Katsu Bar

For those residing in or visiting the Orange County area of California, Katsu Bar in Tustin has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for lovers of Japanese comfort food. This specialized eatery takes the beloved Japanese dish of "katsu" – a perfectly breaded and fried cutlet – to new heights, offering a diverse menu centered around this crispy delight. Katsu Bar stands out not just for its signature dishes but also for its commitment to delivering fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meals in a friendly and efficient environment.

The essence of Katsu Bar lies in its dedication to perfecting the art of the fried cutlet. Whether it's chicken breast katsu that's "very light and crisp" or unique offerings like their katsu sandos, every item on the menu showcases a mastery of texture and taste. Beyond the golden-brown perfection of their katsu, diners are consistently impressed by the thoughtful combination of ingredients in their sandwiches and plates, from buttery milk bread to flavorful curry dipping sauces. It's a place where quality ingredients meet skillful preparation, creating a culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression on anyone seeking authentic and delicious Japanese fried delights in the Tustin area.

Katsu Bar is conveniently located at 13771 Newport Ave #8, Tustin, CA 92780, USA. This address places it within a lively section of Tustin, making it easily reachable for residents throughout Orange County. Situated in a commercial plaza, Katsu Bar benefits from generally accessible parking, which is a key convenience for diners in California.

Newport Avenue is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, ensuring that finding Katsu Bar is straightforward whether you're navigating by car or using ride-sharing services. Its central location within Tustin makes it an excellent choice for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a takeout order. While customers should be aware that the establishment might not have a public restroom available on-site (as noted in one review), its overall accessibility and prime location contribute to a smooth and enjoyable visit for those craving delicious katsu.

Katsu Bar specializes in offering a focused yet diverse menu centered around katsu and related Japanese comfort foods. Their services are designed for convenience and deliciousness:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in a casual setting, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed gathering.
• Signature Katsu Sandos: A highlight of their menu, featuring perfectly fried katsu (chicken, portobello, shrimp) served on soft Japanese milk bread with various flavorful sauces and accompaniments like waffle fries. Options include Rosemary Katsu Sando, Portobello Katsu Sando, Shrimp Katsu Sando, and the acclaimed Dill Egg Salad Sando.
• Katsu Plates: Hearty meals featuring Katsu with Japanese curry, white rice, side salad, coleslaw, and pickled veggies. Proteins include standard katsu (chicken), kimchi mandu, cauliflower tempura, mushroom tempura, shrimp katsu, and fish katsu. A plain curry plate (no katsu) is also available.
• Katsu Sandwiches: Classic katsu options like Nashville Hot Chicken, Original Katsu, and Fish Katsu, served with waffle fries, coleslaw, and pickles.
• Noodle and Special Menu Items: Offers a selection of noodle dishes like Curry Udon with Katsu, Black Garlic Udon with Katsu, Spicy Chicken Udon, and Chicken Yaki Udon. Also features Korean-inspired dishes like Tteokbokki with Katsu and Korean Gang Jung (crispy chicken bites).
• Appetizers: A selection of delicious starters including Calamari Fries, Shrimp Sticks, Kimchi Mandu, Sausage Rice Cake, Cauliflower Tempura, Mushroom Tempura, and classic Waffle Fries.
• Yubu Pockets: A unique and popular side offering, described as delicious and perfect for on-the-go.
• Desserts: Sweet treats such as Strawberry Sando (made fresh every morning with whipped cream and strawberries), Blackout Chocolate Cake, Manhattan Cheesecake, and Tiramisu.
• Takeout and Online Ordering: Katsu Bar offers convenient takeout and is available for delivery through various online platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub, allowing customers to enjoy their food at home.
• Catering Services: Offers catering packages for groups, including combinations of katsu plates, curry udon with katsu, waffle fries, and sodas.

Katsu Bar stands out for several key features and highlights that consistently receive high praise from its customers:

• Amazing Chicken Breast Katsu: A consistent highlight, the chicken breast katsu is frequently described as "amazing," "very light and crisp," demonstrating a mastery of the frying technique that results in perfectly golden and non-greasy cutlets.
• Best Egg Salad Sando Ever: The Dill Egg Salad Sando receives specific accolades for its "flavorful filling and buttery bread," making it a standout item for many patrons.
• Perfectly Crispy and Juicy Tempura Cauliflower: This vegetarian option is highly praised for its ideal texture, being both crispy on the outside and juicy within, perfectly complemented by their curry dipping sauce.
• Delicious Katsu Sando Variations: The Katsu Sando, with its various protein options and inclusion of waffle fries, is a staple that consistently satisfies, making it a go-to order for many.
• Flavorful Curry: The Japanese curry served with their katsu plates and as a dipping sauce is noted for its excellent flavor, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Friendly Staff: Customer reviews frequently mention the friendly and welcoming nature of the staff, contributing to a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.
• High-Quality Ingredients: The focus on fresh ingredients, from the chicken katsu to the Japanese milk bread in their sandos, is evident in the taste and texture of their dishes.
• Satisfying Portions: While not explicitly detailed in reviews, the overall satisfaction expressed by customers suggests that portion sizes are ample and fulfilling.
• Unique Menu Items: Offerings like the Yubu Pockets and Strawberry Sando provide unique and memorable culinary experiences that differentiate Katsu Bar from other Japanese eateries.

While specific, ongoing promotions for Katsu Bar are not always heavily advertised on their primary website, online ordering platforms often feature various deals that can benefit customers.

Based on current data from delivery platforms, Katsu Bar frequently offers:

• Delivery Service Promotions: Katsu Bar often participates in promotions through delivery platforms like Grubhub, such as "$6 off qualifying orders of $30 or more" or "$10 off qualifying orders of $50 or more." These offers can vary and are typically for a limited time.
• Specific Item Discounts: Deals like "$4 off must buy 1 Portobello Katsu Sando W/ Sides to qualify on orders of $18 or more" highlight their willingness to promote specific popular menu items.
• Catering Packages: For larger groups, Katsu Bar offers bundled catering deals, such as "3 Katsu Plates + 1 Waffle Fries + 3 Sodas" at a special price, or similar packages for Curry Udon with Katsu.

For the most current and exact promotions, it is highly recommended to check their active ordering links on platforms like Grubhub or Uber Eats, or to contact Katsu Bar directly by phone. Promotions can change frequently, so checking closer to your desired dining time is advisable.

To reach Katsu Bar for inquiries, takeout orders, or more information, please use the following contact details:

Address: 13771 Newport Ave #8, Tustin, CA 92780, USA

Phone: (714) 852-3266

For residents across Tustin and the broader Orange County region of California, Katsu Bar offers a distinct and highly appealing Japanese dining experience centered around expertly prepared katsu. It’s a place that caters specifically to those who appreciate the perfect crunch of a breaded cutlet, whether in a hearty meal or a convenient, delicious sandwich. The consistent praise for their "amazing chicken breast katsu" and the "very light and crisp" texture speaks directly to the quality and care put into every dish, making it a standout choice for discerning local palates.

What truly makes Katsu Bar a local favorite is its versatile menu that goes beyond just the traditional katsu plate. Their celebrated katsu sandos, particularly the fan-favorite Dill Egg Salad Sando with its "flavorful filling and buttery bread," offer a unique and satisfying alternative for a quick, yet gourmet, meal. The inclusion of perfectly crispy tempura cauliflower and a flavorful Japanese curry as a dipping sauce further expands its appeal, ensuring there's something delicious for a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.

Located conveniently on Newport Ave with easy parking, Katsu Bar is effortlessly accessible for dine-in or takeout, fitting seamlessly into the busy Californian lifestyle. The friendly staff also contributes significantly to a welcoming atmosphere, making every visit a pleasant one. While the absence of a customer restroom is a minor consideration, the sheer quality and deliciousness of the food, combined with its reasonable pricing and flexible ordering options (including robust catering), firmly establish Katsu Bar as an essential and highly recommended spot for locals seeking top-tier Japanese katsu and comforting flavors in Tustin.

Katsu Bar

13771 Newport Ave #8, Tustin, CA 92780, USA