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Manpuku
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Manpuku
8.4
Manpuku’s West 3rd location is a yakiniku specialist where groups grill premium cuts of beef and offal at the table. The experience feels equal parts Japanese barbecue and special-night-out, with multi-course sets that handle the ordering for you.
Must-Try Dishes:
US Kobe Sukiyaki, Monaka Truffle Beef Tartare, Miso-Marinated Steak
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Tabletop Japanese barbecue built around premium wagyu and set menus.
Who should go: Groups planning interactive, beef-heavy Japanese barbecue dinners.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend evenings for full room energy and buzz.
What to order: US Kobe Sukiyaki, premium yakiniku set, garlic noodles.
Insider tip: Book a later reservation if you want slower pacing and extra grill time between courses.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available on W. 3rd Street during peak hours; limited metered street parking fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; guests often lean polished due to the date-night vibe, but jeans and a nice top are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is doable but expect a steady background hum from grills and groups.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups of four or more.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; early dinner also moves faster before 6:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—grilled vegetables, salads, and a few sides, but it’s primarily a beef-focused experience.
Vegan options: Very limited—only a couple of side dishes qualify; not ideal for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Manageable with caution—many cuts of meat are naturally gluten-free, but marinades and dipping sauces may contain soy or wheat. Request plain seasoning.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want an interactive, hands-on experience that sparks conversation. The vibe is elevated and energetic, but grilling together can feel intimate and fun.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are heavily booked. Walk-ins should expect a significant wait during prime hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably, but best for older kids or teens due to open flames and hot grills. Young children may find the environment too close-quarters and busy.
Best For
Better for: High-quality Japanese barbecue with premium beef cuts, set menus that simplify ordering, and a polished yet social atmosphere ideal for groups and date nights.
Skip if: You want extensive seafood or non-beef options, prefer quiet dining rooms, or need substantial vegetarian or vegan choices.
Manpuku
8.3
Manpuku brings a Tokyo-born yakiniku format to 3rd Street, with guests grilling marinated short rib, tongue, and offal over small tabletop grates. The focus is on well-sourced meat, efficient service, and a steady crowd of locals who treat it as a go-to for casual but serious Japanese-style barbecue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium kalbi short rib, Beef tongue sampler, Garlic shoyu marinated harami
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Tokyo-rooted yakiniku where you grill well-marbled cuts yourself.
Who should go: Small groups craving interactive Japanese barbecue with variety.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before peak waitlists hit.
What to order: Premium kalbi, tongue flights, assorted veggies for the grill.
Insider tip: Build a combo of half-portion meats to sample more of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on 3rd Street and nearby residential blocks; fills quickly after 6pm. Limited shared-lot spaces behind the building depending on night.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests come in relaxed, clean fits suitable for grilling at the table.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; you can hold a conversation, but expect grill sizzles and steady dining-room buzz.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait or a brief 5–10 minute delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; a few veggie sides and grillable vegetables, but this is a meat-centered experience.
Vegan options: Very limited; only basic vegetables and rice fit vegan guidelines.
Gluten-free options: Moderate; some meats and sauces are gluten-free, but cross-contact on shared grills is unavoidable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something interactive and upbeat. Grilling together creates a fun, shared activity, though the lively room isn’t ideal for ultra-quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect a wait at peak dinner hours. Arrive early or join the waitlist to avoid long lines at prime time.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can safely be around tabletop grills. Not ideal for toddlers due to hot surfaces and a tight dining layout.
Best For
Better for: High-quality cuts, efficient service, and a true Tokyo-style yakiniku format that balances casual vibes with serious meat sourcing.
Skip if: You want extensive vegetarian or vegan options, need a quieter white-tablecloth setting, or prefer full-service barbecue without cooking at the table.
Manpuku
8.1
Manpuku’s West 3rd Street outpost channels Tokyo yakiniku with charcoal-grilled short ribs, marbled cuts, and a menu built for lingering over shared plates. The compact room fills with locals grilling their own meat, making it one of the area’s more intimate late-night BBQ options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Short Rib Kalbi, Beef Tongue, Garlic Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Japanese yakiniku spot where you grill premium short ribs tableside.
Who should go: Small groups or couples who enjoy interactive, DIY grilling.
When to visit: Later evening slots; avoid peak weekends if you dislike smoke.
What to order: Premium short rib kalbi, beef tongue, garlic fried rice.
Insider tip: Start with smaller meat sets and add on—it's easy to over-order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along West 3rd can be tight after 6pm; meters run late. Limited valet is sometimes available at neighboring businesses but not guaranteed.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans, tees, and casual jackets are all fine, but most diners lean slightly polished for date night.
Noise level: Moderate – there’s a lively grill sizzle and chatter, but you can still hold a comfortable conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service at this location; early weekday dinners typically have short waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable: vegetable platters, salads, and rice dishes, though it’s primarily a meat-forward menu.
Vegan options: Very limited. A couple of vegetable sides and rice options, but no substantial mains.
Gluten-free options: Several cuts of meat are naturally gluten-free, but marinades may contain soy sauce. Ask for salt-only seasoning to keep things safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—interactive grilling makes for fun conversation, and the intimate room adds a cozy date-night vibe without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes on weekdays before 7pm. On weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive early or close to last call.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can safely sit near a hot grill. Not ideal for toddlers or very young children due to open flames and tight seating.
Best For
Better for: High-quality marbled short ribs, intimate late-night yakiniku vibes, and DIY grilling that feels more personal than larger Korean BBQ halls.
Skip if: You want big-group seating, all-you-can-eat formats, or a fully plant-based meal.