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Yakiya

4.5 (271 reviews)
Ultra High-EndBars, Japanese, Barbeque
Open 4:30 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated 3 months ago

Yakiya Photos

Business Info

YAKIYA ATMOSPHERE

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Trendy
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Classy

Recommended Reviews - Yakiya

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Reviews With Photos

Billy is a polished, suave barman
Gary I.

Yakiya are two words meaning grill store which sounds a bit stilted in Japanese. Yakinikuya is the usual default word for a grilled meat restaurant. I then found out this is the high-end restaurant for the Panda Express group using a Japanese format with all things Wagyū (wah ghee yu). Being in Los Ángeles, there are other culinary influences seeping in such as Korean, Argentinean, Indonesian, etc. and of course Chinese. Decor can be described as contemporary East Asian with touches of Japanese Wabi-Sabi understated minimalism & refined Chinese accoutrements such as the gold tone metal chop sticks at the table which continues the motif. There is a bar which was manned by Billy who is a polished, suave barman comfortable and capable enough to perform in a Guide Michelin Trois Étoiles restaurant. He entertained us showing us rare ultra premium Suntory Hibiki Whiskey aged 30 years and Yamazaki Single Malt aged 25 years. 1) Wagyū Smoked Tartare is plush, lush topped with a quail egg yolk and microgreens ceremonially mixed sur la table while there is a wafer of burning Hinoki Japanese Cypress to give off incense like smoke. Placed on a crispy square toast point. 2) Crudité of carrots, crispy cucumber, purple bell pepper with Aka Miso/ red Miso paste. Huge, airy, Indonesian Rengginang/crunchy fried rice chip. 2) Chawan Mushi: A more viscous version of Japanese egg custard soup garnished with woodsy Shītakè (shee tah keh) & what may be Chinese dried Abalone. 3) Miso Black Cod: Sweet white Miso caramelized and cod slightly burnt, sprinkling of Asatsuki/Japanese chives. 4) A5 Zabuton Nigiri: Wildly marbled Kagoshima Wagyū. Zabuton, meaning seat cushion, is the chuck area, located between the neck and the rib of a cow. Plush Zabuton wraps around a small Nigiri of Sushi Rice and topped with Kuki Wasabi/fermented, pickled Wasabi stems. Underlying flavoured soy sauce in the dish. 5) SRF American Wagyū Tongue: Thin disks with hash grill marks chewy yet soft eaten with a flavourful rough chiffonade of green onions, aromatic, toasty sesame oil, sea salt which seems to have Chinese sensibilities. 6) SRF American Wagyū Harami Skirt Steak: Harami means belly meat and it came out pleasantly chewy with good, fatty beefiness. Deliberately cooked to medium to emphasize the chaw. Excellent Chimichurri sauce of green herbs, aged garlic, thick olive oil that complemented the beef. 7) SRF American Wagyū Shortrib: Another wildly but not as marbled, thicker slice that had a pleasant chaw. Used the green onion chiffonade. 8) Wagyū Garlic Rice: Korean Bibimbap like crispy yet moist rice texture augmented with green onions, toasted ground garlic and fatty beefy Umami. Same flavoured soy sauce. Starchy and rich to finish off any hunger present. 1-8a) Kikusui Daiginjō Sakè (sah keh): Using the rare Kikisui Sakè rice, rich body with hints of acid, Kōji/rice earthiness, touch mushroomy, faintly fruity, dry apricot, Japanese Hachiya Persimmon. 8) Yuzu Sorbet with Basil oil: Refreshing mildly bitter sour citrus with slightly musky green herbal. All the staff is very accommodating, welcoming, service oriented. Since they do all the grilling, they instinctively know when to swoop in according to the customers' pace which is amazing. Christian was informative, food knowledgeable, savvy. He helps create a feeling of hospitality that goes a long way in enhancing the Yakiya experience. 4+ stars

Kristie H.

Having visited both locations multiple times, I can confidently say the new spring menu is the best I've experienced at Yakiya. The focus on seasonality is fantastic, and at $128 for 15 courses, the value is unbeatable. Highly recommend!

Rowena B.

Great food experience! Everything was like a work of art-too pretty and delicate to eat. All the food was amazing and tasted delicious. Our server was super nice and very attentive and knowledgeable. We will definitely come back to do the bigger course soon.

Amazing white popping chocolate with Matcha liquid inside
Emily T.

We came as a large party of 12. Everyone was so impressed with the professional service we received. Each dish was presented so beautifully, introduced so professionally , and tasted so amazingly. I was surprised to see a Koi fish in the bottom of my sake cup. Then you know the restaurant care about each customer's dining experience & care for all these little details. All 12 of us walked out of this restaurant satisfied & already are setting a date for our next visit. Great job Yakiya! It's really hard to impress every single one of us and you did it!

Julia H.

Was in the area and decided to try due to the good reviews. Was worried it was going to be like Chubby Cattle which we didn't like. Thank goodness the food was good. Got the original set. Liked how they asked if we all eat raw meat because of the tartare. They were and to substitute for an extra piece of meat for the non raw meat eater. All the food and meats were well seasoned and spot on. The only negative was the rice was at the end was a like bit too sweet. Servers came around often refilling drinks and were friendly as well. If i lived in the area, I would come more often.

Egg with abalone.
Brandon K.

Great service. Didn't have to really do much since the employees here cook for you and always come and check on you. Will come back to try their 11 course menu and see how it defer from the dine in LA special one. Got a few drinks as well to try them out. Their old fashion with the marshmallow was a nice touch and my girlfriend really enjoyed the fog drink. Nice decor inside very modern. Only problem is when I tried calling them to reschedule my reservation that I made a mistake on i didnt get a response when I emailed them and couldn't get through their phone number so I just had to let it go and make another reservation. Which someone would answer or pick up the phone

Ask for off menu drinks
Peter H.

Yakiya is a wonderful Japanese steakhouse specializing in yakiniku (Japanese grilled meats) in a center table grill with smoke free ventilation. We went during Dine LA and had the 8 course menu and every one was A+ delicious. It included premium cuts like Japanese A5 Wagyu, American Wagyu, Prime beef and a cod that was so buttery and flavorful it was as good as the beef. Jimmy our server made the whole visit such an enjoyable experience for our table of 4. He was a great storyteller and imparted a greater appreciation for the preparation and the quality of the beef. Some cuts are sourced directly from Japan. Billy took care of us at the bar and made some delicious cocktails notably the Mr. Miyagi whisky with puréed ginger and sweet fruit essence. Form the moment you gaze at the entrance adorned with colorful Japanese lanterns and step into the softly lit lobby, you can feel the amount of attention it took to create a harmonious space complete with comfortable seating, beautiful premium bar area and tastefully designed dining room. Definitely worth subsequent visits and a place to take your best friends and family.

Crudités with red miso
Ves S.

Came for DineLA! We got the lunch set course for $68 which included tartare, chawanmushi, black cod, A5 zabuton nigiri, Wagyu skirt and short rib, crudités, garlic rice and yuzu sorbet. We added bone marrow to the garlic rice and a A5 ribeye with poached egg. We had reservations and for a set time, as the servers have to prepare some dishes tableside. Most tables seem to also do DineLA so the tables got served the courses together. Nine other dining parties came at the same time as us with three servers taking care which could be a little short staffed. Since we came late by five minutes we were seated last of the time slot and didn't get offered a drink menu. While the dishes seemed small, by the end of the meal we were quite full! The A5 dishes were quite tasty. The Wagyu ones in comparison were less rich but the chimichurri sauce helped. We got some extra dishes not on the menu (Wagyu ribeye and tomatoes) which were a pleasant add! Plenty of parking in the lot shared with Hook burger and various cooperate offices that are not open on weekends.

DineLA January 2026
Cindy C.

Came here for DineLA with two other friends. We each got a drink to pair with our dinner. FOOD I don't think there was a single dish I disliked. Definitely wished I had more of a few things. The miso black cod was delicious. The different meats were flavorful and rich. I really liked that there is a built-in fan for the grill so the smoke doesn't get on your clothes. INTERIOR Definitely trendy vibes. Great spot for date night or just cozy gathering with friends. They had stations that could seat up to 8 people comfortably. SERVICE Attentive! They refilled my water a few times without needing to ask. They also cook the meat for you too. PARKING They have a spacious parking lot so parking was not an issue for us. WOULD I COME BACK? Yessss

Steve F.

Made reservations for Shabu shabu hot pot. We made reservations for 430pm and were so looking forward to hot pot. We arrived at 4:05 and were asked to come back later because they were not open yet. Hours listed in Yelp, google and open table say 10am-11pm on Sundays. We came back at 430pm and saw many diners already seated starting their meals. That didn't feel good. We were then seated at a grill and when asked about the hot pot, which I selected as part of the reservation, we were told that they aren't serving hot pot on Sunday, because it's Mother's Day. The website, Yelp or Open Table did not specify that at all. When I told them that I selected the shabu on the reservation, they told me that is just the general seating, has nothing to do with the meal you get. What?! See the hours and the reservation below. This is our second time trying to have hot pot here, the last time we were turned away on another Sunday at 2pm with customers eating in the restaurant we were,told they close from 2pm-4pm to clean. I guess we aren't welcome here.

Tartare with uni with honey bread. burning bamboo is meant to do some kind of smoking to the dish (didn't do anything)
Wei C.

We did a dineLA meal with the grilled meats. Servers were procedural and friendly. The grilling is all customers hands free and prepared for you by the staff. Design inside is darker and seems modern. Good for a date night. Every dish was really good and enjoyable. Beef consistently had marbled wagyu fat that melts comfortably. The fish came out juicy and buttery. There was not really any dishes that I did not enjoy. Everything was presented neatly. I guess the only awkward part was my utensils getting taken before I was finished on the last dish. Not a big deal, they have me another fork.

Chawammushi, mushroom and scallop
Jeffrey Y.

Great service and value for the Original Tasting Menu from the team that brought you the Panda Inn and Express! We went for dinner on a rainy Saturday, lured in by the exotic cuts of beef on a reasonably priced tasting menu. Was it worth it at this famous Japanese beef concept resto? Short answer is yes, and we will be back, having been sucked in by the sleek but classy casual luxe vibe with its gold and yellow hues contrasting with dark stone. But let's find out more about what we ate, if I can remember (it's 15 courses, but the menu doesn't quite match what you might actually get)... Amuse bouche. Right off the bat, a strong starter. If you dig raw meat tartare, this does not disappoint. The tartlet was a nice little bite, and the pastry was crunchy, pairing well with the sour beef. Running tandem with a more classic raw egg shooter wrapped in nori, and you got a winner with the creamy yolk enhancing the meat. Recommend even if you don't normally do raw meat dishes, and they will ask you up front if you can handle it. Wagyu tataki. Thin beef slice with nice sour vinegar dressing. Served with smoke jar, and so the flavor is very much infused with it. Maybe off putting to some since it is fairly pronounced. Chawanmushi. Might have crab flavor in it, but it was definitely the best chawanmushi I've ever had. Super silky smooth, this dish takes it next level with its superior texture. Served with the seafood broth, scallop, and mushroom, this is a treat between meat courses. Miso sea bass. We love sea bass, and we have had miso-glazed salmon before. But this sea bass is infused with it. Cooked perfectly with its flaky soft meat and with a sweet char caramelization on top, this a delicious seafood course that you don't want to miss. Wagyu "sushi". Think nigiri but with grilled beef. The server cooks this one for you before wrapping it around vinegared sushi rice with some real wasabi. Unlike common fake horseradish wasabi, this is not spicy harsh but pleasantly sweet with, wet, and only a hint of heat. Tasty and so fatty, a delicious course with rice, whetting the appetite for more cooked beef to come... Wagyu with onsen egg. A creamy luxury of a dish, the server cooks the meat and egg separately on the grill. When eating, you coat the meat with the runny egg mix for superb bite of creamy beef infused with soy sauce. Fruit palate cleanser. A small dish of wet candied yuzu, wakamomo (sweet picked baby pears), and yamamomo (sweet pickled Chinese bay berries). Delightfully sweet and sour trio. Side dish of veggies. Carrot sticks, cucumber, and lettuce served with a super tasty miso dip. Also comes with a giant rice cracker. Refillable! (We did.) Beef tongue. Server grilled and served it with a slightly sweet and slightly sour green Japanese chimichurri, this was very fatty tongue. Super soft because it's Wagyu. Wagyu platter. Three different meats, each one increasing into fattiness. Server grilled each one to your liking. The filet is left as the last piece to be served on the final meat course before dessert... The garlic miso bone marrow rice. A fantastic savory finisher. The server mixes the bone marrow and miso paste into the rice, and it comes out like fried rice. Then the server places the filet on top like a steak donburi. Meat is so soft you can just bite it with chopsticks as you pair each one with a mouthful of fatty rice. Best food combo, steak and rice, of course. Dessert. The yuzu sorbet (my fave) was sweet and sour with bitter notes, covered a sweet matcha sauce. But the matcha bomb, a white chocolate shell, explodes matcha in your mouth when you bite into it for a fantastic meal finish. Overall, definite recommend. Get the original tasting menu if you can spend the time and have the room for it. It's a great value for the experience and what you get. Until next time!

Clean table layout
Karen L.

I haven't been to Yakiya in a while but this was such a good meal. I did the standard 15 course for a birthday dinner and it flies by. Plus they did a great job in dish portions so I didn't feel overly stuffed by the end of this. Every dish was solid and I have such a hard time picking a favorite! Maybe if I had to pick, the Zabuton nigiri was nicely paired with the fresh wasabi and nori powder. Many of the beef cuts were very tender. Dessert was a nice sorbet to lighten up the heaviness from the meal, and they added a birthday cracker. Plus the chocolate was so cool for dessert. It explodes in your mouth but in a good way! Highly recommend for any occasions and easy to get in and out of, with ample parking in the lot.

Black cod

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Food was great the service was great too but a bit loud have to shout across the table to talk to people

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Everything was great with great service and staff with great food. Awesome drinks menu, perfect spot

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Page 4 of 7

Ask the Community - Yakiya

Hi. Anyone know the all month 10 course is mean August or till end of September ? I just saw the promotion in FB. Thanks. Aug 22. 2025

I think the end of Aug., but may extend it. Call the restaurant directly for confirmation!

What is the dress code for this restaurant? Are shorts okay?

No dress code. You can even choose to sit at a patio dining for less noise!

What is the difference of yakiniku dinning room with shabuya dinning room?

Yakiniku is BBQ, Shabuya is Hot pot

Are food allergies addressed and honored?

Not all the time. What restaurant put on their menu that they add MSG? I am highly allergic to MSG and trust me when somebody doesn't put it on their menu. I suffer from it.. I get the wonderful trip to the hospital.… Read more

Do the guests cook the meals themselves or is someone cooking it for them table side?

They cook for you.

How much is set meal?

It's $128 per person (plus tax and gratuity).

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Wild Parrot Brewing Company - Great pretzel!

Wild Parrot Brewing Company

4.6(143 reviews)
1.3 mi
$$

Had a very lovely experience yesterday at the Wild Parrot Brewing Company for the Pup Culture…read moreRescue event on the patio. The Brewery has a large parking lot however it gets full pretty quickly, if you get lucky you can also find some parking in the neighborhood street adjacent, or there is street parking for 2 hours on the main street. Yesterday was a pretty packed day, the main back patio with umbrellas was packed with people as there was an artist doing doggy portraits on that side. The back patio is disconnected from the brewery so you have to walk back and forth if you want to refill. I would say that side is more in the sun, so even with umbrellas it's a bit hotter on that side. The brewery is pretty cool inside, they have two separate bars to order from, one is the Beer bar, and one is the coffee/tea/ other things bar. I tried their Shibuya rice lager which was ice cold and very refreshing for a hot day. Our group also ordered the Really big pretzel, and Nachos which were pretty delicious. Finally, there is the front patio which faces the main street, and was fully in the shade. It is quite small with about 4 tables, but the sidewalk has quite a bit of foot traffic, and this is where we were able to set up camp with the fosters to mingle and meet with people who wanted to meet the doggies. When a breeze goes by, it is so refreshing and it's pretty nice on that front patio! I love that Wild Parrot Brewing company is dog friendly and the staff is extremely friendly and attentive. Thank you for hosting Pup Culture Rescue! A little shameless plug, my foster is Drew the Shar Pei, he is a bone faced Shar Pei, 42 lbs, very sweet, gentle, and very loving and as of this post he is still looking for a family to call his own!

Girl scout cookie flight day! Excellent service by Austin and Chelsea, they gave samples of beer so…read moreI can select a beer that matches my tastes. I say go with the cactus kooler if you want something sweet and fruity. That's my favorite here serious best brewery in Pasadena! The day I happened to enjoy a nice afternoon here they had a girl scout cookie paring. Shibuya with the Trefoil and then Jamie bravo with the Lemon up then finally late train with Exploremore. Perfect pairings, every single bite and sip!

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Wild Parrot Brewing Company - Hazy IPA 4-pack to take home

Hazy IPA 4-pack to take home

Wild Parrot Brewing Company - Chicken Nachos

Chicken Nachos

Wild Parrot Brewing Company - Spinach dip delish!

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Spinach dip delish!

Osa Rooftop - Beet salad with whipped goat cheese - very good - Zinfandel & Swift Relief -

Osa Rooftop

3.9(321 reviews)
3.3 mi

recently went with my husband for date night and the service was so good! our server took the time…read moreto explain each dish, and constitute odd in on us. the ambience is 10/10. such a beautiful view and the entire restaurant was such a luxe experience. also prices on food was so good for the quality you get. YOU MUST GET THE MEATBALLS FOR AN APPETIZER. JUST TRUST ME AND THANK ME LATER. all in all, an amazing experience and I will forsure be back!

Stayed at the hotel and ended up eating here during my trip. Honestly, the food was so good we kept…read moreordering more dishes just to try everything on the menu. The burger was great, the tuna tartare was super fresh, the salmon crudo was excellent, and pretty much everything we tried was a hit. You can tell a lot of thought went into both the flavors and presentation. I booked reservations right around 6:30 PM specifically to catch the sunset views from the rooftop, and it was absolutely worth it. The atmosphere up there during golden hour is really nice, especially overlooking Pasadena with a drink and good food. Definitely feels upscale and stylish without trying too hard. Service was friendly and the overall vibe made it easy to relax and enjoy the evening. The only part of the experience that felt a little unusual was the payment process when charging the meal to my hotel room. I was asked to provide ID despite already being a registered guest at the property. I've been staying at Marriott hotels for well over a decade, including higher-end brands and resorts, and this was honestly the first time I've encountered that. I even asked about it and was told it was because sometimes people "forget they aren't guests at the hotel" when trying to charge meals to rooms. The staff member was polite, but the explanation honestly felt a bit odd and made the interaction feel slightly uncomfortable compared to what I'm used to at Marriott properties. That aside, I'd definitely come back. Great rooftop spot for dinner, drinks, sunset views, and a really solid date night atmosphere in Pasadena.

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Osa Rooftop - Pear burrata salad

Pear burrata salad

Osa Rooftop - Tostones

Tostones

Osa Rooftop - Steak Frites

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Steak Frites

The 1894 - Gets super busy - Friday evening around 530pm

The 1894

4.5(72 reviews)
3.1 mi
$$

If you love books, wine, and that cozy intellectual vibe, 1894 is an absolute must-visit in…read morePasadena. This bar is tucked inside Vroman's Bookstore (already one of the most charming and iconic bookstores in the area) so the entire experience feels like stepping into a warm, literary universe. You can browse for a new book, take in the bookstore's atmosphere, and then walk straight into the bar. Honestly, it's the perfect outing. What makes 1894 truly special is how intentionally it celebrates literature. Everything in the bar pays homage to the bookstore. The drink menu is full of clever, book-inspired names. You'll find cocktails like Pride and PearJudice Pride, Fifty Shades of Earl Grey, and other fun literary twists. Every drink feels like a little wink to readers, writers, and book lovers, and it adds such a unique charm to the experience. The vibe is super quaint and warm, dim lighting, and a creative atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours. The wine is on the pricier side ($19-$21 per glass), but the quality delivers. Customer service was excellent. One of the bartenders spent time chatting with us. He pointed out a chalk artwork behind the bar a dramatic portrait he drew himself featuring expressive, literary-style faces, like Edgar Allan Poe, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, etc. It fits perfectly with the creative, bookish aesthetic of the bar. If you're into books, wine, and unique experiences, 1894 is a spot you absolutely can't miss. Perfect for a date, a solo unwind-with-a-book moment, or a fun night with friends who appreciate a good story and a great drink.

Cute little place inside Vroman's to get a glass of wine and read! I saw that they have live jazz…read moremusic on Thursdays sometimes so I hope to check that out. Good ambiance!

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The 1894 - French Pilsner and truffle popcorn

French Pilsner and truffle popcorn

The 1894 - 2 drinks trying to get "picked up"  Floral Spritz & Pride & Pearjudice

2 drinks trying to get "picked up" Floral Spritz & Pride & Pearjudice

The 1894 - The Warm Brie & Baguette with honey - absolutely fantastic!!

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The Warm Brie & Baguette with honey - absolutely fantastic!!

T. Boyles Tavern - Corned beef sandwhich with fries

T. Boyles Tavern

4.0(438 reviews)
2.8 mi
$$

It was a beautiful Sunday in Pasadena and after a few hours of running errands we found ourselves…read morecraving burgers. With the many food options in this city, we try to enjoy new places. T. Boyles Tavern felt like a pub speakeasy, tucked away the way all good gems are. From entrance to table, we were pleasantly surprised. The door alone felt like entering what could become your new favorite fast burger fix, without tasting like fast food may I add. The two story tavern was bustling with what seemed to be different tables of friends, which made me wonder if this is what Cheers felt like, all while everyone watched Sunday football. We ordered at the bar, a Cowboy Smash Burger for me, Smash Sliders for the Mr, and sweet chili wings to start, with the right crisp on them. Service was clear, accommodating, and fast. I think we got our food within ten to fifteen minutes. We will definitely be back for the food and the family vibes T. Boyles offers.

The only T. Boyle I know is T. C. Boyle, so maybe it's fitting I went to T. Boyle's Tavern with a…read morebunch of novelists after a book event at Vroman's. It was a great place for some casual, mildly literary drinking on a Thursday night. The bar was in an alley, and I was happy to find free, easy street parking right outside the alley entrance. The alley was well lit enough that it didn't feel sketchy, though if I were inclined to beat someone up, this would probably be a convenient place to do it. The space was slightly below ground, down a flight of stairs from the alley. It felt like an Irish pub/sports bar with a tap list of California beers in addition to Coors Light and Guinness. Service was friendly and reasonably fast. I had a Made West Hazy IPA and a Pizza Port Amber, both of which I've had and enjoyed several times in several places over the years. I also ate some fries that were lying around, probably but not certainly by someone I at least sort of know. They weren't bad. I live kind of far from Pasadena and T. Boyle's isn't a destination bar, but I'd come back for another round or two after Vroman's. It's a comfortable spot with good draft beer, where you can relax and have some conversations.

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T. Boyles Tavern - The bar.

The bar.

T. Boyles Tavern
T. Boyles Tavern - One good place.

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One good place.

The Blind Donkey - Highland Park 18, Laphroaig Cairdeas, top right- For What it's worth- top left - Pear Necessities

The Blind Donkey

4.0(713 reviews)
3.9 mi
$$

We came here for a casual dinner on a Sunday night and the Blind Donkey did not disappoint. We sat…read moreoutside because we brought our dog and there was no one else out there! The menu was scanned via QR code and it was easy enough to access. We both got burgers, mine was a beyond patty and my fiancé got a beef one. The food came so quickly and the French fries were DELICIOUS. I've been looking for a new favorite fry since Pizza of Venice was lost in the Eaton Fire and I think these may be it! Funny that we didn't try the drinks or spend time inside at the bar but from sitting outside on a cold winter night, I can only imagine the inside is even more fun!

I've been to this bar multiple times and have always had a good experience, which is why what…read morehappened yesterday around 5 PM was so surprising and upsetting. When we walked in, there was a tall, bald male bartender and a blonde female bartender working--neither of whom I've seen here before. We ordered two drinks, but the service from the male bartender was inattentive from the start. At one point, my friend tried to get someone's attention to ask for a lime and wasn't acknowledged. She ended up grabbing a lime herself from the garnish tray--which I understand isn't ideal--but the response we got was completely out of line. The male bartender became immediately hostile and started aggressively cursing at my friend. When I calmly asked the female bartender if this was normal behavior, he inserted himself into the conversation and said, "she put her fucking hand in the fucking jar," in a very confrontational tone. I tried to de-escalate the situation and respectfully explained that there was no reason to speak to us that way, but he continued the hostility and ultimately told us to "get the fuck out." At that point, I paid for our drinks and we left. What made this especially disappointing is that this has never been our experience here before. We've always enjoyed this bar and have had positive interactions with the regular staff. If this had been my first visit, I would not come back. I understand that what my friend did wasn't appropriate, but it absolutely did not justify being yelled at and cursed out. I hope management addresses this, because this kind of behavior is not reflective of the bar I've come to know.

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The Blind Donkey - Whiskey selections

Whiskey selections

The Blind Donkey - Triple-fried Fries

Triple-fried Fries

The Blind Donkey - Hatchet job

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Hatchet job

Magnolia House

Magnolia House

3.9(1.6k reviews)
3.0 mi
$$

I've heard some good things about this place and from other fellow yelpers friends, it must be…read moreworth it. Had a dinner reservation with some girlfriends celebrating two of their birthdays. The restaurant itself isn't too big but it does a pack a nice punch. Cute patio out front that takes some of the sidewalks and streets. Plenty of heat lamps which helped with the chilly nights. We got seated at one of the tables on the patios which was nice. Didn't really utilize inside area except for the restroom which it's quite cute in there. The rooms were pretty well decorated and executed. Nice bar area too. Like mentioned, we got seated on the patio and the heat lamps were great. Down to the menus, it's quite limited on dishes. Seemed like there were more shared plates versus the entrees. Drinks, it was fairly decent with their cocktails and wine. Service at the beginning was great. The staff were amazing and very friendly. We didn't order right away as we were still waiting for the last one to show. But did start off with some drinks. It didn't take that long for the first round which was nice. Food wise, the shared plate was a mixture of everything. Some of the olives, which is exactly what it is. The Belgian fries, nice thick cut fries with shredded pecorino cheese and a nice aioli sauce. We ended up getting a second order of it. The albacore tuna crudo was a hit which was really tasty. Chili ginger relish, mint and shallot, can't go wrong with that. Lastly the meatballs, tasty and very great for sharing. Entrees, the pan seared sea bass which I loved. Portion is pretty tiny which also seemed like they were a shared plate. Almost tapas styled. Nice chimichurri sauce and a side salad. The chicken Milanese also with a side salad of arugula. Simple dish but quite tasty. One of the salads that was somewhat hyped up by the waitress but it was just a salad. Decent but nothing major to rave about...lol... also the confit oyster mushrooms was major hit. Something that simple but quite tasty. And lastly the pan con tomate, rustic sourdough with tomatoes and burrata. Tasty as well. Overall the meal was good. From there, the second round of drinks did take a long time to arrive and with then plates that we shared, trying to get someone to clear the plates was another thing. Took a long for someone to clear the table before more items came. Even when the entrees came, all the empty starter plates were still there. And if someone did clear the plates, some was still left on the table. Finishing off the night, we did have the dessert which we tried all three. As it was two of our girlfriends birthday, they brought out a little bubbly for us to celebrate with the dessert. That was quite sweet and nice. Honestly opinion with the dessert, they were just ok. Nothing major to rave about. We tried all three on the menu and they were just ok. Overall, the food was great. Service was nice and the staffs were all very friendly. It did take a while for plates to get cleared from the table and second round did take a while, but it was manageable. It was a sweet gesture with the bubbly with the dessert which was greatly appreciated. The place is nice and great for catching up. Menu is limited and portions are quite small. You would have to get a good amount for sharing. Entrees, depending on what you order is small as well. But we enjoyed ourself.

Service: 5 stars, our server Kiana was outstanding. I troubled her for a glass of ice, she…read morebrought me a glass of ice and filled it with water for me and said I filled it with water for you! She read my mind and knew without me saying. They serve lukewarm water and the a/c was on but was not on ..if u catch my drift. The front hostess was also phenomenal, I had reservation for outdoor seating but since she saw that the sun was like glaring, she asked if I wanted to change to inside. Very obliging and accommodating. Food: 5 stars, surprisingly good, right amount for us. I was full but I can see where other reviewers say portions are small. It's small if u're a heavy eater. But the quality is definitely there. Ambiance: trendy, high energy, casual vibes where u can lounge and have a beer while munching on fries...or u can choose to be poshy and have a glass of wine with a salad and Chilean sea bass. It's flexible to accommodate both as there are different sections. Parking: street metered 1 hour parking. 3 stars, not their fault but 1 hour is simply not enough. It can get super busy and the server can be pulled left and right, so cut them some slack during super busy hours. Will definitely be back. Highly recommended .

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Magnolia House - Now Serving Coffee Monday - Friday at 7:30am

Now Serving Coffee Monday - Friday at 7:30am

Magnolia House - Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 - 6:30PM. Enjoy $5 wine & local draft beers, $6 well drinks & $6 House Sangria, and more

Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 - 6:30PM. Enjoy $5 wine & local draft beers, $6 well drinks & $6 House Sangria, and more

Magnolia House - Private Lounge Area - For event inquiries, send an email to: events@themaghouse.com

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Private Lounge Area - For event inquiries, send an email to: events@themaghouse.com

Yakiya - bars - Updated May 2026

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