TenGoku Aburiya

Hello, Illinois food lovers! Are you craving an authentic and delightful Japanese dining experience right here in Chicago? Look no further than TenGoku Aburiya, a hidden gem in the West Loop that promises a culinary journey beyond your expectations. This Japanese restaurant, a sister establishment to the acclaimed Omakase Yume, brings the vibrant atmosphere of a true izakaya—a Japanese gastropub—combined with expertly crafted sushi and a specialty in "aburiya," or charcoal-grilled delights. It's quickly become a local favorite for its consistently high quality, cozy ambiance, and the masterful touch of Chef Danny.

In a city renowned for its diverse culinary scene, TenGoku Aburiya stands out by offering a multifaceted Japanese experience. It’s a place where you can enjoy small plates perfect for sharing, savor expertly prepared sushi, and explore the unique flavors of items grilled over binchotan charcoal. Whether you’re looking for a casual yet delicious dinner with friends, a lively spot for a Saturday night, or a new go-to for authentic Japanese flavors, TenGoku Aburiya delivers. This article will guide you through what makes this restaurant a must-visit for those in Illinois, covering its convenient location, diverse menu, unique features, and why it’s perfectly suited for our local community.

TenGoku Aburiya is conveniently located at 651 W Washington Blvd Suite #101A, Chicago, IL 60661, USA. This prime address places it squarely in Chicago's dynamic West Loop neighborhood. For locals across Illinois, especially those residing in or frequently visiting Chicago, this location offers excellent accessibility and is known as a premier dining destination.

The West Loop has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into one of Chicago's most vibrant culinary and entertainment districts. Washington Boulevard is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, making TenGoku Aburiya easy to find whether you're traveling by car, or utilizing Chicago's extensive public transportation system, with various CTA train lines and bus routes readily available nearby. Being situated in a specific suite within a larger building suggests a dedicated and thoughtfully designed space, providing a comfortable and distinct dining environment. While parking in a bustling urban area like the West Loop can sometimes require a bit of planning, there are typically street parking options (especially at night, as noted by a reviewer) and various parking garages in the vicinity. TenGoku Aburiya's presence here contributes to the West Loop's reputation as a hub for exceptional and authentic international cuisine, making it a convenient and appealing choice for Illinois residents seeking a top-tier Japanese dining experience.

TenGoku Aburiya offers a diverse and authentic Japanese menu, drawing inspiration from traditional izakaya fare, sushi, and "aburiya" (charcoal grilling) techniques. Their services are designed to provide a comprehensive and satisfying dining experience.

• Aburiya / Kushiyaki Specialties: A core focus is on charcoal grilling, specifically "kushiyaki" (skewered grilled meats and vegetables). Signature offerings include tender wagyu beef, chicken skin, enoki mushrooms wrapped in beef, and shishito peppers, all grilled over binchotan charcoal for enhanced flavor. The "shio pork belly" is a particular highlight, described as "juicy and flavorful with a tasty sauce."
• Sushi and Sashimi: TenGoku Aburiya features a high-caliber sushi bar with expertly crafted sushi and sashimi. While one review noted that the nigiri had a strong wasabi flavor, customers generally praise the freshness of ingredients and the expert crafting of each piece by Chef Danny. They offer classic maki like Spicy Tuna and California Rolls, as well as specialty rolls such as TenGoku (breaded shrimp, spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, marinated shiitake) and Kuma. Nigiri pieces like hamachi (yellowtail) and sake (salmon) are available.
• Donburi Bowls: They offer various donburi (rice bowl) options, including Gyudon (thin sliced beef) and Spicy Butadon (spicy thin-sliced pork belly), which are highlighted for their flavorful preparation.
• Noodle Dishes: The menu includes traditional Japanese noodle dishes such as Kake Udon (classic udon in dashi broth) and Maze Soba (mixed noodles with ground pork, fish flakes, and various aromatics), the latter being particularly well-received.
• Appetizers and Small Plates (Izakaya Style): A wide array of small dishes perfect for sharing, characteristic of an izakaya. Popular items include Toro Tartare (described as "delicious" with a "perfectly soft & buttery texture"), Chicken Karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken), Tako Yaki (fried octopus balls), Agedashi Tofu, Gyoza (pan-fried beef and vegetable dumplings), and Edamame.
• Beverage Program: They offer a selection of Japanese beers, a curated list of sake, and Japanese whiskies. Specialty cocktails like the "Lychee Please" are also available, enhancing the overall experience.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: TenGoku Aburiya is open for both lunch and dinner, providing flexible dining options throughout the day. Lunch service hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday, 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM. Dinner service runs Tuesday-Thursday, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, and Friday-Saturday, 2:15 PM - 11:00 PM, and Sunday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
• Dine-In and Takeout: Customers can enjoy their meal in the cozy restaurant atmosphere or opt for convenient takeout, with a specific carry-out menu available for pick-up.
• Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings, to ensure seating.

TenGoku Aburiya stands out as a unique and appealing Japanese restaurant in Chicago, boasting several features that contribute to its popularity among locals in Illinois:

• Expert Chef Danny: Chef Danny receives direct praise from customers for consistently delivering "amazing" and "fantastic" meals. His expertise in crafting each piece of sushi and overall dishes is a significant draw, ensuring a high-quality culinary experience.
• Specialty in Aburiya/Kushiyaki: A key differentiator is their focus on "aburiya" (charcoal grilling) and "kushiyaki" (skewered items). This technique, using binchotan charcoal, enhances flavors and textures, offering a unique Japanese dining facet often less common than standard sushi. The "shio pork belly" is a prime example of this expertly executed cuisine.
• High-Quality, Fresh Ingredients: Diners consistently note the "freshest ingredients" and "perfect balance of flavors" in their sushi and other dishes. This commitment to quality forms the backbone of their culinary appeal.
• Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere: The restaurant boasts a "cozy atmosphere," making it a comfortable and pleasant spot for dining. The intimate setting enhances the overall experience, especially for date nights or smaller gatherings.
• Stunning Presentation: The "presentation was stunning," indicating a meticulous approach to plating that makes every dish a visual delight, adding to the overall dining experience.
• Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff: The staff are described as "friendly and knowledgeable," providing great recommendations and enhancing the dining experience with attentive service.
• Sister Restaurant to Michelin-Recognized Omakase Yume: Being the sister restaurant to the acclaimed, Michelin-recognized Omakase Yume speaks volumes about the culinary pedigree and high standards upheld at TenGoku Aburiya.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While offering high-caliber sushi, their extensive menu of small plates, noodle dishes, and donburi allows for a broader exploration of Japanese cuisine, catering to various tastes and preferences beyond just raw fish.
• Robust Beverage Selection: A wide variety of Japanese beers and sake, along with specialty cocktails, complements the food perfectly, providing a complete izakaya experience.

While specific, ongoing promotional "deals" are not explicitly detailed in the provided customer reviews, TenGoku Aburiya, like many dynamic restaurants in Chicago, often engages in various ways to attract and reward its patrons. Locals in Illinois might find special offers or unique opportunities through the following avenues:

• Lunch Specials: TenGoku Aburiya offers distinct "Lunch Sets" during their lunch hours (Tuesday-Friday 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM). These often include Bento Sets, Nigiri Mixed sets, Maki Sets, and Udon Maki Combos at specific price points, providing great value for midday dining.
• Seasonal Menu Changes and Features: As a restaurant that prides itself on fresh, seasonal ingredients and diverse Japanese cuisine, TenGoku Aburiya frequently introduces new dishes. They participated in "AAPI Restaurants Week" (May 16th-25th), featuring specialty dishes like Buta Daikon Salad, Neo Tokyo Maki, Bossam, and Dulgireum Memil Guksu, indicating a willingness to offer unique, limited-time menu items.
• Newsletter for Updates: Their website invites customers to "Join our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events and seasonal menu changes," suggesting this is a key channel for announcing any future promotions or special offerings.
• Online Ordering and Takeout Incentives: While not explicitly stated as a promotion, using their direct online ordering system for takeout can often avoid third-party delivery fees, offering an inherent saving.
• Events and Collaborations: As part of the Chef Sangtae Park and Kate Park restaurant group (which includes Omakase Yume), TenGoku Aburiya may participate in or host special events, tasting nights, or collaborations that could feature unique menus or pricing.

For the most current information on any promotions, seasonal menus, or upcoming events, it is highly recommended to visit TenGoku Aburiya's official website, sign up for their newsletter, or call them directly at (312) 846-6633.

Ready to experience the delectable Japanese cuisine at TenGoku Aburiya? Here’s how you can get in touch and plan your visit:

Address:651 W Washington Blvd Suite #101A, Chicago, IL 60661, USA

Phone:(312) 846-6633

Mobile Phone:+1 312-846-6633

You can use these phone numbers to make reservations, inquire about their menu, or check on current wait times, especially for popular Saturday nights when reservations are highly recommended. For their full menu, updated hours, and potentially online ordering options, you can also visit their official website or look them up on major dining platforms. Their presence in the bustling West Loop makes it a convenient spot for pre-theater dining or a relaxed evening meal.

For the discerning residents of Illinois, particularly those in the vibrant culinary landscape of Chicago, TenGoku Aburiya stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended Japanese dining destination. Its strategic location in the dynamic West Loop makes it easily accessible, fitting perfectly into the urban lifestyle of many locals seeking quality dining experiences within their city.

What truly makes TenGoku Aburiya a local favorite is its multifaceted approach to Japanese cuisine. It’s not just a sushi restaurant; it’s an authentic izakaya that excels in "aburiya"—charcoal-grilled skewers and other items—a less common but equally delightful aspect of Japanese cooking. This diversity, from expertly crafted sushi by Chef Danny to savory donburi and unique small plates like the acclaimed shio pork belly and toro tartare, ensures there's something to satisfy every craving and encourages repeat visits to explore the full menu. The consistent praise for "freshest ingredients" and "perfect balance of flavors" speaks to a high standard of quality that discerning Illinois diners expect.

Beyond the exquisite food, the "cozy atmosphere" and the warm, "friendly and knowledgeable staff" create an inviting and comfortable dining environment. This makes TenGoku Aburiya ideal for a relaxed weeknight meal, a lively Saturday night out with friends, or even a casual date. The fact that it's a sister restaurant to the Michelin-recognized Omakase Yume further solidifies its culinary pedigree, reassuring locals of its commitment to excellence. Whether you're seeking a place for delicious sushi, an adventure into the world of Japanese charcoal grilling, or simply a great spot for authentic Japanese bar food and drinks, TenGoku Aburiya provides a consistently delightful and genuinely local experience that makes it a true gem in Chicago's dining scene.

TenGoku Aburiya

651 W Washington Blvd Suite #101A, Chicago, IL 60661, USA