On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
199 reviews
Neighborhood: Castro
"This place is more set for a romantic dinner, although we did try nearly every roll on the menu. The special rolls were some of the best…" read more »
Loading...
I should be ashamed of myself. I've worked blocks from Muracci's for like seven months and today was my FIRST visit. Yummy.
I got the express mild chicken curry. A little sweet, a little spicy. Place is packed during lunch, so it seems like ordering the express items (mild chicken or beef curry) is a smart move. Also, you can get white or brown rice, which I appreciate. Request: more tsukemono.
Definitely a lunch that I see myself craving in the future... I'll be back.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Yeah...it's not the OMG that some people seem to have here. For 7.5 dollars, I expected at least a few more pieces of beef and maybe some other veggie thrown onto my curry. Still, it was cooked quickly and to my specifications. The beef was tender, I just wish there had been MORE of it. There is VERY little room to sit and I felt claustrophobic just waiting for my lunch! I went at around 1 PM and they still had a good 10 people waiting for their meals.
Still, it's a lot better than the regular soup/sandwich/chain places of the FiDi. It's different and on a cold day I'm sure the curry will hit the spot. Either order their Express meals, order ahead or take a later lunch!!
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I'm beginning to think I'm just *slightly* biased with Asian cuisine....
I guess it's inevitable with the fact that most people are biased towards food that they're familiar with, right?
Anyway, the Japanese at my work had been hyping about Muracci's for about a week at the office, so yesterday I finally decided to go check out Muracci's to see what all the fuss was about.
This is one of those places that can be easily missed if you walk by too fast--Muracci's is housed in the same building as Bangkok Best and the Cinta Aveda Institute. The whole building is painted a weird beige colour and the three shops barely stand out from one another other than the plain, black lettering above their front doors.
Muracci's itself is a small place, similar to the ramen/udon shops found in Japan. The people who own/work at Muracci's are Japanese: they even greeted me with "Irrashaimase" (welcome). There are daily/weekly specials, and apparently they're popular, since I attempted to order the special spicy noodle and the cashier told me they were sold out. Aw man!
The menu has plenty of yummy Japanese offerings, including several different kinds of curry (salmon, ebi fry, etc.), donburi, and some small sushi orders. Prices range under $10, which is average/not bad for lunchtime prices, and a sweet deal for dinner (unfortunately, they do close at 6, so you'd have to go eat an early dinner around 4:30 like I did).
I ordered the salmon curry, extra hot; sat at one of the front counter seats and immediately felt like I was in Japan. It's tight yet cozy; the shop was pretty empty at 4pm, considering most people hadn't left work yet. It took them a little bit to bring my order to me, but no worries, since I wasn't in a rush to get anywhere else.
When my curry did arrive, I was surprised to see how huge the plate/portion was! Really good deal for the price I paid! The plate was as large as the rectangular serving tray, and...mm, plenty of curry sauce with a generous portion of salmon on top. I also liked that they gave me the option of choosing brown or white rice--knowing how I am these days, I tend to lean towards brown rice since it's healthier.
The entree itself was filling; curry wasn't as spicy as I thought it'd be, but that's okay, I figured the "spicy" was mild in comparison to, say, Thai food. I completed the meal with dorayaki...felt like the dorayaki was a little overpriced, but hell, I guess they gotta make money somehow.
I can see how people would say the place isn't good in terms of the lunch rush--Muracci's does cook everything to-order, so the food is always fresh, but that means it takes a little more time to prepare than most people would prefer. Catering to the Financial District area is a smart move, but it's also kind of a weird spot for the restaurant to be in.
Will be back again to try the other entrees. My friend bought the katsu donburi from Muracci's and it also looked very appetizing.
In short: Muracci's serves up delicious Japanese "comfort foods" in American portions. =)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Tried Muracci's again. The quality of the meat @ this joint is very good. The owners seem like very nice people.
I'm just not a big fan of the flavor of their curry. It's a little sweet for my taste.
I'm going to try other items on the menu other than curry to find a signature dish for my palate.
Another thing, the tsukemono that they serve with the curry isn't very good.
And I guess, Japanese style curry is getting bigger in the City...
05/01/2008
I had hesitated trying this place... Curry is big in Japan. It's big in Honolulu, it's not so big… Read more »
This place is a gem. Perfectly portioned, fresh, and authentic Japanese lunch fare for pocket change. The place is known for their Japanese curry, but it's the katsudon, oyakodon, lunch sets, and whimsical weekly specials that keep me coming back. I find the curries a bit bland, but there's no denying that Muracci's is authentic as you're going to find this side of Osaka. I've been looking for a place like this for years, and I finally found it.
One caution is that the wait can be dreadfully long at peak lunch hour. Go after 1pm and you won't have to wait more than 15 minutes for your food.
Itadakimasu!
The curry here is pretty good but the wait is loonngggg....What I liked: they had good variety of options and they even had udon as well. I had the beef and veg udon. I had expected the curry consistency to be thick - just like what they would serve over the rice but it was watery. Maybe this is just their style but the taste was pretty good and the beef portion was pretty generous. BF had tonkatsu and it was a tasty thick fat portion but I think they are a tad stingy on the curry cos I would prefer my rice to be DRENCHED in curry..not just wading in curry! What I did not like was the restaurant was pretty cramped and could only seat about 10 people (mostly counter seating) so when you are eating, you are elbow to elbow with someone else...not very comfortable. Other than that, I think this is a great lil joint in the financial district!
I tried Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill and thought it was just ok. It's a tiny shop in the FiDi and almost walked right by it, but saw the sign on the window.
I had to wait since it was still their lunch rush. Maybe 5 people in front of me. All the seats were taken, but it soon opened up after I got my food. I choice to eat elsewhere.
I got chicken curry - I asked for "hot". 6.95 + tax .59 = $7.54. It comes w/ a compostable container filled with rice, some red pickles & some other small container was it veggie or more pickles? Anyways the chicken curry comes in a small container. I poured the chicken curry over the rice. Lots of the rice didn't get covered up. So if you want more curry you have to pay more for it. It's barely spicy, no nose running, but a small amount of heat.
I'm in no rush to go back.
They take Credit Cards.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Just went here last friday; again excellent service, excellent Curry.
This time I enjoyed the tofu curry; always yummy. I went on a colder San Francisco day and the place had only one customer there. The cashier said to me : " you know on a cool weather day like today, you'd think more people would want curry" I agree. Curry on a cooler weather day is like putting Racing Gas in your Sports Car. Vroom Vroom. !
I do favor this dark,almost smoky curry , I can say Japanese curry , seems to me, is more earthy than Indian curry or Thai curry.
Hard to qualify, but the curry here is the shiznit.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
08/14/2008
My friend took me here and, said it was good Japanese Curry.
I ordered the Vegetables with tofu…
Read more »
Had lunch there a couple of days ago, had the ebi curry per recommendation from a friend. It's alright, the curry is tasty and the price prices are affordable. Their curry isn't excellent and they use the familiar S&B curry powder used for most wafu curry recipes. Though I can definitely make a similar wafu style curry sauce on my own, this is a good place for lunch. The portions are big, though the place is tiny. It's something different for every once in awhile.
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmm. The fact that a Japanese curry restaurant is open in the FiDi is amazing. They make good curry at a good price, but not in a hurry. Prepare to wait and wait and wait and wait. I'm not sure how long they will or can continue the we make your order fresh thing.
*** Call ahead and plan to wait 10-15 minutes in line to get to the register to pay (at least during the 12PM rush). ***
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
oh gentle japanese soul behind the counter, why do you torture me with the sweet sweet smell of japanese curry, your kind smile belies the agony of the waiting, you already checked my order: tonkatsu curry with white rice, why am I staring at these enigmatic pastries in the glass case? And then it's over, a white plastic bag is handed to me and I rush back to my office, lock the door, and the next 35 minutes is food porn. next week: tonkatsu!
A colleague told me about the wait at this place during the lunch rush, so I phoned in my first order: chicken & veg ramen for me and medium beef curry w/ brown rice for my cell/cube-mate. My order was ready when I arrived 10-15 minutes later, as several other folks were waiting around for theirs. Back in the Chamber of Endless Suffering, I was pleased to see that the vegetables (broccoli and carrots) in my "soup" were bright and fresh. The chicken pieces included dark meat and some of it looked like it could have had fat pieces attached, but kind of masked by the curry/broth (hmm). I'm no japanese curry expert, but this was not as brothy as the udon soup I had had at Medicine and I kind of liked that. The mild still had a good kick and all in, I could see myself trying it again.
Then I pulled out my cell/cube-mate's lunch...
WHERE'S THE BEEF??
Oh, there it is. Well, let's just say there could be a little more. But flavor-wise, reports came in positive.
So, all in all, I think this place could merit a return visit (from some other reviews, it looks like I should try the katsu), but I'm not blown away by any means.
Well, thanks to the other yelpers, we went prepared (i.e. early, and with our order phoned in). All three of us opted for the Katsu curry (med) with extra veggies and spinach. The curry was flavorful and pleasantly spicy (heat, but no pain--mebbe next time I'll opt for hot), and the katsu was crispy, and the pork was ok (not too dry, but not super flavorful). The pickles were fab (I do love my pickles) and the wait was very brief and painless.
Definitely worth a return visit. Not cheap (with drinks and our extra veggies, we plunked down $12 each), but good splurgy lunch eats on a gorgeous Friday.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This place rocks!!! Awesome Japanese Curry. The place is really small so the lines can be out the door. Its only counter seating and there may be about 10 chairs total.
You get to choose whether you want your curry over white rice, brown rice, or noodles (in a broth type deal). You can also choose how hot you want it; mild, medium, hot.
If you don't want curry you can also orders the katsu's and meat and fish teriyaki's. They have a small variety of lunch specials
Today we had the veg tofu curry (medium) with brown rice which was soooooooo good. The beef curry is delicious as well. They serve the curry separately so you get to add as much or as little as you want. There is also a small side of pickled cabbage. We also tried the miso soup, which was also very good.
Its a really small place and if your eating by yourself you might enjoy dining there otherwise take it to go. Lines are long so beware and I heard from people around me that you can order before hand and come pick it up. But you must keep in mind that there is a wait time because they fry your meat or what not right then and there..or if you want medium or Hot curry they also mix that up for you then and there.
I ordered a Katsu Curry...level of spicy being at medium. Medium is just about right..not too spicy but adds a little boost. Their katsu was very crunchy and tasty. And it wasnt dry which is a plus~. I added spinach to my curry...felt pretty good to me~
Overall they pack on a good amount of food, not too little but not too much. So you dont get overcome with food coma after heading back to the office for work. They also seperate the curry for you so you can add as much as you want when you eat. And they give you enough curry so that you wont have any naked rice with no curry.
Despite the wait time, I can see this place as another one of my favs for lunch time~
People thought this was:
Useful (8)
Funny (8)
Cool (8)
I'll preface this review by saying that I am a Japanese(-American) and grew up eating curry. I'd like to think I'm aware of what's good curry and what's not.
It's not that the curry isn't good, it's just that I can make it (better to my liking) at home. I got the katsu curry because I love breaded deep-fried pork and I don't have a deep fryer in my kitchen.
I was a bit surprised at first to get just curry sauce with the katsu and rice. I'm used to vegetables and whatnot in my curry, granted you can get those for 50 cents extra, not a bad price.
I find their system rather inefficient which contributes to the wait time. It can get frustrating to watch the nice lady prepare 1 order of curry at time when there's another open burner on the stove to use. and 15 people in line.
Oh well. Overall, it's not bad, not the best, but definitely not bad. I likely will never come here for just curry. If I have a craving for katsu, then i'll probably come again. Otherwise, I'll just make curry at home.
Oh, and the side order of karaage is pretty good, but perhaps a little too salty.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
I love this place.
First let me start with the people who work here. Everyone is so nice. I mean, super ultra nice. The guy behind he cash register kind of reminds me of Mr. Miyagi. I think it is the mustache. Today he was wearing a pura vida hat (a catch all phrase used by Costa Ricans meaning everything good). Anyway, I give them extra points for style.
But the food is the real star here. Sweet and spicy curry over all the standards. A little bit of perfect pickled cabbage on the side. They package the curry separate from the rice so you can control exactly how much you want to use (and they give you a lot).
I get the curry over fried salmon spicy and brown rice. I like brown rice, it makes me feel like I'm healthy. It is easily the best curry I've had in the city. They actually can make the curry spicy (most places seem to have a serious problem with using enough chili pepper), but Muracci's delivers.
Extra points for the starch based containers.
The wait? Yes there is a wait. I'm sorry for all the people who get uptight about waiting in lines. Bring a book or a newspaper or go at go at 2:30. Or don't go at all. You just make the line longer for the rest of us!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
In the ideal world, my Obachan would live in San Francisco with me. My Ogichan would remain in Sacramento with my parents, but bachan would live here, cook me delicious food, go shopping with me, and spoil her only granddaughter in appropriate fashion.
Unfortunately, she lives in Sacramento and she and my grandfather come as a package deal. To get me through the time until trips back home, I fill the half-jap void in my chest with bad quality sushi and homemade terriyaki sauce (which never tastes as good as when someone else makes it, you know?)
But today I found Muracci's (courtesy of Matt J.) and finally tried it. I was waiting to brave the line (brought a book and everything) but I arrived at 2 and was in and out with my hot chicken curry with vegetables in less than 10 minutes. The curry is spicy and sweet at the same time, just like Obachan used to make. The carrots are cooked just perfectly, the broccoli is crisp, and it's served in generous proportions over white or brown rice (another thing like my grandmother-- generous proportions because she always thought I was hungry, even when she tried to pile on a 3rd serving). Their pickled cabbage side is crisp and perfect, but I still like my grandmother's sweet pickles better.
It's so good it makes me a little homesick. The only thing that would make this just like my grandmothers house would be to sell onigiri the size of your fist with umebosh inside, manju with red bean paste, daikon kim chi, nato (this is not a good thing and i hate that her fridge always smells like it) and getting drunk on this fermented ume plum gin she makes that's supposedly "good for throat and nose".
Yeah, that much alcohol would be good for that.
I digress. I don't like having to take my lunch hour at 2, but to get the curry from muracci's is totally worth it. Thank you for bringing me back to my childhood. Perhaps the chicken katsu-don next time.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
Finally a good Japanese curry house in San Francisco and I'm lucky to work nearby~!
But now that the word is out and that everything remotely decent ends up in Yelp, it's packed with people and many people with weird obnoxious questions, requests, substitutions, etc. Welcome to the Financial District, Muracci~!
I just hope that the folks from Japan's own Koko Ichibanya Curry House realize how much potential they'd have if they were to open a few locations in San Francisco.
Yay for curry. oh~ and also, if you like spicy japanese curry they can take it pretty up there. love it~
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Helpful hints, tips and observations:
- Long wait
- Come here before 11:30a
- Phone in your order before 11:15a or else they won't pick up the phones once the lines are out the door
- 13 stools/seats total (I think)
Katsu Curry? HELL YEAH.
Chicken Katsu Curry? SURE THING.
I tried both of them but I prefer the katsu (pork) over the chicken since the chicken came off a bit dry, but nonetheless it was still tasty. It's definitely meatier as my special friend described it. You can pick the spiciness of your curry ranging from MILD MED to HOT? Or something like that. Not sure if that's the correct wording but MED was good enough for me. Woo wee! I finished EVERYTHING. All the rice, all the meat, and all the curry.
Their cake rolls are tasty too. I tried their tora, green tea, and plain cake rolls all in one day. Felt like a fatty but it was definitely worth it since I loooove sweet Asian cakes. But the only drawback is that it was pretty pricey -- $1.75 each for a one inch thick slice of cake. Oh well.
I like the fact that Japanese curry is so different from Indian and Thai curry. This place really showcases the uniqueness of curry, and I equally liked it as well. As for the prices, it could be a lot cheaper, but since it's in the financial district, I guess their prices are cheaper compared to others.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Yep, still dee-licious.
I had the Chicken & Vegetable Curry Ramen today and it was so satisfying. Perfect ramen noodles in a puddle of medium spicy curry soup, with seasoned chicken, broccoli, & carrots. Mmmmm... My only complaint would be that I wish there had been slightly more soup because my ramen was so piping hot that I could not devour it the way I wanted to and by the time I had finished, most of the soup had been absorbed by the noodles.
Also, the wait for the food here is still incredibly long because there are so many people ordering and 2 people cooking in their tiny kitchen...probably took something like 15-20 minutes for me to get my lunch, even after the lunch rush had passed. Definitely phone ahead and take your order to go.
Magically, my hangover from last night's Yelp Elite event was temporarily cured. :)
06/28/2008
Muracci's is:
...Authentic & Delicious Japanese Curry! Their menu says they cook their curry over two…
Read more »
Man, the food at this place is really good! I'd never have Japanese curry before coming here, but damn did I enjoy it. The place is really small and get's super packed during the lunch hour, though. You can wait 10-15 min for your food after you order...so don't come here if you're in a hurry. But DO come here if you want a damn good lunch spot. I last had the chicken katsu curry (hot), and def recommend it.
hmmmm...mmmmm......
When coming to eat here, be sure to study the name, Murracci's Japanese Curry & Grill. Think about what they are trying to say about themselves. Keep it in mind when you order.
Actually, I'm not even sure why they put other stuff on their menu. It will only confuse customers who should really be ordering the curry.
Because curry it is here. Yummy curry. My only recent experience was home made Japanese curry from a Japanese coworker. The curry here wasn't as thick but it was still good. I highly recommend the Katsu curry over brown rice. The curry is served separately. You can pour the whole thing over your rice and food, or you can dip your food into the curry sauce like I saw a Japanese woman doing, or spoon it on a little at a time (I recommend this method if you want non-soggy leftovers).
We got here at 11:30 and there were only a couple of people here waiting for food and no one in line. Get here at this time if you can.
Unfortunately some people in our party were late so we didn't get into line until 11:45 (no point in getting our food early as it would get cold waiting for others). By then, there was a line of about 6 people and the place was full of people waiting for food.
It took us about 15 minutes to get our food. But while we waited some people left so we were able to sit and eat in the front area.
Bike Parking: a tall pole right outside.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Compared to beef curry at On the Bridge, Delica-RF, and Osakaya, Muracci's had the sweetest sauce, driest beef and moderate portions (6 cubes of beef totaling about 6 cubic inches). Vegetables are an additional 50 cents. What I liked about this place was the option of having brown rice with the curry rather than the standard white. Fresh pickled veggies on the side. Seating is approx. 10 stools split amongst 2 counters. Very quick service - if you order mild beef curry - less than 5 minutes to get served on a Wednesday at 4pm.
Why did I order the curry knowing I would smell up the office with it? I blame Muracci's!
I went in knowing they specialize in curry and being a semi-fan of it, I had to give the chicken katsu with medium curry a try. The portion was spot on for me as I have a healthy appetite and the heat of the curry was not to hot or mild for my tastes.
I would have given them 4 stars except as I was about to order, the cashier opted to push me aside so he could help people who called in. Poor customer service but they can't really be blamed for how small the place it. If anyone remembers, this used to be the place that had Thai take-out. Egos ago...
Warning: I waited over 20 minutes for my food including the time it took to order. Order ahead as you won't be twiddling your thumbs waiting around.
I would normally grade Muracci's a 4 based on food and a 5 based on service, but I cannot do that today. I will have to go back and see how my next trip goes because I ran into a bit of a snafu today on my first trip.
So I arrive at Muracci's around 2:38 pm(I walked by it once because I wasn't paying attention) and I notice I'm lucky because only 1 customer is ahead of me waiting for his order. Nobody else in line... GREAT I thought. I didn't see the special sign, so I asked if there was a special curry today. The pleasant gentleman behind the counter told me that today the special was una don. I have to admit the picture looked tasty, but I wanted their curry, after hearing from Wakako U. that this is the BEST in SF.
So I order a chicken katsu curry... HOT... and a green tea roll cake. I paid cash and they didn't give me my slice of cake, so I thought... oh ok, they'll put it in my bag then. So I wait patiently, understanding that they are making it as you order. The other guy gets his order and leaves... so I text my hirang and ask him if he would want anything. While I'm texting, my order is ready and the super friendly japanese lady is bringing it around the counter... she even apologized for the wait, even though I might have waited 6 minutes....if that.
So I get excited and leave to call my guy and I forget to check the bag. I know I know.... I'm stupid sometimes or I'm too trusting that everything is always gonna be correct.... take your pick. So I head over to his office with lunch and we go to a nearby area with a cafe to get some tea. I reach in to pull my lunch out and his surprise green tea roll out and.... and.... WAAAH!!!! Where's my surprise sweet for my honey?!? There's only the curry in the bag... so I look at my receipt and I was definitely charged $1.75 for it.
I realize that's not much money, but when you're the only OTHER customer at the time your order is being made...and the only customer when you leave...ya kinda don't expect something to be missing. I'm a fair guy...I might allow for that if it was lunchtime rush, but I was sad to say the least. I realize it was just an oversight... still....it tainted the taste of the curry because I kept thinking about my missing roll.
The curry was ok (better than Suzu) and the chicken katsu was crunchyish (as crunchy as it can be after a few minutes of condensation in the takeout container will allow it to be). The HOT didn't make me break out in a sweat or make my lips tingle. The bitterness of not having the roll cake for my mahal just made me too sad to appreciate the meal. So I have to say that for now... I give it 3 stars because -1 star for leaving out my cake roll when it's not busy and -1 star for being unable to finish enjoy my meal because of it.
As I said... the food alone I would probably rate a 4 based on today. I do appreciate that it's made fresh and that you get a HUGE serving (more than most places) for only $8.50 which is pretty standard pricing. I do intend to go back because the service was really friendly and I get the feeling they are really a great place. Of course, if I order a roll cake next time and they leave it out... the 3 will have to stay.
The curry here is good, but the wait is a little long. So as long as you don't mind waiting. Also I wish they would give you a little more curry. I ordered the Chicken Curry with vegetables and boiled egg. I wanted spinach, but they were out. I would eat here again, but the wait is too long for my lunch hour.
I tried their Katsudon today! (One of my favorite menu for lunch) Even though their specialty is Curry, I was not disappointed. Freshly fried pork cutlets surrounded by soft cooked eggs with green onion over rice. Served with Fukujinzuke (see below)
05/14/2008
I finally got to eat lunch at Muracci's. I walked pass them almost everyday but they were too busy… Read more »
Re post 08/28/2008:
Since going there for the first time this past Monday (8/25), I've been here 3 times and its only Thursday (8/28). And I have to restate my rating. I'm giving this place 5 stars. The wait can be long but today, it was only few minutes. The food is so damn good, I gotta give it another star. This place is the bomb. Keep in mind, there might be better curry places in NY or LA or Tokyo or at your mom's but unless its in SF, I don't give a hoot. This place is the shiz nitz and anyone who gives it less than 4 stars is out of his mind and a curry snob. Only one word for someone like that.... "boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo"
Being Asian and having spent a year in Japan, I have to say, this is one of the best quality curry I've tasted in the city. Its pretty damn authentic. I just got the Chicken Katsu Curry (hot) and was enjoying every minute of my meal. I almost licked the to-go container expect my co-workers would have thought I was crazy. Actually, I didn't want curry stains on my shirt. I can't wait until I go back and try some of their Udon Curry dishes. (Disclaimer: When I say hot, I mean Asian hot not American hot. You know what I'm talking about. My curry made my nose run a little bit. Be warned folks.)
The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because the wait is a bit too long. If you have a full hour for lunch and want some good Japanese food, then try Muracci. If you are in a time crunch, then this may not be for you, although, I think there is something called "an express meal" where you get prepared curry. But you still have to wait in line to order.
I think this place will pleasantly surprise you as it is the best Japanese curry in the city. That's right, I said it, the best Japanese curry in the city. Prove me wrong.
Muracci's rocks. Authentic Japanese curry is f'n delish. Their chicken curry is tasty and veggie is too. And the price is oh so nice! Don't sleep on the lotus root chips - also tasty... Y'all know how I complain all the time about the expensive, crappy lunchtime eats downtown. Pay attention, 'cause this time I'm singing praises.
Get there early, as in 11:30-11:45, or call-in first. Only a few seats, but you'll probably get one if you'd like. Most worker bees take theirs back to the hive.
Their kitchen is so clean it kinda freaks me out! I almost kick them up to 5 stars because it is that exceptional. I've never seen a grill in the middle of a lunch rush that was as sparkly clean as first thing in the morning. Yeah, the health department gave them a perfect 100.
So the cute folks workin' the grill are super neat and precise and don't rush your grub out as fast as Mc Sandwich place down the street. Count all the Issei and Nisei in the cue and get a clue. It's worth the wait!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
I had the day off today and was looking for a place to have lunch and decided to stop by here after reading the reviews on yelp. I've been curious about Japanese curry but haven't had time to explore any of the curry places in the city till today. I'm a curry novice so I guess you should take my review with a grain of salt. I ordered the tofu and vegetable curry noodle soup with udon and a medium spiciness. It was quite tasty-- the curry was spicy enough for me, the tofu cubes were well-fried, the broth very thick and flavorful, and the noodles were nice and chewy. There were also perfectly cooked vegetables-- peppers, broccoli and carrots-- that were tender without being mushy. The place is quite small so I can see why everyone gets their order to go but I went at 230pm so there were only two other people eating there. Overall, my dish was yummers and I would definitely go back.
I only discovered this place about 3 weeks ago, and I'm kind of embarrassed by how many times I've eaten here since then (7). It is that good. And I don't even really care that it can take a long time and that it's far from my office. If it weren't for these obstacles I'd be eating at Muracci's every day.
Now that I've sampled almost all of their curry dishes, I highly recommend the chicken katsu and the ebi fry (and definitely get it with spinach). Also, if you like sriracha you should be able to handle their hot curry.
Go after 1pm if you don't want to wait outside the door. But make sure you do go b/c it is GOOD! It is the quintessential japanese curry place, stocked w/ japanese soft drinks and the soft roll-cakes too. A total mom&pop in a tiny closet, they are sweet sweet people churning out FRESHLY fried pork cutlet - YUM! Get the brown rice if you want to feel healthier. You can call ahead too.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
We hit the place at 11:30, after reading the Chronicle review and not wanting to wait in line. I got the ebi fry curry (medium heat) over brown rice. $8.95. The shrimp was perfectly fried. I also tried the potato ball and the strawberry roll. Roy got the chicken curry (hot) and Cecilia got the pork katsu (medium). Everybody ate all their food. The place filled up quickly and when we left, there were about 7 people in line.
This is a good, cheap place to grab lunch, but you have to get there early lest you want to spend some time waiting for the food.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
I left my desk at 11:35, walked the 2 blocks to Muracci's, waited, ordered, waited, received, walked back 2 blocks and arrived at my desk at 12:05. Whew, what a wait!
It was really good, but only just barely worth the wait for takeout. Woefully, I have never been to Japan, so I cannot compare it to its Japanese original.
Note: Their rice containers are made of starch, but you do end up throwing a lot of trash away when you're done eating.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
