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Koko Izakaya

4.2 (74 reviews)
Open 12:00 pm - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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KOKO IZAKAYA ATMOSPHERE

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Dogs allowed
Happy hour specials

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Recommended Reviews - Koko Izakaya

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Rolls a plenty. Baked fancy rolls better, sashimi topped rolls a little too brave for the quality of fish.
Lawrence M.

I wanted so much to like this place. Cool rock n roll sushi vibe, everything looked new, lined up sushi bottles. Nice posters of sushi and donburi in the window. The menu was good, but turned out to be too good to be true. It had some traditional items. We actually came in for Curry Chicken Katsu, which was quite decent. Katsu was nicely breaded, curry was fresh and flavorful. The hot bowl had a Hawaiian looking item: the Spicy Kimchi Tuna Nabe. Or was it just some Korean fusion mashup. Anyways, I asked the guy, and he said it was a popular item. So we tried it out. The thing was more like tofu hotpot, with tuna chunks thrown in. It had glowing red hot oil floating on top. Even with rice, it was a little too spicy for what you'd expect in a Japanese bowl. We didn't finish. They had a lot of rolls, too, so we tried the 3 roll combo. Not bad, not great. Saved $10 off the three. The Jalapeno Bomb Roll was a baked spicy tuna thing, with a creamy topping. I liked this the best. Sexy cassanova and El Camino were more like spicy tuna rainbow roll variations. I guess we were tricked into buying 3 fancy rolls, and we were pretty full. When finishing up, I tried deconstructing the rolls, to eat the "expensive" parts. I have to say, eating the fish itself, sashimi style, revealed the mediocre quality of the fish. Dunno, if you like innovative fusion places, with a fun vibe and friendly service, come give it a try. But looking for familiar dishes, with good quality? Maybe not on a midweek night.

Vinh L.

A new Izakaya style restaurant doing both Korean and Japanese dishes! A very interesting spot - rather than doing fusion they just do both mentioned cuisines. I really like the ambiance/lighting of this spot. They have lot of hanging lanterns that cast a lot of soft light across the whole restaurant. Seating seems decent, if somewhat small. Me and my party of 8 ordered a variety of dishes. Portions at this restaurant were huge! And there's a decent variety of stuff to choose from. The sushi flight is very value for the price, and the holy shit roll was surprisingly very spicy but fun to eat. The Spiderman and the El Camino were pretty standard but definitely good. I also tried some of my friend's katsu curry and while the katsu was a little tough, the curry was very good! I personally ordered a bento box with chicken teriyaki and combo tempura, and it was huge! The tempura was maybe a little thick, but the fresh tempura was super tasty, and the portion of tempura was exceptionally big! I ended up taking over half of my bento home. Overall, I would recommend this spot for their solid food, huge portions and value. Definitely get the sushi flight or the bento boxes.

Chicken curry katsu and sushi combo
Casey V.

Food is great! Fast service and cooking! Great place to dine. There's plenty of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. There's also a great mix of Korean and Japanese cuisine.

Menu
Sheila C.

Great atmosphere inside, and a lot of variety of food. The service is interesting, you order on a screen and pay at the end.

Rose L.

Tried Koko Izakaya a couple days after the name change and new ownership. They're doing 20% off right now for online and in‑store, which is a nice excuse to sample a bunch of dishes. Overall... pretty okay, with hits and misses. Least fave was the beef teriyaki. The meat needed a real sear, so it ate wet and flat, which hurt extra at $28. Agedashi tofu was underseasoned and didn't have that light, crisp shell I expect. Rice and salad were fine. California roll and rainbow roll were basic and pricey, but the fried scallop topping was a fun touch. Beef tongue was cooked nicely, the sauce just didn't land. The spiral sausages were underseasoned but not tragic. Best bite for me was the sake maki. Would I rush back? Probably not. Was it worth a try with the discount? Yeah. If you go, stick to the simpler sushi and the tongue, and maybe skip the teriyaki until the kitchen finds its groove.

Army Soup
Jane T.

I stopped in for lunch for the first time today and was blown away by the service. Shawn, my waiter, was fantastic right from the start. He was so thoughtful--he specifically recommended I take the corner seat by the glass windows, which turned out to be the most comfortable and relaxing spot in the house. On his suggestion, I ordered the Army Soup, and it was delicious. Throughout the meal, Shawn checked in just enough to make sure I was taken care of without being intrusive. The general vibe here is wonderful; it felt really warm and communal. Seeing a mother enjoying a bonding lunch with her son at the next table and groups of friends catching up nearby just added to the great atmosphere. Highly recommend asking for Shawn if you visit! Definitely coming back with the kids!

Chicken skewer and scallop skewer
Ellin C.

Craving Korean and Japanese food? This is the perfect spot because you can get both in the same place. We got the chicken and scallop skewers. The chicken one was the highlight as the meat was fresh and delicious. For the combination bento we ordered tempura and gyoza. The batter on the tempura was thicker than traditional Japanese places. Not a bad thing if you like thick batter. We also got the beef tofu soup which was hearty and good comfort food. The banchan on the side were all right. Overall this place has potential. Currently offering 20 percent off and will eventually have happy hour pricing.

Oysters
Vy T.

*3.9* My boyfriend and I stumbled upon Koko Izakaya while searching for somewhere new to eat. This used to be Sakebomb, but they changed ownership three weeks ago into what it is now. Since it's still their grand opening, they're offering 20% off the entire bill. The service was friendly and prompt. The interior decor stood out to me and made the atmosphere feel homey. The menu's pretty extensive, with a mix of Korean and Japanese dishes so there's probably something for everyone. Food: - Raw oysters: I'm not the biggest fan of chunky oysters so these were a good size. The oysters didn't taste fishy or too briny, and had a subtle amount of creaminess that lingers on your tongue at the end. Half a dozen/$24 - Assorted Skewers (7pcs): This included eggplant, asparagus, shishito peppers, chicken, pork belly, sausage, and shrimp. They weren't anything special as we thought some lacked flavor (ex. asparagus, pork belly, chicken). We definitely were surprised by the small size/quantity of the some of the skewers as this plate was $25. - We tried three of their special rolls - the In & Out Mango Roll ($21), Sexy Casanova Roll ($23), and Titanic Roll ($26). Unfortunately, they didn't live up to expectations. While the fish was clearly fresh, the rolls themselves lacked the creativity or flavor you'd hope for at that price point. Honestly, the prices here are a bit steeper than what I'm used to seeing at Izakayas and regular sushi spots in the South Bay Area.

Kim N.

The ild Sale Bomb sushi te concepted. Seems pretty similar to the old place maybe less sushi? They switcherood July 15 !

Great food. Service is fast
Hendo L.

Foods are very basic and mediocre. Unfortunately for them, bay area is full of good Izakaya places and Japanese food in general. Price here is the same or even slightly more expensive than the other places. No reason to come here. Note that 5 stars review here are mostly in exchange of free drink, you can tell from the short comments they left. We ordered grilled salmon, sushi, and skewers. Skewers are lacking selection and they are all smothered with overly powering generic teriyaki sauce and/or bulgogi sauce you can get at any asian supermarket. They all have one-tone sweet flavors. The skewers don't have smoky taste at all. The sushi is very basic, and lacking fish. The fishes are soo thinly sliced you can barely taste them. At the end of the day, the foods taste like a typical generic "Asian food" that an ignorant American would make. Everything has very basic taste profile and meh texture.

Skewers
Sharon H.

I love a good Japanese restaurant that has all the things, so we can all get what we're craving even when we want different aspects of Japanese food! My husband was craving skewers and curry rice , I wanted a grilled chicken rice bowl , and the kids wanted sushi so this was the perfect spot ! It replaced another Japanese restaurant that used to be in this plaza with Safeway and Michael's. Order from the iPad at the table, though the server was very attentive as well. The menu is huge ranging from bento boxes to curry dishes to rice bowls to udon noodles to hot pot to sushi, etc.. They serve sake, beer, and wine We tried a variety of things and thought everything was good The saba fish was nice and juicy. My husband enjoyed his chicken and shisito pepper skewers and his chicken Katsu curry, though personally I thought the ratio of fried batter skin to actual chicken was too high . The Oyakodon was delicious with super fluffy egg caked over tender chicken . We enjoyed our two sushi rolls - they have an apple amount of options from classic rolls to House signature rolls. The sashimi cuts in the sushi tasted fresh. We'll be back !

Chicken and pork belly skewers
Kate X.

We came here because they had yakotori and nabe on the menu. We got the bulgogi nabe - the soup was slightly sweet and kinda reminded me of sukiyaki. The skewers and tempura were good as well. The restaurant was spacious and good for big and small parties, and the server was very attentive in refilling our water.

Everything was so flavorful. The skewers and tempura were good. Great food and cozy vibe!

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Ambiance is nice for taking date. Good variety on menu. Service was great. No line waiting got seated right away.

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Koko Izakaya Reviews in Other Languages

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Jang Su Jang - Maeun Galbi Jjim ($75) Spicy Braised Beef Short Ribs

Jang Su Jang

3.8(2.3k reviews)
1.4 mi
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Jang Su Jang is one of the Bay Area's few Korean restaurants that still practices classical,…read moretechnique-driven K-BBQ at a level that feels disciplined rather than theatrical. This is not "trendy K-BBQ." This is craft. Premium Beef Sets The two beef platters show exactly why this restaurant has earned its reputation. Cuts are uniform, balanced, and beautifully marbled - not over-trimmed, not sloppy. You can tell each cut was selected with intent. And then comes the part that separates Jang Su Jang from the rest: The Ajeumma Grill Masters The ajumma who handle the grill are true specialists. They adjust heat, angle, and timing with an instinct that can't be engineered - it's earned through years of repetition. Fatty cuts get brief exposure to maximize aroma. Leaner cuts are rested, turned, and finished with restraint. Everything lands at the table tender, glossy, and perfectly rendered. This is the kind of skill you don't fake. Signature "Wang Mandu" Dumplings These oversized dumplings - often associated with Pyongyang/North Korean culinary tradition - are beautifully pleated, delicate, and generously filled. The wrapper stays thin; the interior stays juicy. A standout item, and a rarity in the Bay Area. Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon) A textbook bowl: * Broth clean and chilled * Buckwheat noodles with bounce instead of mush * Two precise slices of beef on top -- tender, thin, and chosen specifically because they don't fight the noodles' texture A lot of restaurants get this wrong; Jang Su Jang gets it exactly right. Spicy Shredded Beef Noodle Soup Deep red broth, long strands of tender shredded beef, and vegetables cut for texture rather than decoration. A bowl built for cold days, and executed with discipline. Service & Atmosphere Service here is closer to Korean fine dining than casual K-BBQ: * Full uniforms * Structured training * Staff who monitor your grill without interrupting * Adjusting cuts based on who's at the table * Cutting, rotating, and finishing the meat so you don't have to guess You feel taken care of - not rushed, not ignored. And yes, you'll leave with a little grill aroma on your clothes. That's the mark of a proper K-BBQ house - an imprint of the experience. A Note on Hanwoo If you truly want to experience Hanwoo, the most direct path is simple: from SFO or SJC, a few hours in the air puts you in Seoul eating the real thing. But within the Bay Area, Jang Su Jang is the closest expression of classical Korean grilling done right. If any restaurant here were to introduce Hanwoo one day, this is the one that deserves to serve it. In a region full of modern, high-tech, all-you-can-eat K-BBQ concepts, Jang Su Jang stands alone as the Bay Area's classical Korean reference point - precise, disciplined, and anchored in real craft. Five stars- on execution alone. - Dr C Only writing for what truly earns the stars.

I usually don't leave reviews, but this experience was beyond disappointing. I normally go to the…read moreMilpitas location where the service and food are consistently good, so I didn't expect this at all. We came in as a party of seven and were seated in a corner where it felt like no one paid attention to us. We had to call the server multiple times just to request side dishes, which made the whole experience frustrating. It honestly felt like we were forgotten most of the time. A few things to note: 1. The attitude of the servers was not welcoming. 2. Side dishes are supposed to be refillable up to three times, but even getting a refill was difficult. I've never experienced service like this before. Definitely not coming back.

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Jang Su Jang - Jang Su Jang - inside bbq seating area

Jang Su Jang - inside bbq seating area

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#NoodlePull

Daeho Kalbi Jjim & Beef Soup

Daeho Kalbi Jjim & Beef Soup

4.4(1.5k reviews)
7.7 mi
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Genuinely so impressed with my experience here and cannot wait to visit again. I stopped by on a…read moreFriday evening, and it was insanely busy. You'll have to wait at least thirty minutes unless you get there extremely early. My party of nine was seated around 45 minutes after we first joined the waitlist. However, we were able to order our food ahead of time. The atmosphere of the restaurant was bustling and noisy, a super fun and casual spot. Our dishes arrived minutes after we sat down, which was impressive. There was also a variety of delicious side dishes, with various types of kimchi. The nine of us split two braised beef short rib dishes - and we were struggling to finish it all. The portion size is massive, which makes sense since it's a pretty penny. The meat was so tender, literally falling off the bone. There were a ton of potatoes, daikon, rice cake, and carrots as well. The entire dish was savory and delicious, pairing perfectly with rice. You can also specify your spice level. The medium spice was a fair amount of spice but not overpowering. I highly recommend getting the cheese on top, it provides a creamy contrast to the sharp flavors of the meat. I'm still thinking about the braised beef short rib - it was just that delicious!

My sister and I ordered the kalbijjim short ribs topped with cheese, and wow--this dish was…read moreabsolutely outstanding. The short ribs were incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone, and the sauce was rich, savory, and deeply flavorful. The melted cheese on top added a creamy, indulgent layer that made the dish even more satisfying. The banchan that came with the meal were delightful and well-prepared, offering a nice variety of flavors that complemented the main dish perfectly. Service was great--friendly, attentive, and welcoming throughout the meal. The restaurant itself is on the smaller side, but it adds to the cozy and intimate dining atmosphere.

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Daeho Kalbi Jjim & Beef Soup - If you come before noon during the weekday, there are several tables open.

If you come before noon during the weekday, there are several tables open.

Daeho Kalbi Jjim & Beef Soup - #1 Braised Short Rib Kalbijjim  (갈비찜.특) $92/Large + $6/Cheese

#1 Braised Short Rib Kalbijjim (갈비찜.특) $92/Large + $6/Cheese

Daeho Kalbi Jjim & Beef Soup - #1 Braised Short Rib Kalbijjim  (갈비찜.특) $92/Large + $6/Cheese

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#1 Braised Short Rib Kalbijjim (갈비찜.특) $92/Large + $6/Cheese

Chungdam

Chungdam

4.0(1.2k reviews)
2.0 mi
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Chungdam is conveniently located at the corner right off El Camino Real. You won't miss its bold…read moresignage with an all-black background and white text. Another landmark is that it's right next to the Super 8 by Wyndham. Both share the parking lot, so finding a spot can be difficult, but there's street parking available too. RESERVATION/HOST I made a reservation for 3 at 7:30PM on a Saturday evening. I'm glad I planned ahead because, upon entering, there were about 5 parties waiting to be seated. My party was greeted warmly and was quickly seated after my reservation was confirmed. SERVICE Very prompt and professional service. The BBQ meats were cooked consistently, and every request was accommodated. FOOD Chungdam focuses on delivering high-quality meats for your Korean BBQ experience. The banchan was delicious! I was surprised that three spicy raw baby crabs were served. To be honest, it was my first time trying it despite hearing about the hype. It paired pretty well with rice. The dressing and condiments were perfect. I appreciated that salt was provided since we ordered all non-marinade meats. The fermented bean curd dip was my favorite. The seafood pancake we ordered took a bit longer to arrive, but it was delicious and crispy! The seafood was cut into perfect bite-sized pieces, so you get seafood in every bite. -USDA PRIME 차돌박이 100z - Cha-Dol (Beef Brisket, Thinly Sliced) -USDA PRIME 생갈비 16oz - Seng Galbi (Non marinaded Prime short rib) -Seafood Pancake Overall, the Korean food was delicious, and the customer service was excellent. We were even greeted when leaving. They offer kimchi for takeout in jars, available in 16oz and 32oz sizes. I particularly enjoyed the kimchi and had it refilled during dinner, so I decided to buy a 16oz jar to enjoy at home.

Wow this place is incredible!! Definitely one of the top KBBQ places in the bay area…read more Ambiance: 10/10 very modern, love the elegant light, perfect for a special occasion! Yangnyeom Galbi : 10/10 just such an incredible cut of meat marinated with the most fragrant sweet soy. It was impressively tender and so easy to eat. Jul Mul Luck : 7/10 the meat was marinated really well, but the meat was definitely chewier than the galbi. Still a solid option. Additional notes on food: I can't believe they provide raw marinated crab as a side dish!! Wow it was incredible and such a nice perk that makes this restaurant stand out. They also provided a pumpkin soup appetizer and two slices of leek pancake. Service: 9/10 There was one server who was really on top of cooking our BBQ, but there was another server who didn't bring us our included complimentary soybean stew with our two orders of meat, even after we asked. I was disappointed.

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Chungdam - Inside (7/1)

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Chungdam - Chungdam Bibimbap

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