Toukei

Howdy, Houston food adventurers and night owls! Are you ready to dive into a Japanese dining experience that's both authentic and incredibly fun? Look no further than Toukei, a true Izakaya gem nestled in Houston's bustling Asia-town district. Toukei isn't just a ramen spot; it’s a modern Izakaya that brings the lively, social atmosphere of Japan’s informal gastropubs right here to Texas. Whether you're craving a steaming bowl of ramen, perfectly grilled skewers, or a delicious array of small plates to share, Toukei offers an unforgettable culinary journey, often extending late into the night.

Toukei has quickly become a favorite among locals for its diverse menu, friendly service, and a fantastic ambiance that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day or kicking off a lively evening. Patrons consistently rave about the attentiveness of the staff and the timely delivery of consistently delicious food. From the first bite of a flavorful okonomiyaki to the last sip of a rich ramen broth, every dish is crafted with care, reflecting the authentic spirit of an Izakaya.

This restaurant stands out not only for its extensive menu, which spans from delectable ramen varieties to an impressive selection of yakitori (grilled skewers), but also for its vibrant and inviting environment. Toukei provides a space where you can relax, enjoy great food and drinks, and soak in the lively energy. For Houstonians seeking a genuine slice of Japanese culture and cuisine, especially for late-night cravings, Toukei is a must-visit destination that promises to delight your senses and leave you planning your next visit.

Conveniently located in Houston's vibrant Asia-town district, Toukei is easily accessible for residents across the greater Houston area, making it a prime spot for authentic Japanese dining and a lively night out. You can find this popular Izakaya at:

9630 Clarewood Dr Suite A-15, Houston, TX 77036, USA

This prime location on Clarewood Drive places Toukei within a dynamic and culturally rich area, making it a destination for those seeking genuine Asian flavors. The restaurant is situated in a commercial complex that typically offers ample parking, ensuring a hassle-free arrival for patrons. Its accessibility within Asia-town, a hub for diverse Asian cuisines and late-night spots, contributes significantly to its appeal. Whether you're coming from nearby residential areas or making a special trip from another part of Houston, Toukei's straightforward location makes it a convenient and attractive choice for a casual dinner, a lively gathering, or a delicious late-night meal.

Toukei is a comprehensive Izakaya, offering a wide array of Japanese dishes designed for sharing, alongside a selection of ramen bowls and a well-stocked bar.

• Izakaya-Style Small Plates (Otsumami): The heart of Toukei's menu lies in its diverse selection of small plates, perfect for sharing and pairing with drinks. These are divided into cold and hot sections:

  • Cold Snacks: Options include Takowasa (wasabi raw octopus), Vinegar Mimiga (pickled pig ear), Ume Kurage (plum paste seasoned jellyfish), Pork Tongue, Soy Duck Breast, and various salads like Seaweed Salad and Potato Salad.

  • Hot Snacks: A popular selection features Brussels Sprouts (fried with yuzu miso dressing), Okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza with shrimp), Chicken Skin, Korokke (creamy croquettes), Baked Mussels, Fried Oyster, Gyoza (pan-fried pork dumplings), Buta Kakuni (braised pork belly), Chicken Karaage, Takoyaki (octopus balls), Ebi Mayo (tempura prawns with spicy mayo), Calamari, and even Spam-Katsu.

• Ramen Bowls: Toukei offers a selection of comforting and flavorful ramen options, each with a distinct broth base and toppings:

  • Truffle Shoyu Ramen: A unique soy-flavored pork and chicken broth, featuring cha-syu, egg, bamboo, mushroom, scallion, and truffle paste with wavy noodles.

  • Classic Tonkotsu Ramen: A silky pork broth with cha-syu, bamboo, mushroom, and scallion, served with thin straight noodles.

  • Spicy Black Ramen: A silky pork broth, cha-syu, bamboo, mushroom, scallion, black mayu, and house chili bomb, with thin straight noodles.

  • Dandan-Men: A spicy minced pork ramen with mustard green pickle, scallion, and sansho pepper (contains peanuts) with wavy noodles.

  • Fish Tonkotsu Ramen: A silky smoked fish and pork bone broth with cha-syu, bamboo, mushroom, and scallion, with thin straight noodles.

  • Kara-Ramen: A very spicy silky pork and fish broth, with cha-syu, egg, bamboo, mushroom, and scallion, served with thick noodles.

  • Shoyu Ramen: A soy-flavored pork and chicken broth with cha-syu, egg, bamboo, mushroom, and scallion, with wavy noodles.

• Yakitori (Skewers): A wide range of grilled skewers from their wood-burning grill, including various cuts of chicken (thigh, breast, meatball, heart, wing), pork (belly, tongue, jowl), beef (short rib, ribeye, ribeye cap), vegetables (shiitake, okra), and seafood (shishamo, baby octopus, whole squid - Ika Yaki).

• Donburi (Rice Bowls): Toukei offers various rice bowls, including Toukei Don, Yakitori Don, Beef Yakitori Don, Chirashi Don (chef's choice sashimi), Tuna Don, Hamachi Don, Salmon Don, Unagi Don (grilled eel), Cha-syu Don, Sukiyaki Don, and Curry dishes like Short Ribs Curry.

• Raw Fish Preparations: Beyond ramen and skewers, Toukei offers sashimi (Maguro, Sake, Hamachi, Hotate, Uni, etc.) and cold plates like Tuna Wasabi, Salmon Chili, Garlic Bintoro, and various Tataki (seared fish/beef).

• Full Bar & Japanese Whiskey Selection: Toukei boasts an impressive bar featuring Japanese whiskey, sake, shochu, and other beverages, perfect for pairing with Izakaya dishes.

• Late-Night Dining: The restaurant is known for staying open late, often until 1 AM on weekdays and 2 AM on weekends, with the kitchen serving until 1:30 AM, making it an ideal spot for late-night cravings.

What truly makes Toukei a must-visit destination in Houston's Japanese dining scene? Here are some of its most compelling features and highlights:

• Authentic Izakaya Experience: Toukei offers a genuine Izakaya atmosphere, providing a lively and social setting perfect for enjoying small plates and drinks. This makes it a unique and sought-after spot for a more casual yet authentic Japanese dining experience in Houston.

• Extensive Menu Variety: Beyond ramen, Toukei boasts an expansive menu that includes a wide array of Otsumami (hot and cold snacks), a diverse selection of Yakitori (grilled skewers from a wood-burning grill), and various sashimi and cold plate preparations. This ensures there's something to satisfy every craving and encourages shared dining experiences.

• Delicious Food Quality: Customers consistently praise the deliciousness of the food. Specific mentions of dishes like Okonomiyaki being "really enjoyed" and overall food being "delicious" and "everything was delicious" highlight the consistent quality across the menu.

• Late-Night Dining Hours: Toukei is a go-to spot for late-night cravings, staying open until 1 AM on weeknights and 2 AM on weekends, with the kitchen operating until 1:30 AM. This is a significant advantage for those looking for quality food options beyond standard restaurant hours.

• Friendly and Attentive Staff: The service at Toukei receives high marks, with patrons frequently mentioning the "friendly attentive bartender" and "friendly staff." Efficient service ensures that food comes out in a timely manner, enhancing the dining experience.

• Excellent Ambiance: The "super nice" environment, particularly at night, contributes to a pleasant and enjoyable dining experience. The modern Izakaya design creates a comfortable and inviting setting.

• Impressive Drink Selection: Toukei features a well-stocked bar with an emphasis on Japanese whiskey, sake, and shochu, providing ample choices to complement the diverse food menu and enhance the Izakaya experience.

• Specialty Ramen Options: While an Izakaya, their ramen selection is robust, including unique options like Truffle Shoyu Ramen and various Tonkotsu bases, catering to serious ramen enthusiasts.

While specific, regularly advertised promotions for Toukei are not widely published in the provided information, the very nature of an Izakaya offers inherent value and a unique experience that can be considered a "special offer" in itself. Izakayas are typically known for their accessible pricing on small plates, encouraging diners to sample a wide variety of dishes and share, which inherently provides a flexible and often economical way to enjoy a meal.

Based on general Izakaya practices and observations, Toukei likely offers:

• Happy Hour Deals: Many Izakayas feature happy hour specials on drinks (sake, beer, cocktails) and select appetizers during off-peak hours. While not explicitly confirmed, this is a common offering at similar establishments.

• Daily or Seasonal Specials: Given their extensive menu and focus on fresh ingredients, Toukei may feature daily or seasonal specials that highlight unique dishes, specific cuts of fish, or seasonal produce. These could include limited-time ramen flavors or exclusive yakitori skewers.

• Late-Night Specials: As a popular late-night spot, Toukei might offer specific late-night deals on food or drinks to attract patrons in the later hours.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on any current promotions, special offers, or happy hour deals at Toukei, the best approach is to check their official website, follow their social media channels, or simply call them directly before your visit. Their friendly staff will be able to provide details on any ongoing specials that could enhance your dining experience at this fantastic Houston Izakaya.

Ready to experience the vibrant Izakaya atmosphere and delicious Japanese cuisine at Toukei? Here's how you can get in touch or plan your visit:

Address: 9630 Clarewood Dr Suite A-15, Houston, TX 77036, USA

Phone: (346) 293-9960

Mobile Phone: +1 346-293-9960

Given its popularity, especially during late-night hours, it's a good idea to consider calling ahead if you have a large group or specific questions about seating. Their attentive staff is ready to assist with inquiries, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit to this Houston favorite. You can also likely find their menu and potentially even order for pickup or delivery through popular food delivery apps.

For Houston locals, Toukei is an exceptionally suitable dining destination that offers a truly unique and engaging Japanese culinary experience. It goes beyond the typical ramen or sushi restaurant, providing an authentic Izakaya atmosphere that perfectly complements Houston's diverse and dynamic food scene.

Firstly, Toukei's strength as a full-fledged Izakaya means it caters to a wide range of dining preferences and social occasions. Locals can enjoy a casual evening sharing a diverse array of small plates and yakitori, making it ideal for groups of friends or a relaxed date night. This communal dining style, paired with an extensive drink menu featuring Japanese whiskey and sake, offers a social experience that is highly valued by Houstonians.

Secondly, its role as a late-night hotspot is a significant advantage in Houston. With the kitchen open until 1:30 AM and the restaurant until 1 AM or 2 AM, Toukei is a perfect solution for those seeking quality food and a lively atmosphere after standard dinner hours. This makes it a go-to for post-event cravings, impromptu gatherings, or simply for those who keep later hours.

Moreover, the consistent praise for the delicious food quality – from their various ramen bowls to the highly-rated okonomiyaki and yakitori – ensures that locals are getting authentic and well-prepared Japanese cuisine. The friendly and attentive staff further enhances the experience, making every visit enjoyable and comfortable. This combination of great food and warm hospitality resonates deeply with the Texan appreciation for genuine service.

Finally, Toukei's convenient location in Houston's Asia-town district makes it easily accessible for many, placing it within a cultural hub that already draws locals seeking authentic Asian flavors. For those who appreciate a vibrant ambiance, delicious and diverse Japanese small plates, comforting ramen, and the convenience of late-night dining, Toukei is undoubtedly a prime choice that perfectly suits the dynamic lifestyle and culinary preferences of Houstonians. It's a place where every visit promises to be a delightful and satisfying experience.

Toukei

9630 Clarewood Dr Suite A-15, Houston, TX 77036, USA