Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Pasadena: Grill Your Own Fun in Old Town

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Introduce

For Californians, especially those in the vibrant and bustling Old Pasadena, finding a dining experience that is both engaging and delicious is always a priority.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

offers precisely that – a unique and interactive Japanese yakiniku experience where you become the chef at your own table. Renowned for its high-quality meats, diverse menu, and lively atmosphere, Gyu-Kaku provides a departure from traditional dining, making it a popular choice for groups, families, and anyone looking for a memorable meal. Locals rave about the quality of the food and the fun of grilling their own selections, ensuring a fresh and personalized culinary adventure every time.

Introduction / Overview

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is a highly popular and well-regarded Japanese restaurant specializing in yakiniku, which means "grilled meat." The Pasadena location brings this exciting concept to the heart of Old Town, inviting diners to cook their own meats and vegetables on a personal grill built right into their table. This interactive style of dining creates a fun and communal atmosphere, perfect for gatherings with friends and family. Customers consistently praise the "great food," highlighting the "very high" meat quality, and appreciate the variety of options, especially within their all-you-can-eat (AYCE) offerings. Beyond the savory meats, Gyu-Kaku is also known for delightful extras like grilled marshmallows for S'mores, adding a sweet and playful end to the meal. With its friendly staff and a focus on fresh ingredients, Gyu-Kaku provides an engaging and satisfying Japanese BBQ experience that locals wholeheartedly embrace.

Location and Accessibility

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is conveniently located at

70 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA

. This prime address places it squarely within the popular and easily accessible Old Pasadena district. Green Street is a vibrant thoroughfare known for its diverse array of shops, entertainment, and dining establishments, making Gyu-Kaku a natural fit for locals exploring the area. A significant advantage for diners in this bustling part of Los Angeles County is the ease of parking. Gyu-Kaku is "by a parking garage," making it exceptionally convenient for those driving. Old Pasadena offers various public parking options, including nearby Park & Walk structures, street parking, and even valet services, ensuring that finding a spot is generally hassle-free. This accessibility enhances the overall dining experience, allowing patrons to focus on enjoying their meal without the usual urban parking woes.

Services Offered

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to its unique yakiniku dining style, focusing on both the in-restaurant experience and convenient at-home options:

Dine-In Japanese BBQ: The core offering, allowing guests to grill a wide selection of meats, seafood, and vegetables right at their table. Each table is equipped with its own smokeless grill.
All You Can Eat (AYCE) Options: Gyu-Kaku is famous for its AYCE menus, which offer various tiers (e.g., Basic, Standard, Premium, Ultimate, Supreme) with a wide array of choices for a set price within a 90-minute limit. This includes numerous cuts of beef, pork, chicken, seafood, vegetables, and side dishes.
À La Carte Menu: For those who prefer to order specific items, Gyu-Kaku also offers a full à la carte menu, including various cuts of meat, appetizers, salads, rice dishes, noodles, and desserts.
Happy Hour Specials: Gyu-Kaku typically offers Happy Hour promotions, providing discounts on select food and drink items. These are often available daily during specific time windows.
Takeout & Delivery Options: While the primary experience is in-house grilling, Gyu-Kaku also offers "Ready to Eat" and "Gyu-Bowls To-Go" options for pickup and delivery through platforms like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. These include cooked Gyu-Bowls, noodle dishes, and various appetizers.
Group & Family Friendly Dining: The interactive nature of Japanese BBQ makes it an ideal setting for groups, families, and celebrations. The communal grilling fosters interaction and shared enjoyment.
Desserts: Beyond savory items, Gyu-Kaku offers unique dessert options like grilled S'mores (marshmallows roasted at your table grill) and various ice creams and cakes.
Beverage Program: A full bar is available, offering a selection of beer, sake, wine, and cocktails to complement the meal.

Features / Highlights

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Pasadena distinguishes itself with several key features that contribute to its popularity among locals:

Interactive Grilling Experience: The ability to grill your own meat at the table is a major draw, offering a fun, engaging, and customizable dining adventure that sets it apart from traditional restaurants.
High-Quality Meats: Despite the all-you-can-eat format, customers consistently praise the "very high" meat quality, with options ranging from Premium Sirloin to Kobe-style short rib. The meat is noted for being tender and flavorful.
Extensive All You Can Eat (AYCE) Menu: The AYCE options provide fantastic value and variety, allowing diners to sample a wide array of meats, seafood, vegetables, and side dishes within a fixed price.
Delicious Side Dishes and Appetizers: Beyond the BBQ, the menu includes popular items like Gyu-Kaku Salad, Spicy Tuna Volcano, various bibimbaps, and grilled vegetables, all contributing to a well-rounded meal.
Unique Dessert Offerings: The grilled marshmallows for S'mores are a memorable and fun highlight, often mentioned by satisfied customers as a perfect end to the meal.
Friendly and Attentive Staff: Reviewers often mention the "friendly staff" and good service, which enhances the overall dining experience, even during busy periods.
Convenient Parking: Being located near a parking garage in Old Pasadena is a significant advantage, making it easy for customers to access the restaurant without parking stress.
Lively and Casual Ambiance: The restaurant offers a vibrant yet casual atmosphere, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from casual outings to celebratory gatherings.
Portion Control and Efficiency (with advice): While portion sizes on individual orders can be small (a feature of AYCE to prevent waste), the ability to order more as needed, coupled with the advice to order generously upfront, highlights the freshness and quality focus.

Promotions or Special Offers

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Pasadena frequently offers various promotions to enhance the dining experience and provide value to its customers. A prominent feature is their Happy Hour, available daily during specific hours (e.g., 11:30 am–6:30 pm, and then again later in the evening from 8:30 pm–10:15 pm on weekdays and Sundays, or 9:30 pm–11:15 pm on Fridays and Saturdays). During Happy Hour, patrons can enjoy discounted prices on select food items, appetizers, and beverages. Additionally, Gyu-Kaku often runs seasonal or holiday-specific promotions, such as discounts during major holidays. They also incentivize loyalty through their mobile app, where new members can typically get a $10 off on their next visit after spending $30 or more. This app also provides access to exclusive discounts and early access to promotions for members. While a past "event" of $25 per person mentioned in a review might have been a limited-time deal, the core AYCE menus consistently offer a strong value proposition, and members can unlock various discount levels. It is highly recommended for California locals to check the Gyu-Kaku website or download their app for the most current and localized promotions.

Contact Information

To experience the interactive and delicious Japanese BBQ at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Pasadena, you can reach them via the following contact details:

Address: 70 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA

Phone: (626) 405-4842

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For California residents, particularly those in and around Pasadena, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offers a uniquely engaging and satisfying dining experience. Its prime location in Old Pasadena, coupled with convenient parking options, makes it easily accessible for any occasion. What truly makes Gyu-Kaku suitable for locals is its interactive and fun "grill-your-own" concept, allowing for a personalized meal and a lively communal atmosphere perfect for friends, family, or even a unique date night. The commitment to "very high" meat quality across its extensive all-you-can-eat menus ensures that diners always receive fresh and delicious cuts. While ordering strategy within the time limit is key, the overall value and variety are exceptional. The friendly staff and delightful touches like grilled marshmallows contribute to a consistently positive experience. Whether you're craving premium Japanese BBQ, seeking a fun group activity, or simply looking for a delicious and memorable meal, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Pasadena stands out as a fantastic local choice that promises both culinary delight and enjoyable entertainment.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Menu

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

Gyu-Combo To-Go
Gyu-Combo 3 US$19.00
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.
Gyu-Combo 2 US$15.00
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-Bowls To-Go
Crunchy Garlic Shrimp Noodles (GAH) US$15.00
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) US$11.50
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.
Beef Sukiyaki Fried Rice Bowl (GAH) US$14.00
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) US$14.00
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.
Roast Beef Rice Bowl (GAH) US$15.00
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.
Fried Chicken Karaage Rice Bowl (GAH) US$14.00
Japanese Fried Chicken Karaage on a bed of white rice and shredded cabbage. Topped with Japanese Chili Mayo and chopped green onions.
Garlic Shoyu Chicken Noodles (GAH) US$14.00
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.
Umakara Beef Rice Bowl (GAH) US$14.00
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.
Spicy Beef Rice Bowl (GAH) US$14.00
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.

Gyu For All!
Gyu-Family Meal For All US$80.00
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
MEGA Garlic Shoyu Chicken Noodles US$30.45
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 US$30.45
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.

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

Sides To-Go
White Rice - Extra Large US$7.00
12 oz of Japanese short-grain white rice
Miso Soup US$4.45
A comforting cup of our classic miso soup with seaweed, tofu, and chopped green onions.
White Rice - Large US$5.50
12 oz of Japanese short-grain white rice
Brown Rice US$5.00
White Rice - Regular US$4.00
8 oz of Japanese short-grain white rice

Appetizers To-Go
Takoyaki US$8.45
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.
Black Pepper Wings US$10.45
Dangerously addictive Nagoya-style Tebasaki chicken wings! Five (5) fresh-fried wings tossed in a sweet soy and black pepper sauce.
Fried Cheese Wontons US$7.45
Crispy fried wontons filled with cream cheese and green onions. Served with sweet chili sauce.
Vegetable Spring Rolls US$8.95
Four (4) Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce on the side.
Miso Chili Wings US$11.00
Five (5) fried chicken wings coated in our sweet & spicy Miso Chili sauce.
Fried Pork Gyoza Dumpling US$7.95
Five (5) Fried Pork Gyoza Dumplings with Ponzu citrus soy dipping sauce
Japanese Fried Chicken US$7.95
Our secret-marinated Japanese Fried Chicken Karaage. Served with Japanese Chili Mayo and a wedge of lemon.

Salads And Veggies To-Go
Gyu-Kaku Salad US$9.45
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.
Yuzu Shishito Peppers US$8.45
Fried shishito chili peppers in our Japanese yuzu citrus sauce. Almost always mild.
Spicy Addicting Cucumber US$6.95
Fresh cucumbers in Crunchy Garlic Chili Oil with a dash of Shio Tare, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
Napa Kimchi US$6.50
Spicy, pickled Napa cabbage kimchi
Edamame US$5.50
Steamed Japanese soybeans. Lightly salted.

Gyu-Kaku Gear To-Go
Beef Cuts Cow Map T-Shirt US$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 US$25.00
Irasshaimase! T-Shirt US$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.

Gyu-Ramen To-Go
Spicy Beef Ramen (GAH) US$13.00
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) US$13.00
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.
Tonkotsu Ramen (GAH) US$13.00
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.

Extra Sauces To-Go
3 Gyu-Kaku Bottle Bundle (12 Oz Ea) US$20.00
Select 3 Bottles.
Hot & Spicy Sauce Bottle (12 Oz) US$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
Sesame Miso Dressing Bottle (12 Oz) US$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
Takeout Sauces US$0.00
Sweet Soy Sauce Bottle (12 Oz) US$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

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings
Alcohol
All you can eat
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Late-night food
Small plates
Spirits
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
University students

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
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Photos

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Location

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

California Los Angeles County Pasadena South Arroyo West Green Street

70 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Reviews

We came on a Sunday and there was no wait. We chose the basic all you can eat which comes with a ton of options. 90 minutes limit, at beginning we didn't order too much because we were scared if we can't finish. Big mistake, apparently the meat quality was very high but very small portion. It was also takes time for the waitress to come back to order more. So we basically wasted a lot of time just staring at the empty grill. Food was great though, nice dessert and the marshmallows. Parking was also easy because it is by a parking garage. I would recommend ordering as much as you can and also early before you ran out of food.
March 28 · H B
Wait time was 20min and order time was 10min. Friendly staff and all the vegetables were delicious. The meat was not bad. Ordered $25.00 per person menu. This event will finish on 02/07.
February 03 · Lucia Kim
This is my favorite neighborhood spot. I come here often and it never disappoints. I always get great service from the staff and it surprises me when people are grumpy and leave negative reviews. Management is always working hard all over the restaurant and the food is great! My friends and I come here for a good time and to eat like kings. Their latest menu with the meat mountain was a great value!!
April 12 · James Barr
This is the worst interaction with a manager I have ever had in my life. I've written a great review about this location before, but now my thoughts have completely changed and we'll never be coming back.We were a party of 8, so we were seated with two grills. Our friend's grill was working perfectly fine, but ours.... it took 45 minutes to "steam" the beef on top. 20 minutes in, I flagged to a staff passing by and he said he'll get someone. 10 more minutes go by, I flagged it to the waitress who dropped off more meet, that we couldn't cook since we were still trying to cook our first plate of meat, and she said "oh it could be the skirt around the grill" and then took it off with her bare hands. That should've sounded the alarm bell to her that obviously our grill was not hot enough if she could touch something that had been in direct contact with it and not be hurt. Then 10 more minutes go by, no improvement and the beef on the grill was finally a safe temperature and we started on our next plate of beef. The restaurant recommends 45-90 seconds per side, and at that point we were at 40 minutes for just this plate of beef. Our waiter, who had not stopped at our table ONCE, since this all started, I had to flag him down after he dropped off something for the table next to us and tell him our grill wasn't working. He finally put his hand over the grill and realized, oh yes, something was wrong. He then grabbed the bus boy and had him help us. At this point, we're an hour into sitting down, have eaten one plate of meat, and technically are supposed to be kicked out in 30 minutes. The bus boy who came over to fix the grill had to use a toothpick to stick into individual flame spouts to clear our the crud and char that had been stuck and causing the flame to not come through, it was DISGUSTING. I flag that to the waiter and ask to see a manager.25 minutes go by and the manager comes to drop off food to our table. I wait for him to say anything, and he doesn't so I finally ask if he is the manager. It's obvious he is because he wearing a completely different uniform and his name tag has "manager" on it. He says yes, and then I begin to tell him our problems with the wait time, that none of the staff believed there was something wrong with the grill until the 3 person and we had been waiting over an hour now to eat just one plate of meat, and the fact that I had asked to talk to him and he didn't come to do so when I had done so twice. The manager immediately became defensive and backpedaling saying he didn't know that he was supposed to come to talk to me specifically and that he did fix the grill and that side of the table looked to be having a good time laughing. I was furious, of course that side of the table was having a good time, they didn't have the problems, and he should've asked the whole party and table how we were doing instead of assuming. It was very clear we were one party and one table. He just said he would go check with the staff what happened and be back. I did not appreciate the way he spoke to me condescendingly and that I was in the wrong for trying to get something fixed in the first place. It was also very clear he had never handled an upset diner before because he continued to evade my questions and backpedal. I never once heard an apology from him. This was only my first interaction with him, the second one is worse, but Google won't let me write anymore so I wrote it all on Yelp.
April 06 · Nikki Yee
The staff here is UNBELIEVABLE! I brought my family here twice last week. After the first time we couldn’t resist coming back 🤣. Our servers were Jonathan and Georgia. Each night they were so on top of everything. The manager Quentin came by our table to grab dirty dishes . He was so pleasant! He asked if we were a rewards member, which we weren’t. He then showed us how to download the app and sign up to get the points. It took 2min. It’s rare to find a place where the food is good and the staff actually want you to enjoy yourself!
April 12 · Fay's Comfort's