Written on: 1/25/2025
Name: Tonkatsu Juroku
Ratings and Comments
Exterior – 3/5
Nothing special to report about the exterior of the restaurant.
Interior – 3.5/5
It is very quaint and cozy. I love the Japanese dining concept in which you sit at a counter and get to watch the action in the kitchen on the opposite side of you, and that is exactly what you get here. The only exception to that is the single table to the left of the entrance that is intended for parties of 3 or more. There is really nothing special about the interior beyond how cozy it is, but the sensation that environment gives you is enough to qualify for a 3.5 in my book.
Menu/Price – 3.5/5
The menu seems limited, but it actually offers a lot more options than most other tonkatsu restaurants. Typically, a tonkatsu restaurant will only offer pork, and on occasion they will have a chicken tonkatsu option. Tonkatsu Juroku has two different cuts of pork, chicken, and shrimp. There is a little something for almost anyone! The three main set meals are each priced at 2,600 Yen (~$17.75 USD). In my experience, this price is pretty on par with other higher quality tonkatsu meals.
Drinks – 3.5/5
Drinks offered include beer, some cocktails, and tea. One thing that does deserve credit is the fact that they serve a complimentary hot tea at the end of your meal! I had a beer with my meal and it was cold and refreshing.
Food – 4/5
During my visit I tried the filet cutlet set meal, and I also ordered a sweet omelet as a side dish. The set meal came with the cutlet, cabbage, pickled vegetables, miso soup, mustard and yuzu pepper paste, and rice. Every element of the set meal was nice, but the cutlet itself just wasn’t as good as the best I have ever had. The meat was very slightly dry, and the breading could have used a little bit more seasoning. The sweet omelet was excellent, but it is one of my favorite Japanese dishes so I am a little biased. Putting every element of the entire meal together, I think it still warrants a 4 because it all coalesces so nicely. However, if I were to rate the cutlet on its own, I would award it a 3.5.
Staff – 4/5
Like I mentioned in my objective notes, the man and woman running the restaurant are very nice. The man is in the kitchen doing the cooking, and the woman runs the front of the house and most of the drinks.
Restroom – 3.5/5
There is a restroom believe it or not, despite how small the place is. It is very small and you have to do some maneuvering to get to it, but it gets the job done if you need it.
Conclusion – 3.5/5
I had really high expectations for this restaurant because of the glowing reviews on Google, but it fell just slightly short of my expectations. I have had better tonkatsu at other establishments that were more unassuming, and had no line. On the other hand, I feel the pricing here is fair and reasonable so that is a plus. All-in-all, I would return, but if I am in the area and want tonkatsu, I would personally look around for another place to try first.
