Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

ABURAYA in Oakland

4.6 (199) 362 17th St, Oakland, CA 94612, United States

Categories

Japanese restaurant
Chicken restaurant
Fried chicken takeaway
Soul food restaurant

Location on the map

Oakland, Alameda County, California, US

Phone: +1 510-502-7743
Site: https://aburayaoakland.com/

Opening hours

Monday:11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday:11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday:11 AM–9 PM
Thursday:11 AM–9 PM
Friday:11 AM–9 PM
Saturday:5–9 PM
Sunday:Closed

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.6

199 Reviews for ABURAYA 2024:

Review №1

2023-08-27 17:44:09

Fried chicken was flavorful with orange sauce and garlic miso powder. It was a bit on the dry side but it tasted good with the salad and its creamy dressing. Love love the green onion oil tofu. Refreshing!

Review №2

2023-05-23 06:22:53

This place is indeed a legit fried chicken place. The karaage style fried chicken came in big pieces, so they are crispy from outside and juicy inside. There are many options for sauces and dried seasonings. I forgot what we tried but it was great. The spot is also cool with their own alcohol as well. Cool vibe and great food. I would love to come back and eat again.

Review №3

2022-03-15 17:36:56

We were in Oakland for a concert at the Fox Theater and needed someplace to grab a quick dinner before the show. As we pulled up to park on our way to a Mexican restaurant, I spotted two dudes eating on a park bench. They highly recommended Aburaya. We tried our original place, but they were backed up! We will be back there at a later date!Aburaya specializes in Japanese Fried Chicken if a high quality that is boneless and taste nothing like the Colonel’s! There are a variety of dishes to choose from, mostly with 3-4 pieces of chicken combined with rice and or veggies. My daughter went with the rice bowl which she enjoyed. I went with the Nanban which was essentially a nice mix of greens with tomatoes slices, pickled veggies and 3 pieces of chicken. It was very tasty and nutritious. I recommend you ask for additional sauce/dressing on the side for additional flavor! We also tried their version of Mexican street corn which was yummy! We will be back!

Review №4

2022-09-10 19:02:30

Everything was delicious and the food came out pretty quick and very fresh. Only issue was that we ordered too much! The chicken is whole skinless boneless thighs so a 4 piece is good for one person unless you’re starving then get an 8 piece.

Review №5

2023-09-10 01:35:33

I really want to like this place more. The food is amazing but something is always missing or changed whenever I pick up my order. Its just seasoned fried chicken and rice ( If rice is even an option for you) . Paying $23 for 8 pieces of fried chicken and having to go home and make your own rice because you didnt get the option to choose it really sucks. I just never leave happy despite how much I want to. Good food. Good beer. Cool vibe but could use some organization

Review №6

2023-06-26 22:38:26

Aburaya in Oakland serves up a mouthwatering Fried Chicken Sando that is a true delight. Crispy fried chicken on Texas toast, paired with avocado, greens, onion, tomato, slaw, and their famous Aburaya BBQ sauce, creates a harmonious fusion of flavors. The tender chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty slaw come together perfectly, while the BBQ sauce adds a smoky sweetness. This sandwich showcases Aburayas culinary creativity and expertise, making it a must-try for fried chicken enthusiasts seeking a unique twist.

Review №7

2021-05-20 23:11:32

Excellent selection of Japanese style fried chicken, with many different sauces to choose from.The food was very filling, and the chicken was cooked well done. I would like to try out some more of the sauces over time. We also got steamed Broccoli and that was great too - not too soft, not too hard with a nice delicate sauce on it.In the store they have a superb selection of beers and sake to accompany your take-out order. You can even buy Aburaya themed merchandise as well.

Review №8

2021-01-02 06:13:48

12-30-20:Ordered the tater tots, cauliflower, tofu and fried chicken to go. Everything was super delicious. The tater tots had a delicious BBQ sauce that had a nice kick. The cauliflower was spiced perfectly. The fried tofu hit the spot. Their signature chicken dish met my high expectations!Will definitely be back for more delicious food. I would order everything again because it was so good. But I am dying to try the vegan item (even though I am clearly not vegan). 😀

Review №9

2023-05-11 02:07:23

Got 4 wings of Garlic Miso rub, 4 wings of Honey Aioli sauce and a Japanese beer to top it off. Would recommend.

Review №10

2023-05-24 13:53:19

Came here with friends. It’s the most flavorful and delicious Japanese fried chicken I’ve had. We also ordered fried jalapeños and cauliflowers. Be careful with those jalapeños, these are devils! I am a spicy ophile but I almost died at the table! We also ordered all of their desserts, the yuzu cheesecake and plan were our favorite. Sweet rice cake- you can easily get it from Japanese grocery store. Matcha chocolate cake was quite plain.

Review №11

2023-04-14 17:31:20

Came here for dinner last night… and now it’s going to be my go to place!! Everything was absolutely delicious and came out quick and piping hot. We ordered the garlic miso and the shichimi chicken, as well as the fried vegetable hearts, edamame, and jalapeños.I wish the jalapeños had some seasoning or even a different sauce, rather than the miso ranch that comes with the chicken (which was really good! But it’d be nice to have other options). It was really affordable for the quality and quantity of what you get - 4 chicken pieces each were plenty for us. Highly recommend!!

Review №12

2023-10-28 04:15:04

The fried chicken is awesome. But be warned, if you are a vegetarian, this place may not be for you.The fried tofu that my partner ordered was offensively low effort. It consists of 5 or so cubes of lightly fried tofu dusted in whatever seasoning you ask for, with a small green salad that looks like someone spit dressing on it, and finally, a half head of RAW CABBAGE. Like what?Why isnt there an Oyako Don option that subs tofu instead of chicken? Just blows my mind. Guess its our fault but they might as well not even offer the fried tofu cuz it was mean.

Review №13

2020-02-22 04:57:36

What the reviewers say is true. Aburaya really knows how to make moist tasty chicken. According to my family, the poke bowl was full of texture and fresh soft tuna. The tator tots were fried perfectly, nice and golden brown. Their prices are very reasonable. However, the place is quite small with limited seating. They also have another location 2 blocks away for to-go orders. It may be difficult to find street parking, but I would definitely come back again for more yummy food.

Review №14

2023-10-29 02:07:11

Excellent fried chicken! Hubby and I shared a double portion (8 pieces) with rice and salad. The server offered to do 2 different flavors - teriyaki and garlic miso - we tried both and settled that we each loved one. Half the salad was a beautifully dressed lettuce while other was coarse chopped cabbage. Plenty of leftovers for late night snack. Friend had a thick chicken sando that was delish!

Review №15

2023-01-17 10:22:40

The sauce is delicious and the perfect amount of spicy, the bread has the exact amount of crunch that it should have, they sell good beers, and they pack the plate. All you need at a good chicken spot. Plus, you could order it as takeout and then go to the Secret Garden on top of the Kaiser Center parking garage. Highly recommend.

Review №16

2021-02-01 20:26:34

I might be late since this place has been around and it’s so cool and I only got to check it out last week . The chicken is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G !! We got 8 pieces that comes with choice of two flavors and sides of salad and rice . The amount of food we good was pretty good. I was full, and mind you I’m never full 😂 I got the jelly peach sake, the flavor was reallyyy good . The side of fresh cabbage was my favorite part . The guys that work there are also really cool ! Very informative. I definitely have new favorite in Oakland !!This is a must try ! Must visit

Review №17

2022-04-15 17:15:55

They have only a couple tables inside and a couple more outside in front, none of which have chairs. The rest of the store is filled with merchandise. I ordered the fried tofu which took about 10 minutes to prepare. The tofu was flavored decently, but the cabbage it came with was plain.

Review №18

2023-11-22 22:43:32

Absolutely fantastic fried chicken. Good selection of sides and beverages. Service was smooth and efficient as well. Also the selection of toppings for the chicken was excellent as well.

Review №19

2023-06-03 23:55:26

A classic, unique Oakland spot. They have their own collaboration beer with a local brewery that you can only get there. The chicken is exceptionally tender. The hottest sauces are LEGIT face melting and eye watering, so beware. Medium is where its at. Go solo, or bring a couple friends. Its a good time.

Review №20

2022-08-19 15:54:37

This place was recommended by a friend so went to try it for lunch. Ordered ahead so wouldnt have to wait much. It was very busy. The online menu is more expensive than the in person one. We noticed it was a $1 more for each menu item. I guess its the price for not having to wait 🤷‍♀️.Ordered the Oyakodon and some Japanese curry on the side. The food overall was very good and flavorful and a very large portion too. The curry powder was also very good, added the whole thing to my meal. The chicken pieces were large and perfectly cooked. Definitely will be going back.Its more of a takeout place. They have one table inside and 2 tall tables that seat 2 ppl each outside.

Review №21

2023-01-15 03:34:40

I ordered the oyakodon, and it was decent. It came with a side salad. They announce your name over the speaker when your order is ready, so pay attention to that. They have all sorts of interesting furniture to sit on if you dine in. We sat on the couch and the little puff stools, and though its cute to look at, it wasnt comfortable to sit there and eat.

Review №22

2023-07-21 20:34:25

The miso garlic seasoning on the chicken and the dressing are what bring me back here at least once a week. You can order via their website to minimize waiting time, and they have a built in rewards system to eventually get free food.

Review №23

2023-05-12 05:29:15

Best fried chicken around (including Bakesale Betty) and delicious sides. Great value and the staff are so friendly. I love the Ramones and Clash posters since I saw them live back in the day. Never imagined anyone would love the old punks. The CBGB homage is awesome.

Review №24

2019-09-29 23:12:15

Great fried chicken! We LOVED the spicy mustard chicken, it packs a great punch from the wasabi. We also took the orange-mustard (our least favorite), the dashi (great) and the bbq (meh). Overall a great dinner in a cool space. Fun!

Review №25

2023-12-04 08:20:47

I cant believe Ive lived here for this long without hearing about Aburaya. Its reminiscent of those hidden gems youd discover in Japan, where the owners put their unique twist on American rock culture, only it’s right here in America.Got the 4 piece in Garlic Miso with rice and Sunomono (pickled vegetables) for 2 people. Best call. Also picked up a set of branded guitar picks as a gift - their brand is a play off The Ramones. ☺️ Tons of seating, craft beer, and special soju for sale on the side.

Review №26

2020-03-01 06:04:37

I was really looking forward to this place because a friend recommended not to mention all the good reviews. Chicken was cooked perfectly but what happened to the flavor. I ordered one order of the garlic miso, one order of shichimi and an order of white tuna tataki. Tuna was very good but both chicken meals were missing any sort of flavor. Very disappointing. They need half star rating. 3.5 stars.

Review №27

2023-06-23 20:56:10

Bomb fried chicken and wonderful salad. BBQ a bit sweet but still good. I’d advise against the sand which as it’s ultra messy and just go with the tenders. The deviled avocado was weird af but I think it went well with a side salad. Beer selection looks interesting too tho I did not indulge

Review №28

2018-03-02 02:56:17

Great vibes, food is magnificent and unique. Didn’t have the signature devil avocado though. A tad bit expensive but worth every penny. Limited menu though mostly would go for the chicken. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking for something uniquely Oakland

Review №29

2021-11-18 08:02:08

So good! The amount of food you get for the price alone is generous. The quality makes it incredible. I usually order the wasabi kick four piece with greens and I have enough for lunch and dinner, for less than $15. The chicken is breaded in God knows what, I think some kind of rice flour combo, but its extremely crunchy, even after being tossed in the sauce, and it retains so much juiciness in the chicken. The slaw is very good. And they have local beers and drinks to buy as well. The ranch they make is AMAZING, its not normal ranch. Its something else magical. Very consistent, every time I go its great. Never a bad experience. 5 stars no contest.

Review №30

2022-04-13 08:06:39

Great oyakodon portions and love the variety of content inside for sale (liquor, liquor sets, merch). A few standing tables inside and outside. Quick service and convenient for a quick meal before an event at Fox Theater. Other friends got the 8pc and loco moco and both sounded good.

Review №31

2023-05-12 02:26:24

The food was delicious and its really really affordable for the quality and amount of food you get. I was truly full leaving this place and that honestly doesnt happen often. I got the chicken sandwich and the beet salad, both were delicious. They also have a really great beer selection, I got a matcha stout with my meal and got four more to-go. The staff was super friendly and the ambiance in the restaurant was really fun.

Review №32

2023-10-17 00:46:47

Happy to be the 1000th comment! The price is very cheap considering the amount of good quality fried chicken, rice, and veggie you are getting. Amazing!

Review №33

2023-12-06 04:53:30

Great chicken! Will not disappoint. You don’t even need to like fried chicken to enjoy this fried chicken

Review №34

2020-09-13 04:33:02

Super crisp chicken with great flavors. The fact that there are more glutenfree options than not, make it a winner for me. They really understand allergies and food restrictions, so it is easy to eat there with confidence. Also an awesome beer and sake list!

Review №35

2018-08-02 20:57:32

Completely bland and greasy food with long wait times. Best thing in the place was the collection of hot sauces you can use .I got the cauliflower to find huge chunks of barely sauteed cauliflower with a little salt and paprika on it. The salad that came with it was drenched in oil. The rice was nice but also missing flavor. And for that, i had to wait for 30 minutes???Not coming back.

Review №36

2023-03-30 03:08:33

Food was delicious and very filling. Had the cake as well. It was really good.

Review №37

2022-10-12 14:48:05

This is my favorite restaurant in Oakland. I usually get the fried chicken rice bowl, and Ive tried most of the different sauces/seasonings and enjoyed them all.

Review №38

2016-09-19 03:42:50

My friends took me to Aburaya in downtown Oakland for Japanese fried chicken and unique POVs on sides like seaweed salad and stone fruit salad. We even got a jelly sparkling peach sake that you had to shake 20 times before drinking!Be sure to stop at an ATM beforehand as its cash only. For 3 people, we spent nearly $40: happy hour special ($5 for seaweed salad and PBR), 2 orders of 4-piece chicken, stonefruit salad, and 2 cans of sparkling sake.Seating can be limited but fortunately we went on a Wednesday, early evening before the rush.P. S. The fried chicken isnt karaage, but skinless, tender thighs in a variety of flavors. Ask for extras of the miso ranch dip!

Review №39

2022-09-17 10:35:12

The main staple. The chicken was dry, hard and unseasoned. The rice was also bland. The best part of the meal was the salad. Place definitely missed the mark on fried chicken period.

Review №40

2019-07-10 22:09:02

YUP! Japanese fried chicken... the outside fried layer is light and crispy, the inside chicken layer is hot and juicy. This fried chicken is awesome. I went here when I was on a self guided food tour of Oakland. Seemed like one of the more popular spots that I went on that day. The tator tots had a bunch of asian favors and was unique. They also have this hot sauce... I do not remember what it was but it was an increasingly slow burn, but very addicting. Tips: not a lot of tables to eat on because it is so busy so maybe takeout is a better option? Also they got stickers and buttons on the side.

Review №41

2019-05-05 17:01:37

I enjoyed my first Japanese fried chicken. We mixed it up with some veggie izakaya items like the wasabi slaw and white rice. We also had some fried organic tofu which was a bit bland. I enjoyed the dry spiced Shichimi chicken. I enjoyed the Karashi honey fried chicken much more.

Review №42

2019-02-14 17:42:41

Really good fried chicken. Crispy, juicy, and everything you could ask for in a fried chicken.We got 4 flavors:- Miso garlic (dry), this one is really good, I couldn’t recall tasting the miso flavor that much.- Umami salt (dry), this one was also done very well- Honey mustard (sauce), this one was my favorite, it’s got a ton of kick to it- Orange aioli (sauce), probably my least favorite of the four, but all of them were really good

Review №43

2023-11-30 02:53:39

Its not karaage, but the best fried chicken with absolutely unbeatable price

Review №44

2018-08-21 04:03:22

I’m usually not a fan of all the hyped up fried chicken places, but Aburaya is excellent. They use to be just a pop up in the neighborhood and I’m really excited they now a permanent location. Portions are good for the price and the quality/freshness of the food is hard to beat.

Review №45

2018-09-17 04:18:52

Amazing flavors, perfectly cooked pieces of boneless chicken, reasonable prices. Only complaint is that the place is always packed and the wait times for your food are crazy long. Id get it to go. Call ahead if you can because they tend to give priority to those and to food delivery services when preparing.

Review №46

2023-08-19 01:01:41

Fresh, flavorful, and always a hit with friends and family. The miso garlic flavor is definitely the hands down favorite.

Review №47

2018-08-05 16:39:25

Great casual place to get good quality fried chicken. I like that their fried chicken orders come with rice and veggies and dipping sauce. Everything else here is self served after you order up front. Chicken as juicy. Would come back to try other flavors and menu items.

Review №48

2020-01-11 06:17:58

Great staff and large portions--so filling! I was expecting Japanese fried chicken to be more juicy, like good karaage tends to be, but the chicken here was pretty dry... The pork cutlet was also dry, but thats to be expected. The flavours of the sauces and dry rub were tasty, though. The one on the pork and tots was unexpectedly spicy.

Review №49

2017-12-29 18:50:55

Laid back joint, love that you can get a good salad with fried chicken. Had the Sansho and Shimichi dry rubs - loved it - and seaweed salad. Will be back to try everything else!

Review №50

2023-08-05 19:49:05

Great fried chicken and tater tots. This is a place we consistently return to for a consistent and reasonably priced meal.

Review №51

2023-04-22 23:56:19

Ordered the Oyako Don and added more chicken. I highly recommend it! The chicken was great along with the portions. I signed up for their points and got a free slice of Matcha Cake. That was also amazing. Love the style and vibe of this place. I forgot to add their BBQ is also really good!!!

Review №52

2023-05-31 22:14:51

The fried chicken rice plate with salad and cabbage is fantastic. Also enjoyed the salad with fried chicken and pickled veg, as well as the deviled avocado. Solid selection of local beers.

Review №53

2023-05-17 17:22:36

I love this place so much!! Everything Ive ever eaten here is amazing, from the chicken and the various sauces to the sides. I also love all things Japanese and punk rock so its right up my alley.

Review №54

2018-06-07 19:34:42

A LOT of tasty food for lunch. They misplaced our order initially but brought them out soon enough with extra vegetables. The Oyakudon is flavored just right, not fishy or salty like a lot of other places. Crowded during lunch.

Review №55

2022-07-08 22:09:38

I got the sando. The chicken was delicious. So was the slaw and the salad. Id prefer something other than sliced bread though.

Review №56

2019-07-23 22:38:54

I can see how others would rate this place 4-5 stars but it was just ok for me.Im not a fan of thigh and dark chicken meat, so that probably affected my rating. However, maybe 3. 5 stars at best for me given the following. We ordered the fried pork Katsu, 15 pieces of chicken and two fish tacos.Fish tacos were pretty good, although flavor was muted and salty. The best thing about the pork was the Katsu sauce and mustard side dip (fresh and strong). Sadly, the pork chop was thin & dry and the crust too hard. Would not order this again.Having read many reviews, we avoided the wet sauce for the chicken and did two dry rubs - miso garlic & schichimi (chili & orange zest). The rubs were disappointingly muted - barely tasted garlic and orange zest, hard to taste the difference between the two rubs other than one being darker in color. Sadly, the chicken pieces seemed also over cooked /fried and dried out.If I were to come back, it would only be with friends who want to eat here & I would just stick with the fish tacos. In summary, wasnt good/great for me, but I can see how others would like it.Too bad Bon Chon chicken opened in Berkeley and not Oakland :/

Review №57

2023-02-20 22:58:05

Great over the counter spot for Japanese style friend chicken with ample seating inside and beverage options (including beer and sake). The chicken fry is very light and the cabbage plus green salad balance the plates out nicely. Some of the yummiest value in downtown Oakland!

Review №58

2023-07-23 20:39:43

Nice crispy fried chicken pieces with a wide number of sauces and much more. Check them out for a sake too.

Review №59

2023-09-15 22:30:40

Great food and vegan options, delicious Japanese beers, hot sake, etc. tables for self seating, this place is the best!

Review №60

2023-03-20 02:42:38

Aburaya has a really unique vibe as a rock and roll Japanese restaurant!The fried chicken was lightly breaded and the 8 piece meal was more than enough for two people. The tater tots were so good, with Japanese seafood flavors on top! The miso ranch was our favorite dip for the chicken.There are a good amount of tables with the dining room addition. A speaker system in that room makes sure you dont miss when your order is ready!

Review №61

2023-11-02 17:53:46

Service was great and chicken was good but needed just a bit more seasoning.

Review №62

2020-11-26 08:26:04

Super great Japanese fried chicken it was so crispy and crunchy!! And I like how you can add the cabbage on the side. I will for sure come back here!!!

Review №63

2020-03-01 03:37:50

Hit all the right spots; price, yummy and casual dinning. The team and I got 2x of the 8 piece chicken sets, more than enough food for 4. Will definitely be coming back. 10/10 🐔

Review №64

2019-04-28 02:24:05

The BBQ karage was amazing! Loved the small and dialed-in menu. The vibe of the place was perfect too -- embraced the punk ethic while creating a cozy place for customers to chat with friends and strangers.

Review №65

2023-04-01 02:09:03

The fried chicken here is, as they say in Hawaii, Ono, broke da mouth, meaning: so good, delicious. The portion is enough for 2 people to share. Although, I didnt want to share so, I bought 2 orders. The fried chicken plate reminds me of plate lunch I used to get in Hawaii when I was a kid. Thanks so much.

Review №66

2023-06-22 04:42:28

This place makes some of the most flavorful and delicious fried chicken out there. I definitely recommend.

Review №67

2023-07-03 03:07:04

Delicious fried chicken! They have great sides too. Can be hard to find parking but worth it.

Review №68

2023-02-28 02:00:34

I really dont get the hype. Ive gone here three times. I got the chicken sandwich twice and then the burrito. First of all of youve had a chicken sandwich literally anywhere else youll be disappointed. The chicken sandwich has a bun which is essentially only two barely toasted slices of bread and waaay too much of this lettuce medley that frankly doesnt go with the chicken. I live close by so I took it home to eat and by then the bread was so soggy you couldnt pick the whole thing up. I had to eat it with a fork or look like a ravenous animal to finish it. I thought it may have been a fluke so I went in and ate there. Same thing. Soggy bread out the gate, too much greens, chicken is in there but you cant find it over everything else. You cant pick it up to eat it. Its a mess.I went there a third time and the burrito is basically the chicken sandwich in burrito form. Too much greens, rice that you cant taste, a couple pieces of chicken and the feeling of disappointment. Im sure I could just get the chicken, but honestly there are plenty of better chicken spots nearby with better variety. Im done with soggy food. I feel like I spent more money on greens than chicken. I wont be coming back

Review №69

2023-03-22 17:52:04

Great spot for lunch and dinner. The portions are huge! Ive never been disappointed with anything on the menu.There is also a great saké and wine collection if youre thirsty!

Review №70

2022-09-21 16:27:38

Great flavors. Unexpected cuisine that is unique and pleasing to the eye and palate.Brought a friend within the week, and everything was as good if not better! The fried chicken was everything they say and more! Fried cauliflower... who knew cauliflower could be that good?

Review №71

2023-06-18 05:53:34

If you’re in the mood for Japanese fried chicken served with a punk rock vibe and an amazing international craft beer selection, this is your spot!

Review №72

2023-03-25 02:11:31

I don’t live in Oakland, but I try to eat here whenever I’m in town. The curry flavored meatless chicken wings are the best, but you can’t go wrong with any of the menu choices.

Review №73

2021-08-16 19:58:24

Wow! The fried chicken was great! This place is definitely worth making a stop and standing in line for!

Review №74

2023-05-13 07:42:03

The flavors are great. The fried chicken is definitely noteworthy. I also loved the deviled avocado.

Review №75

2017-05-11 22:07:55

Best chicken in the area and there house Apple habanero sauce is to die for. Id buy it by the bottles if they sold it. Plan ahead it can be busy at times and they make everything to order so i can take a bit to get to your food and a places to sit.

Review №76

2023-01-11 04:44:44

This chicken will absolutely butter your biscuit. Get the miso ranch and slip into ecstasy, 10/10. Easily the best fried chicken I’ve ever had, and I’m from Kentucky

Review №77

2023-03-01 21:56:39

Visiting Oakland and found this location near my hotel. Fresh and extremely tasteful food

Review №78

2022-11-11 20:26:07

Best fried chicken in the Bay Area. My go to for lunch whenever I come to Oakland.

Review №79

2017-01-12 03:28:04

Delicious fried chicken. Small restaurant and be prepared to wait in line.

Review №80

2022-07-08 21:41:26

Had a chicken burrito, which was very large but somewhat disappointing in texture and flavor (BBQ chicken). Staff were very friendly. A dark hole in wall restaurant with no inside seating. Good for a quick bite or for take out.

Review №81

2022-11-12 03:38:36

Tasty stuff! seriously. prices are fair, ingredients were good (excluding the tomato frankly, it was pale and flavourless), chicken right texture, the fried jalapeno is so meaty its wild

Review №82

2022-11-11 03:19:25

The chicken is decent but could be crispier. I ordered a couple of sides - tater tots sounded relatively innocuous. I didn’t think to look up what kotsui boshi was, assuming it was just some kind of spice. Turns out, it’s very stinky fermented fish! They had to be thrown out unfortunately.

Review №83

2023-08-05 21:25:36

Delicious food. Garlic & Miso chicken is amazing.

Review №84

2021-04-30 16:07:43

Once you figure out how delicious everything is, its hard to not order too much! The fried chicken is awesome. Never greasy, with a great texture inside and out. They let you choose flavorings for it, theyre all pretty great but I think the umami dry seasoning is my favorite. Theres plenty to eat with just the chicken and super fresh cabbage (eat it, its good), but their sides are also fantastic! They always source good quality produce, local whenever possible and have great flavor combinations. The owners really appreciate delicious produce (several people there used to work for a farm at farmers markets too), so dont worry about your veggie side not being tasty like most restaurants! The vegan chocolate matcha cake is also bomb (I usually stay away from vegan baked goods too). Everyone there is super friendly too. If this was the only fried chicken place I could ever go to in my life, I would be satisfied.

Review №85

2022-12-10 16:50:36

Not only does this place have amazing fried chicken in a plurality of flavors, the veggie sides also never disappoint. We had a Japanese version of elote that was really good.

Review №86

2022-03-20 04:20:07

Tried 4 of their sauces/flavors (Karashi Honey, Garlic Miso, Orange Honey, and Japanese Curry). Flavors were overall underwhelming or lacking (could barely taste the dry rubs), and chicken was consistently dry. Not worth the price and plenty of better fried chicken places around.

Review №87

2023-04-01 23:13:45

One of my go to lunch/dinner spots in Oakland. Have been eating there since they had the pop up on 15th, and then when they were doing lunch at The Hatch.I always recommend it to my visiting friends

Review №88

2023-04-28 02:39:33

Dry-ish meat. A good sized portion but the flavors were a little lacking. Maybe just go for the friend chicken and not the oyakodon

Review №89

2021-09-19 12:31:33

This place is really great. Im pretty critical of restaurants but Ill start by saying this is a five star by Oakland standards. Excellent sauces and reasonably fast. Great alcohol selection. Good people. The owners work there and it seems like a good place to work from what Ive heard. Packaging is biodegradable (I think) and simple.I think they should give more miso ranch sauce and if you order a double chicken you shouldnt have to pay for double the sauce. They say the sauce is for the cabbage, but I think its for the hot mustard chicken! I buy both the mustard sauce and the ranch in bottles and bring it home, and Im a chef.Give me more sauce and youll be a NYC 5, which is an Oakland 6:)

Review №90

2023-02-25 02:50:06

Aburaya fully made an adult happy meal.8 piece chicken, karashi honey, extra miso ranch. Rice and greens. Chicken and fixins must be cradled in the cabbage leaves, (and I hate cabbage). You’re welcome.

Review №91

2020-07-24 19:02:29

The food was ok I came because it had great reviews. Chicken is good but not the best. Parking is hard to find since is on downtown.

Review №92

2022-09-07 17:56:22

This place is so bomb and for being in downtown oakland has pretty decent prices! me and bae are definitely going back soon

Review №93

2023-06-01 21:15:14

Seriously delicious gluten free food. Employees in LAND BACK shirts. What more could I ask for?

Review №94

2021-03-19 05:24:29

Great service, and everyone was masked up. We got our food to go and ate in the car before our long drive home. The fried chicken was amazing, but the rice bowl add on was underwhelming. The chicken was so good and the portion was so big that I didnt even have room for the rice so Im just gonna ignore the rice part and still give 5 stars. Will be back when I pass through again.

Review №95

2022-04-13 04:11:03

The one star is a little extreme, i know, because theres nothing wrong with the place itself. its just the food is... not good. had high expectations bc of the reviews. maybe it was an off night, but its just greasy and not that crispy. got the chicken, 8pc ~$21, garlic miso and orange honey aioli, ate it right away and it was lukewarm. nice staff and great music but that doesnt matter if you have almost no indoor dining

Review №96

2019-06-21 11:23:23

Great crispy fried chicken with flavor packed dry rub and zingy sauces for all palates! SUPER staff, great vibe. Only drawback is this place is small and seating limited and random. If youre up for the wait its worth it, otherwise getting it to go on this Thursday night was only about ten minutes. A definite MUST go back to check out more flavors and sides, they have a small but rounded beer selection to keep you cool while you wait.

Review №97

2021-12-05 02:46:09

The chicken is truly delicious. And the 4 piece rice bowl for $12 has to be one of the best deals around. Seasoned with shichimi is my personal fave. The deviled avocado is interestingly delicious too.

Review №98

2020-12-24 05:57:43

Had kind of a messy takeout experience. Ordered over the phone and then started walking over. A couple of minutes later they called back to say they were out of poke so we subbed in second fried chicken, but I wish that had been clear over the phone.Once we actually picked up the food and went back home, I discovered that neither of my sauces on the side had made it onto the order ticket or into my bag.Ordering experience aside, the chicken was nice and crispy with okay flavor for plain fried chicken, and the greens and cabbage part of the bowl were surprisingly big portions.

Review №99

2020-08-21 20:23:08

Took a delivery. Some of the tastiest Japanese food Ive ever eaten. The fried chicken and the tater tots were perfectly cooked and the sauces were delicious. Even the side of rice and greens came with an excellent dressing. The portions are large too. Def eating from here again.

Review №100

2019-03-02 14:18:51

Good menu. Chicken was tender but cooked through. Tater tots were really tasty.

Review №101

2023-03-30 22:53:51

My new favorite, wasabi fried chicken!

Review №102

2020-03-05 03:32:33

This place has become a Downtown Oakland staple for me. The chicken is great in all flavors, and although I had never tried eating a plain wedge of cabbage with BBQ chicken before, its crisp and basically flavorless crunch adds a better effect than I could have imagined! It now seems like something is missing if I dont have it. The biggest problem with this place is its so popular that the line is usually out the door unless you go pretty early. All the same, I think its worth the wait!

Review №103

2022-07-09 19:36:14

Some of the best fried chicken Ive ever tasted, and theres over a dozen flavors to taste. Their recent addition of a fried chicken sandwich can compete with the best.

Review №104

2021-12-10 20:46:57

Woah. This place is awesome! Got the oyakodonburi (fried chicken, soft eggs, onions on top of rice with other goodies) and loved it. Fried chicken was well made. Salad was fresh and miso dressing (I think?) was on point. Portion was filling for $13. ALSO, their beer selection was a pleasant surprise. Some unique options but also had local Original Pattern options (my favorite brewery). Ill be coming back and soon.

Review №105

2019-01-17 16:39:11

Got our food to go. It was AMAZING! The place is tiny so expect a wait... But it is worth it!

Review №106

2022-10-25 01:56:38

Its fried chicken. simple but done well. you know what youre getting if you come here. pretty sad attempt at a side salad but Im not gonna take off any points for that. its a chicken place. get the chicken. lots of beer/alcohol options if you want to drink

Review №107

2022-08-14 02:41:05

I dont know what sick mad geniuses they have working in the back of that kitchen, but their miso habanero sauce is amazing. If you are looking for spicy food, I recommend giving that sauce a try especially on the chicken burrito.

Review №108

2018-12-27 04:56:10

This place is so good! The chicken is juicy and flavorful. The sauces are tasty. You can pick and choose your hot sauces. The salad is fresh. They are a great mix between fast service and delicious food. I’m lucky to be within walking distance.Come prepared and hungry and be ready to be amazed!

Review №109

2020-04-10 15:12:25

Review №110

2022-12-08 00:56:05

I wanted fish, they didn’t have it. Meatloaf, didn’t have it. Pea soup, didn’t have it. Turkish delight, didn’t have it. I went with the cabbage. First time eating it! So goooood! I’ll be bringing everyone I know here! Thank you Aburaya! Always be in my heart.

Review №111

2021-10-27 20:34:58

Small but efficient system for pickup and ordering. Staff is fast and accurate. No seating inside or outside.Chicken is moist and savory. Doesnt have quite the crunch or the zing of Korean Fried Chicken but still good.

Review №112

2019-01-21 23:00:45

I accidentally came across this place that is located a few blocks from my home. The fried chicken is surprisingly good. I ordered the rubbed in spiced chicken and its $5 grilled mackerel special. The home made green sauce is awesome with the fried chicken. The place is pretty laid back and apt for hang out with friends. You order and get your food via counter service. So, tips are optional.

Review №113

2020-10-25 20:57:07

Interesting and appropriate twist on karaage, with both dry spiced and sauced varieties. The chicken is always moist and delicious. Nice selection of local beers and some local sake as well (Den in Oakland is one of the two main local sake breweries in the Bay area). Ive mostly been able to order them as take out after the shelter at home orders, but had been dying to try their karaage since I first heard about them. Great punk aesthetic in the shop too.

Review №114

2019-08-01 21:06:43

Wow! Great prices, great textures, great tastes, great service! I loved the vast variety of hot sauces available and the fried chicken was dope! We ordered the wasabi slaw on the side but were accidentally served the cauliflower; the staff made up for the mistake by letting us keep the cauliflower at no charge and gave us the slaw, as well. I love the punk decor inside, as well.

Review №115

2018-09-21 08:41:33

This place is small and a little pricey for fried chicken, but its delicious and unique. There are lots and lots of flavor options and they mix it up with new and interesting specials. Its also really good chicken.They also have a pretty cool punk rock decor and vibe and I certainly recommend it if you like fried chicken.

Review №116

2021-03-25 20:38:02

The pros: The chicken is really tasty, the portions are quite big and its affordableThe cons: the texas toast was completely soggy from the salad being turned on its side next to it in the box. Salad dressing all over the toast which made the sandwich impossible to eat. Also, I received a total of 1 napkin in the bag which wasnt close to enough.The food is good, but the presentation was a mess.

Review №117

2019-04-06 18:35:51

Was a great experience! Was happy with my food. Basic menu, straight forward. I love the little spot located in Oakland. The food came in a quick and efficient manner even though it was rush hour. The chicken was delicious I think their menu was fair price, and I will go again definitely soon.

Review №118

2021-10-06 21:12:32

Food was amazing and service was great. I was so stoked that they released their own IPA, it was a bit malt forward for my taste but congratulations. Chicken was amazing as well as the sauce, I would go for the box because the sando was a bit bready with texas toast and less chicken. Im definitely going back and bringing friends and family.

Review №119

2018-08-14 17:24:58

Great restaurant that has Japanese fried chicken as their main attraction. The chicken was great and I definitely enjoyed it. They also have a rotating menu of dishes based on what they have on had. Their fried green tomatoes were delicious. Place is kind of small, but theyve got Hamms which is awesome.

Review №120

2019-12-07 04:55:04

One of a kind flavor and huge surprise. Aburaya is absolutely the best find of the year. After reading the menu online describing the place as punk rock Japanese food i had to try it.The specialty is fried chicken but you would never guess the amazing tender moist boneless perfectly cooked dish surrounded with slaw and rice.For $15 you get 8 pieces and the sides but 2 pieces is enough for one serving. Match it up with a wide selection of Japanese beers and Aburaya will become your new fave for 2020. 5 stars. Just great!!

Review №121

2021-07-13 17:27:17

Maybe I came at a bad time or ordered the wrong things, but the food I had was not in-line with the strong reviews here. I had the fried chicken burrito, tots, and slaw. The fried chicken in the burrito was so dry and stringy, I mistakenly thought I bit into a bone. The slaw had an unpleasant heat...not like wasabi but more like an intense horseradish mustard. The sauce on the tots was OK, but the katsuobushi (dried shaved fish) was an odd flavor combo. Maybe other items are better, and their beer selection is solid, but I cant say I enjoyed the meal.

Review №122

2018-12-20 18:56:44

The menu is simple, with limited options, but in a good way. Their ingredients are fresh and delicious! And its FRIED CHICKEN!! Japanese style fried chicken, to be more precise. Comes with rice, salad, veggies, and HOT SAUCE..... Well, thats what I got, anyway. It was delicious, to say the least. But this place speaks for itself. The lunchtime lines can be enough to turn a lot of people away, but it moves really fast! Worth it to at LEAST try it once.

Review №123

2019-11-10 14:50:03

I like the variety of sides and changing options to be a delight. However the Miso original dry rub chicken is the best! Also why do I crave cabbage? They make it so good when its got the dipping dressing they put with every order. I really like the food here. Usually I take my food to go but if theres a seat available Ill stay. However its a pretty busy place and sometimes seating is scarce.

Review №124

2019-06-24 06:04:38

The fried chicken is AMAZING. I always get the BBQ with rice and cabbage and its to die for. Its just the right amount of sauce and right amount of crispness. Mix that with the cabbage and its the perfect bite. They also have a dill dipping sauce (I think) and its insanely good with the chicken. Im obsessed. if youre in that area definitely check it out!

Review №125

2019-01-23 07:16:04

This place is amazing and lives up to the hype. All of the different sauces and rubs for the chicken are delicious. I love the punk rock vibe but I especially love the miso ranch dressing. Its sooo good, I could put it on everything! And their special, revolving menu is great with lots of good veggie options. Highly recommend!

Review №126

2020-12-15 20:40:20

Online ordering system is not stable and we couldnt place the order after several attempts. We eventually placed the order in person. Order was late for about 20 minutes (originally told itd be ready in about 25 minutes, but we didnt get the food until about 45 minutes after). Wasnt offered a bag for takeout (!) Some pieces of chicken were chewy and dry this time, but I still enjoy the seasoning.

Review №127

2018-02-10 23:16:28

I have been here for both lunch and dinner and love there oyakodon bowl. The food is always really tasty and the service is good. With fried chicken plus Japanese food it is hard to go wrong here. From being a pop-up just a few months ago the restaurant has really come into its own. The vibe is really nice and I enjoy the decor. There a two tables that face the street which are great to curl up in and enjoy your meal.

Review №128

2021-09-05 19:51:19

Love the chicken, love the seasonings, love the sake, cool staff too, but DONT USE TEXAS TOAST FOR YOUR BBQ CHICKEN SANDWHICH!!! The bread is too soft and flimsy, the large amount of chicken doesnt fit between two pieces, and the bread gets miserably soaked by all that excess sauce, turning the carbs into a soggy mess. It falls apart when you try to pick it up with your hands, you need a fork and knife/chopsticks to eat it. Therefore, it does NOT fit the criteria for what makes a sandwhich a sandwhich. Might as well rename it fried chicken with damp carbs slathered in bbq sauce.Highly recommend their garlic miso 4 piece. Everything else ive had so far tastes great!

Review №129

2023-02-18 23:59:09

I love this place, bring a couple extra bucks for merchandise or alcohol.. chicken is awesome I like chicken and rice whatever flavor all rice no salad even though the salad is good too

Review №130

2022-06-19 06:17:58

Weekly spot. Great selection of local beers, wines and other bevies. Super cool staff and vibe. Fried chicken is in a class of its own. Must have.

Review №131

2020-09-16 05:07:20

Punkrock twist on fried chicken.Dried seasoning sure does tingle your taste buds! If youre looking for a quick lunch sandwich or feast for a family, they have everything from lunch special fried chicken sandwich to 16 piece with 2 seasonings!Also have good selection of Sakes and beers. Try the snow sake in a a cup and Den sake from Oakland.

Review №132

2021-02-07 00:08:04

I feel so lucky to live close to Aburaya! Their chicken is flawless and there are enough choices of sauce or seasonings to please anyone. I love making my chicken a bowl. The staff are warm and friendly and the service is fast. Love this place!

Review №133

2021-09-12 06:48:10

One of the best fried chicken in Oakland if youre looking for a good variety of flavors. Can get spicy though!Sides can be hit or miss but the chicken is worth it.

Review №134

2019-07-16 05:08:11

I dont get the hype. Maybe it was an off night, but the fried foods were not crispy at all but soaked in oil. The honey orange aioli was good (I had it over cauliflower) as was the BBQ sauce (over chicken). Without the rice and greens add-on its a slightly sad meal. The space inside isnt particularly well suited for dining in. I may try again given the rave reviews but I cant say my first time here was all that positive.

Review №135

2022-09-22 14:18:21

I love Aburaya! I would give them 4.5 stars as is, and 5 if there were a few more vegan options! The veg options that they do have are fantastic, though!

Review №136

2023-01-19 06:19:33

My favorite place to eat in Oakland. Orange honey aioli is my go to sauce. Heaps of food for a good price too!

Review №137

2017-03-10 17:27:11

I loved the food, the staff were cool and plan on trying some of the other dry and wet flavors for their chicken. If you were assuming the veggies sticks are deep fried they arent haha. Not a complaint from me, for reference theyre essentially raw veggies with some tasty dipping sauce. They also allow people to play music in the restaurant which was great the night I went.

Review №138

2021-06-29 20:10:00

Best gluten free fried chicken Ive ever had anywhere!! Its because its not fried chicken trying to be KFC. It has its own unique flavor and accompanying foods to complement it.

Review №139

2022-04-14 19:03:23

Korean fried chicken steals the spotlight most days but I do love the more-or-less jumbo karaage style chicken here, especially the yuzu kosho and shichimi toppings. the miso ranch is lovely, too.

Review №140

2018-07-19 05:27:11

The food was absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed the chicken. There are a few different sauces and dry rubs that you can choose from. I like things crunchy so I went for a dry rub that was a little spicy. It was pretty yummy. I also tried the fried avacado. If youre OK with soft textures and you like avacado, youll love it.

Review №141

2019-03-14 02:11:41

So very good. Boneless fried chicken thighs are the specialty, served with a choice of dry or wet seasoning. My favorite is the dry garlic miso seasoning. Very friendly and helpful staff. They do a brisk lunchtime business.

Review №142

2018-04-05 02:10:06

Fried chicken pieces are huge boneless thighs not greasy, theyve got sides/appetizers that seem to rotate pretty often and theyre ALWAYS good so dont be afraid to try one. Huge selection of hot sauces.

Review №143

2016-11-22 05:12:20

I havent had Japanese fried chicken before, but now I dont understand why Id ever eat any other kind. We got the last 4 pieces of chicken in the shop so we could only try one flavor (a spicy, wet one) and now I want to organize a chicken party with friends so I can try them all. I was super disappointed with the fried pumpkin though... too much batter covered the pumpkin flavor and the soy/fish sauce drizzle killed it for me.

Review №144

2018-09-30 16:14:50

Good food, very busy during lunch time.

Review №145

2020-03-11 22:58:01

Chicken is exquisite. Cabbage and dressing, salad, and rice servings are well executed. Miso garlic topping is too salty but very good. Wait staff are efficient.Space is small and uncomfortable when crowded, which it is often at lunch. Music is loud and not conducive to sharing a conversation without a struggle.

Review №146

2018-05-27 17:16:03

The chicken was cooked to perfection! Absolutely delicious! The fried tofu had great texture and lots of flavor. Not too expensive either. Will certainly be back.

Review №147

2019-09-22 02:46:47

Beet salad and fried chicken with 3 different sauces and spices!

Review №148

2019-08-30 19:50:02

Best Japanese fried chicken ever! I live a block away, I usually order the 4 piece chicken meal at least twice a week.This place is always packed weekday and Saturday. I wish they open Sunday too!

Review №149

2020-10-20 20:32:54

Super disappointing... I really wanted to like this place. Went last week and ordered the family pack which was a lot of food and also ordered the fried cauliflower and fried edamame. Sadly Id say the edamame was my favorite! The fried cauliflower seemed more like cauliflower blanched in oil with a smidge of seasoning.I would have rated 0 stars but the girl who took my order over the phone was very friendly and helpful. Unfortunately the girl who rung me up was not, she wasnt rude per se but I didnt appreciate the fact that she assumed my change back was going straight into her tip jar. Pretty shady way to get your tips!!! I was already planning to tip well over the few dollars I was supposed to get back but because of the fact that she pre tipped herself and couldnt even tell me how to reheat the chicken for when I ate it later...her loss! When I asked her how to reheat the food she just said 1-2 mins maybe in the oven?!? Nothing about temperature....she didnt even bother to ask any of the other employees who were probably way more competent than she was.I was hoping the chicken would make up for the already bad experience but unfortunately it was super bland and pretty dry when I reheated it. I didnt think that my first attempt at making karage chicken would be any good but it was 1000× better than what I got from Aburaya. Maybe I came on an off day but unfortunately I will not be returning nor recommending this place to anyone.

Review №150

2018-01-09 18:43:36

Aburaya is the best! We have introduced so many people to this spot and no one has ever been disappointed! Out of town friends insist on going back whenever theyre in town. Unique flavors and great quality! Their fried chicken is the bomb! Grab a couple of sides and youve got a full meal for two! A favorite in the downtown area!

Review №151

2019-10-05 23:17:59

Excellent food, choices for all eating choices. Limited drink selection and seating. Be prepared to share a table. The food is quick in coming out. You can get the fried food to go, but why would you risk losing the crunch to your meal.

Review №152

2021-04-05 05:04:45

The chicken was flavorful and crispy. Id of personally liked more egg white in the egg salad inside the avocado (boiled egg white avo and turkey bacon is a dream fav salad of mine at home ) but it was unique and tasty.

Review №153

2020-01-22 21:51:01

I had no idea Japanese fried chicken was so delicious! I appreciate that almost everything on the menu is gluten free including many of the daily dinner specials. The staff are kind and knowledgeable about cross contamination.

Review №154

2022-09-07 00:44:39

Portions are generous and the fried chicken is awesome. Definitely not a light meal but thats what makes it so delicious.

Review №155

2023-04-14 23:56:20

Absolutely the best Japanese fried chicken, ever! Loved the Japanese BBQ sauce!

Review №156

2019-04-01 04:32:55

1. It is actually different from Japanese fried chicken. The piece here is bigger which I wish it could be smaller for the ease to chew.2. The taste is very good with the dry sauce. I ordered garlic miso and curry. Both are very great but I think curry wins a little bit.

Review №157

2019-08-14 03:43:36

Chicken was amazing. Got the garlic miso dry rub - delicious. Teriyaki style was good, too. Lots of other options for chicken spices. Really disappointed with the rice - dry. Not the kind you would expect in a Japanese restaurant. Salad greens were good addition. Beet salad was delicious. Next time, just ordering the chicken and one of the larger salads. A nice, funky vibe - fun. Good for kids. Inexpensive. Very small and not many tables - expect to have to wait for a table. The place is popular. Go early if you want a lower stress vibe.

Review №158

2021-10-29 01:59:36

Amazing vegan drumsticks!!! I take all my visitors here and it never disappoints. I’m hoping they open for indoor dining again. It’s not the same experience eating from home

Review №159

2018-05-02 00:40:32

I didnt try the chicken, but I enjoyed the (pork) Tonkatsu and the salad that came with it. There were a lot of flavors when you combine the sauces for the meat and the salad dressing, but they melded together to create a pleasant experience. I ordered takeout, and I wasnt prepared for the estimated 30 minute wait, but thems the breaks for fresh food. Next time, I will order ahead by phone or online.

Review №160

2019-09-26 03:55:16

They have great chicken and sauces, but I enjoyed their seasonal sides much more! Grab a 4 piece set and pick up okinomiyaki, fried edamame, and japexican corn. So delicious! Definitely a great place to go for snacks or a full meal.Their interior is fun and had great decorations. Sits a fair amount of people but when we went, it was so crowded we had to order to go. The to go experience was great too. About a 10 minute wait for all of the items above, well packaged and easy to carry to your final destination.

Review №161

2020-12-21 15:15:52

A part of me is glad we moved out of Oakland so I am forced to eat something other than the chicken from Aburaya 😅We got their chicken sandwich, fried chicken, fried tofu bowl, wasabi slaw and tater tots - everything was absolutely amazing (especially the tater tots!!)! They have some pretty cool merch in the store too.

Review №162

2020-07-04 02:25:17

May or may not eat here twice a month. 😋Affordable and tasty with large portions. Staff is always excellent. Have had both the vegan and chicken and must say one of the best vegan meats around.

Review №163

2020-08-27 18:48:12

Excellent experience. Staff was super helpful and friendly both during phone order and during pickup. We had family meal and two sides of tater tots. Delicious and fed 7. Looking forward to ordering again and trying more of the menu.

Review №164

2020-09-02 17:32:25

Open during covid. Call order ahead or order at the restaurant. Flavorful fried chicken. I tried a la carte fried chicken with Bbq sauce. and fried chicken flavored with shichimi box lunch, and fried tofu. I recommend just a la carte fried chicken with another piece of fried chicken for extra $3.

Review №165

2019-05-11 02:31:07

Got the 8 piece to split with my wife and it was great. The fava beans were good too. We went at 6:30 on a Wednesday and it was full, but we got a seat on the side. Looks like a popular place for after work. Cool vibe with 80s punk music. Will go back.

Review №166

2021-09-26 17:20:48

It was okay. We ordered a chicken sandwich to go. It was big and lots of salad. But I didnt like that the salad dressing got on my sandwich and made it soggy. Also felt that the chicken lacked some flavor.

Review №167

2016-10-07 07:31:20

I LOVE THIS PLACE. This may be one of my favorite spots in the bay area. The chicken is juicy and perfectly friend and the seasoning/sauce you can put on top is to die for. I wish it was closer of a drive from San Francisco but I love to come here anyway. I would recommend the Japanese mustard sauce, be warned, its spicy.

Review №168

2018-08-29 21:07:43

We were quite disappointed with the fried chicken here. Was expecting something super moist and juicy but it was the total opposite. The chicken was dry and skin was crispy but tough to chew. Most Japanese fried chicken I’ve had were juicy and tender. These chicken pieces feel like they were double fried and over cooked. Maybe we got a bad batch...

Review №169

2018-07-02 07:01:20

This chicken is SO good. Even as I write this review I wish I was there enjoying it. The location is kind of tucked down a side street which might be why restaurants seem to come and go there. (I believe this space used to be occupied by Stag.) I hope Aburaya sticks around, though, because it is an absolute gem. They have some great side options, too.

Review №170

2022-04-06 21:43:39

Smells good, but told me to wear a mask, even though there were people eating inside. This is after god king Biden told you cowards you dont need to wear masks. Ill go to McDonalds thank you.

Review №171

2020-01-19 14:49:23

I saw Aburaya on Bay Area Check Please, it sounded delicious so I wanted to try it. I was disappointed. The fried chicken was soggy and Im not sure if it was because I had it with the teriyaki sauce. I also ordered a side of the fried cauliflower and it was very disappointing. It was more like a steamed cauliflower. I do like that they use dark meat chicken. I might give Aburaya one more try but maybe I will try their poke bowl.

Review №172

2019-03-24 04:03:02

This newer spot that is much smaller is size than the original is a great trendy counter culture street food type restuarant. The staff is great and are all locally hired. It is self service. Meaning you pick up after yourself and get the food from the counter when it is ready. The quality and quantity of food portion has become better. This place has mainly been rock punk alternative types but all are welcome to be a customer as long as you are there for food and good time. Seating and decoration is good. You can sit or stand to eat the food and drinks. Check this place out to get a taste of the local eats.

Review №173

2018-10-01 06:15:53

This is one of our go to lunch places, but go before noon because theres limited seating and lives get long. I noticed a lot of people get theirs to-go.I like mine with the scrambled eggs, it gives it some extra yumminess. The portions is big with fried chicken, rice and salad. This is a self server restaurant so grab your seat after ordering, same with water and utensils.

Review №174

2018-04-03 16:35:07

This boneless chicken pieces in a dozen or so variations with a miso ranch dressing so Good they charge 1.00 for extra, plus ANY and all of the other dishes, like egg salad in an avocado with Amazing dressing, very salad. I could eat here everyday for a month and still not try every nor get bored. A stunning place. Only complaint is you are your own server including busing your table, so get rid of the guilt tip jar and pay your colleages better. The food is $$ but worth it.

Review №175

2022-02-08 01:58:33

Over priced for 3 tacos. Had to place my own order at atouch screen. The short Heavy set gentlemen at the entrance is extremely rude. This is not the type of person that should not be meeting customers.

Review №176

2021-01-29 22:17:02

Own online ordering on website. Super fast preparation. Ordered family meal and definitely enough for 6 people! Loved the honey mustard but the miso is very subtle.

Review №177

2019-02-02 23:37:22

I have had the four piece Fried chicken combo. Garlic Miso flavor, it was exceptional. I would recommend getting extra ranch dressing it is not your standard ranch dressing.

Review №178

2018-05-19 21:40:25

Its a fried chicken joint, but I must admit I first tried their vegan drumstix (seitan I believe) and its got me hooked. Now I only order the fake chicken. Ive had the chicken once, they were good but felt greasy. Maybe Im just hooked because the drumstix taste better than real chicken imo.Theyve got a variety of sides, I try different ones each time and Ive not been disappointed. They even served raw/seasoned veggies that my friend loved because thats how he prefers his veggies. The tator tots with BBQ sauce and aioli were A+.Theyve got four seasonings you can choose from during lunch, but 8+ spices/sauces at dinner. There isnt a flavor I dont like, and the cashier is generally knowledgeable and will make recommendations. Beware, the Japanese honey mustard is spicy, so if spicy isnt your thing dont be fooled by the honey mustard. They recommend the dry spices with the drumstix, but Ive had them with the sauces and theyre still great.Next is to try the fried cauliflower wings.

Review №179

2019-04-11 01:50:33

Fantastic Japanese friend chicken. I enjoy the Teriyaki flavor. Cheap beer and cool vibes, but sometimes hard to find a place to sit. Great for a quick bite out on the town.

Review №180

2020-06-22 19:50:19

Thought this place would have been bomb - I guess it wasnt for me. I ordered the garlic miso and the honey wasabi one (cant remember the name) + rice and greens. There were no rice and greens in my order at all, so thats great, not sure how to get my money back for that. The garlic miso doesnt taste like anything at all, just a fried taste I guess? Theres a ton of ligaments too, really gross to eat. The honey wasabi one was good though (besides the ligaments)! Overall, not very happy at all. Would probably give this place another chance after covid though.

Review №181

2018-04-17 19:58:07

They can FRY some CHICKEN!! The chicken is so crispy and fresh and its so tasty. I had the teriyaki chicken with rice. Wow! I wont eat fried chicken every day but when I do Im coming here. Great Customer Service too =)

Review №182

2020-09-17 02:32:06

Chicken was good..rest was not what should be included in that family meal..poor choice of sides..cabbage too much of it..with small contsiners of dressing.reallly does not go with that chicken ..plain ole white rice i could made that myself ..and salad greens was kind of wilted just was not thst appealing..dressing should be on side. Will not order again was not worth the price even with a groupon discount

Review №183

2020-08-16 22:23:31

With a No Mask No Service policy. Aburaya are serving delicious fried chicken and amazing sides all from their friendly helpful staff. You can pick up great beers aswell They are doing social distancing right for in-store pickup.

Review №184

2019-03-25 18:12:59

I tend to visit Oakland once a year and this spot has become a must go place for my friends and I. While small inside and sometimes crowded. This place is absolutely worth the wait. We tend to try and get a little bit of everything when we visit and we have yet to be disappointed. All of their sauces and dry spice combinations on the chicken are just plain tasty. If you are ever in Oakland you have to visit this place at least once.

Review №185

2015-11-12 01:29:46

Came here for dinner on a Saturday. Lucky thing we were early, because by 7:30 restaurant was packed! Super casual seating area, and serious chicken. I had the Orange Aioli and Sriracha rubs. Orange dishes can sometimes be overpowering, but the aioli was subtle and delicate. All the chicken was super fresh and tender. I prefer more of a kick, so added healthy amounts of hot sauce. They have about 30 different varieties to choose from. Two 4 pieces and a fried pumpkin side were good amount of food for two people. Will definitely be back. SOON!

Review №186

2019-08-24 17:02:56

Abiraya is always great. The chicken is lightly fried, so it doesnt sit too heavily, and the flavors (of which there are many) are always on point. Non-fried items like the tacos are great as well.

Review №187

2019-06-14 23:50:13

Fantastic gluten free fried Chicken, I had what they call a rice bowl, everything fantastic. Parking is challenging, but I saw an article online that said theyre opening a second location pretty close to the first in June.

Review №188

2020-02-09 01:49:21

The veggie options here should have been elevated like the chicken, and as advertised. But no. The cauliflower was boringly prepared with no breading and featured only a dusting of store bought curry powder. Waste of money. They wouldn’t refund either.

Review №189

2023-02-19 15:00:55

So Fire! I love the food I get rice over salad though the salad is good too and they have various alcohols

Review №190

2019-04-16 14:28:53

Delicious Japanese style crispy fried chicken . Highly reccomend dipping in the honey orange aioli, the Japanese BBQ, and miso ranch.EDIT 15APR19Got charge a ~6 fee through Caviar because I requested an extra sauce cup (which I have done before without getting charged) and what arrives is a 8oz tub of sauce that I did not ask for . I had to go through Caviar to get the refund.

Review №191

2016-12-26 16:00:50

High quality American fare. Casual vibe. Family friendly restaurant. Food here isnt too glitzy but theyre done well.RESERVATIONS: Made a couple days in advance for 10 people on a Sunday night at 7pm. They werent super busy. Our meal was pre-ordered and the food came along at a good pace.

Review №192

2019-10-05 06:38:19

Such a cool spot to get some delicious karaage- the only downside is that its so crowded!

Review №193

2023-06-13 21:05:48

Great chicken and rice . The portion is huge .

Review №194

2020-01-07 20:21:59

I love that they have a few vegan options, but the tofu was very bland and the cauliflower seemed like it could have been 10X crispier. Nice vibes inside - seems to always be busy!

Review №195

2023-09-26 23:41:31

If you havent eaten here yet you are definitely missing out

Review №196

2021-03-28 04:22:39

The chicken bowl was OK nothing to write home to mama about. The chicken itself lacked seasoning but did have BBQ sauce added which gave it some flavor.

Review №197

2016-08-17 21:52:27

Found this on Yelp and saw they had veggie chicken so went to try it out. The fake chicken is fried really well and the sauces they use are really delicious. Great pricing also for a 4 piece.

Review №198

2021-01-19 20:05:28

Great chicken! I got the 4pc fried chicken with shichimi. Also came with a cup of dipping sauce which was really good! I think it was a house-made ranch, very good. Arigato!

Review №199

2017-01-20 05:43:45

Cash only! Great service & great food. Great space where you seat yourself. Came on a Friday night and didnt have trouble getting seating although it was moderately filled.Ordered 3 - 4 pieces of chicken with rice for 3 people and it was very filling.Recommend: Orange Honey Aoli and Abura BBQNot recommend: Garlic miso