Juban

Do not order take-out from this place. The portions for takeout are 1/2 the size of the portions for eat-in, even though the prices are the same!!

Unbelievable experience. The food is to die for, the atmosphere is perfection. The service is super cool, laid back, helpful if you need it in a kind of way. Every dish I had was something special, even the tuna tar tar was like nowhere else I had ever had it. The tako wasa was done just right, the chicken Kara age was so good! Oh and the chicken meatballs, not literal meatballs, just trust me, get one ...or three. Ask your server what the specials are and try everything. Don't just go here and get a sushi roll, it is so much more than that. And don't forget about the sake list or the Japanese whisky, there are some treats behind the bar. Enjoy!

Great food and excellent service. Would definitely come back.

When the owner of Izakaya Ten told me that she was closing down her restaurant, I was disappointed in the loss of one of my favorite neighborhood joints in Chelsea. Izakaya Ten was my "regular." A few months later, the ex-manager of Izakaya Ten contacted me to tell me he had purchased the restaurant with plans to re-open it under a new name — Juban. I'm glad to say that Juban has now become my "regular." And it's even better than Izakaya Ten was.

At Juban, you'll find many of the same small plates and grilled foods that were typical of Izakaya Ten, but most of them have been re-imagined and improved. The quality overall has gone up a notch. No longer are there items on the menu that were prepared days ago or stocked frozen; everything is made daily from fresh ingredients. The Shochu and Sake lists have also been carefully preened, and all of the waitstaff (especially my favorite server Kenji) and bartenders are able to make very educated recommendations on what drinks to pair with what foods.

Whether you're eating by yourself or you're sharing plates with a large group of friends/colleagues, Juban is a great choice for Japanese cuisine that isn't the typical sushi or noodle bar experience.

I love it. My co-workers love it. My family loves it. My kids especially enjoy sitting in the back, where there's a cozy, quiet room suitable for families or groups.

Juban has become one of my go to spots and I love it more and more each time! Most recently, I went to try their new brunch menu on a Saturday afternoon. The food was delicious blending traditional Japanese plates with contemporary twists to make for some exciting dishes, and the vibe was laid back and fun. I highly recommend trying Juban for brunch or dinner.