Gyu-Kaku Happy Hour Menu 2026 – Prices , Times , and Top Deals

If you love the interactive experience of grilling your own meat right at the table, Japanese BBQ is hard to beat. But let’s face it: premium cuts of beef can quickly run up your dinner bill. That is exactly why scoring a table during the Gyu-Kaku happy hour is the ultimate dining hack.

Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Cuisine	Japanese BBQ (Yakiniku)
Happy Hour Type	Discounted food, drinks, and select courses
All You Can Eat Tiers	Premium ($58), Ultimate ($68), Supreme ($78)
Time Limit (AYCE)	90 minutes (last call at 70 minutes)
Late Night Options?	Yes, at most locations

Why It’s Worth It

You might wonder if eating earlier or later just to catch a happy hour is worth the effort. At Gyu-Kaku, the answer is a resounding yes. You get access to the exact same high-quality marinades, premium beef, and fresh vegetables as regular diners, but at a fraction of the cost.

Which Locations Offer the Best Deals?

While Gyu-Kaku has locations scattered across the country, local management dictates the exact hours and menu offerings. It is always smart to check the specific PDF menus linked on your local restaurant’s website. Based on 2026 operations, here is a look at a few major hotspots:

Midtown NYC

Offers massive Sunday all-day dining specials, making it a rare weekend bargain in Manhattan.

Chicago West Loop

Splits its promotions into distinct food and drink happy hours.

Miami

Features excellent late-night hours that cater to the local nightlife crowd.

Sherman Oaks, CA

Provides Monday all-day specials, keeping the start of the week highly affordable.

What Are the Timings by Day?

Because Gyu-Kaku locations tailor their hours to local crowds, you will notice significant differences depending on where you dine. Here is a breakdown of the 2026 happy hour schedules for four major locations.

How Does the Schedule Look in Midtown NYC?

• Sunday: All Day Long (Food & Drink)
• Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM & 8:45 PM – 10:00 PM
• Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Bar Drink Specials: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

When Can You Grab Deals in Chicago West Loop?

• Drink Specials: Monday to Friday 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Food Specials (Sunday): All Day Long
• Food Specials (Monday to Thursday): 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM & 8:45 PM – 10:00 PM
• Food Specials (Friday to Saturday): 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM & 9:45 PM – 11:00 PM

What Are the Late-Night Hours in Miami?

• Sunday: All Day Long
• Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM & 9:30 PM – 10:45 PM
• Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM & 10:30 PM – 11:45 PM

How Do California Hours Compare (Sherman Oaks)?

• Monday: All Day Long
• Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM & 9:30 PM – 10:45 PM
• Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM & 10:30 PM – 11:45 PM
• Sunday: 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM & 9:30 PM – 10:45 PM

What Special Menu Options Should You Try?

To get the most out of your visit, look beyond the standard a la carte items. Gyu-Kaku rotates special menus and premium upgrades that elevate the whole experience.

A5 Wagyu Menu

For a decadent upgrade, try the extremely tender, highly marbled A5 Wagyu. The Kalbi Short Rib Slice runs $59, while the Mix Cut is $49. They also offer a massive Wagyu & Sake course for two at $190.

All You Can Eat (AYCE)

If you have a huge appetite, the AYCE menu is a powerhouse. Choose from Premium ($58 for 45 items), Ultimate ($68 for 65 items), or Supreme ($78 for 80 items). Kids (6-12) eat for $29–$39, and seniors (60+) get discounted rates of $43–$56.

Spring Seasonal Menu

Be sure to ask for the Flavors of Japan seasonal menu. These limited-time offerings feature unique marinades and seasonal vegetables that are not available year-round.

Money-Saving Tips

Order Courses for Two

If you aren’t ready to commit to the 90-minute AYCE limit, look for preset BBQ courses. They often bundle starters, multiple meats, and dessert, saving you up to 20% compared to ordering individually.

Go on Sunday or Monday

Depending on your city, Gyu-Kaku often runs “All Day” happy hours on either Sunday (Midtown NYC, Chicago, Miami) or Monday (Sherman Oaks).

Watch Your Leftovers

If you order the AYCE tier, only grill what you can finish. Gyu-Kaku charges an a la carte fee for uneaten food to prevent waste, and they do not provide takeout boxes for AYCE leftovers.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Knowing the menu is only half the battle. Here are a few practical logistics you should keep in mind before you head out.

How Can You Pay?

Payment options vary wildly by location. For example, the Sherman Oaks location officially accepts Mobile Pay, whereas the Chicago West Loop branch explicitly states that they do not. Always bring a physical credit card just in case.

What About Parking?

Parking at popular locations can be a headache. If you visit Sherman Oaks, they offer valet parking for $8, alongside available mall and street parking.

Can You Take Happy Hour to Go?

Happy hour pricing and AYCE deals are strictly for dine-in guests. However, Gyu-Kaku does offer extensive takeout options if you prefer to eat at home. Takeout orders usually end 15 to 45 minutes before closing time, depending on the location.

Common Problems

Table Wait Times

Gyu-Kaku happy hours are notorious for long waits. Book a reservation online via their website or Yelp ahead of time.

Grill Flare-Ups

Fatty meats like pork belly or heavily marbled Wagyu can cause sudden grill flare-ups. Cook only a few pieces at a time on the outer edge of the grill to mitigate fire risks.

Strict Time Limits

If you opt for AYCE, remember the 90-minute strict limit. Last call happens at the 70-minute mark, so order your final rounds promptly.

Disclaimer

Menu items, prices, and promotional hours are subject to change and vary by location. The pricing and timings listed here reflect the official 2026 updates for the locations mentioned. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the time limit for All You Can Eat at Gyu-Kaku?

The AYCE time limit is strictly 90 minutes, with the last call for orders happening 20 minutes prior to the end of your session.

How much does the Premium All You Can Eat tier cost?

The base Premium tier costs $58 per guest and includes access to 45 different menu items.

Do kids and seniors get discounts on the AYCE menus?

Yes. Children aged 6-12 range from $29 to $39 depending on the tier. Seniors aged 60 and over receive discounted pricing ranging from $43 to $56.

Is the Gyu-Kaku happy hour available on weekends?

Yes, many locations feature extensive weekend promotions. For example, Midtown NYC, Miami, and Chicago West Loop offer all-day happy hours on Sundays.

What happens if I don’t finish my food on the AYCE menu?

Gyu-Kaku charges for uneaten items at their regular a la carte menu prices. Takeout boxes are not provided for leftover AYCE food.

Can I order A5 Wagyu on the All You Can Eat menu?

No, the A5 Wagyu items are on a limited-supply premium menu and must be ordered a la carte. Prices are typically $49 for a mix cut and $59 for premium slices.

Are drinks included in the food happy hour?

This depends on the location. Chicago West Loop separates its drink happy hour (Mon-Fri 4 PM – 7 PM) from its food happy hour, while other locations bundle them together.

Does Gyu-Kaku accept Apple Pay or Google Pay?

Mobile pay acceptance varies by franchise. The Sherman Oaks location accepts mobile pay, while the Chicago West Loop location explicitly states they do not.

How many items can I order at once during AYCE?

To ensure food quality and minimize waste, Gyu-Kaku only serves 2 items per person at a time during the AYCE periods.

Can my table order different AYCE tiers?

No. To participate in the AYCE promotion, the entire party must order the exact same priced course tier.

Elevate Your Next Dining Experience

Gyu-Kaku’s happy hour remains one of the smartest ways to enjoy premium Japanese BBQ without breaking the bank. By timing your visit right, exploring the preset courses, and navigating the AYCE rules strategically, you can feast on top-tier cuts and signature drinks at an unbeatable price.