Diners Give Japanese Barbecue a Try at Clarendon’s New Gyu-Kaku Grill | Eater DC

"Opened last month next to the Clarendon Metro (1119 N. Hudson Street, Arlington, Va.), this 130-seat sleek Japanese barbecue restaurant and bar invites diners to cook their own beef tongue, pork belly, skirt steak and a full lineup of grilled options over an open flame, initially offering a limited dinner menu, Japanese beers, tropical cocktails, and prix-fixe packages from $60 (for two) to $180 (for six). I found reviewers praising specific dishes—the beef tongue “cooks quickly, is salty, and a bit chewy” best eaten with green onions and lemon; the garlic shoyu steak has “tons of flavor in the marinade” and needs no sauce; the prime kalbi short rib is “extraordinarily tender” with ponzu; and the 21-day aged premium sirloin is “hearty and flavorful”—while some commenters say certain cuts are better than others and recommend the set orders. Staff and service receive consistent praise (server Joe called out for explaining the menu and being attentive, hosts and bartenders offering friendly Japanese greetings), and despite being one of the smaller locations it didn’t get too loud. Patrons warn that a la carte portions are small and prices can add up, though many still say the food quality, eye-catching decor, and the experience—including desserts like layered green tea cakes from Lady M or grilling s'mores and taiyaki—make it worth a visit." - Tierney Plumb