Yakyudori (again)

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back.  Today, Cathy is writing while Kirk is relaxing.

Kirk wrote about Yakyudori in 2010, two times then again in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and in 2020. Each of his posts concentrated on the yakitori portion of the menu (only served after 5:00 p.m. now). I wrote a short post in 2014, about appetizer meals. We've done those here regularly, I just have not posted.  Since COVID-19, a few things have changed.   There are beautiful wood dividers for the socially distanced tables.

When you are seated, the "menu pad" is programmed for your table, so you can order when you are ready.

 You can choose your menu with photos (descriptions and options/customizations available upon a tap). or switch the menu to just words.  Either way, it is efficient.  You can request additional items as well as your check without having to flag down anyone and follow your order:  

The last two times we were here, we noticed only one waitress and the system worked very efficiently.  
 Miso (lunch) ($10).  Wonderful, rich deep flavored broth, chewy noodles, fresh fillings/toppings. Spicy Miso ($10.50), customized with no onion (for The Mister). A good, spicy broth with ground pork, bean sprouts, corn and the wonderful ramen noodles. 
 Fried Chicken Bowl ($11.50) with optional mini salad ($1.50) (can choose sesame or wasabi dressing). Instead of ordering the chicken karaage appetizer (as it seemed every table was doing), the bowl with rice and lettuce, mayonnaise and chopped green onion is a full meal and enough to share.  

Of course we have also (still) made meals out of appetizers.
Gyoza ($5.50) (steamed; can also opt for fried) is almost always an automatic order for us.  A good amount of pork and cabbage filling inside tender skins and served with hot mustard and black soy, the six pieces along with a side salad could be a meal. 
 Fried Oyster ($8) was just wonderful, perfectly fried and crisp, not oily.  Quite large. 
 Takoyaki ($6.50) arrives hot with the dancing bonito flakes jiggling everywhere.  The small round pancakes are filled with octopus and have crisp edges and are always delightful.
 Mini salad ($1.50) and hot tea ($2) are pretty much always ordered here. 

So glad it has survived COVID-19.  The food quality and people who work here are great.  

There is online ordering but no delivery service.   

Yakyudori 4898 Convoy Street San Diego 92111  Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat-Sun 11:30 a.m.-midnight  website

Comments

[kat]

glad they are keeping afloat

[caninecologne]

I echo Kat's sentiment. So many places haven't survived. Those fried oysters look quite nice as well as the takoyaki.

[Cathy]

Yes, Yakyudori has been consistently good and adapted with the situation, Kat.

The Mister and I have been making meals out of appetizers for decades, cc. The choices here are always so good.

[caninecologne]

Making meals out of appetizers is the way to go!

[Cathy]

Yes, cc! Can enjoy a variety of items-vegetables and proteins and it's still a meal.

[Sandy]

Pre-COVID, Yakyudori was my go-to place for a ramen lunch. During COVID, I got takeout once and got some yakitori. I'm glad they have pivoted, I will have to return soon.

[Cathy]

The new 'system' seems to be working and food quality is still great, Sandy. When restaurants only had takeout, so much was disappointing that we limited ourselves to Taco Shops by Autumn of 2020.