three proteins as single or double portions, three marinades, and rice portion. Includes Miso Soup, White Rice, and a Set Salad.

Dessert To-Go
S'Mores Milk Chocolate $4.00
Two s'mores pre-softened, wrapped-up, and ready to eat. Graham crackers, marshmallows, and milk chocolate.

Salads And Veggies To-Go
Gyu-Kaku Salad $9.95
Mixed greens, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and diced red bell pepper. Topped with a boiled egg (sliced), shredded daikon radish, and shredded cabbage. Served with Gyu-Kaku Dressing on the side.
Napa Kimchi $7.00
Spicy, pickled Napa cabbage kimchi
Edamame $6.00
Steamed Japanese soybeans. Lightly salted.
Spicy Addicting Cucumber $6.95
Fresh cucumbers in Crunchy Garlic Chili Oil with a dash of Shio Tare, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
Yuzu Shishito Peppers $8.95
Fried shishito chili peppers in our Japanese yuzu citrus sauce. Almost always mild.

Appetizers To-Go
Fried Cheese Wontons $7.45
Crispy fried wontons filled with cream cheese and green onions. Served with sweet chili sauce.
Takoyaki $8.95
Fried Octopus Balls! A street food classic straight from Osaka. Six fried octopus fritters drizzled with Takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayo. Topped with crushed bonito flakes and green onions.
Japanese Fried Chicken $8.45
Our secret-marinated Japanese Fried Chicken Karaage. Served with Japanese Chili Mayo and a wedge of lemon.
Vegetable Spring Rolls $8.95
Four (4) Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce on the side.
Black Pepper Wings $10.45
Dangerously addictive Nagoya-style Tebasaki chicken wings! Five (5) fresh-fried wings tossed in a sweet soy and black pepper sauce.
Fried Pork Gyoza Dumpling $8.45
Five (5) Fried Pork Gyoza Dumplings with Ponzu citrus soy dipping sauce
Miso Chili Wings $11.00
Five (5) fried chicken wings coated in our sweet & spicy Miso Chili sauce.

Gyu-Kaku Gear To-Go
Beef Cuts Cow Map T-Shirt $25.00
Never forget which part of the cow your Gyu-Kaku beef comes from with this t-shirt! Only available in black.
Yakiniku T-Shirt $25.00
Irasshaimase! T-Shirt $25.00
Irasshaimase! is the greeting that all guests hear when they enter Gyu-Kaku. It means "Welcome!" and it also means that you are about to enjoy some delicious Japanese BBQ! Only available in black.

Sides To-Go
White Rice - Regular $4.50
8 oz of Japanese short-grain white rice
White Rice - Extra Large $7.50
12 oz of Japanese short-grain white rice
Brown Rice $5.00
Miso Soup $4.45
A comforting cup of our classic miso soup with seaweed, tofu, and chopped green onions.
White Rice - Large $6.00
12 oz of Japanese short-grain white rice

Drinks To-Go
Sprite Can $1.95
12 oz. Can of Sprite
Red Bull Sugar Free $5.00
Red Bull Energy Drink $5.00
Diet Coke Can $1.95
12 oz. Can of Diet Coke
Red Bull Yellow Edition $5.00
Coke Can $1.95
12 oz. Can of Coke

Gyu For All!
MEGA Garlic Shoyu Chicken Noodles $30.95
A TRIPLE SERVING of our Crowd Favorite: Mega Garlic Noodles with Chicken. Serves 3-5 people. Thick Japanese noodles stir-fried with chicken, sliced garlic, butter, and soy sauce. Topped with diced red bell peppers, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds.
MEGA Beef Sukiyaki Fried Rice $30.95
A TRIPLE SERVING of our Crowd Favorite: Sukiyaki Fried Rice with Beef. Serves 3-5 people. Our signature thin-sliced Sukiyaki-marinated beef stir-fried with white rice, egg yolk, mushrooms, and sliced onions. Topped with diced red bell peppers, chopped green Onions, and sesame seeds.
Gyu-Family Meal For All $84.00
We have put together some of our fan favorites to create a well-balance meal that feeds four. Substitutions respectfully declined. Includes: 1x Gyu-Combo with 7 oz Yaki-shabu Beef in Miso, 1x Gyu-Combo with 7 oz Toro Beef in Sweet Soy Tare, 1x Beef Sukiyaki Fried Rice, 1x Garlic Shoyu Chicken Noodles, 1x Black Pepper Wings, 1x Fried Pork Gyoza, 1x Gyu-Kaku Salad, 1x Edamame, and 1x Napa Kimchi

Gyu-Bowls To-Go
Umakara Beef Rice Bowl (GAH) $15.00
Thin-sliced Yakishabu beef marinated in our sweet & spicy Umakara sauce with sliced onions on a bed of white rice and shredded cabbage. Topped with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Fried Chicken Karaage Rice Bowl (GAH) $15.00
Japanese Fried Chicken Karaage on a bed of white rice and shredded cabbage. Topped with Japanese Chili Mayo and chopped green onions.
Spicy Beef Rice Bowl (GAH) $15.00
Beef rib meat and rice dowsed in our signature Umakara Sauce and mixed with an assortment of bell pepper, shishito pepper, and corn, then garnished with sesame, green onions, and chili flakes.
Garlic Shoyu Chicken Noodles (GAH) $15.00
Thick Japanese noodles stir-fried with chicken, sliced garlic, butter, and soy sauce. Topped with diced red bell peppers, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds.
Crunchy Garlic Shrimp Noodles (GAH) $16.00
Crunchy Garlic Shrimp atop thick Japanese noodles stir-fried with sliced garlic, crunchy chili garlic oil, butter, and soy sauce. Topped with diced red bell peppers, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds. Mildly spicy.
Garlic Fried Rice Bowl (GAH) $12.50
Our Garlic Fried Rice features white rice stir-fried with egg yolk, sliced onions, sliced garlic. Seasoned with a combination of our Shio Soy Sauce, butter, sesame oil, and black pepper. Topped with chopped green onions and fried garlic chips.
Roast Beef Rice Bowl (GAH) $16.00
Premium roast beef on a bed of mixed greens and steamed rice. Topped with white and green onions, Signature soy-based barbecue sauce, and kuki wasabi.
Beef Sukiyaki Fried Rice Bowl (GAH) $15.00
Our signature thin-sliced Sukiyaki-marinated beef stir-fried with white rice, egg yolk, mushrooms, and sliced onions. Topped with diced red bell peppers, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds.
Beyond Beef Rice Bowl (GAH) $15.00
Our beloved Sukiyaki Bibimbap goes BEYOND. 100% plant-based Beyond Beef is marinated in our secret Sukiyaki sauce and stir fried with mushrooms, diced red bell peppers, and sliced white onions. Served over rice. Topped with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Also contains butter and sesame oil. Picture for visualization purposes only. Beyond Bibimbap will arrive pre-mixed.

Extra Sauces To-Go
Sweet Soy Sauce Bottle (12 Oz) $7.50
Enjoy our original Sweet Soy Sauce at home! Use it on your delivery/takeout order or bring a Japanese flair to your next backyard BBQ! Soy sauce, pear juice, and ginger are three of the secret ingredient that we can share with you. Only available at Gyu-Kaku. Gluten Free
Takeout Sauces $0.00
Hot & Spicy Sauce Bottle (12 Oz) $7.50
Enjoy our original Hot & Spicy Sauce at home! Use it on your delivery/takeout order or bring a Japanese flair to your next backyard BBQ! Our mildly spicy Japanese BBQ dipping sauce. Only available at Gyu-Kaku. Gluten Free
3 Gyu-Kaku Bottle Bundle (12 Oz Ea) $20.00
Select 3 Bottles.
Sesame Miso Dressing Bottle (12 Oz) $7.50
Enjoy our original Sesame Miso Dressing at home! Use it on your delivery/takeout order or bring a Japanese flair to your salad and veggies! Only available at Gyu-Kaku. Gluten Free

Gyu-Ramen To-Go
Tonkotsu Ramen (GAH) $14.00
Our Tonkotsu pork bone ramen comes with chunky, fatty braised pork belly Kakuni chashu and is topped with hard-boiled egg, chopped green onions, diced red bell peppers, and sesame seeds. Ramen noodles and hot soup are packaged separately to maintain their maximum deliciousness. Please reheat soup in the microwave (if necessary) and pour over noodles.
Spicy Beef Ramen (GAH) $14.00
Gyu-Kaku original recipe: Japanese BBQ meets Ramen! Rich kalbi beef soup and medium thickness ramen noodles topped with thin-sliced beef, boiled egg, green onions, spinach, daikon radish, and sesame seeds. Ramen noodles and hot soup are packaged separately to maintain their maximum deliciousness. Please reheat soup in the microwave (if necessary) and pour over noodles.
Goma Negi Shio Ramen (GAH) $14.00
Beef and shio-based soup with medium-thick ramen noodles and thick braised pork belly Kakuni chashu. Toppings also include boiled egg, green onion, and sesame seeds. Ramen noodles and hot soup are packaged separately to maintain their maximum deliciousness. Please reheat soup in the microwave (if necessary) and pour over noodles.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great dessert
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Photos

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Location

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

New York New York County New York Cooper Square

34 Cooper Sq, New York, NY 10003, USA

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Reviews

The Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ restaurant is an amazing Japanese restaurant that offers guests incredibly delicious Japanese cuisine, and a delightful dining experience where the guests themselves partake in cooking and preparing premium cooked meats over a smoking grill located at their table.In May of 2025, I brought and treated myself and my wife for dinner at the Gyu Kaku Japanese BBQ, specifically the branch based in the East Village Manhattan, to celebrate our Happy Eleven Year Relationship Anniversary!!!Both my wife and I were graciously welcomed by the restaurant’s staff and were quickly provided with a very comfortable dining table.Our server, Tan was incredible. She was very kind, welcoming and very attentive. She did a great job on explaining the menu options, addressing our inquiries and perfectly documented our meal orders. Tan also made sure to routinely check on us to see if we were enjoying our meals, and making sure our needs were met. We thank Tan for her superb hospitality and would love for Gyu-Kaku to recognize her outstanding professionalism!!!In addition to the great service, both Kat & I thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I ordered the “Meat Lover’s” package for the both of us when dining at Gyu-Kaku. The “Meat Lover’s package is meant for 2 guests and comes with a considerable number of dishes, ranging from starters; salad, miso soup, sushi, chicken karate, and BBQ items; New York steak; Umakara ribeye, toro beef, sirloin steak and an a array of other dishes. In addition you get 2 s’mores for dessert.Both my wife enjoyed steaming our seasoned BBQ items over the grill and found our meal to be very delicious from beginning to end. We found our meat dishes to be perfectly seasoned, very tasty and satisfying, and our grill cooked it perfectly!!!My wife and I thank Gyu-Kaku for helping to celebrate our Happy Relationship Anniversary and recommend for everyone to visit and dine at this wonderful Japanese restaurant!!!
May 24 · Greg Harris
Decided to have my birthday lunch at this place. The vibe and food were great furthermore the staff were very friendly and helpful. They offered to put our cake in the fridge when we were eating which toward the end they also prepared the cake and lit the candles for us. The birthday song part was my favorite haha. Making smores was fun as well, would definitely revisit again.
January 07 · Sining
I've been to the flushing location and this is just as good. They offered a restaurant week deal, that was a steal. Veg, desert, soup, salad, app, rice & 2 proteins for 30$ was great. Food is fresh and worth it.
February 04 · Anthony M
Food is good. Service is okay. We used to go to gyu kaku a lot in San Francisco and first time coming here since we move to ny. Id say the ones in SF feels like a date night, this one feels like a regular lunch. Place is a little run down.Came for weekend lunch
April 05 · HAZEL Daramola
Great Japanese BBQ spot! The service was absolutely fantastic, food was good. Make sure to coat check your coats
April 08 · Demetris Demetriou (Dimi)