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    Chubby TAN

    4.6 (56 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Soup, curry.
    Zicheng Z.

    As a huge fan of beef tongue in all its forms, I can say this certainly did not disappoint! The space is small but cozy, with long bar-style seating. Directly across the bar is a beautiful charcoal grill - when the chef cooks the tongue, you can see a column of flame as fat drips down from the grill, perfuming the meat. Overall, the tongue is great - for the thin and medium cuts, they did dress the tongue, but you still get some really solid beefy flavor. The lemon adds some great acidity without overpowering the taste of the meat, similarly for the miso. The ultra thick cut is definitely the star of the show, with a fantastic mouthfeel and great flavor. The rest of the add-ons (rice, salad, curry) were nice, but the grilled tongue was definitely the highlight of the meal. Each set runs around $40-50, which was a little pricy for how much meat we received, but for a premium cut, I think it could be worth it. Probably my only complaint is that the tongue cooled pretty quickly for the thin/medium cuts; they came out in very quick succession, and by the time I started on the medium cuts, it had already cooled. The thick cut tongue was served on a very hot plate, which helped preserve the temperature - I wish I asked for a separate hot plate to warm it up, which I saw the person next to me request. The restaurant is still in its soft opening phase, and I'm excited to try it again in the future to see if they make any changes!

    Melanie W.

    I came when they just opened, no wait. I ordered the combo set S+++ and my mom ordered the combo set B. Amazing experience, just the hot weather outside and no ac inside, we finished the meal than 30 minutes. My first time trying thick cut, so delicious but I do wish they served everything all at once instead serving the different cut individually. I wish it looked like the picture in the menu. The soup was a little salty and the curry was rich flavor. The salad was refreshing, I wish a bigger portion, of course. It worth it to try it once especially if you like beef tongue.

    Juicy and tender Just like Japan!!!
    Janice C.

    So excited to know Gyutan No Lemon has a collaboration here in NYC! The food is great and the extra thick tongue is just like in Japan! However, the price is much higher compared to Japan and the portion is only 1/2 of it. You need to get extra food if you really want to eat more real thick beef tongue. Anyway, food is great and service is good. Seating is very tight as expected. If you really like beef tongue, this is a must go.

    Thin cut that looked nothing like the photo unfortunately.
    Johnny W.

    The staff at Chubby Tan was exceptional in making us feel welcomed and comfortable. They were very considerate in making sure we're all safe and don't injure ourselves with the hot plate. The S+++ combo gives you the best bang for your buck by giving you a bit of everything! I honestly think that was perfect because too much of one piece can be quite overwhelming. From my personal preference, the miso was the best seasoning for all the cuts of meat, so highly recommend getting some more of it! Since it was their soft opening, there were a few kinks to work through. First was the complimentary soup, which was hearty by quite overly salty. The chunks of beef in the soup were nice, but the broth itself was very salty and left us feeling dehydrated after the meal. The second was the tiny amount of miso that was provided in the dish, which is a little dollop in the photo underneath the drink (wish I took a bigger photo), a simple fix if they choose to but the amount provided made it seem like it's just giving you a tiny sample to make you order more. Furthermore, I was provided with salt and wasabi to pair with the meat but my wife wasn't, but wasn't sure if that was because we ordered different things, but that shouldn't be the case since most of what we ordered weren't pre-seasoned. Unfortunately we didn't catch that until the end of our meal since our experience was a bit more chaotic. Third was that some of our orders got mixed up with other diners, resulting in our sides or add-ons going to them instead, which I understand can happen when a restaurant is just starting to find its own rhythm. Fourth, because of so much going on at once, some meats came out only once we finished a prior piece, whereas some pieces came out together at once. I believe it's best to stick with one or the other so the diner can pace themselves accordingly, for I found myself sometimes taking my time to enjoy one selection of meat, and other times racing against time before the meat cooled off to try multiple. Personally, I prefer all at once so I can compare the pieces and even mix and match to play with its flavor profile. My partner got both of her selections before I got my first one, which made our dining experience imbalanced where one of us was watching the other eat. Lastly , the curry came way too early and because of that, it became a thick glob by the time we got our first meat dish. One of the most disappointing part was that what we got fell far short of expectation from the photo on their menu: the thin tongue supposed to come with some scallions seasoning, the curry did not have as much ingredients than the one shown in the photos, the presentation of our meats on multiple hot plates made it less aesthetically pleasing, and the amount of miso given to us definitely pales in comparison to the amount shown on the photo haha (I attached a photo of how the meal was supposed to look like and you can judge yourself). Although of these issues ultimately detracted from our overall enjoyment, we both nonetheless had a pleasant experience, especially since the staff were all so nice and friendly. We truly believe that once Chubby Tan gets more experience and is receptive to diners' feedbacks, that they'll master the flow and efficiency to provide one of the best, if not only, beef tongue specialty restaurant in all of NYC. We hope our suggestions can help Chubby Tan strive to become even better and we can't wait to come back to give Chubby Tan the 5 stars we both know they are capable of achieving! Thank you for reading and best of luck! TLDR; highly recommend getting the S+++ set with the mango cut, egg, and extra miso add on!

    Esther L.

    Got the set S+++ and C. Set C was amazing the ultra thick tongue was soooo good and skirt wagyu. Set S+++ wasn't the best in my opinion, as I enjoyed the ultra thick tongue more than the thin pieces but my friend who enjoys leaner meats liked the thin over the thick. However, we never got to try the classic cut as they forgot our order. When we asked for the missing course, we mistakenly thought it was the ultra thin cut missing and not the classic. They didn't seem to believe us that the gave us one less course but eventually gave it to us but when we realized the had given us the ultra thin cut and was in fact the classic that was missing, they couldn't do anything which was a bummer. Regardless, I still definitely LOVED dining here and next time I'd definitely go for the set A or C for more of the thick beef tongue or skirt wagyu! All sets some with the salad which was uniquely delicious here!! The curry was also pretty good. The miso soup had beef inside which was nice surprise but overall bit salty towards the end. Overall was a good experience at least to try out, but I do prefer other chubby branches more. However it is nice if you get the plus membership you get discount at all locations, including this one, and some benefits like salad refill. Also beware there's a bit of a long wait time so arrive early! I arrived at 5pm when they opened along with some other groups of 2 and they didn't start calling up the next round of people until 6pm. If anyone wants to sign up for a membership, use this referral code * K4REZII * to get extra points, rewards and even money voucher after you dine for the first time!!

    Delicious curry to pair with the gyutan & lemon soda!! Keep it coming onegai!!
    Anthony L.

    Delicious curry to pair with their lemon soda!! Keep it coming onegai!! Comfy atmosphere and polite staff - will come back again!

    Mango Cut Thick Tongue
    Gabriel C.

    Coming from LA I've always loved the Chubby Group restaurants! The first time I actually had beef tongue was a Chubby Cattle Rowland Heights and I instantly fell in love with it. Now getting to try different cuts in a omakase style it was just mind blowing. Walking in felt like I was teleported into a local spot in Kyoto. And let me tell you that the food felt like it was handcrafted by an angel. Thank you for blessing my tongue and I can't wait to be back.

    The thick cut beef tongue was great and yummy. It tasted just like what I had in Japan. The service was also excellent. The server explained to us about every course that was gave to us

    Food was quick to come out and service was great! Very aesthetically pleasing and the tongue was super tender. Highly recommend for all to try!

    Signature Set
    Nancy L.

    Got the signature set and everything was so good. The different cuts of tongues all had great texture. Would definitely come back again.

    Yuki K.

    Perfection of the meat. gyutan was so juicy and perfectly cooked, it's so soft i was able to cut through with one bite. amazing.

    Combo A

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    2 days ago

    Food here is fantastic! My fav comfort food after work and study. Highly recommend their beef tougue set. their umi rice is fire too

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    2 months ago

    Food was good! The set comes with soup, curry, rice, and a salad! Lemon drink was yummy. Service was good.

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    2 months ago

    Very good beef tongue set, loved the sides and great ambiance. Lemon drink was great and service was timely

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    Chubby TAN Reviews in Other Languages

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    Izakaya MEW - Salmon Carpaccio

    Izakaya MEW

    4.3(3.3k reviews)
    1.6 miMidtown West
    $$

    This is what dreams are made. Quality fish, so much flavor, unique and creative dishes. The…read morerestaurant is so unassuming, as it's downstairs in a building, the sign is modest, but when we entered it was filled with locals. A good sign! Started with miso, seaweed salad. The miso was so flavorful! Gyoza, light and absolutely delicious Yellowtail carpaccio- the sauce I could drink it, so good! They only had 4 rolls on the menu so we got one of each, and let me tell you, best rolls I've ever had, each one was unique and different, and amazing! We also shared a pork belly bowl and a una don (eel) bowl, and again both were incredible. Perfectly cooked eel and pork belly, the sauce on both, delicious, and the rice!!! The rice is like crack, soft and sweet, like nothing I've ever had. I'm from out of state, but let me tell you, I will eat here every time I come to NYC!

    Came here for dinner right before a concert. The restaurant was lively and packed, but we had a…read morereservation (which I highly recommend doing!) Got the following dishes: - Hotate (seared scallop) carpaccio (4.5/5) - Chicken nanban (3.5/5) - Kimchi cream udon (4/5) - Mew special roll (4.5/5) - Mochi ice cream (3.5/5) Food came out very quickly, and service was good! Since the restaurant was very busy and had a wait from the moment we entered and left, this is definitely a restaurant you'd spend 1 - 1.5 hr max at with the high table turnover (so avoid if you want a quiet date night). Overall, Izakaya Mew has been a reliable staple for years and will likely continue to be with its great food quality and lively ambiance. (4.5/5)

    Photos
    Izakaya MEW - Dining area

    Dining area

    Izakaya MEW - Volcano Roll and Chikaten Roll

    Volcano Roll and Chikaten Roll

    Izakaya MEW - Scallop Uni Butter Skewer

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    Scallop Uni Butter Skewer

    Raku - Yamakake (grated mountain yam, quail egg, bonito flakes) $16

    Raku

    4.5(1.2k reviews)
    0.7 miSouth Village
    $$

    I used to live in NYC and every single time I fly back to visit, Raku is at the top of my list…read more This West Village izakaya has become my personal tradition, and it never lets me down. Venue (5/5) Raku has that perfect cozy Japanese izakaya feel -- warm wood tones, intimate lighting, and a bustling but comfortable energy. It's not huge, so it fills up fast (make a reservation!), but the layout keeps it from feeling cramped. The bar area is great if you're dining solo (which I usually do), and the tables are snug enough for a romantic date or a fun group meal. Clean, authentic, and exactly what you want in a neighborhood Japanese spot. Food (5/5) The karaage here is the best I've ever had -- period. Crispy, ultra-juicy, perfectly seasoned, and ridiculously addictive. I order it every single visit and it's always flawless. The rest of the menu is equally strong: fresh sashimi, delicious grilled items, flavorful rice bowls, and tasty small plates that are ideal for sharing. Everything tastes homemade and thoughtful rather than mass-produced. Vibe (5/5) Warm, lively, and welcoming. It's the kind of place where locals and in-the-know visitors mix, conversations flow easily, and you feel right at home even if you haven't been in months. Service is attentive and friendly without being stiff or overly formal. Raku is the real deal. Reliable, delicious, and always worth the trip. If you love proper Japanese comfort food (especially killer karaage), this place is a must. I'll keep coming back every time I'm in NYC

    I don't visit NYC too often but when I do, Raku is the #1 spot I always make sure to come back due…read moreto its delicious udon and its soup quality that is not commonly seen in most Japanese restaurants I have been. I have been to famous spots in Japan within Kyoto and Tokyo and Raku definitely is on the top of the list in terms of service, food quality, and vibes. I have ordered to-go, DoorDash and dined in and its never been a disappointment.

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    Raku
    Raku - Wagyu tataki

    Wagyu tataki

    Raku - Sansai Bukkake Udon

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    Sansai Bukkake Udon

    Izakaya Fuku - Seating and decorations

    Izakaya Fuku

    4.4(393 reviews)
    5.2 miElmhurst
    $$
    Casual dining
    Kitchen open late

    So this place is small and charming, dark and well I hate to say it (cus it sounds cliche now) but…read moreit's a vibe. For real. From the decor to the music to its surroundings. She's a gem. The service was attentive yet not pushy. Knowledgeable and hospitable without being extra. Just chill and on point overall. They definitely read the room and that's my favorite kind of service. The food: Chicken curry katsu! Perfection! Carbonara udon! Delightful! Black garlic ramen! Delicious! Whatever you choose I'm sure you will not be disappointed! Honestly. And tbh, literally because of that, we're headed back today! lol. Like for real no joke haha

    Izakaya Fuku in New York offers the kind of dining experience that feels memorable from the very…read morestart. Even before the food arrives, the restaurant leaves a strong impression with its stunning Japanese-inspired interior. The space is beautifully designed, blending warmth and elegance in a way that feels both inviting and refined. From the soft lighting to the natural wood accents and thoughtfully arranged decor, everything about the atmosphere feels intentional. It captures the intimate charm of a traditional izakaya while still feeling modern and stylish, making it a wonderful setting for anything from a casual dinner to a more special night out. The food more than lived up to the beauty of the space. One of the first highlights was the salmon onigiri, a dish that proved how satisfying simplicity can be when it is done well. The rice was soft, fresh, and perfectly formed, holding together without feeling too compact, while the salmon added a savory richness that made each bite feel comforting and flavorful. It was balanced, delicate, and deeply satisfying in a way that made it memorable despite its simplicity. The seared salmon salad was another standout. The salmon itself was beautifully prepared, with a lightly seared exterior that gave it a subtle crispness, while the inside remained tender, buttery, and smooth. That contrast in texture made the dish especially enjoyable. Paired with the freshness of the salad, it felt light and refreshing, yet still substantial enough to feel like more than just a side dish. It was a dish that managed to feel both clean and indulgent at the same time. The grilled squid was particularly impressive and easily one of the most memorable items of the meal. Squid can often be difficult to get right, as it can become rubbery or overly chewy if even slightly overcooked, but that was absolutely not the case here. The texture was spectacular--tender, delicate, and pleasantly springy without any toughness. Each bite had a light smokiness from the grill that added depth, while the squid itself retained its natural sweetness. It was expertly prepared and showcased a level of precision that really stood out. For the main courses, both the Tonkatsu Ramen and the Black Pepper Ramen delivered distinct experiences, each with its own appeal. The Tonkatsu Ramen was deeply comforting and satisfying, with a broth that had a rich, velvety texture and a full-bodied depth that coated the palate beautifully. It felt smooth, hearty, and luxurious without being too heavy. The noodles had an ideal texture as well--firm enough to provide a satisfying bite, yet soft enough to soak up the broth and integrate perfectly into the dish. Altogether, it was a bowl that felt warming, balanced, and incredibly comforting. The Black Pepper Ramen, on the other hand, brought a bolder and more assertive flavor profile. The broth had a smooth, glossy texture, and the noodles again had a pleasing chew that gave the dish structure and substance. The black pepper added an unmistakable warmth and aromatic intensity that made the ramen stand out immediately. It was flavorful and memorable, though the pepper was slightly overwhelming at times. A bit less black pepper would have allowed the other flavors in the broth to come through more clearly and created a more balanced bowl. Even so, the ramen was still enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate strong, pepper-forward flavors. Overall, Izakaya Fuku is a restaurant that succeeds on every level. The stunning Japanese interior creates an atmosphere that feels both immersive and elegant, while the food reflects a real attention to detail in both flavor and texture. From the comforting salmon onigiri, to the fresh and beautifully prepared seared salmon salad, to the expertly grilled squid with its exceptional texture, and finally the rich and satisfying ramen dishes, every part of the meal felt carefully executed. It is a place that offers not just excellent food, but a complete dining experience, and it is well worth visiting for anyone looking for standout Japanese cuisine in New York.

    Photos
    Izakaya Fuku - Ika Teriyaki Don

    Ika Teriyaki Don

    Izakaya Fuku - Shio Saba Bento

    Shio Saba Bento

    Izakaya Fuku - Interior

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    Interior

    Tonchin

    Tonchin

    4.4(2.5k reviews)
    1.6 miMidtown West
    $$

    After my first visit: This is my favorite ramen restaurant on the planet. It's my perfect…read morerestaurant - but not because of the ramen. Because of the desserts! First - Tonkotsu (pork) ramen was perfectly balanced. The broth was deeply flavorful but not heavy, almost like an 80/20 hybrid of tonkotsu and shoyu (soy sauce) ramen. Noodles were springy and not overcooked, and the roasted pork had a slightly smoky flavor and was flavorful itself, not just protein and texture like many other ramen joints. We also had the edamame appetizer - super flavorful and addictive, and we wound up ordering a second one (for our party of four) after devouring the first one. Now here's why it's my favorite ramen restaurant- my favorite dessert is banana pudding, and Tonchin's signature Tokyo banana dessert is an elevated banana pudding that makes magnolia bakery look like amateur hour. Plenty of fresh banana and a carmelized banana on the side with a balanced pudding that's not too heavy - this is peak banana pudding. So it has my favorite ramen and favorite dessert. But can it do better? Yes. It can also have...my second favorite dessert! Tonchin has excellent shave ice desserts that reminded me of Korean bingsu. We had the strawberry and it was fresh, bright and had lots of strawberry flavor. Delightful. Service was excellent and the ambiance of the space is dark and elevated. I liked this place so much I bought a hat.

    We finished a tour of Michelin recognized casual restaurants here…read more I didn't order right. I did the dipping noodles and they were too salty for me. I've had them before so I knew what to expect but it was way too salty, less flavorful. Had a very nice flavor, the salt overpowered it though. I tasted mushroom. The sauce stuck to the noodles well and the noodles were delicious. My daughter and husband ordered the spicy ramen and they said it was very very good. Couldn't decipher distinctly from other top notch ramen so it wasn't knock your socks off. From now on I'll order the base dish when I go places so I can judge better. The gyoza was cooked very nicely, came sizzling and the bun with meat was a little ugly, it looked boiled and unappetizing. The taste was just okay. The topping on it was notable. The waitress didn't help us at all when ordering. We weren't bowled over with the food, although it was noted the meat in the ramen was high level. It hit the spot but I will try other places in the search for our "return forever" ramen place.

    Photos
    Tonchin - Interior

    Interior

    Tonchin - Kimchi mushrooms

    Kimchi mushrooms

    Tonchin - Chicken Tsukune Bun

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    Chicken Tsukune Bun

    Katsu-Hama

    Katsu-Hama

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    2.1 miMidtown East
    $$

    This place is a bit hard to spot, but it's on the same side of the street as the sorta famous (50…read moreyears +) Phil's Stationery. Katsu-Hama is about two doors to the Left of Phil's, and has minimal, very discreet signage. I got some tonkatsu...I forget the exact type, but it was essentially the most fatty of the tonkatsu offered. It came with cabbage (with a sesame ginger type dressing), daikon radish (with some type of sauce on top), and the standard sauce for the tonkatsu, along with some crushed sesame seed and hot mustard. I'd have to say...the tonkatsu was quite good....not quite as sublime as my favorite tonkatsu place in Tokyo...but still, very, very good. The dish also came with a bowl of miso soup (good, and not overly salty) and a bowl of white rice, which I considered the most disappointing part of the meal. The rice seemed a bit dried out...not moist.... All in all, an excellent meal. I'd definitely come back.

    I've had this place saved for a while, and I don't feel like I need to go again. It was cramped…read moreespecially since they sat everyone in a section despite having table space in multiple areas. The food was ok, felt comparable to something you would order at a food court, so at the price point, it's not that worth it. The main was so unremarkable that the best thing was the miso soup. In terms of flavor, it's very much like "that's it??", pretty basic but wouldn't standout as good.

    Photos
    Katsu-Hama
    Katsu-Hama - Oyster and katsu

    Oyster and katsu

    Katsu-Hama - Agedashi Tofu

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    Agedashi Tofu

    Yakitori Totto - Eggplant

    Yakitori Totto

    4.0(1.5k reviews)
    2.7 miMidtown West
    $$

    Still the best in New York. Unique, flavorful chicken skin skewers among many things (see my…read morephotos), though somehow grilled chicken soft bone is a bit tasteless? Fast service. You can order a little and keep adding depending on how big or small each dish is. We came right at 5 pm when they opened. We didn't have a reservation, and after some fumbling they got us four seats at the bar (looking over grilling chefs at work). Not bad, though we were hoping for a table. Great decor and ambiance as always. Wish the grilled shrimps come with shell on, and with salt only (no sauce).

    Yakitori Totto has been around for ages, and I've visited this location in person a few times…read morethough it's been a while! Their location is a little hidden, it's on the second floor above Soba Noodle Azuma on 55th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, closer to 8th. You have to go up a stairwell on the side. Getting to the food, their focus is on meat, seafood and vegetable skewers though they also have a variety of appetizers, rice bowls and noodles, and dessert. The meats and veggies are grilled over charcoal while basted with "tare", a house-made sauce that adds a level of umami to the caramelized grill flavors. Recently I got a handful of skewers for takeout, including: - Ebi (shrimp) $8 x 2: the shrimp were cooked just right, tender and juicy, yum! - Hotate Eringi (scallop and oyster mushrooms) $8 x 2: the textures of the oyster mushrooms and scallop pieces complemented each other, and were kinda similar. Another tasty offering. - Negi pon (pork belly with scallions) $7: I'm not a huge fan of pork belly in general, though they grilled it well here and chopped scallions added a little spicy tickle. While not the cheapest for skewers that you can find, (and inflation hasn't helped,) their flavors are authentic and their quality and consistency is key here. I'm glad it's still here since there seems to be fewer and fewer good yakitori spots in Manhattan these days. They used to have another location in the city though I believe this closed pre-pandemic, however from their website they now have another location in Boston. This was also the sister restaurant to Ramen Totto which had four locations at one point though all have shuttered as well. Hope this location stays around for a long time!

    Photos
    Yakitori Totto
    Yakitori Totto - Chicken meatball

    Chicken meatball

    Yakitori Totto

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    Chubby TAN - japanese - Updated May 2026

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