Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Japanese restaurant · 805 3rd Ave #2, New York, NY 10022, United States · United States
★ 4.5 on Google · 3,670 reviews · View on Google Maps
Manipulation score
Review DriveCompleted Jul 19, 2026 · 351 reviews flagged
How this score works
The score estimates how strongly this place's review record matches known manipulation patterns, from 0 (no signs) to 100. Verdicts: Clean below 40, Suspicious from 40, Likely Manipulated from 70; Review Drive when the flags are mostly staff asking customers for named reviews. It rises with the share of reviews flagged and how suspicious each one is.
- Burst
- — an abnormal spike of five-star reviews in a single day compared to the place's usual pace.
- Low activity account
- — the reviewer has almost no other reviews, photos, or Local Guide history; throwaway accounts look like this.
- Duplicate text
- — the wording is nearly identical to another review of the same place.
Verdicts are statistical estimates based on public review patterns, not accusations. Full methodology, signal definitions and known limits →
Case conclusion
What the numbers say
1,000 reviews examined
- Google rating
- 4.5★
- Not-flagged average
- 4.5★
- Flagged
- 35%
- Coverage
- 27%
All reviews shown by Google
649 examined reviews
351 of 1,000
1,000 of 3,670 Google reviews
“Not flagged” means no configured Revdict signal matched; it does not prove a review is genuine. Data fetched Jul 19, 2026.
Review brief
What reviews not flagged by Revdict say
This popular Japanese barbecue spot offers an interactive dining experience with table-side grilling, a lively atmosphere, and happy hour deals. However, recurring complaints highlight issues with slow or inattentive service, strict time limits, and outdated interior conditions.
+ Repeated strengths
Interactive and Delicious Food
Reviewers report that the table-side grilling experience is fun, and the meat selections, marinades, and happy hour specials consistently taste great.
2 supporting reviews
5★ · 2024-03-13
I LOVE this place. The meat is especially good and the service is fast. We did all-you-can-eat and the gyoza and all the cuts were pretty good. Normally I love spice marinade but the best ones were the non-spicy ones. The service is great a...
4★ · 2025-06-04
Gyu-Kaku is the perfect spot for an interactive and flavorful dining experience. This authentic yakiniku restaurant lets you grill your own meats right at the table, creating a fun and engaging meal. The selection of premium cuts—from Hara...
Helpful and Attentive Service
Many reviewers praise specific staff members for providing friendly guidance through the menu and maintaining attentive service.
1 supporting review
5★ · 2024-03-14
Love this place! Very good service from Hira. Highly recommend.
Great for Groups and Lunch Specials
Reviewers note that the restaurant is well-suited for celebrations, large groups, and offers high-value lunch combos.
1 supporting review
5★ · 2024-03-05
This restaurant has a vesitile vibe. You can go for a date, a lunch meeting, for birthday celebrations and a family date. I actually had my first date in 2019 with my now husband. I always joke that it was his first date impression (taking...
− Repeated complaints
Slow Service and Long Waits
Reviewers report facing long wait times for tables despite reservations, as well as slow pacing and long gaps when ordering food or getting checks.
1 supporting review
1★ · 2024-06-21
Do not understand why they don’t set aside of tables for walk-in. Was told that we would be put on a waitlist, and the host loosely quoted us plus or minus 20min. HOW DID WE ENDED UP WAITING 1.75HRS? If you’re incompetent on quoting a reas...
Rushed Dining Experience and Time Limits
Reviewers note that strict time limits and aggressive last calls make the meal feel rushed and unwelcoming.
3 supporting reviews
3★ · 2024-05-07
Great place for drinks and japanese style bbq, food quality was consistently good + quick service. Unfortunately some changes have hindered the experience. 1) AYCE has now been moved to Mon-thurs , 2) Diners are limited to 1.5 hours to eat...
2★ · 2024-12-25
I’ve been to many all you can eat bbq places but this one was not so good. We had an 1hr and 45 min time limit - which is fine and reasonable BUT it took a very long time to get our food each time we ordered. I even timed it at one point w...
1★ · 2026-01-23
This is has been my favorite restaurant for years I love the food I used to love the service.. but it looks they have a new manager lady that walks around the restaurant and told you when you need to finish your meal pay and show you the wa...
Outdated Facilities and Cleanliness Concerns
Reviewers report that the restaurant is tired-looking, requires updates, and occasionally note maintenance or cleanliness issues.
3 supporting reviews
1★ · 2024-03-16
There was a roach in our booth. We brought it to the staff’s attention and they squished it with a paper towel. We will not be returning as this restaurant clearly has issues with cleanliness and roaches raise concerns about food safety.
1★ · 2024-08-12
INSANE!! Not what it use to be!!! Hope the other locations are doing better. I won’t be back to this location. Service was terrible. We had 9 people and they sat us in an 8 seat table so we were squished. The seats were odd as we were lower...
3★ · 2024-11-13
Used to love coming here. However it’s clear they no longer care about the appearance of this restaurant. Could really use an update. Holes in the walls. Tape covering light sockets. It’s tired. But the food is still great.
Good for
- Interactive group dinners and birthday celebrations
- Affordable weekday lunch specials
- Enjoying happy hour drinks and appetizers
Avoid if
- You dislike cooking your own food at the table
- You are sensitive to rushed service or strict dining time limits
- You expect a pristine, modern interior setting
Review anatomy
Reviews per month
| Month | Reviews | Flagged |
|---|---|---|
| Feb ’24 | 32 | 20 |
| Mar ’24 | 265 | 122 |
| Apr ’24 | 49 | 8 |
| May ’24 | 40 | 9 |
| Jun ’24 | 18 | 3 |
| Jul ’24 | 14 | 2 |
| Aug ’24 | 13 | 0 |
| Sep ’24 | 8 | 1 |
| Oct ’24 | 9 | 0 |
| Nov ’24 | 19 | 5 |
| Dec ’24 | 18 | 1 |
| Jan ’25 | 12 | 1 |
| Feb ’25 | 13 | 3 |
| Mar ’25 | 29 | 5 |
| Apr ’25 | 53 | 22 |
| May ’25 | 60 | 14 |
| Jun ’25 | 16 | 5 |
| Jul ’25 | 13 | 0 |
| Aug ’25 | 16 | 2 |
| Sep ’25 | 7 | 0 |
| Oct ’25 | 11 | 4 |
| Nov ’25 | 10 | 0 |
| Dec ’25 | 10 | 1 |
| Jan ’26 | 16 | 2 |
| Feb ’26 | 39 | 24 |
| Mar ’26 | 22 | 5 |
| Apr ’26 | 22 | 7 |
| May ’26 | 107 | 67 |
| Jun ’26 | 53 | 18 |
| Jul ’26 | 6 | 0 |
Rating distribution
Evidence
- burst 10 five-star reviews on 2024-02-28 vs avg 0.7/day; 19 five-star reviews on 2024-03-09 vs avg 3.1/day; 9 five-star reviews on 2025-04-09 vs avg 1.0/day; 9 five-star reviews on 2026-05-18 vs avg 0.5/day weight 1
-
review drive
8 occurrences — worst: 28 five-star reviews on 2024-03-01 vs avg 1.5/day, 14 of them name a staff member
weight 0.5
Show all 8
- 9 five-star reviews on 2024-02-29 vs avg 1.1/day, 7 of them name a staff member
- 28 five-star reviews on 2024-03-01 vs avg 1.5/day, 14 of them name a staff member
- 9 five-star reviews on 2025-04-10 vs avg 1.2/day, 5 of them name a staff member
- 5 five-star reviews on 2026-02-18 vs avg 0.4/day, 3 of them name a staff member
- 6 five-star reviews on 2026-02-21 vs avg 0.6/day, 5 of them name a staff member
- 8 five-star reviews on 2026-02-28 vs avg 1.0/day, 4 of them name a staff member
- 21 five-star reviews on 2026-05-19 vs avg 0.7/day, 13 of them name a staff member
- 20 five-star reviews on 2026-05-22 vs avg 1.6/day, 13 of them name a staff member
- low activity account 244 reviews flagged weight 0.8
- generic account 1 reviews flagged weight 1
Flagged reviews
Showing the 10 most suspicious of 351 flagged reviews.
Ahmed alsaidi
1 review
★★★★★
2024-02-28
Hera!! the best
Karen Dela Rosa
1 review
★★★★★
2024-02-28
We have the best server Narissara. Very accommodating and attentive.
Angie Nino
1 review
★★★★★
2024-03-09
Jose, our server was amazing ! Attentive and knowledgeable on menu 👌🏽 Great service, will come again !
YU CHEN
2 reviews
★★★★★
2024-03-09
Randomrando
1 review
★★★★★
2026-05-18
Perfect date night! They even brought out a big fan for us when we were hot.
啵啵
1 review
★★★★★
2026-05-18
IBRAHIM is really kind to us thank you so much
Stewart Manson
369 reviews · Local Guide
★★★★★
2025-10-21
The service team worked together seamlessly throughout our meal. The meal was good and service matched it. I really like the design and how tidy everything is. The restaurant crew exceeded expectations repeatedly. Solid endorsement of this place.
Gürkan Bilgir
3 reviews
★★★★★
2024-02-28
Very nice place with great food and portion sizes. Our server Hira was very useful and attentive! He explained everything about the Barbecue course, especially since this was our first time here. Would definitely recommend :)
Shalonda Harris
4 reviews
★★★★★
2024-02-28
Hiraa was perfect . He made sure we had everything we needed and was very assertive . I was so happy with my experience and Will definitely be coming back with my family .
Sharon Monplaisir
5 reviews
★★★★★
2024-02-28
Maverick is the best!
Report generated Jul 19, 2026. Reviews change — you can request a fresh investigation.
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