Pro: nice service Con: Food was sold out and soap, waiting was too long, plus you have to pay seat fee. Not a fan and not sure what the hype is. read more

Incredible food, wonderful experience. The atmosphere feels like you are in Japan. Will definitely be back again, but next time with more friends and family! read more

After living in NYC for the last 5.5 years, I've concluded that I've been spoiled by the food here, especially izakaya food. Overall, I think the menu had WAY too many meat on skewers. If you were to order, the bacon wrapped mochi was good, if you like salty gooey food. I liked it but my friend didn't care for it much. The potatoes in butter were good but my favorite was the brussel sprouts (also on skewers). I thought there should've been a couple more noodle dishes. overall, the food was good but not enough variety for my taste. if you ever make it out to NYC, go to Sakagura. this place will blow Ippuku out the door. read more

Really I want to give 3.5 stars. Here's the breakdown - 4 stars: interior design, shochu and sake list, some interesting Japanese beers. I tried the Echigo bottled beer because it was the only one on the list I'd never had before. A bit like a Belgian-style, with funky, old fruit undertones. Not my favorite style. So after that was gone we opted for my old standby Yebisu. 3 stars: The food. The evening started strongly with the tsukemono plate, which included a really interesting smoked takuan; the agedashi tofu was fine, but nothing special. Same for the tskune. CM wanted to get the abura age in order to get a natto fix. Again fine, but not particularly memorable. The shoyu marinated grilled mackeral was really, really salty, although nicely cooked and otherwise tasty. In contrast, the chicken ramen that we ordered was very bland - it needed some shoyu or some salt! Good thing they came out together, so we could alternate bites... The other truly standout dish of the evening was the vaunted chicken tartare. I wasn't sure I wanted to try it, but CM was game, and I'm glad we got it. It's quite spicy - clearly they are using some ingredient here to offset any pathogens. The texture is pleasantly smooth, and wrapped up in a sheet of nori and sprinkled with sliced scallion, you can almost imagine that you are eating negitoro temaki. I would certainly go back to Ippuku, as there are many more items on the menu to try. I think that next time I will concentrate on the grill... read more

Love this place. It'll run you a pretty penny if you bring an appetite, but an amazing place for drinks and delicious appetizers. If it's your local izakaya (Japanese drinking/appetizer establishment), you're in luck, because it's one of the best I've been to. You can sit on the traditional tatamis and have the option of throwing your feet under the table when your legs start going numb like I did. I like the ambiance, which is always kind of a big deal for me. But most importantly, the food is fantastic. You can be as conservative or adventurous as you want and as carnivorous or vegetarian as you like. Having already had gizzard, neck, quail eggs and all that, the most adventurous thing I had was the seared chicken-wasabi or chicken tartar which, evidently, is not served in America too often for obvious reasons, but is fairly common in Japan. It's far enough out that I can vouch for not getting salmonella as a result and delicious enough to vouch for it being surprisingly delicious! Moreover, their agedashi tofu was good (look up how those bonito flakes are made if you're bored). Even the okra was surprisingly good for just being okra. lot's more stuff to try. Overall, great place. Give it a go. read more

Ippuku is an authentic Izakaya (Japanese bar) of the 21st Century. Although Izakayas in Japan wouldn't have the dim-lit classy lighting, new age lyric-less beats flowing out of the Bose-grade surround sound speakers, and the gourmet seafood tapas that this Berkeley Bar offers, Ippuku gets an A+ for keeping it as JAPANESE as it gets. To reiterate its' authenticity to Japanese-ness, all the waiters and waitresses here speak Japanese to one another (even the hakujin white boys!). I've found this quality in "Japanese" restaurants to be rare nowadays since more and more sushi joints seem to be run by Koreans and Chinese. The sake selection is above and beyond. I would have to say this is the most enpointe Japanese Bar I have EVER been to in the States which makes it my favorite bar in the East Bay. With all the good stuff being said, eating a meal here comes with a hefty charge! Even a quick little pregaming sesh here will co$t you more than most other Berkeley bars. However, you pay for what you get. Only come to Ippuku if you're paid! read more

My Japanese friend recommended this place to me so I knew I had to try it. Ippuku's food was solid. Although the portions were not generous, the quality of the ingredients and their preparation were at a high level. Standouts for me were the dungeness crab croquettes, sweet omelette, and chicken gyoza. As is the case with most tapas style/small plates eateries, your bill at the end of the night won't be cheap, but you can get away with eating and drinking sufficiently for $30 including tip (or even less). Overindulge and expect to pay the price for it. I would recommend Ippuku for dates, small group dinners, and nights where you feel like mixing it up and getting your Japanese bar food fix. read more

Great food, beautiful interior. Upon walking in, I was instantly transported to several of the Izakayas I visited during my trip to Japan. I recommend the crab croquettes (not so traditional) and spinach with miso sauce (very traditional.) The big detraction are some of the people who work there. During my first attempt to visit this place, the host was sassy. What a disappointing first impression. When I ate there last week, our server didn't know how to read our table and also let us go for very long periods of time-- even when our plates where empty. That meant that we missed out on some orders we had hopped to make because they "just sold out" when we were finally tended to. I mentioned it to the host (a different one than the sassy fellow), and while he was sympathetic, he blamed it on "an epidemic among the under 30 set." That response disregards the entire spirit of "service" --and, it's not fair to all those lovely 20 somethings out there. read more

Really great meat dishes, ok vegetarian dishes, poor service (but maybe we got them on a bad night). Meat dishes: Had the chicken skewer omakase (chef's choice) and loved it, especially the weird ones (chicken knuckles, neck, shoulder blade). Really good crab croquettes and chicken soup. Veggie dishes: Brussels sprouts skewers and fried tofu appetizer were lackluster - felt a little over priced and weren't worth writing home about. Service: Had a reservation, got seated on time. Waiter didn't check in with us for 25 minutes. Missed a drink order and brought us one order wrong. Seemed like a new guy, but given how frantically the rest of the staff seemed to be running around, not sure if it's out of the ordinary. We'll go back, but not at a peak time. read more

Food is good and service is great! Loved the Tori Yukke (chicken tartar), squid ink fried rice, chick skin is awesome! They have a great selection of Sake...Sake with grapefruit is my favorite; very light and refreshing with yakitori. The lunch special soba noodles with Tempura are great, too. Love this place :) read more

Best yakitori and yakitori-ya we've been to in the US, by far. Considering building a shrine to the grilled squid. Just like home (Tokyo). Spectacular. read more

Ippuku - Grilled squid. Heaven. - Bars Near Me - Berkeley, California

Well prepared and cooked to perfection each bite is a real treat. The portions are small but lend to focusing eaters on each dish. Staff is super friendly and accommodating. Environment perfect for groups of friends from couples up to 6. read more

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Finally made the trip to berkeley and this place did not disappoint! Best yakitori I've ever had and definitely one of the best japanese restaurants in the bay area. I love almost everything we had, especially pork belly and bacon wrapped mochi. All the chicken items are so juicy and tender almost didn't taste like chicken.Pork belly is not greasy at all, in fact has somewhat smoked flavor to it. As an asian, I don't like all the internal organs like livers/hearts/intestintes etc but we ordered chicken gizzard somehow. I actually don't hate it, I can tell it's really fresh and really well processed so no scent of blood at all, which says about food quality. I am also intrigued by their sake infused food and alcohol drinks that I didn't get to try this time. Will come back. read more

Excellent food: delightful, unusual Japanese fare, by which I mean, by my american standard, not a sushi bar. Go for the delicious and uncommon things you can't find anywhere else. bacon-wrapped mochi... whole grilled squid... Stellar service: if you aren't familiar with the items on the menu or are confused by the extensive menu, ask the server. Our server seemed to like to be asked. They will want to know your preferences and they will accurately suggest great things! And they will not let you tip them. They are genuinely interested in you having a spectacular time in their establishment. Unique atmosphere: The mat seats are very comfortable. And, how do they make it both communal and intimate? But they do! The lighting is soft yet not dark. Sound-level is good. You can have a conversation, but the place is still cheery and active. I did not find the booth to be more private than the mat seats. Cost: definitely costly. I would go here all the time, if it weren't so expensive. But it's #1 on my list of special day places. read more

90% similarity to japan izakaya (Japanese style bar). Service were awesome and allow reservation. Food are so good: my all time fav is the squid ink fried rice. Also recommending their pork belly! read more

Ippuku - Squid ink fried rice!!! Must order!! - Bars Near Me - Berkeley, California

Such a cool place. I love bringing visitors here from out of town. There are some dishes that I always order, but in general I've found it most fun to get advice from the server. When the server is on top of their game, it can lead to an adventurous meal. However, some of the servers have been reluctant to take on that role recently and seem less confident about putting together a menu. The food is generally excellent, with some exceptions, and the quality seems to change from visit to visit. read more

Ippuku is a cool Japanese izakaya and yakitori restaurant in Berkeley. The first time I was here was for an anniversary celebration. We had a reservation and got seated at a table that was rather private. We were also a little disappointed to hear that when we arrived, they ran out of some items, like the raw chicken dish and some of the chicken skewers (skin and heart I remember specifically hoping to try). Though there were still a lot for us to try! +BACON WRAPPED MOCHI: Love this texture! Fatty bacon wrapped around chewy mochi balls on a stick. +BEEF TONGUE: Salted and great texture! Great if you like beef tongue or are willing to try it! +LARGE HOKKAIDO SQUID: This is a great size to share and it's not too chewy! Quite delicious! +MINCED CHICKEN W/ YOKE: This minced meatball on a stick comes with a yolk! Don't be scared because it's quite tasty. We broke the yolk and dipped the meatball into it! +CHICKEN TAIL: This was recommended by our waitress and we thoroughly enjoyed this! It was a juicy piece of chicken! +KNEE CARTILAGE: A little crunchy and actually really delicious! Would recommend trying if you're feeling adventurous. -THIGH OYSTER: This was juicy but didn't stand out among the other varieties of chicken pieces. -KARAAGE: It was good because it's fried chicken, but not necessarily different or better than other Japanese restaurants I've tried. -CRAB CROQUETTES: Only came with two on a bed of lettuce, a little expensive for the portion. Though it was creamy and pretty good with the sauce. -PORK BELLY: It was fatty and juicy, as pork belly should be. But didn't stand out among the other varieties of skewers either. All in all, pretty delicious yakitori and would recommend since the atmosphere is enjoyable and the food has a lot of variety if you're feeling adventurous! There's also tables where you sit at a lower table with your legs under it in the ground, similar to how some of the restaurants are in Japan that I've been to. I've also heard about the soba at lunchtime and would love to come and try it. read more

I snagged a spot at the bar on a night before a concert at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley. There are signs throughout Ippuku that show no photos allowed and a few in Japanese that appear to show no cell phones. The staff here seem to speak Japanese well and I spoke a few phrases throughout the night in ordering. I started with a draft beer (duh), an order of tsukemono and the chicken breast skewer with plum. Additionally they served me an appetizer that was cabbage with Kewpie mayonnaise that was absolutely outstanding in its simplicity and nostalgia for me. My grandma used to serve cucumber slices with mayo so this was so good and so addictive. The tsukemono was interesting as it consisted of Wakame and a boiled egg. I wasn't expecting that but it was still delicious. The skewer was perfect and quite filling. Next I ordered the Mochi wrapped in seaweed and soy sauce which was another dish I haven't had since child hood. Eat this carefully or you'll get it stuck in your throat! I also had the rice ball in chicken soup which was comforting and a nice end to the meal. I wish I had had some more time or I would have sampled some of their Japanese whisky as well but didn't wanna be sleeping through the show. Ippuku is a little more expensive than some of the izakaya I've eaten at elsewhere, but the quality is top notch. A lot of their menu items are things I've eaten in Japan or had my grandma make and not as fusion/trendy which I appreciate. This is a gem of a spot and I'm so glad I was able to experience it in my one night in Berkeley. read more

This is a typical yuppie town Berkeley restaurant. I was there yesterday night with a friend of mine who is Japanese and my boyfriend. Thank god we took our friend with us because the drink menu was extensive but we did not quite understand what was what. The atmosphere seemed great. it was very crowded for 8pm on a Thursday night and we had to wait 45 minutes since we did not have reservations. Apparently they started accepting reservations only a week ago so if you want to go make sure to call in first so you don't have to wait like we did. The decor is very sophisticated and I love the fact that the toilets are Japanese style with butt warmers:) They have low tables with tatamis separating the booths, its pretty cute. The service was not too awesome. I actually was not a fan at all but my friend and boyfriend did no seem to mind so much. We were seated at a table but they moved us after 10 minutes to make more space which was nice. We were given some kind of a cabbage and mayo/butter and garlic appetizer(complimentary) but when we switched tables they did not give us another one (we did not get the chance to have the one at the first table). Since we asked for another one the waiter took almost 20 minutes to bring it out and when I requested it again he said he has completely forgotten. When he took our order he also recommended a particular drink to my boyfriend but then when we flagged him down later to order it, he forgot all about it and had to be reminded again. Finally, when our food came out I wanted a fork and they told me they carry absolutely no forks at the restaurant. I know its Japanese, but seriously this is the first place I have been to where they do not carry any other utensils... a little weird. The food was overpriced but nevertheless VERY delicious, which is why I give them a 3 star. The portions were tiny but what we had was good. We ordered a family-style dinner for the three of us which included: buttered potatoes, Crab Croquettes, duck and yellowtail. The fish was fresh and very very yummy. The crab melts in your mouth and is delicious, too bad they only give you two tiny pieces. The potatoes were the only item that was a large portion for $5... maybe because they were simply buttered potatoes. The duck cooked in front of us, they put it on leaf on top on a beautiful little container with charcoal and leave it in front of you. When the miso starts to bubble you are supposed to spread the duck on the leaf and let it cook. It was kind of interesting and the dish was really good. Overall the service was mediocre and the prices were high but the food was really good so I guess that kind of compensated for it. The decor again, is really pretty as well. It is best to order family style so everyone can try bits and pieces of all the dishes because they were surely worth trying! read more

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Wow. Great place. I went here a few weekends back w/ my friend. Ambiance is a A++. Menu is great....had scallion cake, gyoza, green peppers, green beans, and an mess of other items. All good. Sake selection is huge. Must go back. read more

This is a great yakitori place, and one of the best Japanese restaurants in the bay area. The restaurant gave me a feeling that I am back in Japan, and visiting one of my hometown izakayas. Food was great too, but the reason why I don't give five stars today is...they were out of nankotsu and kawa already (we were there around 8pm)...so sad. But definitely I will visit again and try nankotsu and kawa. read more

I was there few days ago with party of 4. The atmosphere is very nice and food was awesome accept a bit too salty. I will definitely come back for the food. However, the service was awful. We were sitting at the tatami table which we needed to take off our shoes. The waitress & waiter were passing the dishes through the space in between my boyfriend & I. After we finished with all the dishes, we have to ask someone to take away some of the empty dishes. The hostess was behind me put her hand next to me and expected me to hand all the empty dishes to her without saying a word. Her attitude was so rude. FOOD-3 stars SERVICE-1 stars Overall-the food is good but don't expect any service. Last of all, the napkins are terrible and very rough. They are using bathroom paper towel. I have to get my own napkins from the car. read more

Ok so this place is super hip and cool. Probably the coolest place in downtown Berkeley. The open bar as soon as you walk in is quite impressive. The bamboo shaded tables make for a very personal experience. They nailed it on the decor and design. Staff is very friendly and attentive. Food, this is where they lost a star with me. Definitely over priced. Probably by a good 20%. It's a heavy on the meat kind of menu. When we went there they were out of a handful of dishes we wanted, including the chef's pick combo. I wasn't impressed that so many items were not available. I'm definitely not into eating a lot of organ meat and I was almost forced to because so many things I wanted weren't available. I'd go again in the hopes that some of the things I wanted to try this time are available, and if I have friends visting this is just a cool place to take them. read more

This place is special. A great place if you're into the quality of the decor, as the interior is finished in phenomenally detail-oriented joinery, live-edge woodworking, and thoughtful design throughout. Such rare attention to the elegant physical space is mirrored by the food, which is excellent. Without a reservation on a Saturday night, it was a 45-55-minute wait, spent ordering an appetizer and sake at the bar. read more

My friend and I went here on last Friday. Everything, the atmosphere, the food, were so good. We ordered the Chicken Skin, Chicken Thigh. Some side dish, karage, uni-pon. A lot sake, beer which are Amazing. All the dishes are kind tiny. So if you looking for something big, then, its not the place you wanna go. read more

Definitely a unique experience and certainly try to make a reservation before coming. I wish I could remember all of the amazing dishes I had, but definitely try their squid ink fried rice and bacon wrapped mochi. Those dishes are to die for! My one gripe is that their skewers make it hard to share dishes for odd numbered groups. It caters to couples or parties of two, so for the most optimal experience, come here with a significant other or a friend. read more

My always favorite. Authentic Japanese Yakitori-ya. Excellent selections of Shochu. One of the very few "best" Japanese eateries in bayarea. Food 5 stats service 5 stars Decor 5 stats read more

Definitely a place to try if you are in Berkeley. Every plates we ordered were tasty. One on my favorits: the calamari and the scallion pancake. Happy to see a Japanese bar that offer good desserts. read more

Ippuku - Bars Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The closest thing you can get from USA Japanese Yakitori! So delicious, services is excellence and if your on a budget you don't have to worry too much about giving a huge tip. read more

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I ate the raw chicken + raw egg yolk dish and I didn't get sick. Yay! They also got great desserts. Chicken heart skewer is also great! read more

If you are ready for an upscale experience for authentic Yakitori (japanese for grilled skewered chicken) and Shochu (distilled spirits from barley, potato, buckwheat, or rice) come to Ippuku. They have converted the interior to bring a very warm feel with all the wood and tatami. And their meats and veggies are cooked to perfection. Something that I discovered during my meals here is that I really enjoy organ meats! My oldest son loves the chicken hearts, for which we fight over. I also enjoyed the liver and gizzards. Also, they have set the standard for how well grilled chicken breast meat can be; done completely tender and juicy. On Monday nights they even have zaru soba (cold buckwheat noodles served with dipping sauce, and green onions, wasabi to add as you choose). If you don't know about Shochu, you can ask your server who is more than happy to give you plenty of information about what to try. We got a sampler and ended up ordering more of what we enjoyed. Great food, great ambiance and service. A must try. read more

What an amazing place. So many great vegan options. My favorite was the Crab Croquette. I went with my mother, a Gourmet Ghetto resident since the 1960's. This place separates itself from the other Japanese restaurants in Berkeley. Definitely worth another visit. read more

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This is my absolute favorite restaurant in the world. I know that sounds like hyperbole, but am 100% sincere. They make simple grilled chicken taste like magic. It doesn't even taste like the chicken you're used to, it's so much better that it's hard to compare it to normal chicken. Even their ramen is as simple as can be -- chicken broth, noodles, and shredded chicken -- but it's one of the best ramens I've ever had. And those are just the chicken dishes. They have so much more, and every. single. thing. tastes amazing. I've never had a bad dish here, even with dishes I would normally never like. We took friends here and ordered some spinach with black sesame, which they didn't initially think much of when they saw it on the menu. They had one taste, then immediately announced they'd buy another order of it because they were going to eat all of the initial order themselves. I also never leave without ordering the squid, since it's both delicious and unique. The vibe is very authentic, too. The same friends mentioned above had just come back from a two-week trip to Japan, and said that it felt exactly like the places they went to there. The bartenders also know their stuff really well, and will tell you all about the Japanese shochu and whiskey. I can't recommend this place highly enough. If you have even a passing interest in Japanese food, go here immediately. read more

Yummmmmy! Fresh chicken, clean ladys room, awesome atmosphere and mostly the best yakitori in town. Their yakitoris run out pretty fast especially after 7ish so try to go early and dont forget to make an appt to save your wait time. read more

I went to Ippuku after they reopened last week. I ate at the bar. I felt safe, the staff all wore masks and customers wore them while not at their tables. I noticed a man going behind the bar, and going to the open kitchen in the back without wearing one. I found out that was the owner -- Chris Geideman. I asked him if he'd consider wearing a mask while walking around the restaurant, and he refused, saying he'd considered it, and that's why he wasn't going to. When I went to talk to him again, he ultimately told me I was watching too much media, I should think for myself, and that if I was so scared I shouldn't have come out. Even more bizarrely, he stated that because he could smell it when I farted, masks don't do anything as "the pathogen is infinitesimally smaller than that". It's really a shame because Ippuku is one of my favorites in the bay, but it's clear that the ownership has no respect for or regard for the safety of its patrons or staff. read more

One of my favorite places in town! They have very authentic Japanese yakitori and the environment is absolutely great. You really have to book in advance to secure a spot since it is super popular. read more

They steal money!!!! I was not planning to give review until I found the waitress (Seria) dishonestly modified the tips on both of my credit cards. I came to have dinner with my friend and I used two credit cards to pay the bill. I put most of the tips on one and the other just put a small amount (totally 13% tips). Later I found that the waitress increased the tips on both credit cards. If it happened on one credit card, I would believe it's a mistake but for two, it's very obviously the waitress is trying to steal money from customer. Although it's not a big amount, but the behavior is not acceptable. Plus, I agree with all the review here that the this place is well over price. Will not come back again. read more

We waited an hour to eat the food here,because they have a Michelin star! Well it didn't make dinner status. Apparently Michelin have dropped their standards. The eel was over cooked and tasted like rubber and the mackerel came after 40 minutes dried out and fishy! I have had better for sure at diners for half the cost! Sake was the only saving grace at 20$ for a "large" read more

Mixed feeling. I am Japanese. Food is decent. Drinks are good. Yakitori is my most favorite and I am glad we have it here. None of my Japanese friends want to go back. Way over priced. The most expensive normal yakitori place in the states. We moved around, Honolulu, Orange county, San Diego, and always had good Yakitori in the city. But price was half or even 1/3 of Ippuku. I wonder why no one else open it up in someplace else. Bay area is just so awful when it comes to food. OK decent food is at fancy price. too fancy! read more

This is a truly original experience. The best things on the menu are the various grilled chicken items. Do not be afraid of the exotic descriptions. Well worth the adventure. read more