Have you heard about Japanese barbecue? No, it has nothing to do with Brazilian barbecue – but I assure you it is a delicious dining experience, and probably much better than American barbecue. Also known as yakiniku, it is a Japanese specialty – and a proof that not only of sushi lives the country’s cuisine. In Japanese BBQ restaurants, all tables have a central plate, and various cuts of meat are brought raw to the table – and you cook. The pieces are small, which ensures that they cook fast.. Here in New York, there are several restaurants in this category, and today I will introduce you Gyu-Kaku, a chain that has three locations in Manhattan.
Okay, but then what? You must be wondering why I related Gyu-Kaku with cheap food. Simple: because the chain has a Happy Hour with very special prices. An opportunity to eat very well and spending little. Starting with the value courses available for 2, 4 or 6 people. I was there with a group last week and we ordered one for 6 people – and we were 7. Everyone ate as hell and I daresay that our choice would be great for a group of 8. In addition to the selection of red meat, there are also chicken and shrimp. Appetizers were edamame, soup, salad and a delicious fried rice. The value courses for 2 or 6 people, there is also dessert. In our case, with the price of combo of $ 170, we spend about $ 24 per person.
And we’re only talking about the value courses. For those who do not want barbecue, Gyu-Kaku serves noodles in portions for two people for $ 6, Ramen in portion for two people for $ 9, and several appetizers (salad, tacos and dumplings) from $ 4. If you want to taste the Japanese barbecue, but do not want to get a value course, you can ask portions of meat with prices starting at $ 6.
And the most interesting part of Happy Hour: drinks! Yes, you really need to have drinks in a Happy Hour, right? Right! At Gyu-Kaku, drinks are half price during Happy Hour. This means beers for $ 3 and drinks starting at U$5 – very good for New York!
It is worth noting that these prices I mentioned are only for the Happy Hour time. And here comes another part even better: three times a day! Happy Hour happens daily from 11am30 to 3pm (lunch) and 3pm to 6pm (dinner). Monday to Thursday, there is also a Happy Hour from 9h30pm to 11pm. To check out the full menu, visit the website. Click Locations & Menus, select the desired address in New York and click to download the menu you want to check. There is a regular menu and one for Happy Hour. The drinks menu shows the two prices.
Do you want more good news? The three units of Gyu-Kaku in Manhattan are very well located. There is one in Times Square – 321 W. 44th St. Unit 103 – one in Midtown (805 3rd Ave., 2nd Floor) and another in East Village (34 Cooper Sq.).
Laura Peruchi is a Brazilian blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She has lived in Manhattan with her husband since 2014. Since then, she has shared on her blog varied content about the Big Apple. From travel tips, including unusual things to do, shopping tips, etiquette, restaurants, and a lot more, her blog has become a reference in Portuguese (also available in English) for anyone planning a trip to New York City.
