is there a good hibachi place in manhattan???

[saturation]

my bf wants to go to an hibachi place for his birthday, the kind where they make the food and a spectacle in front of you. i've been to arirang and that's great, but he wants to eat in manhattan. all i can find is benihana- is that good? never been, and i don't want to end up with some kind of TGIFridays or olive garden experience on his special day. any suggestions would be much appreciated.
thanks!

[a_and_w]

Ninja.

[fooodie]

I haven't been to Benihana, but it's the only Hibachi place I know of in Manhattan. Maybe you could try Gyu Kaku for something different? They don't grill for you or make a spectacle, but it's fun to grill your own food at the table. I went for my birthday and had a great time.

There are 2 locations:
Gyu-Kaku
34 Cooper Sq | Btwn Astor Pl & 4th St

Gyu-Kaku
805 3rd Ave | Btwn 49th & 50th St

[fooodie]

I just remembered that there is a Hibachi place on 31st between Park and Lex - Ajia. I haven't been so I can't really speak for it, but it's defintely not touristy. Maybe another hound has actually been to Ajia?

[madisoneats]

Please do not do Benihana. Even my 6 year old suburban son thought it was icky.

We did however like Bann-- not hibachi per se, but fun.

[kam0424]

I agree the food is sub par and the atmosphere is dreadful. Very loud and not special.

[JSHAFT78]

That's a tough one, not much in the way of options outside ariang and benihana. if your bf wants the show, you may need to go benihana. it can be pretty touristy since it's a chain though. i couldn't find a menu or review for this place, but it came up in numerous searches via google-datong hibachi on 325 broadway. no pub to go on, so i'd be wary. i know it's not the same as hibachi, but how about korean bbq? plenty of good options albeit without the show...