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The Izakaya at Momotaro, Chicago, IL

The Izakaya at Momotaro

4.7
4.7
834 Reviews
$31 to $50
Japanese

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2 people
19:00
Booked 64 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Hot spot
  • Lively
  • Great for creative cocktails
The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro. The Izakaya and its shared-plates pub-inspired menu echoes the Yokocho street scene of Tokyo. Narrow lounge-inspired ‘alleys’ around a central bar bedecked with hand-painted Japanese menus, moody neon lights, and vintage Tokyo street signs set the scene for the Izakaya’s direct nod to Tokyo’s most famous post-war black markets. Dark, energetic, and ripe with expectation, the Izakaya additionally offers a 30-seat bar featuring crafted cocktails, sakes, and a quality selection of Japanese whiskeys. Parties and programming are no strangers to the Izakaya, where a rotating selection of events, including Monday Night Karaoke, feel right at home in this lively lower-level atmosphere.


Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Sushi, Seafood
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00
  • Phone number
    (312) 733-4818
  • Website
    http://www.momotarochicago.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Gene Kato
  • Private party facilities
    The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro
  • Private party contact
    our Event Sales Manager: (312) 773-4818
  • Location
    820 W. Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
  • Area
    West Loop
  • Cross Street
    Green
  • Parking details
    Valet is located on the corner of Lake & Green
  • Public transit
    #8 Halsted Bus at Lake Street. Green & Pink line at Morgan stop.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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Experiences

  • 2014-2024: 10 Years of Momotaro and Izakaya

    US$125.00 per person

    Prepaid

    31 Dec 2024 only
    20:00
    Ring in the New Year with 10 Years of flavor and fun! Celebrate a decade of unforgettable moments with incredible vibes, chef-curated food stations, and a sparkling sake toast to kick off 2024 in style! Ticket includes food stations, sparkling sake toast, and 2 drink tickets. From 8pm-1am, join us as we toast to 10 years featuring: **Chef-Curated Food Stations** - Delectable array of dishes that’ll take your tastebuds on a journey. **Decadent Desserts** - Sweet bites to satisfy your every craving. **Sparkling Sake Toast** - Raise your glass and celebrate the new year with a special bubbly sake toast! **Great Music & Vibes** - Dance, mingle, and vibe with the best tunes all night long. Limited seating, grab your spot before it’s gone!
    2014-2024: 10 Years of Momotaro and Izakaya photo

Menu

Small Plates

  • EdamameUS$8.00

    Japanese sea salt

    • Baby Green SaladUS$12.00

      mizuna, carrot-citrus dressing

      • Uni Deviled EggUS$12.00

        curry spice, chive, shiso

        • Miso SoupUS$8.00

          house tofu, wakame, honshimeji mushroom

          • Nikkei Scallop CevicheUS$16.00

            sashimi scallop, pickled persimmon, pine nuts, shiso oil

            • Blistered ShishitoUS$12.00

              bonito mayonnaise, togarashi

              • Tuna Tostada*US$16.00

                crispy nori, tuna tartare, avocado, pickled red onion, lime

                • Gyoza

                  pork & chicken filling, soy dipping sauce

                  • 6 PiecesUS$14.00

                • Satsumaimo FriesUS$9.00

                  Japanese sweet potato fries, miso mayo

                  • Shake'n Kato WingsUS$16.00

                    kaarage chicken wings (choice of ramen or fire spice blends)

                    • Mishima Skirt Steak*US$18.00

                      robata yaki, seasoned with Japanese sea salt

                      Tonkatsu

                      • Berkshire Pork RibsUS$18.00

                        8oz baby back ribs, curry spice, white kimchi, ponzu, Asian chimichurri

                        • Chicken KatsuUS$24.00

                          crispy panko-crusted chicken thigh, sweet and savory curry sauce, pickled turnip

                          Iza Classics

                          • Uni PastaUS$23.00

                            uni, rock shrimp, shiso

                            • Hamachi Kama (Collar)US$14.00

                              "kalbi" marinade, red miso crust, garic aioli

                              • A5 Cup Noodle*US$38.00

                                sliced A5 tenderloin, pickled shishito, umami paste, soft-poached egg, shio tare

                                • The Momo RoyaleUS$20.00

                                  double-patty burger, house-made bao bun, satsumaimo fries

                                  Rice

                                  • Yakitori Don*US$16.00

                                    grilled chicken thigh, chicken tare, soft-poached egg

                                    • Chahan*US$22.00

                                      stone bowl beef fried rice, wild maitake, soft-poached egg

                                      • Tamaki GoldUS$6.00

                                        steamed short grain rice

                                        Sashimi

                                        garnished with myoga salad, pickled ginger, wasabi

                                        • Shima AjiUS$7.00

                                          striped jack

                                          • AkamiUS$7.00

                                            bluefin tuna loin

                                            • ChutoroUS$11.00

                                              medium fat bluefin belly

                                              • OtoroUS$13.00

                                                fatty bluefin belly

                                                • MadaiUS$7.00

                                                  snapper

                                                  Temaki

                                                  • Momo JrUS$22.00

                                                    spicy octopus, tuna tartar, pickled daikon, nikiri

                                                    • ScallopUS$16.00

                                                      diver scallop, yuzu kosho, pickled onion, fried garlic

                                                      • Shio Koji SakeUS$16.00

                                                        salmon, avocado mousse, salmon skin, ikura

                                                        • King CrabUS$26.00

                                                          king crab, ginger mayo, tempura shallot, lemon wedge

                                                          Donburi

                                                          • Tuna, Tuna, TunaUS$28.00

                                                            akami, chutoro, tartar, nikiri, myoga salad, wasabi

                                                            • Jewel BakoUS$38.00

                                                              Chef's selection of seasonal fish and caviar. Myoga salad, pickled watermelon radish, pickled ginger, nori sheet

                                                              Cocktails

                                                              • Monk's JourneyUS$17.00

                                                                chicago distilling ceres vodka, aloe liqueur, matcha, lime

                                                                • Before & AfterUS$16.00

                                                                  broker's gin, manzanilla sherry, luxardo aperitivo, chamomile, lime

                                                                  • A Land ApartUS$16.00

                                                                    espolon tequila, fruitful dragonberry, ming river baijiu, manzanilla sherry, coconut milk

                                                                    • Strawberry SwingUS$17.00

                                                                      el guel mezcal, pineau des charentes, strawberry shiso cordial, thai spice bitters, lime

                                                                      • White LotusUS$17.00

                                                                        flor de cana rum, jasmine, cardamom, red clover bitters

                                                                        • Kaba Old Fashioned*US$18.00

                                                                          evan williams bourbon, mars iwai whisky, turbinado, cherry bark and sarsaparilla bitters

                                                                          Highballs

                                                                          • Roku HighballUS$13.00

                                                                            shiso & ginger infused roku gin, toki water

                                                                            • Toki HighballUS$13.00

                                                                              suntory toki whisky, toki water

                                                                              • Haku HighballUS$13.00

                                                                                hibiscus infused haku vodka, toki water

                                                                                Sake

                                                                                  Honjozo

                                                                                  • Dry MountainUS$14.00

                                                                                    Junmai

                                                                                    • Itami OnigoroshiUS$13.00

                                                                                      served hot

                                                                                      • Kettle (500ml)US$52.00

                                                                                    • Karakuchi Premium DryUS$16.00

                                                                                      • Mirror of TruthUS$16.00

                                                                                        Junmai Ginjo

                                                                                        • Black DragonUS$17.00

                                                                                          • Nakao's SecretUS$16.00

                                                                                            • Bride of the FoxUS$18.00

                                                                                              Junmai Daiginjo

                                                                                              • Demon Slayer, OnikoroshiUS$19.00

                                                                                                • The One with the ClocksUS$20.00

                                                                                                  • Pearls of SimplicityUS$21.00

                                                                                                    • Heaven & EarthUS$18.00

                                                                                                      Nigori

                                                                                                      • Dreamy CloudsUS$17.00

                                                                                                        tokubetsu junmai nigori

                                                                                                        • The Blue OneUS$16.00

                                                                                                          junmai nigori

                                                                                                          Umeshu

                                                                                                          • KiuchiUS$16.00

                                                                                                            Flights

                                                                                                              Japanese Whisky

                                                                                                              1 oz Pour

                                                                                                              • Donyu Suru: An IntroUS$28.00

                                                                                                                mars iwai; akashi blended; suntory toki

                                                                                                                • Nikka: by Japan's Oldest DistilleryUS$50.00

                                                                                                                  from the barrel coffey grain; taketsuru pure malt

                                                                                                                  Gin

                                                                                                                  1 oz Pour

                                                                                                                  • Gin Shotto: SilvershotUS$34.00

                                                                                                                    ki no bi; nikka coffey; suntory roku

                                                                                                                    Sake

                                                                                                                    1.5 oz Pour

                                                                                                                    • Mizu to Mai: Water + Rice = SakeUS$30.00

                                                                                                                      karakuchi premium dry (junmai); nakao's secret (junmai ginjo); dreamy clouds (nigori)

                                                                                                                      • The Fifty Percent: Junmai DaiginjoUS$34.00

                                                                                                                        the one with the clocks; pearls of simplicity; demon slayer

                                                                                                                        • U(mai)mi: Earthy & RichUS$31.00

                                                                                                                          black dragon; bride of the fox; heaven & earth

                                                                                                                          Last updated: 14 June 2022

                                                                                                                          What 834 people are saying

                                                                                                                          Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                                          Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                                                          4.7
                                                                                                                          4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                                          • 4.7Food
                                                                                                                          • 4.5Service
                                                                                                                          • 4.7Ambience
                                                                                                                          • 4.4Value

                                                                                                                          Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                                          Loved For

                                                                                                                          • Chicago

                                                                                                                            Lively

                                                                                                                          Review summary

                                                                                                                          AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                                          The Izakaya at Momotaro boasts "one of the best burgers in Chicago," complemented by a vibrant atmosphere and unique cocktails. While some found service inconsistent, the food remains "absolutely phenomenal," with hand rolls and sashimi as highlights. It's a lively spot perfect for date nights or special occasions.

                                                                                                                          834 Reviews

                                                                                                                          1. Kalen

                                                                                                                            Chicago

                                                                                                                            5 reviews

                                                                                                                            vip
                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                            5 reviews

                                                                                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                            Excellent food and drinks. Uni pasta and the burger were fantastic.

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                                                                                                                          2. ted

                                                                                                                            Greater Boston

                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                            vip
                                                                                                                            4.0

                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                                            Fun time with a very energetic, youthful crowd. Great service and the recommendations we spot on. Share the awesome Burger and the spicy Chicken Sandwich. Chicken dumplings are also amazing

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                                                                                                                          3. Dan

                                                                                                                            Hawaii

                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                            Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                            The atmosphere was perfect! The Japanese themed Izakaya, was beautifully decorated. The room with the cherry blossoms on the ceiling and the twinkling lights was enchanting. We can hear each other talking. The lighting was perfect, we were able to actually read the menus without additional lighting. It was exquisite. The food was amazing. Not too spicy, absolutely not bland. Delectable and succulent. The presentation was mouth watering. The people there were helpful, bright, delightful, and attentive. From explaining the dishes to exploring options on the menu. Definitely a place to return for a savory, delectable and scrumptious meal.

                                                                                                                            1 person found this helpful

                                                                                                                          4. Nicholas

                                                                                                                            Las Vegas

                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                            Dined on 4 December 2024

                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                            One of if not the best burger in Chicago… and from a Japanese place. Best bun easy at least

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                                                                                                                          5. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                                            Chicago

                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                            2.0

                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                            Dined on 1 December 2024

                                                                                                                            1. Overall 2
                                                                                                                            2. Food 4
                                                                                                                            3. Service 2
                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                                            Our server was great, but clearly struggling with a lack of support. At one point we got our own drinks from the service well after watching the runner mill around and pass them several times. Food was good, nothing amazing. Cocktails were a little overwrought. No real reason to return.
                                                                                                                            The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on 3 December 2024
                                                                                                                            Hello Robyn, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We're glad to hear that you found your server to be great, and we truly appreciate your understanding of their hard work. I apologize if there were any delays or moments where the service didn’t meet your expectations. Our goal is to provide seamless service, and we’ll certainly review your comments to ensure we’re always improving. We’re also sorry that the cocktails and food didn’t quite exceed your expectations, and we’ll take your thoughts into consideration as we continue to refine our offerings. We’d love the chance to welcome you back in the future and provide an experience that better aligns with your preferences. Best, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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                                                                                                                          6. Harry

                                                                                                                            Chicago

                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                            1 review

                                                                                                                            Dined on 30 November 2024

                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                            Incredible burger - they even included a happy anniversary message on our menus
                                                                                                                            The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on 3 December 2024
                                                                                                                            Thank you so much for the fantastic review! 🎉 We're so happy you enjoyed the burger, and we're thrilled that we could help make your anniversary a little extra special with the personalized touch! 🥳💖 We can’t wait to celebrate with you again—see you soon! Cheers, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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                                                                                                                          7. Angela

                                                                                                                            Chicago

                                                                                                                            5 reviews

                                                                                                                            vip
                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                            5 reviews

                                                                                                                            Dined on 24 November 2024

                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                            Everything was amazing, the food was so good and the service was top notch! We can’t wait to come back!
                                                                                                                            The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on 3 December 2024
                                                                                                                            Thanks for visiting us! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience at The Izakaya at Momotaro. It's wonderful to know that our food and service met your expectations. We appreciate your kind words and high ratings. We can't wait to welcome you back for another amazing experience! Cheers, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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                                                                                                                          8. Amber

                                                                                                                            Chicago

                                                                                                                            2 reviews

                                                                                                                            5.0

                                                                                                                            2 reviews

                                                                                                                            Dined on 22 November 2024

                                                                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                            The ambience was beautiful, the food was amazong, the drinks were unique. Would recommend.
                                                                                                                            The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on 3 December 2024
                                                                                                                            Thank you so much for your glowing review! ✨ We're absolutely thrilled to hear that you loved the ambiance, the food, and our unique drinks! Your kind words mean the world to us, and we’re so happy we could provide such a memorable experience. We can't wait to have you back for more amazing moments—see you soon! 💫🍽️🍹 Kanpai, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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                                                                                                                          9. Deanna

                                                                                                                            New York City

                                                                                                                            14 reviews

                                                                                                                            vip
                                                                                                                            4.0

                                                                                                                            14 reviews

                                                                                                                            Dined on 21 November 2024

                                                                                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                            2. Food 4
                                                                                                                            3. Service 3
                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                                            The food is fantastic! Our drinks were tasty but they didn't fill the glass to near/the brim. Overall, I enjoy the vibe here - just wish it were a bit less noisy.
                                                                                                                            The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on 3 December 2024
                                                                                                                            Hello Deanna, Thank you for taking the time to review The Izakaya at Momotaro! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our food and found the vibe to be fantastic. We're sorry to hear that the noise level was a bit too high for your preference. We appreciate your feedback and will certainly take it into consideration for future improvements. We hope to see you again soon and promise to make your next visit a bit more peaceful! Best regards, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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                                                                                                                          10. Erin

                                                                                                                            Chicago

                                                                                                                            6 reviews

                                                                                                                            vip
                                                                                                                            3.0

                                                                                                                            6 reviews

                                                                                                                            Dined on 16 November 2024

                                                                                                                            1. Overall 3
                                                                                                                            2. Food 3
                                                                                                                            3. Service 3
                                                                                                                            4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                                            The only thing worth eating is the burger. Everything else was Meh. The service was okay not great.

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                                                                                                                          FAQs

                                                                                                                          The Izakaya at Momotaro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 733-4818.

                                                                                                                          The Izakaya at Momotaro is rated 4.7 stars by 834 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                                          The Izakaya at Momotaro does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

                                                                                                                          Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                                                          Make a booking

                                                                                                                          2 people
                                                                                                                          19:00
                                                                                                                          Booked 64 times today
                                                                                                                          Experiences are available.

                                                                                                                          Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                                          Google Map for The Izakaya at Momotaro

                                                                                                                          820 W. Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

                                                                                                                          Additional information

                                                                                                                          • Cross Street
                                                                                                                            Green
                                                                                                                          • Area
                                                                                                                            West Loop
                                                                                                                          • Hours of Operation
                                                                                                                            Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00
                                                                                                                          • Price
                                                                                                                            $31 to $50
                                                                                                                          • Cuisines
                                                                                                                            Japanese, Sushi, Seafood
                                                                                                                          • Dining style
                                                                                                                            Casual Dining
                                                                                                                          • Dress code
                                                                                                                            Casual Dress
                                                                                                                          • Parking details
                                                                                                                            Valet is located on the corner of Lake & Green
                                                                                                                          • Public transit
                                                                                                                            #8 Halsted Bus at Lake Street. Green & Pink line at Morgan stop.
                                                                                                                          • Payment Options
                                                                                                                            AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                                          • Executive Chef
                                                                                                                            Gene Kato
                                                                                                                          • Additional
                                                                                                                            Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                                                                          • Website
                                                                                                                            http://www.momotarochicago.com/
                                                                                                                          • Phone number
                                                                                                                            (312) 733-4818
                                                                                                                          • Private party facilities
                                                                                                                            The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro
                                                                                                                          • Private party contact
                                                                                                                            our Event Sales Manager: (312) 773-4818
                                                                                                                          Gift card

                                                                                                                          Gift card

                                                                                                                          Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

                                                                                                                          Send a gift card
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