Actually I started eating at Honda-ya in tustin (same ownership and 90% same menu) and I loved it so much I eventually drove out to Huntington Beach (Fountain Valley). There are actually three locations and I get them all confused, but regardless, this chain is the closest thing to Japan I can get in America (there are a couple places in New York that have yakitori, grilled meats, but who can go there twice a week?!) I LOVE all the wait staff. The place is always packed, and they get very very busy, and sometime you have to call them over (by the way thats how you order in Japan), but, they are VERY friendly, and I go there so much I have a great rapport with many of them. Oh, and they are all native Japanese youths. Everyone in the restaurant eating is also asian, for the most part, and many are Japanese. I dont use this in my own criteria, but I think it is additional evidence to support my own love for Honda-ya/ Kappo Honda. I bring my family (Japanese and non-Japanese), my friends (all of them), my in-laws, and everyone else. If you are afraid of trying some of the stranger Japanese items, your standard teriyaki sets are there. The teriyaki sauce is delicious and I dont even like teriyaki. The sushi is not priced outrageously, and I have eaten it without complaint, and can actually find my favorite type, which is not available in most places. I could go on and on, but really I just suggest you try it for yourself. Like I said, its as real as you are going to get.
Pros: WONDERFUL FOOD, AUTHENTIC, inexpensive, un-matcheable variety
Cons: there's usually a wait (but I would wait all night for something this delicious)
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