Kauboi Izakaya | Japanese Restaurant
$$ • Japanese, Vegan, Vegetarian
Hours:
1286 S Virginia St, Reno
(775) 453-2592
About Kauboi Izakaya | Japanese Restaurant
Customers' Favorites
Recent Reviews
we had a dish that took over 30 minutes and its becuase the burnt the food. but we were never told that was the case. we were given an excuse that wasnt the truth.
Every dish is exquisitely flavored and beautifully presented. The tongue is to die for. Well pretty much everything here is. Super fun to be able to watch the chefs working. They really do a fantastic job.
what a great untraditional lil place!! awesome service!! yummy plates! the hamiachi was amazing as was the trout and dumplings. 🤘
Menu
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5 - 9PM |
| Wednesday | 5 - 9PM |
| Thursday | 5 - 9PM |
| Friday | 5 - 10PM |
| Saturday | 5 - 10PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Kauboi Izakaya | Japanese Restaurant is a lively and energetic spot located in Midtown Reno, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, from fresh raw fish to flavorful small plates that are perfect for sharing. The highlight for many guests is the Hamachi, which is praised for its freshness and creative pairing with crispy shallots and pear, though some suggest reducing the pear for a better balance of flavors. Other popular options include the cedar-wrapped short rib, octopus with cashew pesto, and bacon-wrapped sweet potato, which are highly recommended for their taste and quality.
The menu features a range of exciting dishes such as spicy soba noodles with cucumber and avocado, crispy rice tots with dragon sauce, and mushrooms, showcasing the restaurant's broad appeal. The food consistently receives praise for its deliciousness, though some dishes, like Wicked Fried Rice with duck, may have texture issues—being excessively crispy and dry, which can make eating it tiring.
Service is generally appreciated, especially given the busy environment, with attentive staff providing good explanations and handling the rush well. However, wait times for food can be long, sometimes taking 1 hour and 45 minutes for multiple small plates, and dishes are served as they become ready. Guests note that the restaurant's hours can be inconsistent, occasionally closing unexpectedly, which can be disappointing.
Overall, Kauboi Izakaya offers a fun and flavorful dining experience, perfect for those looking to try melt-in-your-mouth meats, vegetarian options, and authentic Japanese dishes in a lively setting.