WakuWaku

- 269 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232

### A Taste of Tokyo in Brooklyn: Introducing WakuWaku Izakaya

New York City's diverse culinary landscape is constantly evolving, but few spots offer the authentic, comforting experience of a traditional **Japanese Izakaya**. For those in the know, especially residents of Brooklyn and beyond, **WakuWaku** stands out as a genuine culinary destination. Located right in the heart of Brooklyn, this establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s a friendly, casual haven where the vibrant energy of Japan's post-work dining culture comes alive. WakuWaku is proudly identified as a **women-owned** business, bringing a unique perspective and passion to the art of Japanese cuisine.

An Izakaya, for the uninitiated, is a type of informal Japanese bar that serves a variety of small, delicious dishes and drinks. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of a gastropub, a place perfect for sharing plates, enjoying a drink, and relaxing with friends or family. WakuWaku embodies this spirit perfectly, offering a comprehensive menu that travels far beyond the typical sushi roll. From expertly grilled skewers, known as **yakitori** and **kushi-age**, to comforting noodle dishes and premium seafood selections, there's a satisfying option for every palate.

The name "WakuWaku" itself suggests a sense of excitement and anticipation, and that's precisely the feeling you get when you step inside. The atmosphere is designed to be **casual** and welcoming, making it an ideal choice for various occasions—whether you're looking for a quick, satisfying **lunch**, a relaxed **dinner**, or a spot for **solo dining**. This approach to dining, focusing on small plates and variety, makes it one of the most engaging and flexible Japanese dining experiences you can find in the greater New York area.

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### Location and Accessibility in Brooklyn

Finding this Brooklyn gem is a straightforward task. WakuWaku is conveniently situated at **269 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, USA**. This address places it within a dynamic and easily accessible area of Brooklyn, making it a great stop for both local residents and visitors exploring the borough.

One of the key considerations for any local New York establishment is accessibility, and WakuWaku makes a clear effort to be welcoming to all patrons. The location features **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**. This commitment ensures that the authentic Izakaya experience can be enjoyed comfortably by everyone in the community.

Being located at 269 36th Street puts it in a vibrant commercial and community-focused area, often close to other local points of interest. Its proximity to major transportation hubs and arteries makes it a practical dining option for those coming from other parts of Brooklyn or even Manhattan and Queens. Given its accessibility and location, WakuWaku is a superb choice for groups planning an outing or individuals looking for a reliable, easy-to-reach dining spot.

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### Services Offered

WakuWaku focuses on providing a full and traditional dining experience with modern conveniences. Here is a snapshot of the services and dining options available:

• **Dine-in:** The primary service option, allowing guests to fully enjoy the casual atmosphere and table service.
• **Dining Options:** Available for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, with offerings extending to **Dessert**. **Seating** is provided, and the experience includes traditional **Table service**.
• **Reservations:** WakuWaku **Accepts reservations**, a highly recommended option for groups or during peak dining hours to secure your spot.
• **Payment Flexibility:** The restaurant accepts a variety of modern payment methods, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.
• **Bar Service:** An **Bar onsite** amenity is available, which complements the Izakaya's focus on small plates and beverages. This is perfect for enjoying **Happy hour drinks** or simply having **Food at bar**.
• **Children's Amenities:** The establishment is **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs** as well as a dedicated **Kids' menu**, making it a family-friendly destination.

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### Features and Highlights

What truly sets WakuWaku apart for New Yorkers seeking an authentic Japanese experience are its distinctive features, which combine quality of food with service efficiency and inclusivity:

• **Fast Service:** Highlighted by the business, you can expect an efficient dining experience, ideal for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
• **Inclusivity and Atmosphere:** The environment is intentionally **Casual** and friendly. It’s an **LGBTQ+ friendly** and **Transgender safespace**, welcoming all members of the community. It's popular for **Groups** and is notably **Family-friendly**.
• **Extensive Menu Offerings:** The menu is packed with Izakaya staples and more. Offerings include a full range of **Alcohol**, **Beer**, **Cocktails**, **Hard liquor**, and **Wine**. Food-wise, you'll find classic **Comfort food**, **Small plates** (perfect for sharing), and excellent **Vegetarian options**.
• **Authentic Izakaya Fare:** A core highlight is the variety of specialized dishes. The menu features an impressive selection of skewers like **Sasami-Ume**, **Tsukune W/Egg Yolk**, and specialty bacon-wrapped options like **Aspara Bacon** and **Enoki Bacon**. Other Japanese favorites include **Miso Black Cod**, **Unajyu (Broiled Eel)**, and various mini **Sashimi Rice Bowls** like the **Salmon Ikura Mini Don**.
• **Unique Deep-Fried Options:** Beyond standard tempura, the menu includes intriguing items like **Geso Karaage** (deep-fried squid tentacles), **Kani Croquettes**, and the unique **Uni Satoimo Croquette**.
• **Homemade Desserts:** Conclude your meal with house-made sweets, specifically **Homemade Ice Cream** and **Homemade Panna Cotta**.

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### Contact Information

For New York locals planning a visit or needing to make a reservation, here is the essential contact information for WakuWaku Izakaya:

• **Address:** 269 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, USA
• **Phone:** (347) 584-4577
• **Mobile Phone:** +1 347-584-4577

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### What is Worth Choosing: The WakuWaku Experience

For any New Yorker seeking an authentic and enjoyable Japanese dining experience, WakuWaku in Brooklyn is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. It delivers on the promise of a true Izakaya, a concept that focuses on quality, variety, and a sociable atmosphere. Unlike many Japanese restaurants that focus primarily on sushi, WakuWaku's strength lies in its diverse range of cooked and raw small plates, making it a culinary adventure for every visit.

The **Izakaya experience** is inherently about sharing, and the extensive menu facilitates this perfectly. From the savory **Chicken Karaage** to the refreshing **Daikon Salad** or the comforting **Miso Black Cod**, every dish is designed to be a part of a larger, communal meal. The depth of the menu, featuring numerous skewer types (including **Washugyu & Okra** and the popular **Tsukune**), broiled fish, and **Donburimono** (rice bowls) like **Tendon**, ensures there’s a genuine taste of Japan’s varied street and bar food culture.

Furthermore, WakuWaku's dedication to **inclusivity** and accessibility, being a women-owned business that explicitly welcomes the LGBTQ+ community and is fully wheelchair accessible, adds a layer of community value that resonates with modern New York values. The convenience of accepting reservations, offering full bar service, and being popular for both lunch and dinner cement its status as a reliable neighborhood favorite. While some customer feedback mentions occasional service issues, the consistently high praise for the food, particularly the skewers like the **duck** and **pork & scallion**, confirms that the kitchen’s quality is consistently top-tier. For a delicious, varied, and genuinely satisfying taste of Japan in Brooklyn, WakuWaku is the clear choice.

WakuWaku

269 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, USA