Yasukos has been around for decades in Seattle and once had several locations. If you went to Seattle University in the late 1990's you'd understand. Now the owners have it down to one location in Queen Anne on the corner of Dravus and 15th. It has also been here now for several years. The most important thing of Yasuko's is CONSISTENCY! It has been the same teriyaki, the same way for almost 30 years, regardless of what location you visited. My favorite (as well as everyone elses) is the Pork Teriyaki. Basted and freshly cut with their special brand of Teriyaki sauce. They also have other favorites like their boneless chicken (chicken breast is separate and just a little bit more). Their half chicken is also visually stunning, and tasty with the sauce. They do have their beef teriyaki that is sliced. There is no steak or short rib option of you're wondering. They keep it simple, outstandingly tasty. They are open from 11am to 9pm daily. And be kind to the staff. There are no more than three of them (typically two) and they are the same people year after year, delivering the consistency on the best tasting teriyaki in Seattle - in my humblest opinion. Be advised, the dining area is spartan, and very straightforward utilitarian. But its all you need. Come on down and enjoy! read more

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So yummy! I live down the street and wanted teriyaki for dinner, so we went on a little walk over there. There were incredibly kind to me and continued to wave to my niece and dog who were waiting outside with my wife. The food was 10/10 (besides the fact that there's no dressing for the cabbage salad lol). Will absolutely call in again :) read more

Food was not made fresh to order like most spots. Food was premade and just put in a box. Total time from order to receiving food was probably 3 min. Seasoning for the spicy teriyaki chicken tasted more like American bbq seasoning on top of chicken than teriyaki chicken. The chicken was also very dry. The beef came scooped from a pot and is not grilled either. It's pretty heavy on the ginger. This is NOT seattle style teriyaki for those looking for that. read more

One of my long time favorite teriyaki restaurants. I've been going to a Yasuko's for thirty years. My favorite is the teriyaki pork. Lot of meat and sauce on the rice. Crunchy pickled cabbage. I hope they never leave. read more

I was recommended Yasuko's by an esteemed colleague and friend. He told me that they went far and above any ordinary establishment by using a half chicken instead of the standard chicken thighs. I was sold, get me in there!!! Turns out that you have to call ahead or show up very early to get a half chicken because the dish is so popular and they are a labor of love to make. Seems like this is a one-man show, and the one man himself is electric. Not only does he seem like a chill dude, but he's slinging these plates together with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The downside of that speed is that you're getting chicken that has been sitting in a warming tray for a while. I could see him pull it out of there and was a little disappointed. That gives it a lack of fresh off the grill flavor, and major dryness. The salad comes out of a big white paint bucket, which made me feel a little uneasy. I think that the dressing is just a bunch of vinegar. If you're looking for a quick bite then this is an ok place to go, but there are much better places close by in Fremont, Ballard and Wallingford. I would love to come back and try the half chicken, though. read more

Yasuko's Teriyaki - Spicy teriyaki - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Yasuko's is the OG teriyaki joint in Seattle. Hands down. I've been coming here since I was in middle school (late 80s people) and it is still as good as it was back in the day. I'm a bit of a teriyaki snob - I consider a good teriyaki joint one where you don't need sauce (and the said sauce at other places is way too sticky and thick, too sweet and has that phoney ginger flavor). Yasuko's sauce is perfectly balanced, not thick, not too sweet and the original chicken is perfectly charred (yes, I said charred, not grilled because in my opinion you need those little black bits. Period.). Even though I currently live in Bothell, I will travel into Interbay just to get my Teriyaki fix. No one else does what Yasuko's does. If you are in town and want try the original, OG teriyaki joint in the city where Seattle style teriyaki was born, Yasuko's is your place. Support local - support small business - support family run shops - go to Yasuko's. Thank me later. read more

Yasuko's Teriyaki - The OG - Chicken Teriyaki (no rice, just cabbage slaw) with extra chicken. Yes, I ate it all. - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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My favorite teriyaki in Seattle. This is a take-out spot -- while there are a few tables where you could eat, the atmosphere is functional and unappealing -- don't let that stop you -- the food is great. The chicken teriyaki is grilled with flavor -- no need to add sauce on top. I prefer the dark meat chicken (more flavor), but the breast meat is good too. The rice is good, and has just enough sauce. The salad is a cabbage salad with a slightly sweet vinegar dressing - I really like it (it's not coleslaw), but it may not be to everyone's taste. Since I no longer live close to Interbay, I don't get here often -- I find myself wishing that the teriyaki places that are closer to me were anywhere near as good. When you order, the food is ready very quickly - unless you're ordering at prime time (when there could be a line), I'd wait until you get there to order, so as to get the freshest food. The people who I presume are the owners (rather than staff) are friendly and helpful. If you need some kind of tweak (some sauce, or extra meat or whatever) they are more than willing to help. Whenever I want teriyaki in Seattle, this is the place I want to go to (unless getting over to Interbay is hard because of commuting-time traffic, and sometimes, even then it's worth the cross-town struggle). read more

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Local Seattle Teriyaki gem run by the most amazing people! Stop in for a visit and you won't be disappointed! This is classic Seattle Teriyaki and it's delicious. The prices are great and the service is super friendly. Highly recommend! read more

Yasuko's Teriyaki - Dark Meat (Regular) Chicken Teriyaki - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I don't know if this establishment changed ownership or not since 2007 - 2008, but it and the establishment that closed down located on Broadway & James served the best teriyake EVER!!! This is a small establishment, nothing fancy at all, and best suited for to-go food, because there's really not room to sit and enjoy your meal, same as was the one located on Capital Hill on Broadway. When you enter, you're eagerly greeted to take your order and payment is expected immediately. I don't know if this location was affiliated with that location on Broadway with the same name, or not, but it used to serve the same delicious, high quality teriyaki. I went this evening and purchased the chicken breast teriyaki. When I got home and ready to eat it, it was in very small cut up pieces and very dried out. The chicken breast there used to be fresh, moist, delicious, and in good sized pieces - I was shocked at the appearance! Maybe it was because I aske that the meat not be burnt, and she, the owner I suppose, said something to him about my request but not in English. I'm taking it back tomorrow in hopes they will honor me by replacing it with the quality chicken breast they used to serve, what I expected and what I paid for, or by refunding my money. I paid for extra, and I recall she told me it's just a little more because the chicken is very expensive. It was a little before closing time and I wonder if that is why the chicken breast meat was so dry - I couldn't eat it! I did try to at least eat some of the rice, I was hungry!!! read more

Yasuko's Teriyaki - Chicken Breast Teriyaki - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I used to eat this place when I lived in Seattle near Seattle university. They moved to this new location years ago, but I never get a chance to try till now. Parking: free street parking. Restroom: 1 gender neutral restroom Most people order to go. I think I was the only one who dine in. Ordered: 1 combo pork and chicken 1 chicken . I wanted the half chicken, but they don't have it. Bummer. The taste is still the same. Portion is small of course. Overall ok. Location is not the best. The restaurant us just another teriyaki. Quiet, customers come in and out only. read more

I've been eating at Yasuko's since the late 90's. They had about 5 locations and all were amazing. I lived in CA for 12 years and couldn't find teriyaki this good. Every time I was in Seattle I would make a pilgrimage for tasty foods. It pains me that the only location left was the first I went to on the back side of Queen Anne hill. I absolutely love half cabbage, half rice, with dark chicken meat. I live in Bellingham now and still make the pilgrimage every time im read more

Been coming here for many many years. Our favorite is the half chicken, bone in, succulent and delicious. It harkens back to the early days of Chicken Teriyaki in Seattle. The half chicken option is now a rarity as it has been eclipsed by boneless chicken breast, which is OK at this location but is often rather dry and less tasty. Call ahead to make sure this option is available. Pork teriyaki is our second favorite and beef our least favorite. read more

Missed the Style of homemade sauce and Chicken and pork See other post as I posted couple weeks ago read more

Yasuko's Teriyaki - Chicken and Pork - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This past Sunday, I stopped by Yausko's Teriyaki because it was one of the very few teriyaki spots open on Sunday. Upon entering, their staff was welcoming and patient with me as it was my first time there. Since their menu had limited choices, it was easy to decide, so I ordered the spicy chicken teriyaki. The dining atmosphere, more suited for a quick bite on the go, featured minimal seating arrangements for those preferring to linger. While the Spicy Chicken Teriyaki was flavorful, it lacked the anticipated spiciness, prompting me to use the Siracha sauce they had on hand. Additionally, the price tag that comes with the teriyaki is a bit steep at $16; I would return if I had a craving for it on a Sunday. read more

Yasuko's Teriyaki - Spicy Chicken Teriyaki - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I have been getting dinner to go from this establishment for many years, however, this last time I encountered a language barrier, which was ultimately able to resolve. I'm glad that happened because the meal was delicious. read more

This food was so good, the chicken was cooked perfectly. The teriyaki sauce is delicious. The service is incredibly quick. The place is super clean and welcoming. There is local events neatly posted everywhere. The staff is super attentive and friendly. read more

Very good teriyaki here. Very simple menu. Order ahead due to limited parking. The cabbage is amazing and compliments everything. We will definitely be going back. read more

The best roasted pork teriyaki in town, and I've been to a dozen places at least! This is always moist and succulent, with simple rice and cabbage salad that seem perfect accompaniments. Others are always pallid, dry and tasteless. Since moving away I've looked all over and haven't found any better. read more

Yasuko worked for Toshi's original restaurant on Roy St in Uptown, who is credited with the teriyaki trend in Seattle. 1 of the last places that still sells the 1/2 chicken with leg, thigh, & wing dark meat attached. Dark meat is tastier because it's closer to the bone & gets more blood. Need to call ahead & reserve because it sells out & just left with breast which I only like on a woman. Koreans changed it to dry a$$ breast & have to make up for the dryness with all the teriyaki sauce. I introduced it to a friend and another friend walked in & recognized the smell. He often went to the former 1st Hill location. This is the last Yasuko's left and place for classic Seattle teriyaki! BTW- there's a cannabis shop next door too. read more

This is a pretty good Teri joint! I try to eat there when I occasionally work in the area. Well I get take out at least as it's not the best place to dine in. I always have the pork teriyaki. It's reliably moist and pretty good serving with rice and slaw. They go heavy on sauce. Decent pricing. Keep thinking of trying the curry but I always get my usual. read more

After being a customer for many years, dating back to 1980. I have visited James and Broadway, West Seattle, Green Lake, and Lower Queen Anne stores. Last night I went to the only store left, and I was shocked at the staff. The woman was very hard to understand. She told me my order would be $27.50. So I gave her two $20.00 bills. The change I received was $2.50. I looked at my change and said, "i gave you two $ 20.00. then she pointed at the card reader $37.50. i said to her, sorry, i heard $27.50. then the guy cutting up the pork started yelling at me. "you said the price to high," i told him, "i didn't hear the gal say $37.50. I noticed raw chicken sitting near the sink, just sitting out. I asked myself, "Wow, how long has that been out of the fridge? How many flies have landed on that raw chicken? #1 Not using a regular cash register, #2 rude staff, #3 even the price board has old prices handwritten, #4 even though it's a dive restaurant, the health department issues a violation for leaving raw food out for several minutes to hours? near a sink, which is not a clean prep area for raw food. When I was younger, I worked in a kitchen at a nursing home. I had a food preparation/ servers card from the health department. I know how food should be prepared. Plus, I have been in the health industry for 29 years. I bet Chef Ramsay would be appalled at how this kitchen is being run. All of the other stores that are not closed never treated guests the way these two did to me last night. I knew the man who retired from the James and Broadway store would call us by name and greet us with a smile every time we entered the store. He retired after 30 years in business. These two didn't even say "hello". They look at you, but don't greet you. I said to the guy yelling at me," Give me my food." All he said was, "No, you get out." "You say too high," I told him I paid for my food." I'm never going back. After being a customer for over 40 years! My next call is to the health department about leaving raw food near a sink, which is not a clean area for food prep. Finally, the gal gave me my money back but shorted me $0.25. She gave me $37.25 when it should have been $37.50. I had the other $2.50. What I was given back is $39.75, not the two $20.00 I gave her. I don't care if it was a $20.00, a $10.00, and 2 $1.00's and a quarter, or it should be another $0.25 Never again will I buy from what used to be the best teriyaki in town. read more

I love this place. It's a hole in the wall, but the food is always good and served fast. I remember the original Yasuko's in Capitol Hill in the 80's. It was one of the first teriyaki places in town. I would go as a special treat as a student at Cornish. It's still the same food and atmosphere, even in its Magnolia location. Finally they appreciate my business and thank me for coming. For some reason they at seldom busy. I wish them well and many more years of success. read more

This is a relatively hole-in-the-wall place with some classic teriyaki dishes - the half chicken is what this place distinguishes itself from the various teriyaki places across Seattle. Prices are no longer that cheap anymore compared to reviews even a few months back which was a strong appeal to this place compared to others... - half chicken is $11.25 now already, though it is still marginally a good deal compared to dine-in restaurants. I got the half chicken which as a good amount of meat carefully marinated in a sweet and salty teriyaki sauce. Food is ready almost at an instant as they pre-package the food in a to-go bag in advance, but the food still tastes as if they just bagged it not too long ago. Meat falls off the bone, though the large chunks of chicken in the middle are still not too juicy compared to the sides. An ample amount of rice and some pickled cabbage is served to complement the chicken. An order is enough for quite a filling meal, but it is salty enough that I have to drink lots of water to satiate my thirst post-dinner. read more

Yasuko's Teriyaki - Half Chicken - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Hands down the best teriyaki in town! The staff are incredibly kind and welcoming, and the food is always spot on. My roommate and I come here all the time--it's our absolute favorite place. Plus, it's a small, family-run restaurant, which makes supporting them even better. read more

Uhhhh...YUM! My partner and I have recently started frequenting Rooftop Brewing on a weekly basis and we aren't huge food truck people (a rarity here, I know) so we often look for nearby places to order food from or we bring our own. We found Yasuko's thanks to a quick search and were pleased to see it was on the way to the brewery, just a 15-minute walk. We ordered the half chicken and the pork teriyaki; extra cabbage for each because we wanted our veggies. Yes, it's true that they don't have some of the accompaniments you might find at other teriyaki shops (gyoza, yakisoba, egg rolls, even sushi rolls, etc.) but we actually appreciate when businesses stick to just one or a few specialties and do them well. We LOVED our food and it was so cool to see that they plate it up on the spot, even if you call your order in. This means that everything is as fresh as possible. Even the pork was chopped up on the spot and we got to watch the action from the counter. Everything seemed clean and the prices were reasonable. Lots of meat for what you pay, and it was so flavorful and tender. Heads up that they prefer cash and appreciate when orders are called in ahead of time. Make sure to grab some hot mustard before leaving.... We look forward to making this our new weekend lunch spot for brewery dates! read more

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We have driven past this place for years, any time we go to Magnolia. Pretty unassuming, old building. My wife pointed out that the floor was immaculately clean. The very short menu was a good sign, so you don't have to choose from 30 items on a menu. Service was fast. Not a lot of chatting. I went with the 1/2 chicken, which was amazingly moist and flavorful. My wife went with the pork plate, also tender and flavorful. The teriyaki and salad dressing flavors were more Japanese than the usual Seattle teriyaki, which was a welcome change. Will definitely come back again and again, and not keep driving past this little gem. read more

Haven't had Yasukos for awhile but its still the best teriyaki pork in the city. Didn't disappoint

I got the #2 which is a spicy teriyaki chicken. Sooo good! The chicken was tender and you could tell it had been marinating for a while. Great prices too. I will definitely be back. read more

Awesome teriyaki joint right off Interbay with extremely fast service and great prices. If it is available (they often sell out) definitely get the half chicken! The sticky skin is to die for and the chicken is extremely tender. read more

Yasuko's Teriyaki - Half chicken. Awesome. - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Had a delicious spicy chicken with rice and pickled cabbage. If you have a protein, rice, and veggie craving, this is the place to get your fix! Portions are generous! They prefer cash but still take card (card processing fees) and the place is so quiet and clean despite it being a busy part of the city. Will definitely come back read more

Yasuko's Teriyaki - Had a delicious spicy chicken with rice and pickled cabbage. If you have a protein, rice, and veggie craving. Portions are generous! - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Just realizing that this restaurant has moved from its original location. Left a hefty five star review on their Yelp page for the original restaurant. It's been over 30yrs, (32 to be exact). The fond memories of Yasuko's and old friends permeate my senses right now. When we wanted a fast, good, next best thing to home cooked meal, we came to Yasuko's a lot back then. My friends from Canada would make trips just for Yasuko's. From the looks of the reviews, she has not lost her touch. And I have to come back soon just to see if the two guys in back recognize me from 1991-1992, Lol. read more

I'm so thrilled I found this place. It's the only place I know that serves half chicken teriyaki. It is amazing! Juicy and so flavorful.

Been going here for many years now. Their teriyaki sauce must have some special magical ingredients cuz it just doesn't taste the same anywhere else! Their chicken teriyaki is great, but if you can get there early enough in the day to get the half chicken portion, that's amazing! The meat literally is falling off the bone. But I also really love their pork teriyaki; that's usually my go to. The "cabbage salad" that accompanies the meat and rice is nothing to write home about, but who really cares? They do teriyaki right, and that's really all that matters. Note: it's street parking only and there isn't a ton of it. There might be a space or two out front on 15th, or check on Dravus. While they do have a few unassuming tables inside, I'd say 99% of their clientele does takeout. - Don't forget to pick up an extra sauce now! read more

The reviews for this place seem mixed, and after finally trying it out, I can see why. The food isn't terrible, but it's not worth the price. We came in at 3:30pm so potentially the food was more dry because of the time of the day but that brings up the 2nd issue which is that the food is basically just sitting there staying warm and they scoop up a plate when you order. Not fresh sadly. The only concern I had here is that the bucket (yes bucket) of shredded cabbage that they add to your dish is just sitting open. No lid, no mesh, nothing. Doesn't seem safe. Overall, if you want to try it out I recommend ordering a chicken and rice meal with extra chicken to share between 2 people, and add some vegetables or another side when you get back home. $12-15 per plate is just too much for how little you get and it's literally just warm rice and chicken. read more

They are small but serve up a mighty tasty meal. I love the half chicken best. I eat any of the other entrees. The pork is tender, the beef savory. Very yummy. Very nice folks. read more

This restaurant is a hidden gem. A husband and wife team who have been making teriyaki for longer than I can imagine. The food was packed with flavor, and the portions were sizable enough to have a dinner and lunch the next day. I wish I could convince this couple to pull up roots and come to the East Coast so that I can eat there teriyaki once a week. Big fan.! read more

Haven't here for years but the potion size to price ratio is way off now!! Even skimped on the cheap ass salad smh. Not the same meat portions like the good old days. Barely gave any rice too. $14.50 and I'm still hungry. New owners serving water down portion and banking on OG man alone. Maybe I should not have ordered "extra" like someone mentioned cause I'm sure would have gotten same amount as the cheaper plate. I will have to test this theory; to be determined. In the mean time have at it to those who don't know any better. Lol : ) read more

Yasuko's Teriyaki - Pork - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Delicious, quick, simple teriyaki meal to go. If you have driven past for years, its time to stop and try.

So, I and my whole family ABSOLUTELY LOVE Yasuko's Back in the early 80's my wife and I had their teriyaki in the U District at least once a week. It was ridiculously delicious back then and it's all that good and more today! Their pork teriyaki is the Very Best!!! Eating the pork with Chinese hot mustard alongside the marinade sauce served over rice is my very favorite teriyaki experience!! It was back then and it still is today. We love this place so much we make monthly trips from south of Tacoma up to the 15th ave restaurant. WE DON'T WANT THESE GUYS TO CLOSE!!! Please try this place today! Get any main dish, especially the pork teriyaki, you will not be disappointed! read more

I've been looking at some responses since my last review, and I guess I don't get it. I eat a lot of teriyaki; it's like a food group for me. And, I'm not sure I've seen ANYPLACE that is turning out great food from scratch like Yasuko's. Their half chicken is like artwork (not hyperbole)--perfectly browned, moist & delicious. The pork (my fave) is baked on-premises in hotel pans, and they pull out hunks and chop them in front of you. Good grief: What do people want? Symmetrical chicken slices from the frozen bags cheapo joints buy at Cash & Carry or Costco? By far, the #1 teriyaki in Seattle. No close seconds. read more