Yokai Introduce
### Introduction / Overview
For those in North Carolina seeking a truly distinctive dining and social experience, Yokai in Greensboro stands out as a vibrant and innovative bar and grill. Inspired by the lively Japanese izakaya culture, Yokai is more than just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place designed for friends to unwind, share laughter, and indulge in a creative menu that puts a unique twist on bar fare and street food from across Asia and beyond. From the moment you step in, you'll feel the hip and modern ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Yokai has quickly carved a niche in the Greensboro culinary scene, captivating locals with its diverse offerings. Patrons frequently rave about the "spectacular" and "super flavorful" dishes, with particular highlights often including the fried rice with pork belly and the amazing pandan doughnuts. While some adventurous diners might find certain dishes to be a "bit different," the general consensus points to an exciting and rewarding culinary journey. Yokai prides itself on being a melting pot of flavors, cultures, and tastes, where everyone is welcome to enjoy cool cocktails, hot ramen, crisp beers, and crunchy Korean fried chicken. It’s a place that encourages exploration of new tastes and provides a perfect backdrop for a date night or a casual hangout with friends.
### Location and Accessibility
Strategically located at 501 N Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401, USA, Yokai enjoys a prime position in downtown Greensboro, making it highly accessible for residents across the city and surrounding areas. This address places it conveniently in the Lower Fisher Park neighborhood, just one block from the Tanger Performing Arts Center, an ideal spot for pre-show dining or post-event drinks. The downtown location also means it's well-served by various transportation options, and street parking is available, adding to its convenience.
The vibrant setting of downtown Greensboro contributes to Yokai's appeal, placing it amidst a dynamic urban environment. Whether you're coming from a local office, exploring the city's cultural attractions, or simply looking for a lively place to meet up, Yokai’s central location ensures that a fantastic dining experience is within easy reach. Its prominence on N Greene Street makes it easy to find, whether you're navigating by car or on foot, further solidifying its status as a desirable destination for locals.
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### Services Offered
- Dine-In Service: Enjoy the full, vibrant atmosphere of Yokai's unique space, perfect for an evening out with friends or a special date.
- Outdoor Seating: Experience the pleasant Greensboro weather with comfortable outdoor seating, often covered and allowing for the enjoyment of ambient music.
- Full Bar: A comprehensive selection of cool cocktails, crisp beers, refreshing sake, and warming whiskies is available to complement your meal. They also offer a variety of non-alcoholic options, including Japanese sodas and bottled teas.
- Takeout & Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy Yokai's offerings from home, takeout and delivery services are available, ensuring your favorite dishes are just a click or call away.
- Private Events: Yokai is available for private events and parties, offering a unique setting for celebrations and gatherings. Details can be inquired about directly.
- Catering: Large order catering for both lunch and dinner is offered, providing a convenient option for corporate events, family gatherings, or other special occasions.
- Happy Hour: Specific details may vary, but bar and grills often feature happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers, enhancing the value for early evening diners.
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### Features / Highlights
- Unique Culinary Fusion: Yokai offers a creative twist on bar fare and street food inspired by Japanese izakaya culture, with influences from Japan, Korea, China, and around the world. This eclectic menu ensures there's always something new and exciting to try, moving beyond traditional bar and grill offerings.
- Signature Dishes: Customer favorites include the phenomenal fried rice with pork belly, the perfectly crunchy Korean fried chicken, and the widely praised pandan doughnuts, which are often described as "amazing." Other popular items include bao buns (pork belly, chicken katsu, or fried zucchini), cheesy kimchi tater tots, black garlic Brussels sprouts, and ramen bowls.
- Vibrant and Trendy Ambiance: The restaurant boasts a hip and modern decor with bright, open natural lighting, contributing to a cool and inviting atmosphere. It's often highlighted as a trendy spot perfect for a date night or a casual hangout.
- Exceptional Cocktail and Drink Program: Yokai is known for its creative and amazing cocktails, alongside a great selection of sake, beer, and Japanese whisky. They offer a diverse range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to suit all preferences.
- Outdoor Patio Dining: The covered and comfortable outdoor seating area provides a pleasant dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy the fresh air while still being able to hear the music and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
- Attentive and Friendly Service: While some reviews mention initial opening phase issues, recent feedback consistently praises the attentive and friendly waitstaff, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
- Sunday Funday with Trivia: Yokai offers a "Sunday Funday" experience with trivia from 4 PM to 6 PM, along with food and drink specials all day, creating a fun and engaging weekend activity for locals.
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### Promotions or Special Offers
Yokai regularly features enticing promotions to enhance the dining experience for its patrons. These include:
- Fried Chicken & Sake Thursday: Enjoy $2 off Korean Fried Chicken, half-price sake flights, and 20% off sake bottles. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore their acclaimed fried chicken and diverse sake selection.
- Wet Weekend (Friday & Saturday): Dive into the weekend with $5 sake bombs and $10 cocktail specials, perfect for kicking off a fun night out.
- Sunday Funday: Sundays bring $1 off canned/bottled beer and seltzers, along with $5 sake bombs. This is paired with trivia from 4 PM to 6 PM, making for a lively afternoon.
- Daily Mystery Can Grabs: For those who love a surprise, Yokai offers $3 or $5 mystery can grabs, adding an element of fun to your beverage choice.
- Seafood & Sake Omakase: Keep an eye out for special event offerings like their Seafood & Sake Omakase, which typically requires reservations and offers a curated tasting experience.
- Tuesday Spicy Tuna Tacos Special: One review mentioned Spicy Tuna Tacos being $2 off on Tuesdays, indicating potential rotating or weekly food specials worth inquiring about.
It’s always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most current promotions and event schedules, as these offers can evolve.
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### Contact Information
Ready to experience Yokai for yourself? Here's how you can connect with them:
- Address: 501 N Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401, USA
- Phone: (743) 223-1927
For larger groups or special events, making a reservation is recommended. You can also visit their website for their full menu, catering inquiries, or details on private event bookings.
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### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
For North Carolina locals, particularly those in the Greensboro area, Yokai presents itself as a must-visit destination for a fresh and exciting dining experience. It moves beyond the ordinary bar and grill concept, offering a unique blend of Japanese izakaya culture with globally inspired street food. The innovative menu, featuring standout dishes like the fried rice with pork belly and the delectable pandan doughnuts, ensures there’s always something new and delicious to discover, catering to adventurous palates and those seeking comfort in flavorful favorites.
The vibrant and hip ambiance, complemented by attentive and friendly service, creates a welcoming environment perfect for various occasions—from a casual evening with friends to a special date night. The addition of engaging promotions like daily specials, themed nights, and popular Sunday Funday trivia makes Yokai a dynamic spot that fosters community and good times. Its convenient downtown Greensboro location further enhances its appeal, making it easily accessible for anyone looking for a lively bar and grill with a distinctive culinary identity. Yokai isn't just a place to eat and drink; it's a cultural hub where locals can relax, try something different, and create lasting memories right in the heart of their city.
Yokai Photos










Yokai Location
Yokai
501 N Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401, USA
Yokai Reviews
We wanted to try something a bit different and this place did not disappoint. We tried several dishes and everything was spectacular. Super flavorful. And save room for dessert. The outdoor seating was great.. covered, comfortable and could lightly hear the music.
May 17, 2025 · Heather PThe fried rice with pork belly was phenomenal. Cucumber salad was good, slushy was ok. Wings were terrible and salty. Ramen was good! Took an order of donuts to go, yes they were amazing.
Apr 27, 2025 · Christián Henry PhDI recently dined at Yokai in Greensboro and had an amazing experience! The food was absolutely delicious - I ordered the Shoyu Ramen, Chicken Karaage, and Korean Fried Chicken, and each dish exceeded my expectations.The prices were very reasonable, making it a great value for the quality and quantity of food.The atmosphere was modern and cozy, making it a great spot for a casual dinner or night out.The service was friendly, although it was a bit slow at times. However, our server was attentive and made sure we had everything we needed.Overall, I would highly recommend Yokai to anyone looking for great Asian fusion food in Greensboro. I'll definitely be back
Feb 02, 2025 · Carlos AguilarWe thought the atmosphere was so fun and authentic!! Loved the colored lighting and artwork and other touches like the fancy toilets. The food was delish. We ordered the chicken ramen, chicken and zucchini skewers, street corn, and donuts ! The drinks were also very tasty
Dec 30, 2024 · Savannah MartinEnjoyed our dining experience. The Mystery beer special was fun and the bar manager made great choices for us. Food came out quickly and was perfectly done. Korean fried chicken was so crispy and juicy. We went on a Tuesday night and it was not crowded, easier to interact with staff and have a leisurly dinner
Oct 27, 2024 · Amy Schwartz
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