Skip to main content

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

3.5(913 reviews)$$$Restaurant
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 6 and up. Older children and tweens especially enjoy the independence of cooking their own food at the table grill, while younger kids (with close parental supervision) find the sizzling sounds and flames exciting. May be challenging for toddlers due to hot grills at table level.

About

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ transforms dinner into an interactive experience where kids become the chefs, grilling their own meats and vegetables right at the table. This hands-on dining adventure keeps children engaged and entertained while teaching them about Japanese yakiniku-style cooking in a fun, supervised setting with plenty of kid-friendly menu options.

Highlights

  • Tabletop grills where kids cook their own meals under supervision
  • Interactive s'mores dessert with marshmallow roasting
  • Variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables to customize meals for picky eaters
  • Fun, theatrical atmosphere with sizzling sounds and aromas
  • Kid-friendly items like chicken, shrimp, and sweet teriyaki options

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Request a booth rather than a table for extra safety with younger kids,it provides better containment around the grill area
  2. 2.Visit during lunch hours (11am-2pm) for more affordable combination plates that are perfect for trying multiple items with kids
  3. 3.Start with the s'mores dessert as an incentive,kids love roasting marshmallows at the table grill themselves
  4. 4.Ask your server for extra tongs so each child can participate in the cooking experience
  5. 5.The location is in a busy shopping center, so arrive 10 minutes early to find parking during peak dinner hours

Best Time to Visit

Weekday evenings (Tuesday-Thursday) between 5-6pm offer shorter wait times and a calmer atmosphere for families. Avoid Friday and Saturday nights when the restaurant is busiest and noisiest, making it harder to supervise kids around the hot grills.

What to Know

At $$$ price point, expect to spend $25-40 per person. The restaurant is located in a large shopping plaza with ample parking. Long sleeves are not recommended due to the tabletop grills, and hair ties are helpful for kids with long hair.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with no seasonal closures. Indoor dining makes this a great option regardless of weather. Check for special promotions during back-to-school season and holidays.

More Activities Near Long Beach

Sports

Millikan High School

$

Millikan High School offers families an authentic and affordable way to experience local high school sports in Long Beach. From Friday night football under the lights to basketball games and track meets, this community venue lets kids cheer on student athletes while enjoying the excitement of live sporting events without the big price tag or crowds of professional games.

Theater

LBCC Performing Arts Department

$

The LBCC Performing Arts Department brings quality live theater to Long Beach families through engaging musicals, children's theater productions, and family-friendly performances. This college theater program offers professional-caliber shows in an intimate setting where kids can experience the magic of live performance without the big venue price tag or intimidating atmosphere.

Museum

California Science Center

4.7Free

The California Science Center offers an incredible hands-on learning experience that makes science fun for the whole family. With free general admission, interactive exhibits spanning ecosystems to space exploration, and the famous Space Shuttle Endeavour on display, this world-class museum provides hours of educational entertainment without breaking the bank.

Park

Rosie's Dog Beach

4.7Free

Rosie's Dog Beach is a unique off-leash oceanfront park where kids and their four-legged family members can play together on the sand and in the surf. This beloved Long Beach destination offers a safe, fenced area where children can learn responsible pet ownership while watching dogs of all sizes frolic in the waves, making it an unforgettable experience for animal-loving families.