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Tokyo Chick

231 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
$$
Chicken Wings, Japanese, Sandwiches, Sandwiches

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Master Critic Review

Tokyo Chick 7.9
Old Pasadena
Open Japanese kitchen specializing in crispy fried chicken with five housemade Japanese sauces including Signature Crispy, Ninja Teriyaki, and Tokyo Spicy. Fresh chicken wings, sandwiches, and bento boxes are cooked to order in front of guests with creative fusion flavors.
Must-Try Dishes: Original Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Tokyo Spicy Wings Bento, Chicken Katsu Musubi
Scores:
Value: 7.9 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 7.7 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 7.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Japanese-style fried chicken with five distinct housemade sauces
Who should go: Fried chicken enthusiasts, Japanese food lovers, spice seekers
When to visit: Lunch and dinner, weekends can be busy
What to order: Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Tokyo Spicy Wings, any drumstick combo
Insider tip: Try the Fuji Wasabi sauce for adventurous heat with unique flavor
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Colorado Blvd and side streets, $2/hr metered until 8pm. Public lots nearby $8-12 flat rate. Weekends easier after 6pm when meters free.
Dress code: Casual - jeans, sneakers, athleisure all fine. It's counter-service fast-casual so come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - open kitchen creates ambient cooking sounds. Can hold conversation but not ideal for intimate talks.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait for food during peak (6-8pm). No reservations - order at counter, seats usually available.
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min food prep, seating readily available. Busiest 12-1pm but moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - tofu can substitute in some items but menu heavily chicken-focused. Better options nearby for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Very limited - primarily a fried chicken spot. May accommodate with advance notice but not recommended as primary choice.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - fried chicken is breaded. Salad options available but defeats the purpose. Not the spot for GF diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid casual first date option - trendy vibe, Instagram-worthy food, easy conversation over shared wings. Keep it to daytime/early evening; not romantic lighting but fun and relaxed. Budget-friendly at $$ pricing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter-service. Seating is first-come during busy times but turnover is quick. Worst case, 10-15 min wait for a table during peak weekend dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, very kid-friendly - chicken fingers/wings appeal to all ages, casual atmosphere, quick service. High chairs available. Skip the spicy sauces for young kids, stick with Signature Crispy or Ninja Teriyaki.
How spicy is the Tokyo Spicy? Medium-high heat - real kick but not unbearable. Fuji Wasabi is spicier with more complex heat. Start with regular if heat-sensitive, they'll let you sample sauces before committing.
Can I take this to-go? Absolutely - travels well for fried chicken. Order online for pickup to skip the line. Best consumed within 20 min to maintain crispiness, but still good lukewarm.
Best For
Better for: Japanese fusion fried chicken with authentic housemade sauces - beats generic Nashville hot chicken spots. Open kitchen theater, fresh-cooked-to-order quality. Instagram appeal without sacrificing taste. Solo dining friendly with counter seating.
Skip if: You want traditional Japanese (this is fusion), need extensive vegetarian options, seeking romantic date atmosphere, or want full table service. Also skip if you're impatient - everything's made fresh so 15+ min wait.