丼マイケル
The 90-minute all-you-can-drink yakiniku course for 4500 yen (with an option to add all-you-can-drink beer for an additional 500 yen) is likely a good deal based on market prices. However, there were three main reasons why I personally felt no desire to revisit this restaurant:
1. Evaluation as a yakiniku restaurant: The quality of the meat is probably not bad, but the salty marinade overpowers everything, making all the main red meats taste the same. It was unclear when to use the provided sauces (no explanation given), and even when I tried using them, the saltiness was overwhelming. The tongue (fatty tuna?) paired well with the salted lemon, and I found it delicious and likely of good quality. However, without the option to exclude the salty marinade from the course, the restaurant's evaluation as a yakiniku place is diminished. I suspect the same applies to individual items on the menu. Each course item consisted of one thin slice of meat per person, which didn't give the feeling of having eaten a lot of meat. The kimbap and meat sushi were tasty, and ordering the all-you-can-eat rice might have filled me up. However, the most important aspect to expect from a yakiniku restaurant is not there. I didn't know when to order rice, and before I knew it, the meat menu (6-7 slices per person) was over.
2. Atmosphere: The restaurant seems to be aiming for a Korean vibe, possibly owned by someone of Korean descent. The lighting is slightly dim, the staff are young and trendy-looking, there are more employees than necessary for the size of the place, and there are quite a few young ladies among the customers. This atmosphere might appeal to young people, but it may not feel comfortable for slightly older individuals. The chairs are wooden without cushions.
3. Course ending: I ordered cold noodles as a palate cleanser at the end of the course. However, just like the yakiniku, the cold noodles were only salty. It was unexpectedly the same flavor. In a way, it was surprising. Even in Korea, they would likely serve sweet and spicy cold noodles. I wonder if they deliberately stick to this seasoning. Is there a demand for it? I'm really curious, but I have no desire to revisit or talk to the owner.
Overall, when I'm tired from work and craving yakiniku, this restaurant is not the first place that comes to mind. There are better quality and value yakiniku restaurants in Kokura. If you're looking for a traditional yakiniku experience, this might not be the place for you. However, if you're open to a meat-based Korean-style izakaya, I would recommend trying it out at least once. I look forward to hearing other people's reviews on Tabelog.