Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Gyu-Kaku – San Francisco
Gyu-Kaku - San Francisco
Photo from Gyu-Kaku
Gyu-Kaku at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#1443 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#126 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
403
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Meat quality
- Food variety
- Clean ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Long waits
- Frozen meat
The restaurant Gyu-Kaku, a popular Japanese Restaurant in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood, offers you a truly cozy dining experience. You can savor delicious Japanese BBQ in a casual yet trendy setting, perfect for a memorable meal.
Whether you’re looking for late-night food or happy hour drinks, this spot has you covered with its diverse offerings and inviting atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Gyu-Kaku
Gyu-Kaku offers a lively Japanese BBQ experience where the meat quality often stands out, making for a satisfying meal. Many appreciate the attentive service and the variety of options, especially the all you can eat deals that provide a good spread.
However, some visits have been hampered by occasional inconsistencies in staff attentiveness and notable waiting time for orders or seating. While the food generally impresses, these service aspects can sometimes detract from the overall dining experience.
Good
7.2
out of 10
403
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
104
negative
13
neutral
286
positive
Gyu-Kaku achieves a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.2, with a solid 71% Customer Satisfaction, indicating a generally positive reception. This assessment is drawn from over 400 customer opinions, with 286 positive remarks outweighing 104 negative ones.
The Food (8.1) is clearly a highlight, consistently earning high praise for its quality and taste. The Ambience (7.4) also contributes positively to the experience.
However, Value (6.4) and Service (5.6) fall into the average range, suggesting areas where experiences can vary.
What people like
- Excellent meat quality
- Delicious food variety
- Inviting, clean ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service attention
- Occasional long waits
- Frozen meat concerns
If you’re seeking a Japanese BBQ spot where the food, particularly the meat, is a priority, Gyu-Kaku is worth considering. The Recommendation Score of 7.6 suggests a generally positive experience for most, especially if you prioritize delicious grilled items and a pleasant setting.
Be prepared for potentially average service and occasional waits, particularly during peak times. While the food often shines, managing expectations around service consistency and planning for parking could enhance your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Gyu-Kaku
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.1 and leaving a solid 83.3% of customers satisfied. Based on 185 positive remarks out of 222 total comments, diners frequently praise the quality meat, succulent cuts of beef, and variety of delicious food available, often highlighting the all-you-can-eat options and flavorful dishes. However, not every bite is perfect.
Around 30 negative comments point to issues like marinated meat flavors being too strong or similar, meat portions being small, and some Wagyu arriving frozen. A few found the food salty or the overall quality mediocre at times, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
222
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
30
negative
7
neutral
185
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality meat
- Great variety
- Delicious food
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Salty marinades
- Mediocre meat
Often praised
- foodIt's a good place where you can cook your own little food at the table. The all you can eat deals are decent.
- FoodEVERYTHING was delicious.
- all you can eatall you can eat option, and every single item we tried was delicious
- meat qualitymeat quality and taste were excellent
- meatAll of the meat served was flavorful and delicious
- spicy porkspicy pork, and bimbap rice are the best things on the menu.
- tasteMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The meat quality and taste were excellent, closely resembling authentic Korean pork ribs. It was delicious without being greasy or overwhelming.
- Different Types of Meat CutsRecommended dishes:Different Types of Meat Cuts
- delicious fooda lot delicious food
- dumplingsSpicy cabbage and dumplings were delightful
Frequently criticized
- Wagyu" We had to wait until a manager emerged from the kitchen to be let in after 15 minutes. Additionally, the meat was mediocre, and the Wagyu was served frozen. I will never, never visit this restaurant again.
- grill temperaturekeep the grill extremely high, so your food cooks really fast and burns
- meat portionsold meat portions, always leaving hungry
- AYCE menuWhy even offer AYCE menu in this case?
- Angus Beef ribI wouldn’t order Angus Beef rib (thicker cut) again because no matter how long I cooked it, it was hard to chew
- Asian franchisejust another Asian franchise
- Korean AYCE BBQKorean AYCE BBQ better
- all you can eatIt was all you can eat but within 90 minutes time
- chicken karaagethe appetizer chicken karaage was disappointing
- expectationssubpar to what I was expecting
If you're looking for a place with good quality meat and a wide variety, especially with all-you-can-eat options, this restaurant is definitely worth trying. Just be mindful that some marinades might be strong, and portions can sometimes be on the smaller side.
Service (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
The service here presents a bit of a mixed picture, with a 5.6 score and 48.2% customer satisfaction across 110 comments. Many guests praise the incredibly friendly staff and attentive service, often highlighting quick responses and knowledgeable servers, especially regarding dietary needs. Manager Phillip also frequently receives special recognition for his welcoming demeanor.
However, a nearly equal number of comments (54 negative) point to significant challenges. Common complaints include frustratingly long wait times for tables and orders, slow service, and instances of staff being perceived as unprofessional or rude. Some also noted a lack of attentiveness, like forgotten drink refills or not checking in.
Service
110
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
54
negative
3
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable about allergies
- Manager Phillip praised
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow, inattentive service
- Unprofessional staff behavior
Often praised
- serviceWe arrived at 5pm as a party of 5 and were seated right away. All the different food we ordered were so good, and the service was great too. We ordered the Avocado Kaarage Salad, Cold Tofu, Beyond Bibimbap, Spicy Beef Bibimbap, Garlic Fried Rice, and Garlic Noodles.
- serversThe servers were very knowledgeable about dietary allergies/intolerances
- ServiceService:5
- staffstaff are always helpful
- attentive serviceThe attentive service
- EveryoneEveryone was kind and attentive
- Manager PhillipBut the Manager Phillip!!! Let me tell you. He is truly the best!!!!
- attentivenessIt was delicious without being greasy or overwhelming. The staff service and attentiveness were outstanding. A must-visit restaurant in San Francisco!
- dietary allergies/intolerancesknowledgeable about dietary allergies/intolerances and very helpful
- doghe allows my dog get into it
Frequently criticized
- serviceI sat at the bar and ordered the spicy beef ramen, which was absolutely DELICIOUS. However, I felt invisible because the person who took my order never once checked on me. 😟
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. We paid for a $190 set for two, but the staff was never around. To make matters worse, half the items were frozen, especially the Wagyu.
- waiting timehow long it took to get meats after ordering them
- hostthe host didn’t greet us or say anything
- reservationWe had a reservation online, and she said that doesn't matter
- waitaround 40 minutes wait. No phone call back
- 2 hour waitthere is a 2 hour wait.
- Mariaespecially Maria. Very unprofessional.
- change the platefailed to change the plate frequency
- clearing our tableone of the staff started clearing our table while we were still eating
If you're patient and hoping for a friendly encounter, you might be pleasantly surprised by the service here. However, be prepared for potential long waits and inconsistent attentiveness, which could impact your overall dining experience.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to the overall feel of the place, the ambience at Gyu-Kaku scores a solid 7.4, with customer satisfaction sitting at a good 72.1%. Many guests, totaling 31 positive remarks, loved the chill and lively vibe, often highlighting the unique grill-in-the-middle setup and the surprisingly effective ventilation that keeps things from getting smoky. The inviting atmosphere and clean spaces also received high praise, making for a great experience.
However, not everyone was completely charmed, with 10 comments pointing out some areas for improvement. A few diners found the sitting areas a bit warm, and some mentioned a chaotic feel or even a grimy spot. There were also mentions of an unpleasant smell at the entrance, suggesting some inconsistencies in the overall sensory experience.
Ambience
43
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent ventilation
- Cozy, lively vibe
- Clean restaurant
What people don't like
- Warm sitting areas
- Grime, entrance smell
- Can feel chaotic
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was chill during lunchtime and I like that it didn’t get very smoky like some bbq places do
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceHaving dined at Gyu Kaku locations in Los Angeles previously, I'm thrilled that the San Francisco branch met and exceeded my high expectations. From the inviting ambiance to the exquisite dishes and outstanding service, Gyu Kaku in San Francisco is a culinary gem that creates unforgettable dining memories. I wholeheartedly recommend Gyu Kaku for a memorable and delicious Japanese BBQ experience and will undoubtedly return.
- bathroomThe restaurant and bathroom are both clean
- cozy ambianceEach bite was a symphony of flavor, offering a delightful adventure with a range of textures and tastes. The attentive service and cozy ambiance further enhanced the fantastic dining experience. I highly recommend Gyu-Kaku for anyone craving top-notch meats, whether you're a BBQ fan or not.
- emptyWe opted for the $2 garlic rice upgrade, and it was definitely worth it as it came with more salad in the bowl. Going at lunchtime on a Monday, the restaurant was very empty. Lunchtime is worth it!
- experiencegreat experience
- extractorMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive, particularly with their innovative approach to ventilation. Unlike other places, the idea of the extractor being on the inside of the grill and smoke being extracted downwards works much better than top extraction. This attention to detail in the kitchen environment contributed to a pleasant dining experience.
- great eveningwe had a great evening
- great experienceit was such a great experience
Frequently criticized
- ParkingNo on prem parking. Street parking is hard as well.
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- chaoticAlthough it was a bit chaotic, choosing the all-you-can-eat option allowed me to eat my fill at an unbelievably affordable price for San Francisco. The food was above average in taste.
- cool temperaturedon't have cool temperature
- grillsGrills are pretty old, they had trouble turning ours on
- limited parkinglimited parking here
- placePlace was a bit grimy
- smell at the entrancethere was a smell at the entrance
- tongsThe tongs at our table were extremely dirty
- warm sitting areaate dinner in warm sitting area
If you're looking for a lively BBQ spot with great ventilation and a unique grilling experience, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some areas might feel a bit warm or occasionally less pristine, but the overall vibe is generally positive.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, sitting at an average score of 6.4 with customer satisfaction hovering around a mixed 60.7%. Many diners found the pricing, especially for the lunch menu and lunch specials, to be quite reasonable and a great value, making it feel totally worth it. Options like set price meals and happy hour discounts also got a lot of love, with 17 positive remarks out of 28 total.
However, not everyone felt they got their money's worth. Some folks mentioned extra costs popping up, making the final bill feel a bit pricey, and questioned the overall value for money. With 10 negative comments, it seems some found the prices on the menu or the final check to be a bit of a surprise, leading to feelings of wasting money.
Value
28
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great lunch specials
- Reasonable pricing
- Worth the value
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra costs
- Can be pricey
- Questionable value
Often praised
- priceDecent price for the city
- pricesthe prices were appropriate
- Price per personPrice per person:$30–50
- affordable priceAlthough it was a bit chaotic, choosing the all-you-can-eat option allowed me to eat my fill at an unbelievably affordable price for San Francisco. The food was above average in taste.
- all you can eat dealsIt's a good place where you can cook your own little food at the table. The all you can eat deals are decent. The service is really good.
- corkage feeThe corkage fee was only $10, which was really nice
- happy hour discountshappy hour discounts, so we had a great meal
- lunch menuTheir lunch menu that is cheap in SF area
- lunch specialI had the $15 lunch special with 2 meats, miso soup, rice and salad
- lunchtimeGoing at lunchtime on a Monday, the restaurant was very empty. Lunchtime is worth it!
Frequently criticized
- priceit's definitely pricey
- billWe paid a bill for 350 dollars
- extra costthere are extra cost. I am not sure why they do that
- final checkThis item showed up in the final check
- prices on the menu3 different prices on the menu
- setPaid for $190 set
- value for moneythe value for money could be better
- waste moneyDon’t waste your money here
If you're looking for a good deal, especially during lunchtime or happy hour, this place could be a solid choice. Just be mindful of potential extra costs that might pop up on your final bill, as some found it to be on the pricier side.
How are the prices at Gyu-Kaku?
You’re looking at roughly 59 per person – reported by 85 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While 59 is the average, the prices are quite spread out, with many diners also exploring options in the $71–$80 and $81–$90 ranges, suggesting a mix of experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both mid-range diners and those looking to splurge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Gyu-Kaku
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Service, Yummy Food, Good Ventilation!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The service was great, and the food was yummy. I was also impressed with the ventilation, as I didn't smell like BBQ much after the meal.
The atmosphere was also a highlight, contributing to a very pleasant dining experience.
- service10
- food10
- ventilation9
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Great Food, Odd Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by incredibly good food. However, the staff was very odd, leaving me questioning their demeanor as if they didn't want customers to visit. Despite the peculiar service, the food itself was a definite highlight.
- food10
- staff2
- staff behavior2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Excellent AYCE Experience!
My experience at the restaurant was excellent. We opted for the AYCE (All You Can Eat) option, and the food came out quick. Both the food and the service were outstanding, with a perfect 5/5 rating for each.
The atmosphere also received a 5/5, contributing to a great overall dining experience.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Good DIY Food and Service
It's a good place where you can cook your own little food at the table. The all you can eat deals are decent. The service is really good.
- food7
- all you can eat deals7
- service9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Meat-Focused Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially because it's so meat focused. I absolutely loved it, particularly the unique setup with the grill in the middle of the table. The food was a perfect 5/5, and the service was equally impressive at 5/5.
The atmosphere was also great, rated at 4/5.
- meat focused restaurant10
- grill in the middle9
- food10
What Gyu-Kaku offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ?
Yes, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ accepts reservations, and it is highly recommended to make dinner reservations, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours. This ensures you secure your seating and enjoy your dining experience without a wait.
What dining options and accessibility features does Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offer?
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offers lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service, including late-night food, happy hour specials, and vegetarian options. For your convenience, the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom.
How does Gyu-Kaku generally perform?
Gyu-Kaku holds a good overall Restaurant Score of **7.2** with **71%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.1) is a standout, while **Ambience** (7.4) is also good. **Value** (6.4) and **Service** (5.6) are more in the average range.
What can I expect from the food at Gyu-Kaku?
Customers frequently praise the **meat quality** and the wide variety of delicious dishes available, including **spicy pork** and **bibimbap**. Many find the **all you can eat** options particularly satisfying.
Are there any common issues to be aware of when dining at Gyu-Kaku?
Some patrons have noted inconsistencies with **service** attentiveness and occasional long **waiting times**. There have also been mentions of issues with **frozen Wagyu** and limited **parking**.