Gun Izakaya - Oklahoma City

The first time here and it was great. It was like tapas, but Japanese style. The Auberginen competition was my favorite dishes. I don't like being a vegetarian, but I appreciate it if you get a delicate vege like an eggplant. They had some fun home cocktails and a helpful, patient and informative staff. We did it for a happy hour, but I think a nice lunch would also be good, the food comes hot as soon as it's ready.

You must dine at Gun Izakaya in Paseo! While the wait can be between one to two hours, it’s definitely worth it! We tried almost everything on the menu, and we loved every dish. The chicken wings were my personal favorite; the spicy chicken packs quite a punch, and the fried catfish is absolutely delicious! Don’t miss the dumplings. The pork and crab dishes were fantastic, and even as someone who usually doesn’t enjoy eggplant, I found the eggplant flowers to be delightful. Be sure to save room for the Okinawan donuts—they're a must-try! The terrace is a lovely spot to relax while you wait. If you're a fan of cocktails, the Six Samurai became an instant favorite for us. Overall, it was hands down the most enjoyable food experience I've had in ages. Make sure to check out this izakaya!

Gun Izakaya is certainly a hot new place in Paseo. You have many traditional yakitori dishes that you could find in a bar in Japan, and some have a modern or American twist. The Welskaraage is deliciously fresh and perfectly fried, the pig bell is to die, and many of the other items are pleasant both the eyes and the taste buds. The service was also very fast and polite, and they were plentiful with recommendations. We loved almost all the liberations they had to offer, minus the highball, but I think this is just a taste for me. Try the Eternal Garden, the Chuhai Strawberry and the Sapporo Black if you are in beer. The one thing I didn't like: the bench seats along the wall is too high for the tables so you feel like you hunching over eating or rest your arms on the table. All in all, I can say for a fact that we will eventually return soon, and with friends! I'm really glad they make reservations now, because that makes the visit very less.

As for the staff, our waiter was knowledgeable and made some excellent recommendations from the menu. The food is primarily yakitori and yakemono style, reminiscent of street food you might find at a market stall. However, the portion sizes are quite small, so be prepared to order 3 to 4 items to feel satisfied. It feels almost deceptive, but the snack menu offers larger portions. We also shared an appetizer of pickles, mustard greens, and kimchi, which served as a great palate cleanser between courses. For the two of us, the total was reasonable, but then again, we were both quite hungry. If you're dining alone, it would be quite affordable. I’m definitely planning to return, and next time, I’ll leave room for dessert!

I had a wonderful time and an enjoyable experience! Although it was a bit on the expensive side and we were seated right by the door, Jason was truly outstanding. He was very knowledgeable and really made the evening memorable. The atmosphere was unique, and overall, it was just a really great time.