WakuWaku

For New Yorkers seeking an authentic taste of Japanese izakaya culture, WakuWaku in Brooklyn's bustling Industry City offers a delightful and immersive experience. More than just a typical Japanese restaurant, WakuWaku embodies the spirit of a traditional, relaxed Japanese tavern, serving up expertly crafted skewers – both grilled (yakitori) and deep-fried (kushikatsu) – alongside a wide array of Japanese comfort foods and a stellar drink menu. It's a culinary journey that transports diners straight to the vibrant streets of Tokyo, all within the creative hub of Industry City.

WakuWaku has gained a reputation for its dedication to traditional Japanese serving sizes and flavors, as confirmed by patrons who have experienced izakayas in Japan. While some might find the portion sizes of skewers different from what they expect from a Westernized approach, those familiar with authentic Japanese dining appreciate the true-to-form offerings. The restaurant seamlessly blends a chic, minimalist design with a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to special date nights. Their connection with the adjacent "Oldies" bar further enhances the experience, offering a comprehensive evening out.

WakuWaku is conveniently located at 269 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, USA, placing it squarely within the dynamic Industry City complex. This vibrant and artistic industrial park is a popular destination in Brooklyn, easily accessible for New Yorkers from various parts of the city. The restaurant is just a block west of the 36th Street D/N/R subway stop, making public transportation an incredibly convenient option.

For those who prefer to drive, metered street parking is often available nearby. The strategic location within Industry City means visitors can combine their dining experience with exploring the various shops, art installations, and other businesses housed within the complex. This accessibility makes WakuWaku an excellent choice for a planned outing or an impromptu culinary adventure.

WakuWaku provides a range of services designed to enhance the dining experience and cater to diverse customer needs.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy a relaxed and traditional izakaya experience in their dining hall. The ambiance is chic and inviting, perfect for both casual meals and more intimate gatherings. Service is consistently praised as "excellent" and "attentive."

• Private Japanese-Style Rooms (Tatami Rooms): For a unique and intimate dining experience, WakuWaku offers three semi-private, Japanese-style "tatami" rooms. These must be reserved in advance and typically require a 5-person minimum. This feature is ideal for special occasions, business dinners, or a distinctive cultural experience.

• Adjacent Bar (Oldies): WakuWaku is connected to "Oldies," an old-school Japanese cocktail bar. Drinks for the restaurant come courtesy of Oldies, allowing guests to enjoy a wide selection of spirit-forward cocktails, fresh-squeezed fruit concoctions, Japanese whiskies, sake, and highballs. Bar seating at Oldies is available for walk-ins only.

• Reservations: Reservations for WakuWaku (including the tatami rooms) are available and highly encouraged, especially for weekend and holiday visits, through platforms like Resy. This helps ensure a smooth dining experience, particularly for larger parties (15+ people can be booked by contacting the restaurant directly).

• Takeout/Delivery: While primarily focused on the dine-in experience, WakuWaku offers takeout options, with their menu often available through popular delivery services, allowing New Yorkers to enjoy their Japanese comfort food at home.

• Event Hosting: Given their private rooms and spacious dining areas, WakuWaku is also suitable for hosting small to medium-sized events, providing a unique Japanese setting for celebrations or corporate gatherings.

WakuWaku stands out for several distinctive features and culinary highlights that make it a favorite among its patrons.

• Authentic Yakitori and Kushikatsu: Specializing in Japanese skewers, WakuWaku offers a wide array of expertly grilled (yakitori) and deep-fried (kushikatsu) options. Reviewers, including those born and raised in Tokyo, praise the authenticity and freshness, noting that the serving sizes are true to traditional izakaya style. Highly recommended skewers include scallop wrapped in bacon, tsukune (chicken meatball), thigh and scallion, sasami (chicken breast with pickled plum), and perfectly cooked shishito pepper.

• Extensive Small Plates Menu: Beyond skewers, the menu boasts "extensive small plates," offering Japanese comfort foods like various bento boxes (e.g., Pork Katsu, Chicken Karaage, Salmon Teriyaki), sushi rolls, sashimi, corn tempura, pork gyoza, and more. This variety ensures there's something for every palate.

• High-Quality Ingredients: The restaurant emphasizes its dedication to using "fresh, high-quality ingredients," sourcing seafood and produce from local and sustainable suppliers. This commitment is evident in the taste and preparation of every dish.

• Impressive Drink Menu from Oldies: The collaboration with the adjacent Oldies bar is a major highlight. Oldies offers an impressive selection of sake, Japanese whiskey, creative cocktails, and strong traditional highballs, perfectly complementing the food. Happy Hour specials at Oldies are also available.

• Unique Private Tatami Rooms: The availability of semi-private Japanese-style "tatami" rooms provides a culturally immersive and intimate dining setting, a rare find in many New York restaurants. These rooms offer a special experience for groups looking for privacy and authenticity.

• Excellent Service: Consistently highlighted by reviewers, the service at WakuWaku is described as "excellent" and "attentive," with staff like "Nick" receiving special mentions for their hospitality.

• Chic and Inviting Ambiance: The restaurant features a "chic, minimalist design, featuring wooden accents and soft lighting," creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Hanging lanterns and shiny wood-slat floors further set the mood.

WakuWaku occasionally offers special promotions and events, often tied to holidays or specific themes, which are typically announced via their website or social media channels. New Yorkers looking to catch a deal should keep an eye out for:

• Happy Hour at Oldies: The adjacent Oldies bar has Happy Hour specials, typically including discounts on Japanese shochu and craft shochu cocktails, making it a great way to enjoy their extensive drink menu at a more accessible price.

• Seasonal and Holiday Specials: They have offered promotions like a complimentary glass of Sapporo beer for dads on Father's Day or special set menus for Valentine's Day, as well as whisky tasting flights. Check their official website for current event schedules.

• Chef's Choice Skewer Combos: The menu features Chef's Choice Skewers, allowing for a curated selection of grilled or deep-fried skewers, which can often provide good value when sampling various items.

For the most up-to-date information on any promotions, it's recommended to visit WakuWaku's official website or check their Resy page.

To plan your visit, make reservations, or inquire about WakuWaku, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 269 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, USA

• Phone: (347) 584-4577

• Email: wakuwakubk@gmail.com

• Website: www.wakuwakuny.com

For New Yorkers, especially those in Brooklyn, WakuWaku offers a compelling and authentically Japanese dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Its strategic location within Industry City, coupled with easy access via public transportation, makes it a convenient and desirable destination for a unique culinary outing. While some comments note a slightly higher price point, the quality of the fresh ingredients, the authentic preparation of skewers (yakitori and kushikatsu), and the overall dining experience—including the excellent service and inviting ambiance—justify the value.

The availability of private Japanese-style tatami rooms provides a distinctive option for special occasions, offering a touch of traditional Japanese culture not commonly found elsewhere. Furthermore, the seamless integration with Oldies bar for a comprehensive drink menu elevates the experience, making WakuWaku ideal for a full evening out. For those who appreciate true-to-form Japanese izakaya fare and a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, WakuWaku stands out as a genuine local gem that caters to discerning palates and provides a memorable escape from the everyday bustle of New York City.

WakuWaku

269 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, USA