Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ: An Unforgettable Grilling Experience in Chicago, Illinois

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Introduce

For those in Illinois looking to embark on a truly unique and interactive culinary adventure, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offers an experience that goes beyond a typical restaurant meal. Japanese barbecue, known as yakiniku, invites diners to become their own chefs, grilling an array of marinated meats, fresh vegetables, and delicious seafood right at their table. This engaging style of dining fosters conversation, laughter, and a shared appreciation for perfectly cooked ingredients. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ has established itself as a premier destination for this exciting cuisine in Chicago, delivering not only exceptional food but also a memorable atmosphere that appeals to families, friends, and anyone seeking a fun and flavorful outing. For locals across Illinois, Gyu-Kaku provides a taste of authentic Japanese grilling without having to leave the state.

Location and Accessibility

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is conveniently located in Chicago's vibrant Lakeview neighborhood at 2813 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, USA. This prime spot places it amidst a lively community known for its diverse dining scene, entertainment options, and accessible urban environment. Lakeview is a popular destination, and Gyu-Kaku benefits from its central position within it.

Accessibility to Gyu-Kaku is generally straightforward for residents throughout Illinois. For those driving, street parking can be found in the surrounding area, though it can be competitive, especially during peak dining hours and weekends. Utilizing rideshare services or public transportation is often a convenient alternative. The restaurant is well-served by several CTA bus lines, and it is within a reasonable distance from the CTA Red Line 'L' train stations (such as Diversey or Belmont), making it easily reachable from various parts of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Despite potential initial waits as noted by some customers, the convenient location ensures that the exceptional dining experience at Gyu-Kaku is readily available for locals seeking an authentic Japanese BBQ adventure.

Services Offered

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ provides a distinctive dining experience centered around its interactive grilling concept, complemented by a variety of services to enhance your visit.

Dine-in Japanese BBQ (Yakiniku): The core offering, allowing guests to grill high-quality, marinated meats, seafood, and vegetables right at their table on built-in grills. This interactive approach makes for a fun and engaging meal.
À La Carte Menu: For those who prefer to order individual items, Gyu-Kaku offers an extensive à la carte menu featuring various cuts of beef, pork, chicken, lamb, seafood, and vegetables, along with appetizers, noodles, and rice dishes.
Prix-Fixe BBQ Courses: Ideal for groups or those who prefer a curated experience, Gyu-Kaku offers various "feast" or "course" options. These family-style selections are "perfect and really well curated," taking "all the guesswork out of trying to order for different appetites," as one reviewer noted. They provide a balanced meal with appetizers, BBQ items, and often dessert like s'mores.
Happy Hour Specials: Gyu-Kaku is well-known for its fantastic Happy Hour deals on both food and drinks, making it an excellent option for an early dinner or a relaxed evening out.
Takeout and Delivery: For enjoying Gyu-Kaku's flavors at home, they offer takeout and delivery services through platforms like Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash, with curated "Gyu-Combo To-Go," "Gyu-Bowls To-Go," and "Gyu-Ramen To-Go" options.
Full Bar Service: Enjoy a range of beverages, including cold beers (like Sapporo, often mentioned by customers), sake, wines, and cocktails, to complement your grilled meal.
Dessert Offerings: A unique highlight is the popular s'mores dessert, where diners roast marshmallows over their tabletop grill, adding a delightful and interactive end to the meal. Other desserts like mochi ice cream, chocolate lava cake, and Taiyaki with ice cream are also available.
Kids Menu: A "nice and fun kids menu" is available, though many families find their children enjoy the main menu items and marinades just as much.

Features / Highlights

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ distinguishes itself with several key features that contribute to its widespread appeal among locals in Illinois:

Exceptional Meat Quality: Customers consistently rave about the "awesome" food, particularly the "best meats out of any kbbq or jbbq place." The high quality of the fresh, never-frozen meats, including premium cuts and unique marinades, is a standout feature. Reviewers often mention the "incredibly tender and flavorful" meats.
Interactive Grilling Experience: The "grill-your-own-meat" concept creates a dynamic and engaging dining experience that is perfect for groups, fostering interaction and fun around the table.
Variety of Flavors and Marinades: Gyu-Kaku offers a wide array of marinades and seasonings for their meats, allowing diners to customize their flavors. The "recipes and marinades here" are particularly loved by families and kids.
Well-Curated Family Style Feasts: The "family style feast options are just perfect and really well curated," simplifying ordering for diverse appetites and ensuring a satisfying meal for everyone.
Delicious Appetizers and Sides: Beyond the BBQ, the appetizers receive high praise, with the "little fried chicken app" being described as "HEAVENLY." Other sides like their delicious sushi, salads, and rice dishes complete the meal.
S'mores Dessert: The complimentary s'mores at the end of the meal are a beloved and unique touch, allowing diners to roast marshmallows over their grill, ending the experience on a fun and sweet note.
Friendly and Attentive Staff: Despite occasional initial delays, the service once seated is often lauded. Specific shout-outs to servers like Antonio, who was "pleasant, gave us tips and went above and beyond with his service," highlight the dedicated and helpful nature of the staff.
Happy Hour Value: The well-known happy hour specials provide excellent value on both food and drinks, making premium Japanese BBQ more accessible.

Promotions or Special Offers

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is well-regarded for its various promotions and special offers, which make the unique Japanese BBQ experience even more appealing to locals in Illinois.

Happy Hour: Gyu-Kaku offers daily Happy Hour specials, typically in the late afternoon/early evening and sometimes a late-night Happy Hour. These periods feature significant discounts on a selection of popular BBQ items, appetizers, and drinks, making it a highly attractive option for budget-conscious diners or those looking for a casual meal.
Prix-Fixe BBQ Courses: While not a discount, the various prix-fixe "courses" or "feasts" are designed to offer excellent value by bundling popular items at a set price per person, often ranging from around $40-$60 per person depending on the course. These courses are often less expensive than ordering à la carte. Examples include the Happy Hour Course, Thank You Course, Samurai, and Geisha courses.
Loyalty Programs & Mobile App: Gyu-Kaku encourages customers to download their mobile app, which often provides new members with a special offer, such as "$10 off on your next visit" after spending $30 or more. Members may also earn points and receive early access to promotions and exclusive discounts.
Seasonal and Holiday Deals: Gyu-Kaku frequently offers sales during major holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and New Year, with discounts ranging from 20% to 50% off select items. Seasonal promotions, for instance, around Valentine's Day, are also common.
Gift Card Promotions: Occasionally, Gyu-Kaku offers promotions where purchasing a gift card (e.g., $50) yields a bonus card ($10).
Military Discount: While not a permanent program, Gyu-Kaku has offered 30% off for military members through specific codes or during special events like Memorial Day.

It is always recommended to check Gyu-Kaku's official website, mobile app, or social media pages for the most current and specific promotions available at their Chicago Lakeview location.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about the unique Japanese BBQ experience at Gyu-Kaku:

Address: 2813 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

Phone: (773) 687-8110

Typical operating hours for the Lakeview location are:

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Happy Hour times can vary but are generally available daily, often from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, with additional late-night happy hour options on certain days. It is advisable to confirm these hours directly with the restaurant or on their website, especially for holiday periods or special events.

Conclusion: Why Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is Suitable for Locals

For residents across Illinois, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood offers a compelling and highly suitable dining experience that sets it apart. While some initial wait times might occur, the overwhelming sentiment from patrons is that "the food was awesome," and the quality of meats is "wildly impressive all around" – even for seasoned Japanese and Korean BBQ enthusiasts. This commitment to exceptional ingredients and flavor ensures a delicious meal every time.

Beyond the food, Gyu-Kaku provides an inherently fun and interactive environment. The "grill-your-own-meat" concept transforms dining into a communal activity, perfect for families (even those whose "kids just eat everything that we do" and "LOVED all of the recipes and marinades"), friends, or a unique date night. The family-style feast options are thoughtfully curated, eliminating guesswork and providing great value for groups with varying appetites. The memorable touches, like grilling s'mores at the table, add to the overall appeal and create lasting memories. With friendly and attentive service, and a variety of promotions like their popular Happy Hour, Gyu-Kaku makes authentic Japanese BBQ accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that locals in Illinois will want to return to again and again.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Menu

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
Goma Negi Shio Ramen (GAH) US$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.
Tonkotsu Ramen (GAH) US$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) US$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.

Sides To-Go
White Rice - Regular US$4.50
8 oz of Japanese short-grain white rice
White Rice - Large US$6.00
12 oz of Japanese short-grain white rice
Brown Rice US$5.00
White Rice - Extra Large US$7.50
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.

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

Extra Sauces To-Go
3 Gyu-Kaku Bottle Bundle (12 Oz Ea) US$20.00
Select 3 Bottles.
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
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
Takeout Sauces US$0.00
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

Gyu-Bowls To-Go
Fried Chicken Karaage Rice Bowl (GAH) US$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) US$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.
Beyond Beef Rice Bowl (GAH) US$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.
Umakara Beef Rice Bowl (GAH) US$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.
Roast Beef Rice Bowl (GAH) US$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) US$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.
Garlic Fried Rice Bowl (GAH) US$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.
Crunchy Garlic Shrimp Noodles (GAH) US$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 Shoyu Chicken Noodles (GAH) US$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.

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.

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

Salads And Veggies To-Go
Gyu-Kaku Salad US$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 US$7.00
Spicy, pickled Napa cabbage kimchi
Edamame US$6.00
Steamed Japanese soybeans. Lightly salted.
Spicy Addicting Cucumber US$6.95
Fresh cucumbers in Crunchy Garlic Chili Oil with a dash of Shio Tare, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
Yuzu Shishito Peppers US$8.95
Fried shishito chili peppers in our Japanese yuzu citrus sauce. Almost always mild.

Gyu For All!
MEGA Garlic Shoyu Chicken Noodles US$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.
Gyu-Family Meal For All US$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
MEGA Beef Sukiyaki Fried Rice US$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-Combo To-Go
Gyu-Combo 3 US$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.
Gyu-Combo 2 US$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-Kaku Japanese BBQ Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner

Accessibility
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
Healthy options
Late-night food
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
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

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Paid street parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Photos

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Location

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Illinois Cook County Chicago Lake View East North Broadway

2813 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Reviews

The beginning was a little rough. When we first arrived no one really greeted us and the place seemed totally empty. We stood in the doorway for at least five minutes before someone said something. And then the nice lady said it would be a few minutes before they could seat our party of 6 because they had to free up a staff person. Honestly we waited another 15-20 minutes. It didn't make any sense because it was totally dead in there. Idk.Anyway, I'm not going to hold it against them, because the food was awesome and I'm still going to come back here. It may have been the best meats out of any kbbq or jbbq place I've ever been. And I've been to dozens, this is our family go-to when out of town or vacationing. In Vegas too. This was incredible for the price, just wildly impressive all around.The family style feast options are just perfect and really well curated. Takes all the guess work of trying to order for different appetites. We had a blast and ate until we were too full to walk. Little smores for the table at the end was a nice lil touch.There is a nice and fun kids menu. But our kids just eat everything that we do and we don't have to order special for them ever. They LOVED all of the recipes and marinades here. The little fried chicken app is just HEAVENLY. Sushi was delicious.Can't wait to come back!
December 30 · Adam Ehlers
First and foremost we love the food! Our 2nd time with our daughter. Most importantly Antonio the server was pleasant, gave us tips and went above and beyond with his service. He’s what’s needed in a lot of these establishments. We will be back!
February 18 · Valerie Ransom
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Chicago, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere.The food was absolutely delicious. We indulged in a variety of meats, including the Harami Skirt Steak and the Certified Angus Kalbi Short Rib, both of which were cooked to perfection on the charcoal grill. The flavors were rich and savory, making each bite a delight. The garlic noodles and avocado salad were also standout dishes that complemented our meal perfectly.What truly made our visit exceptional was the outstanding service provided by our waitress, Jay. She was incredibly attentive, ensuring that our drinks were always filled and that we had everything we needed. Jay’s friendly demeanor and knowledge of the menu made our dining experience even more enjoyable. She took the time to explain the different cuts of meat and recommended some fantastic options that we might have otherwise overlooked.Jay’s professionalism and genuine care for her customers were evident throughout our meal. She went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable evening, and her positive attitude added to the overall ambiance of the restaurant.In summary, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offers not only amazing food but also top-notch service. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a delicious meal with friends or family, I highly recommend visiting Gyu-Kaku and asking for Jay. You won’t be disappointed!
December 19 · Kobe N
Jades was such an amazing server, so sweet and knowledgeable. I wasn’t worried at all when it came to my allergies as she never hesitated.So much food and the salad was fresh and so yummy! Do wish the white rice had not been so dried out.But overall amazing experience, especially because of Jades!
October 25 · Reilly Downes
They have such a great restaurant week deal! All the meal cuts were delicious and the sides elevated the flavors of the food. We went for late lunch and the atmosphere was chill and inviting. Highly recommend this place!
February 02 · Charlette San Juan