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The Izakaya at Momotaro, Chicago, IL

The Izakaya at Momotaro

4.6
4.6
864 Reviews
$31 to $50
Japanese

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2 people
10:30 pm
Booked 42 times today
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Hot spot
  • Good for special occasions
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.

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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 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 733-4818
  • 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
  • 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, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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What 864 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Izakaya at Momotaro offers a vibrant dining experience with "amazing food and great vibes." The standout dish is the "incredible burger," highly praised as "one of the best in Chicago." The atmosphere is lively, though sometimes loud, and the service is generally attentive. Perfect for special occasions and casual hangouts alike.

864 Reviews
  1. Saul

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    We got the burger, edamame, and chachan rice as well as two sake flights. All the food was amazing. We personally were fans for the dreamy clouds drink but the other two were good. I did have to ask 3 servers for utensils until we got something so service wasn’t the greatest. We were also say under a speaker at a table in the back corner of the restaurant. Not the greatest spot so it affected the experience as this was a date we were trying to talk and it wasn’t the easiest to hear each other but I imagine it could be better at another table. Overall was a nice experience. A bit on the pricey side and not as decorated as I imagined but I would recommend for the food.
    The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded 1 day ago
    Hi Saul, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear you loved the food—great picks on the burger, edamame, and chahan rice, and Dreamy Clouds is definitely a fan favorite! 🍶✨ We truly appreciate your feedback on service, and we’ll be sure to address that with our team to ensure a smoother experience. As for the atmosphere, the Izakaya is definitely a lively and energetic space, especially on busy nights, but we completely understand wanting a quieter setting for a date. If you ever join us again, we'd love to find a table that better suits the vibe you're looking for! Thanks again for your thoughtful review—we appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back soon! 😊 Cheers, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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  2. stephanie

    VIP

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    We felt very rushed by our server. A large man with gloves cleared our plates before we finished eating and kept walking by the table to see what he could take away, including our weak cocktails. The music from the speaker that was above our table was so loud. The sashimi and burger were delicious. They obviously knew what they did and brought us a cocktail on the house, but unfortunately it was during dessert.
    The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded 2 days ago
    Thank you for sharing your experience. While we’re thrilled you enjoyed the sashimi and burger, we’re truly sorry you felt rushed during your meal. That’s not the experience we aim to provide, and we appreciate you bringing it to our attention. We also hear you on the music volume and will be mindful of that moving forward. While we’re glad we could acknowledge the issue, we understand the timing wasn’t ideal. Your comfort and experience matter to us, and we’ll use this feedback to do better. We’d love to welcome you back for a visit that feels just right. Hope to see you again soon! Thank You, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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  3. Mark

    VIP

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Good food and great looking restaurant. I would recommend at least once.
    The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded 2 days ago
    Hi Mark! We’re so glad you enjoyed the food and the atmosphere! Thank you for the recommendation—it means a lot. We’d love to have you back for another great experience whenever you’re craving something delicious. Hope to see you again soon! Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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  4. megan

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 14 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My favorite restaurant in chicago!! Get the burger it will change your life

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  5. Trish

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 4 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience at izakaya Momotaro. The $45 Restaurant Week deal was an amazing value—we left full and satisfied. Every dish was packed with flavor, and the portions were generous. The atmosphere was lively, and the service was friendly. Definitely a spot worth revisiting!
    The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on 6 February 2025
    Hi Trish, Thank you so much for the glowing review! We're thrilled you enjoyed our $45 Restaurant Week deal and that every dish packed a punch of flavor and generous portions. It’s fantastic to hear you loved our lively atmosphere and friendly service. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another satisfying experience at Izakaya Momotaro! Cheers, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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  6. Jeanette

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 3 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    We were seated ~25 minutes after our reservation time, so we sat at the bar and had drinks while we waited. Then our server came and took our drink order and then never came back. So by the time we got food, we had already been for at least an hour. The food was really great, just wish it came sooner as we had not eaten anything prior because we were looking forward to trying Izakaya.
    The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on 6 February 2025
    Hi Jeanette, Thanks for sharing your honest feedback! We're stoked you loved the food and that you were excited to try Izakaya. That said, we're really sorry about the long wait and the lapse in our service—being seated late and waiting for your drinks and food isn’t the experience we aim to deliver. Your feedback helps us fine-tune our service, and we’re working on improvements to make sure your next visit is as smooth and enjoyable as our dishes. We hope to see you again soon for a more on-point experience! Kanpai!, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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  7. Katie

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    If you're looking for a spot with an amazing vibe and even better food, this place is a must-visit. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a casual hangout or a special night out. The food is fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Every bite feels like comfort and quality rolled into one. Highly recommend!
    The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on 6 February 2025
    Hi Katie! Wow—your review made our day! 🎉 We're so glad you loved the vibe, the food, and the overall experience. Hearing that every bite felt like comfort and quality is the best compliment we could ask for! Whether you're here for a casual hangout or a special night out, we can't wait to welcome you back for more amazing moments. Thanks for the high recommendation! Cheers, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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  8. Brianna

    VIP

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 1 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this restaurant. Great service, quality food, amazing vibes.
    The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on 2 February 2025
    Brianna! Yay, thank you so much for the love! We’re beyond excited to hear you had such a great time with us! 🙌✨ It’s amazing to know the service, food, and vibes all hit the mark. Can’t wait to have you back for more deliciousness and good times! 🎉🍣 Kanpai! Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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  9. sandra

    VIP

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 27 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was my first time here and and it won’t be my last. I’m happy I planned my reservation around restaurant week to try the various options on the menu. You can’t go wrong with anything you order from the food to the drinks. And the bonus was karaoke night on a Monday! What a way to start to start the work week!
    The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on 31 January 2025
    Hi Sandra, Love this! 🎉 We’re so happy you joined us for the first time and even happier to hear it won’t be your last! Planning around Restaurant Week was a great call—such a fun way to explore the menu. And yes, Monday night karaoke is always a blast! 🙌 Thank you for spending your evening with us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for more great food, drinks, and good times! Cheers, Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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  10. Jose

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waitress Adelina was great! Everyone was very kind and they remembered it was my lady’s birthday. I’d recommend.
    The Izakaya at MomotaroResponded on 25 January 2025
    Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that Adelina took great care of you—she’ll be so happy to hear your kind words! It’s wonderful to know our team helped make your lady’s birthday extra special. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for more memorable moments. Cheers to many more celebrations with us! Merissa White General Manager Momotaro & The Izakaya

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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 4.6 stars by 864 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
10:30 pm
Booked 42 times today

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 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • 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, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • 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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