Yakitori Koko
We took a chance coming to Yakitori Kokko without reservations. It’s usually filled with people waiting outside. But today, we got out of work early. So we headed there right when they opened to see if they had any seats. Luckily they did. And I have to stress that lucky part. They already had a long list of people for 5pm. Fortunately, it was only the two of us and there was a small table in a narrow area in the back of the restaurant.
There was a catch though. We had the table for an hour. Kinda tough if you wanted to enjoy the izakaya experience. But still doable.
Even though we weren’t seated in the main area, service was quick and attentive. Several of the wait staff were always coming by and making sure our beers were topped and our appetites were satisfied. As soon as we realized it was one skewer per order, we started piling on seconds and thirds. It’s actually a great way to sample their selection and it’s wasn’t too heavy on the wallet being just over two dollars a skewer. We were pigging out and kept the kitchen busy. Probably why they let us stay an extra half an hour beyond our limit. Thanks team Kokko!
Yakitori Kokko
509 2nd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
+1 (650) 401-7008
Verdict: In the mood for yakitori, pay this place a visit. Just make sure to make reservations.
This was our second order of these duck breast skewers and this time we didn’t hold back. No sharing. One per person and no looking back. This pieces were thick, juicy, and so tasty with that hint of charring along the skin. It only comes in one offering, with a wine sauce. Oh man this stuff was amazing.
$3.20USD/per skewer
Another healthy helping of this unique looking thing. At first I thought we got thousand year old eggs on a stick, but no, these were the beef tongues we ordered. Very different from what I was expecting. This wasn’t too chewy and was surprisingly gelatinous. We had to order more to get our heads around it.
$3.40USD/per skewer
If I were allowed to only order one thing at this place, it would be these chicken wings, lots of them. It looks salty but they’re not. Sweet and savory these Nagoya style wings were so good. Although they are seemingly drenched in the sauce, the skin held its crisp. Yum! Where’s my beer?
$6.95USD
Not quite a ball, but this onigiri was pretty much our starch for the night. One isn’t enough to share. We ended up ordering two more of these. It’s crunchy on the outside with fluffy rice in the middle. But being a triangle, there’s less fluffy white rice than if it were a ball.
$3.50USD
The next dish was a small assortment of chicken, neck, thigh, and gizzards. Staples of any yakatori meal.
$2.20-$2.40USD/per skewer
Our first set included enoki mushroom with bacon, oyster mushrooms, pork belly, and squid. All were great and of course, the bacon wrapped enoki mushrooms were the easy favorite. But surprisingly, we didn’t order any more of it.
$2.20-$2.40USD/per skewer
And of course, they have beer and soju. We went with a couple beers. Okay, we didn’t stop at just a couple.
$4.75USD