Yakiniku Gen

For New Yorkers craving an interactive and truly delicious culinary experience, Yakiniku Gen in Midtown East offers an authentic taste of Japanese barbecue. Unlike traditional American BBQ, "Yakiniku" involves grilling bite-sized pieces of premium raw meat and vegetables right at your table, allowing you to cook each piece to your exact liking. This hands-on approach, combined with an impressive selection of high-quality ingredients, makes Yakiniku Gen a unique and highly sought-after dining destination in the city.

Yakiniku Gen is celebrated for its "top quality and super tasty" meats, with a wide array of options that promise to delight even the most discerning palates. Beyond the exceptional food, patrons consistently highlight the attentive and kind service that makes every visit a pleasant one. It’s a place where the atmosphere feels genuinely authentic, immersing you in the Japanese BBQ tradition from the moment you step inside. For groups looking for a fun and engaging meal, or individuals seeking to indulge in some of the finest grilled meats, Yakiniku Gen stands as a testament to the fact that some of the best dining experiences are those you get to create yourself, one perfectly seared slice at a time.

Yakiniku Gen is conveniently located at

250 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

The restaurant's accessibility is a significant advantage. It's just a short walk from several major subway stations, including those serving the 6, E, and M lines, providing seamless connections from various parts of Manhattan and beyond. Numerous bus routes also operate along 2nd Avenue and surrounding streets, offering additional convenient options for reaching the restaurant. While parking can be challenging in Midtown, there are several public parking garages available in the vicinity for those who choose to drive. Its central location ensures that whether you're planning a business lunch, a casual dinner with friends, or a special group outing, Yakiniku Gen is within easy reach.

Yakiniku Gen provides a comprehensive Japanese barbecue dining experience, focusing on high-quality ingredients and interactive grilling at the table. Their services are designed to cater to various preferences and occasions.

• Dine-in Yakiniku Experience: The primary service involves diners grilling their own meats (and some vegetables) on a built-in grill at their table. This interactive style is a hallmark of yakiniku.

• Premium Meat Selection: Offers a wide variety of top-quality meats, including different cuts of Washu beef (e.g., Harami, Kalbi, Misuji, Tsurami) and highly prized Wagyu selections (e.g., Premium Wagyu Striploin, Chuck Rib Wagyu). They also feature beef tongue (Tan, Jo Tan, Atsugiri Beef Tan).

• Specialty Items: Beyond standard cuts, they feature unique items like A5 Wagyu Sushi and Harami Sushi (raw meat options), which are highly recommended by patrons.

• Other Proteins & Seafood: In addition to beef, the menu includes pork (Tontoro Wasabi) and seafood options like Lobster, Scallop, and Shrimp for grilling.

• Accompaniments & Side Dishes: A range of appetizers, salads (Gen Salad, Cabbage Salad, the "amazing" Potato Salad), soups (Yukke Jang, Reimen, Kalbi Soup), and rice dishes (Negimeshi with raw egg, Ishiyaki Bibimbab) are available to complement the grilled meats.

• Course Menus: For a curated experience, Yakiniku Gen offers various course menus (e.g., Gen Basic, Gen Classic, Premium Course) that provide an assortment of meats, appetizers, noodles, and dessert, offering a comprehensive tasting.

• Desserts: A selection of traditional Japanese desserts, including Annin Tofu, Taiyaki (with or without ice cream), and Kinako ice, are available to complete the meal.

• Beverage Program: While not explicitly detailed, most yakiniku establishments offer a range of Japanese beverages, including sake, beer, and soft drinks, to pair with the rich flavors of the grilled meats.

• Takeout Options: For those on the go, Yakiniku Bento and Jo Yakiniku Bento are available for takeout, providing a taste of their quality meats in a convenient meal.

Yakiniku Gen has garnered strong praise from New York locals for several distinctive features that make it a compelling Japanese BBQ destination:

• Top-Quality & Tasty Meat: This is the most frequently highlighted feature. Customers consistently rave about the "top quality and super tasty" meat with "lots of options." The freshness and superior cuts are a major draw.

• Must-Try Wagyu Sushi: The A5 Wagyu Sushi is specifically called out as a "dish everyone should try at least once in their life," indicating a truly exceptional and memorable offering.

• Amazing Potato Salad: Despite being a barbecue restaurant, their Potato Salad has achieved cult status, with customers calling it "amazing" and a "go-to every time."

• Authentic Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as feeling "authentic," immersing diners in a true Japanese BBQ experience, evoking a sense of being in Japan.

• Exceptional Service: The staff receives high praise for being "attentive and kind." Diners feel "immediately greeted by everyone in the restaurant," contributing to a welcoming and pleasant dining environment.

• Ideal for Groups: It's noted as a "great restaurant for groups of 2+ people," making it perfect for social gatherings where everyone can participate in the grilling process.

• Worth the Money: While acknowledged as "a little expensive," customers unanimously agree that the high quality of the meat and the overall experience make it "worth the money."

Yakiniku Gen focuses on providing value through its premium offerings and structured dining experiences, rather than frequent, fluctuating promotions. However, there are inherent "offers" in their pricing and menu options that appeal to New Yorkers.

• Course Menus for Value: Yakiniku Gen offers several course menus (Gen Basic, Gen Classic, Premium Course). These set menus are designed to provide a comprehensive tasting of various meats and side dishes at a fixed price. For example, the Gen Basic Course at approximately $60-$62 per person offers an assortment of kimchi, namul, salad, and several cuts of meat (Kalbi, Harami, Nakaochi Kalbi, Fillet), followed by cold noodles and dessert. This can be a more structured and often more cost-effective way to sample a range of their offerings compared to ordering à la carte, especially for first-time visitors.

• Weekday Dinner & Weekend Lunch Hours: Their operating hours cater to various dining preferences. While the given reviews don't specify happy hour, some Yakiniku Gen locations (and similar restaurants) might offer special pricing on select items during off-peak hours or for specific days. It's always advisable for locals to check their official website or call directly for the most current information.

• Bento Box Options for Takeout: For a quick and delicious meal on the go, their Yakiniku Bento (around $21) and Jo Yakiniku Bento (around $26) offer excellent value, providing quality meat over rice with assorted namul. This is a convenient option for those who want to enjoy Yakiniku Gen's flavors without the full dine-in experience.

Given the focus on high-quality, premium meats, the value at Yakiniku Gen often lies in the superior ingredients and the unique interactive dining experience rather than deep discounts. For the most up-to-date pricing and any potential limited-time offerings, checking their official online menu or contacting the restaurant directly is recommended.

To experience the exquisite Japanese barbecue at Yakiniku Gen, or for any inquiries regarding reservations or menu details, here’s how you can get in touch:

• Address: 250 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

• Phone: (212) 602-1129

• Website / Online Platforms: Yakiniku Gen maintains an online presence, where you can typically view their full menu, check operating hours, and potentially make reservations. Searching for "Yakiniku Gen New York" will lead to their official pages or platforms like OpenTable and Toasttab where you can explore their offerings.

Given the restaurant's popularity and the interactive nature of yakiniku, especially for groups, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended to ensure you secure a table and avoid potential wait times.

For New Yorkers seeking a distinctive and high-quality dining experience that transcends the ordinary, Yakiniku Gen in Midtown East is an outstanding choice. It's perfectly suited for locals who appreciate not just exceptional food, but also an engaging, communal meal. The ability to grill your own "top quality and super tasty" meats, including coveted Wagyu cuts, directly at your table offers a level of customization and freshness that few other restaurants can match. This interactive element makes it an ideal spot for friends, families, or colleagues looking for a fun and memorable outing.

While acknowledged as a "little expensive," the consensus among patrons is that the experience is "worth the money." This value comes not only from the premium ingredients but also from the "attentive and kind" service and the "authentic" atmosphere that transports you straight to Japan. The surprising delight of their "amazing potato salad" and the must-try Wagyu sushi add to the unique appeal. Yakiniku Gen is more than just a meal; it's an event, a culinary adventure that allows you to savor every bite exactly as you like it, making it a highly recommended and frequently revisited destination for discerning New Yorkers.

Yakiniku Gen

250 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA