I remember when Tsukuneya Robata Grill opened in the spot on the corner of University Avenue and Dole Street vacated by Players Sports Bar (and before that, Pizza Hut).
And I remember, after eating my first meal there, “This isn’t going to last.”
But four years later, Tsukuneya is still around — and with a loyal following, devoted to the stylish restaurant’s menu of skewered, grilled and deep-fried fare.
I’ll admit, the first time I ate here I didn’t care for it. The signature tsukune — basically, a ground chicken meatball on a stick — wasn’t that appealing to me. And I didn’t see how this robatayaki would differentiate itself from the other, more established ones such as Tokkuri-Tei and Izakaya Nonbei so nearby.
Then again, the others don’t specialize in tsukune. And if you like that sort of stuff — or any food specialty hailing from Nagoya — you’ll love Tsukuneya.
A couple I’m friends with loves this place, so I decided to give it another go. And you know what? It was a lot better the second time around.
Here’s what we ate:
Onaga baked in Hawaiian salt crust
Tsukuneya Robata Grill, 1442 University Ave. Hours: 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Phone: 808-943-0390, www.tsukuneyarobatagrill.com.
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To read all of Cat’s blogs, visit www.nonstophonolulu.com/thedailydish. Follow Cat on Twitter @thedailydish or send her an e-mail at [email protected].
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8 Comments
Hello Cat!
Fuud pixs Friday!
So far I haven’t checked out this place since you reviewed it before. One of these dazes I will though.
I drive by this place everyday and for some reason I still think that it’s a shut down building! Looks good, must try some tsukune one of these days.
I drive by this place everyday and for some reason I keep thinking it’s a shut down building…maybe ’cause I still have Pizza Hut/Players from back in the day on my mind. Well looks good, must try some tsukune one of these days.
thnx for this gallery! i’ve never made it here, and have heard so-so reviews, but am not thinking it’s worth a visit, esp since i love izakaya. big question: how were the prices?
shoots, i mean am NOW thinking, not not thinking. fingers too fast for brain.
Hi Cat,
I’m still surprised that the building is still there. As an Undergraduate that was a Hamburger joint before it came a Pizza Hut. I’ve seen businesses come and go in that corner and like you am surprised that this one is still there.
I haven’t visited it yet and most of my friends haven’t either so I have to rely on your expertise on this place. That chicken (or Ika) Shiskabob looks really tempting along with the grilled Musubi’s. Maybe I just might drop by this place before attending one of the on-campus sporting events.
I remember visiting this location when it was UH Players. And I bought my share of the annual Playerette calendar. Those chicks were hot. Wow and Wow. Place shut down about 2004 ??? Good times.
CAT:
Aaaiiiyyyaaahhh! Fuud Pix! Tenks! Finally caught up. Been busy at work so missed the usual Friday Fuud! You are right, it is quite something for that corner to survive this long. Originally, it was a fountain during my time at UH, but no great shakes! Varsity Bowl was better.