Ron of Japan

"Ron of Japan is about four blocks away from Navy Pier. It’s a lot like a Benihana, but more of a local micro-chain (the other location is in Northbrook). Given the location, it actually has fewer tourists and giant groups than you might expect, but it’s still really lively, and everyone will have a good time—you’ll be sitting at a communal table as you watch the chef flip shrimp tails into his hat. No guarantee he’ll flip them into anyone’s new “I Love Chicago” hoodie, though." - adrian kane

"You might think all hibachi/teppanyaki restaurants are the same, but that's not the case. If you're unaware, we're talking about establishments of the Benihana style, which, academically speaking, is a food genre of its own. Ron of Japan most definitely holds the key to our teppanyaki hearts. Unlike it’s corporate strip mall counterpart, ROJ has stayed local (there's one in Japan, but that doesn't count). The story goes that a young Chicago couple travelled to Japan, became friends with “Ron” Shimosawa, and they all came back to the Windy City to open a restaurant. That was over 45 years ago, so consider how crazy terrible of an idea that must have been at the time. Also consider that so far none of this has anything to do with the restaurant itself. Here’s the thing about teppanyaki restaurants - you have to embrace them for what they are. At Ron of Japan, you’re going to sit at an eight person table (whether just your group or strangers too), the chef is going to make small talk while he flips shrimp tails into his hat, and you’re going to eat an expensive, glorified version of stir-fry that includes some combination of meat and fish. The added kicker to the food at Ron of Japan is their “egg sauce." It’s basically an egg yolk and butter emulsion generously applied to everything edible. You’ll either hate it or unapologetically fall in love, and either way, a prescription for Lipitor should already be in the works. Group dinners, birthdays, Christmas time for the chosen people, and New Years day after endless hours of football are our favorite times to go, and that should pretty much explain what ROJ is all about. The bottom line is that when the time is right, Ron of Japan is a great move You'll smell like teppenyaki for a week and should probably throw away your clothes from the night, but it's worth it. Food Rundown Sushi The sushi at Ron of Japan is underrated not bad. Start with some basic rolls to share at the table while the chef wheels in his cart to start the show. Entrees Standard drill. Pick a protein, all of which come with soup, salad, cooked veggies, and your choice of white or fried rice. Pro tip - don’t be an idiot, get fried rice. Aside from that, our advice is order whatever you prefer, whether that's chicken, steak, lobster, crab, or anything in-between. Options include a number of different meats and seafoods, all of which start to taste similar with a heavy helping of egg sauce generously applied. If you’re really looking to ball out ROJ style, go with the Shogun Dinner, which is a combination of lobster tail and steak." - Sam Faye

"Ron of Japan is a teppanyaki steakhouse that will serve dishes like steak and rice and bang bang shrimp and fried rice at the Summer Smash Festival. It is one of 16 new festival vendors." - Ashok Selvam

"If you’ve never been to Ron of Japan, know that it’s basically a Benihana, but we’ll take the ROJ any day of the week and twice on Sundays. Sit at a communal table, watch the chef flip shrimp tails into his hat, and cover all of your food in egg salsa, which is a delicious egg yolk and butter mix. " - sam faye, adrian kane

"Enjoy not only dinner but a show as well at this teppanyaki-style steakhouse. The interactive experience stars chefs cooking and performing tricks on iron griddles directly in front of diners. The menu boasts Prime steaks, chicken, lobster tails, king crab, shrimp, and more, and there’s an addictive yolk sauce that greatly enhances any seafood entrée. Online ordering is available here." - Jeffy Mai