Yakitori Taisho

For decades, Yakitori Taisho has been an iconic fixture of New York's legendary St. Marks Place, serving as a gateway to authentic Japanese izakaya culture for generations of New Yorkers. This isn't just a restaurant; it's an institution, a place where people have been creating memories over grilled skewers and hearty comfort food for years. For anyone in the city seeking a casual, cozy, and lively spot with a rich history, Yakitori Taisho is a must-visit destination. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of casual and trendy, making it a comfortable space for college students, groups, and tourists alike.

The restaurant’s name, "Yakitori Taisho," literally means "General of Yakitori," and it lives up to the title with an extensive and delicious menu of grilled skewers. The food here is the real star, offering a wide variety of Japanese comfort classics. From savory yakitori like chicken, pork belly, and shiitake mushrooms to a full range of rice bowls (donburi), ramen, and curries, there is something to satisfy every craving. Patrons celebrate the consistency of the food, with one customer even noting that the quality hasn’t changed in 18 years, a testament to its enduring appeal and a source of nostalgic delight for those who return.

While some of the menu's more recent additions may have some customers missing the original flavor, the core offerings remain strong. The Karaage and Agedashi Tofu are frequently praised for their perfect execution—lightly fried exteriors with juicy and tender interiors. The fries are also a must-have, consistently described as perfectly crispy and seasoned. Yakitori Taisho’s great beer selection and a menu designed for small plates and quick bites make it a perfect spot for sharing food and drinks with a group, embodying the true spirit of an izakaya.

Yakitori Taisho is located at 9 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA, in the heart of the East Village. St. Marks Place is a well-known, vibrant street and a central hub for food and nightlife, making the restaurant easily accessible from various parts of New York City. The neighborhood is well-served by multiple subway lines, providing a convenient way to get there from Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens.

The restaurant's atmosphere is part of its charm. The space is often lively and bustling, and while it may not have dedicated parking, the area is well-connected by public transport, which is the preferred method for most New Yorkers. Due to its popularity and the intimate nature of the dining room, there is "usually a wait," a clear sign of its high demand. The restaurant's policy of not accepting reservations ensures a fair chance for all patrons to experience the food, though it's best to be prepared for a short wait, especially during peak dinner hours. The service is known for being fast, so once you're seated, your food will arrive promptly.

Services Offered:

• Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery: Yakitori Taisho offers multiple convenient options for enjoying its food, whether you want to experience the lively atmosphere or eat at home.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, catering to a wide range of schedules.
• Late-Night Food: A major highlight, as the restaurant stays open late, making it a perfect spot for post-event dining or a late-night craving.
• Table Service: Guests can enjoy a classic sit-down dining experience with table service.

Features / Highlights:

• Extensive Yakitori Menu: The restaurant specializes in grilled skewers, offering a wide variety of options from chicken and pork to vegetables and seafood.
• Authentic Japanese Comfort Food: The menu is packed with classic, hearty dishes like donburi, ramen, and Japanese curry, providing a taste of true Japanese cuisine.
• Lively and Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant’s setting on St. Marks Place is known for being vibrant and intimate, attracting a diverse crowd.
• Fast Service: The kitchen is praised for its efficiency, ensuring that food arrives quickly, a great feature for a busy city restaurant.
• Great Beer Selection: The restaurant has a solid selection of beer and other alcoholic beverages that perfectly complement the savory food.
• Party Sets and Group Friendly: The menu includes "Party Set" options, and the small plates format is ideal for group dining.

For all inquiries, you can contact Yakitori Taisho directly.

Address: 9 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (212) 673-1300

What is worth choosing?

Yakitori Taisho is a quintessential New York dining experience that is well worth choosing for a variety of reasons. What sets it apart is its unique combination of authentic, high-quality izakaya food and a lively, unpretentious atmosphere. This is a place that feels real and lived-in, not a sterile, new restaurant. For many New Yorkers, it holds a special place, with some customers returning after years to find the same great food and welcoming environment. This sense of continuity and nostalgia is a powerful endorsement of its quality.

The food menu is extensive, ensuring that there’s always something new to try. While the name suggests a focus on yakitori, the restaurant also excels at other comfort food staples. The Katsu Curry, Karaage, and various donburi are consistently popular and delicious choices. The small plates format is perfect for sharing, allowing a group to sample a wide array of flavors without committing to a single large dish. This makes it a great social spot for friends to gather, talk, and enjoy some great food and drinks.

The atmosphere is a key part of the appeal. It's cozy, a little bit chaotic, and entirely authentic. It captures the energy of a bustling Japanese izakaya, right in the heart of the East Village. The fact that it's a popular late-night spot also adds to its value, providing a much-needed option for satisfying cravings after a long day or night out. For a truly authentic, casual, and delicious Japanese dining experience that feels like a cherished part of New York City, Yakitori Taisho is an excellent choice. It’s a place that delivers on its promise of great food, a fun atmosphere, and a taste of Japanese culture.

Yakitori Taisho

9 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA