I love a good hibachi meal, and come on…who doesn’t? But sometimes I’m not in the mood for the entire experience. You know, like being sat next to strangers and their annoying brat of a kid who could never reach the angel status of your own offspring. Then you wait around for the chef to arrive and go through the motions of prepping the grill and food, and half the shrimp gets wasted because the aforementioned kid can’t catch to save his life, and eventually you’ve eaten your meal one item at a time as it’s divvied out. Don’t forget to add the extra tip for both the server and chef, and alas it’s time to venture home.
You may have read that and now think I’m just an old curmudgeon who should stay out of the hibachi grills if I can’t enjoy myself. But that’s far from the case. I’m just an ordinary (meh), young (ish) fella that loves food, but doesn’t always have the time to wait. That’s why I have fallen in love with the new Hibachi Jr. on the north side of Mount Juliet.
Although the brick and mortar location is new for the family-owned business, their experience is well seasoned. According to their website, Hibachi Jr has been in operation via food truck and catering service in the Nashville area since 1999.
With any new restaurant, I try to go in with an open mind and expectations as they may be struggling with growing pains, but that attitude was far from needed here.
Ever since their sign went up earlier this year, I had been checking the building each time I drove past looking for signs of life, until one day I noticed a few cars in the drive-thru lane. With Covid-related precautions and restrictions, it appears the drive-thru might be the only option for a while.
So I pulled in, gave the menu a quick once-over, which offered all the hibachi style favorites with express service. Although I was leaning heavily towards their Hibachi Chicken Teriyaki, I changed my mind at the last minute to the number 5 entrée option: Hibachi Marinated Steak.
After a quick pull around to the server waiting for me at the window, I paid and immediately received my to-go food in a neatly cared for container.
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RATINGS
Food: 8.5/10 – The quality of this steak really sealed the deal on this dish, but I don’t want to overlook the rest of the entree. The vegetables were crisp, even after sitting in the box for 20 or so minutes during my commute. The rice was just the right amount of “sticky” and balanced flavor-wise. They also included plenty of Yum-Yum sauce, which most people in this area will truly appreciate.
Value: 7/10 – This particular entree was $10.95 before tax, but also not too bad considering the quality of the steak and amount of food. For me, it’s leaning towards the high side of drive-thru lunch, but for some reason my mindset for dinner has this as a bargain.
Atmosphere: N/A – I can’t give a proper rating until the dining room is open to allow more time to take it all in. From what I could see through the drive-thru though, the kitchen was very neat/orderly and the customer service was exceptional.
Overall: 7.75/10 – This had the fresh hibachi grill quality with an express service time frame. I frequently find myself craving good quality Asian food, but the usual “to-go” type places in the Nashville area tend to be sub-par. Hibachi Jr. is nowhere near that and I absolutely will stop in again as soon as I can.
CURRENT NASHVILLE RESTAURANT RANKINGS
- Butcher & Bee (8.5/10)
- Nectar: Urban Cantina (8.44/10)
- Von Elrod’s (8.17/10)
- Catch 22 (Mount Juliet) (7.125/10)
- Red’s 615 Kitchen (7/10)
Cadbury Pringlebatch is the Operations Manager, Lead Motorcycle Guy, Investment Analyst, and Travel Blogger for The SoBros Network, but knows a little bit about everything. Known for frequenting Nashville YMCA steam rooms, he’s a firm believer that winning football is produced by moving the chains, and became a SoBro after mistaking one of our podcasts for an AA meeting. Follow on Twitter: @SoBroCadbury
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