San Francisco · Yakitori · a la carte
Mokutanya
JapaneseYakitoriRamenIzakayaLate Night
Mokutanya is Burlingame's long-standing Japanese yakitori izakaya, open every evening since 2011. The charcoal grill turns out beef tongue, pork cheek, wagyu, and other skewers alongside a ramen menu in a lively late-night atmosphere.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Burlingame
- Since
- 2011
- Owner
- Mokutanya (Japanese-owned)
Plate № 35
About
Open since 2011, Mokutanya has become a favorite destination for Bay Area diners seeking the informal Japanese izakaya experience after dark. The kitchen centers on a charcoal yakitori grill producing skewers of wagyu beef, pork belly, bacon-wrapped quail eggs, and beef tongue, complemented by a selection of spicy beef ramen for heartier appetites. The casual, intimate space fills quickly on weekend evenings when it stays open until 1 a.m., making it one of the few genuine late-night Japanese options on the Peninsula. Wagyu beef skewers and the house ramen are consistent crowd favorites.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- One of the only Japanese yakitori charcoal grills on the Peninsula open past midnight on weekends.
- The wagyu beef skewer, one of the restaurant's most photographed dishes, delivers A5-grade richness at izakaya prices.
- The late-night atmosphere — lively, no-fuss, and authentically Japanese — mirrors the izakaya culture found in Japan's entertainment districts.
- Spicy beef ramen served late night alongside skewers makes this the rare spot for a complete Japanese meal well after conventional closing times.
No reservations typically needed, but the restaurant fills quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings. Last seating is at 1 a.m. on weekends. — Format: Izakaya & yakitori bar. Authenticity: Japanese-owned yakitori and ramen izakaya confirmed by Bay Area food community; established in Burlingame in 2011 with charcoal-grilled skewer traditions.
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