Taku Introduce
In the dynamic culinary landscape of Seattle, a few restaurants manage to capture the city's unique spirit, blending top-tier food with a memorable, no-fuss experience. Taku, a popular Japanese eatery located in the heart of Capitol Hill, is one such place. Owned by celebrated chef and "Top Chef" finalist Shota Nakajima, Taku has earned a devoted following for its focus on a single, perfected dish: Japanese fried chicken, or karaage. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Taku, from its vibrant atmosphere and convenient services to its menu highlights and why it has become a true local favorite for Washington residents. Whether you're a long-time fan of Chef Shota or are just discovering this gem, Taku promises a delicious and fun dining experience.
Taku is conveniently located at 706 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122, USA. This address places it directly in the lively Capitol Hill neighborhood, an area known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse culture, and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. The restaurant is easily accessible for those exploring the area on foot, and it's also a popular destination for those coming from other parts of Seattle. For drivers, there is paid street parking available in the vicinity, though it can be competitive during peak hours, as is typical in this bustling neighborhood. The public transportation system, including bus routes, also provides excellent access to the area, making it a simple destination to reach for anyone in the Puget Sound region.
Taku offers a variety of service options designed to cater to a wide range of customer preferences, ensuring a convenient experience whether you're dining in or taking your food to go.
- No-contact delivery & Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, the restaurant provides reliable delivery services.
 - Takeout: The takeout option is highly popular, allowing customers to quickly pick up their order from the walk-up window.
 - Dine-in: The restaurant also offers a dine-in experience, which is highly recommended for a more complete and atmospheric experience.
 - Catering: For special events or gatherings, Taku provides catering options to share their delicious food with a larger group.
 
Taku is known for several key features that contribute to its distinctive identity and popularity.
- Exceptional Fried Chicken: The main event at Taku is its signature karaage, which is double-fried for an incredibly crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. The chicken is seasoned to perfection, and you can choose from various dry and wet flavors.
 - Vibrant Atmosphere: The restaurant has a lively and engaging vibe, with anime-themed decor and a fun, energetic staff. It’s known as a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and is a designated transgender safe space.
 - Late-Night Dining: Taku is an ideal spot for late-night cravings, serving comfort food and drinks until the early hours.
 - Bar Onsite: The restaurant features a full-service bar with a variety of offerings, including beer, cocktails, and hard liquor. The highballs are a popular choice to pair with the fried chicken.
 - Inclusive Accessibility: Taku is committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring it’s a comfortable space for all patrons.
 - Unique Menu Items: Beyond the chicken, Taku offers a selection of creative dishes, including rice bowls, burgers, and Japanese-inspired sides like furikake fries and pork gyoza.
 
For more information or to place an order, you can contact Taku at the following details:
- Address: 706 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
 - Phone: (206) 829-9418
 
For anyone in Washington seeking a truly memorable and satisfying meal, Taku is an excellent choice. What makes Taku particularly worth choosing is its unwavering dedication to a single, perfected dish. While the menu offers a variety of options, the fried chicken is the star, and for good reason. It's not just a dish; it's a testament to Chef Shota's culinary philosophy of taking a simple concept and elevating it through meticulous preparation and quality ingredients. The karaage is a standout, and pairing it with sides like the famous furikake fries, which are seasoned with a flavorful Japanese blend, creates a combination that is both comforting and exciting. While takeout is a great option, many reviewers and locals agree that dining in person offers a vastly superior experience, with the food being at its absolute freshest. The atmosphere is another key reason to visit. It’s a place with a distinct personality, from the fun, casual decor to the inclusive, welcoming environment. The ability to order via a contactless system and pay at your leisure also adds a layer of modern convenience that aligns with the fast-paced nature of city life. The beverage selection, from expertly made highballs to a variety of beers and cocktails, perfectly complements the rich, savory flavors of the food. Taku isn't just a place to grab a bite; it's a social hub where you can enjoy a great meal, a fun atmosphere, and the kind of high-quality comfort food that makes you feel at home. For locals who appreciate both culinary excellence and a great time, Taku is an essential stop in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Taku Food & drink
Starters and Mains
- Katsu Rice Bowl $18.00
Pork cutlet, onion, dashi, soy, egg, over rice, kizamishoga.
 - Vegetariam 10 Pc Kushi $20.00
Assorted breaded and fried vegetables.
 - Unagi Rice Bowl $21.00
Broiled freshwater eel, Rice, and Veggies.
 - Veggie Tempura Bowl $13.00
Assorted fried vegetables with rice and sauce.
 
Burgers
- Teriyaki Burger $14.00
Grilled chicken, cabbage, toasted brioche buns. Choice of salad or fries.
 - Katsu Burger $18.00
Breaded pork cutlet burger with tartar. Choose a side. (Choose 1): Fries, Side Salad.
 
Sides
- Side Rice $3.00
 - Side Salad $5.00
 - Pork Gyoza $10.00
Handmade and pan fried.
 - Side of Fries $4.00
 
Taku Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
 
Service options
- No-contact delivery
 - Delivery
 - Takeout
 - Dine-in
 
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
 - Wheelchair accessible restroom
 - Wheelchair accessible seating
 
Offerings
- Alcohol
 - Beer
 - Cocktails
 - Comfort food
 - Hard liquor
 - Late-night food
 - Small plates
 
Dining options
- Dinner
 - Catering
 - Seating
 
Amenities
- Bar onsite
 - Gender-neutral restroom
 - Restroom
 
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
 - Transgender safespace
 
Planning
- Accepts reservations
 
Payments
- Debit cards
 - NFC mobile payments
 - Credit cards
 
Parking
- Paid street parking
 - Parking
 
Taku Photos










Taku Location
Taku Reviews
They check your ID before you get seated. I ordered highball and some chicken. The atmosphere was good and staff were nice, but not sure about food and drinks here. Chicken was crispy outside and tender inside but the seasoning didn't go well with fried chicken. Highball could be better, perhaps by adjusting the ratio.
July 01 · SeonI originally ordered take out because I was sick. Oh my lord take out does not do this place justice. As a culinary fan of Shota, I wanted to go in person. Going in person the food is easily 10000 times better. Staff is friendly and helpful. I love the contactless styled payment option so you can leave when you're done or order more! Stickers are everywhere. Food was fresh and delightful. I will forever order the coleslaw. This place puts Dave's Hot Chicken to shame. And probably every other fried chicken place to shame. Also there's a fun vending machine in the building. That was a fun find the second time. You can always keep coming back and finding new stuff. It's amazing.
July 10 · Kaiya TaylorWonderful experience. This restaurant has great vibes and very friendly staff.You can order from the comfort of your table with a very simple system and different options to pay.Food and drinks came quickly and nicely presented.The Karage was delicious, great fried rice.Cold Sake was superb.
August 16 · Daniela BaileyWe got the bucket and a few sides, which was plenty for 4 people + leftovers. Great fries. Karaage pieces were too big and light in color. Smaller pieces and a crisper fry would have been fantastic. Good sauces. Great edamame (lots of garlic and sauce). Okay potato salad and fried rice. Had some trouble with the mobile POS system, but in the end my friend's card went through (third times a charm). Nice staff. Cool bathrooms. Those uncomfortable metal industrial bistro chairs are a major downside to this restaurant.
January 06 · Alison M CSecond time being here, and while I was hesitant to make the drive into Seattle and fight for parking, it was well worth it. The chicken is wonderful, the hi-ball I ordered (at the suggestion of my server, absolutely a good recommendation) was nicely balanced, and the fries are incredible. The selection of sauces is wonderful too, and the atmosphere is casual and fun! A restaurant that truly compliments Chef Shota’s impressive reputation.
September 08 · James Roberts
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