Food 4/5: I ordered the original classic okonomiyaki. it was very tasty! More on the Americanized side of Japanese food. Flavors are very good though overall. The incorporate traditional Japanese toppings, however, is not cooked in the traditional way. However, still. Service 5/5: food came out very quick! You ordered on a screen. This place has really cool vibes! I like the modern Japanese decor that they had. There are plenty of seating. It's a fun place to visit. read more

Chanko - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Perfect chicken katsu curry. Very comforting meal. Service is good, you order from a kiosk and pick it up. I've been wanting to come to this place for so long because I think the set-up is so cool! The interior is super cool. I love that the restaurant is in a trailer car. I would definitely come again. read more

Chanko - Chicken katsu curry with vegg - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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The portion size for this okonomiyaki is HUGE. I feel like 2-3 people could share one. It comes with a lot of fix-ins and toppings, so every bite seems different and interesting. I personally wish there was more cabbage, since it is okonomiyaki, but the food was still good. You self-order on their tablets and they call your name to pick up your order. The restaurant itself is so cute and filled with lots of retro Japanese decorations. read more

Chanko - Hiro Classic Okonomiyaki with Chicken Katsu - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I came here to treat myself to a solo date and it was perfect. The food was delicious--I ended up stuffing my face and still had plenty of leftovers to take home! The atmosphere is really unique; it has an authentic, retro Japanese vibe that I know my brothers would love. I will be coming back with my brothers to try ! Highly recommend for the cool aesthetic and great portions. read more

Chanko - ^Hiro Classic^ with beef - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Surpassed expectations! We ordered the chicken katsu and the shrimp with rice for our entrees and then also ordered a side of chicken karaage. Everything we had was so delicious and tasty!!! I would get everything we had again. The entrees are definitely big enough to share between two people or have enough for lunch the next day. Super tasty food would order again would recommend! read more

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The Rundown: Modern Asian style in a retro diner feel, with self service kiosks and stellar options all around. The Review: Came here on a friend's recommend and Chanko did not disappoint! The old school diner vibe was cozy, perfect for the rainy day we were experiencing. Self-service kiosks were easy enough to use, and the pricing overall was reasonable for what you ended up receiving. The drink variety was very impressive as well! When the food arrived quickly and I was surprised at the size. You definitely get enough to eat and take home (they conveniently serve everything in takeout containers so you're good to go)! And the overall flavor was perfection. Reheating leftovers (I recommend toss in a pan on the stove) I am pleased to say you will still enjoy it. If you're in the area, it's a definite recommend. Come hungry, and for the full experience spend some time eating in it's unique environment. read more

Chanko - Obligatory bathroom photo. - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Nothing more I can say other than great food and not bad prices. I can honestly say for the cost of the food you get an extremely large portion that was absolutely delicious. I also enjoyed the nice Japanese retro theme of the restaurant as well. read more

Chanko - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Damn, I really wanted to like this place. Katsu chicken is dry. The white rice was dry, the sauce that supposedly go on the hot chicken was cold. The coleslaw or whatever that is tasted stale. I lived in Japan and I was expecting much more. The one thing is the ambience is good. Other than that that one time is all I needed. read more

This continues to be the best place in town. Always a vibe, good employees, great food. Stoked to have this in the heights! read more

Chanko - Grilled chicken Chanko sauce - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

LOVE Chanko! A modern style Japanese diner with incredible ambiance & excellent Japanese bowls. This is the kind of place you roll in Uber late, kick back in the corner booth under the Neon Lights & sake sake sake yourself into a shrimp noodle dish listening to some Roy Orbison. I can imagine getting caught here in a rain storm at night under the neon lights, it would be like a scene from the movie Blade runner. Bangkok style. The Chicken Katsu here with egg added is very good especially with the Curry. The Curry is a must order with any of the proteins. We got the Chicken Katsu with the Curry but me thinks the shrimp would be better. Next time. We got everything with the spicy Bangkok sauce, it wasn't spicy but had just enough Kick to satisfy our inner dragons. The pork belly was our least favorite, not enough flavor & a very small portion. Not a good value. The shrimp noodles Bangkok style was loaded with perfectly cooked shrimp & clearly "the dish" of the night haha. "One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster, the bars are temples but their pearls ain't free" Service was excellent but we wish they were open later, like Bangkok style. This place could easily become our late night dragons den. Love Chanko shrimp noodles, Bangkok style, we love you long time. Can't wait to return. read more

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I am so impressed with this place! it's a Japanese diner style restaurant and when you go inside, you'll see a bunch of computers and this is where you order and pay. They then call your name when your order is ready so you dont have to interact with anyone if you dont want to (love that). The computers have every option you'll need including making any adjustments to what you order. I ordered the Chicken Katsu Rice Plate and a side of a few sauces. The chicken and rice was incredible and all of the sauces I tried with it were amazing as well. My friends all loved their food and we also tried some alcoholic beverages like an apple sake and lychee sake that were delicious! I am so excited to come back here soon! read more

Chanko - Chicken Katsu Rice Plate - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Chanko is such a unique spot, it's seemingly located in a 1950s style diner that's been artfully crafted into an eccentric Japanese restaurant. The vibe is awesome, with great indie music playing, and ordering made easy at the bar with large touchscreens. I chose to eat here alone on a work trip, and it's a great spot for that, or with friends. The pricing is fair and the food is unique + insanely delicious. Considering the touch screen ordering system, the service was still top notch. Jeremiah was so friendly, and cared about how my order turned out so much that I thought he was the owner/manager, turns out, he's a line chef who really cares about the job and history + success of the business. The sake and sauce choices are also worth noting and round out the experience read more

Chanko - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Holy smokes. What a GEM. the food was ethereal. the noodles were springy, the kimchi was not too sour; the chicken katsu was crispy, thin, and absolutely delicious. the meal was harmonious. and the pork belly- WOW! you can't come here without trying the pork belly. the different textures throughout the dish as well as flavors, just mind blowing. The ambiance of the restaurant is comfortable, cozy, and welcoming. I love a good self service ordering system, and bonus points they carry coke products. I'd be here every weekend if i lived closer. read more

Chanko - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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All right....hear me out. Whenever Chop Chop Shop took away the mean greens...I was out. And I have held up my protest until this weekend, when friends finally convinced me to try Chanko. Y'all.... It's really good, and I hate to admit it. The rice bowls are similar to the Shop's, just a little different. The okonomiyaki was killer. The tofu is some of the best that I've had in a while, and I really enjoyed all of the toppings! They also give you a TON of food. I'll definitely be back, and I'll be trying more off the menu! read more

The food was delicious and the vibe was so cool. I brought my parents who were in town because I had heard about Chanko and it sounded unique. We ordered from the kiosks for a super easy ordering process. Three of us got the Okonomiyaki and one got the chicken katsu rice bowl. Holy cow we got so much food and everything was incredible. Highly recommend the beef for the Okonomiyaki, it was cooked so tender and flavorful. We will be back! read more

Chanko - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

We have been here a few times. First time, sit down, was great! Got to try all kinds of different things. Our subsequent two takeouts, items have been missing. We were missing a drink the first time, then a drink AND an entree the second. I spoke with the restaurant the second time and was told they "got me" next time. No thanks Chanko, I won't be back. Great if you sit down, but make sure to triple check your order. read more

Chanko - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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SO GOOD!!! The pork belly is amazing. So soft and full of flavors. The noodle is stirred fried with veggie which gives more texture to the dish. I recommend sharing as the portion they give is a lot. They have a variety of drinks from Japanese soda to beer. The place is decorated with Japanese figurines and posters. Really cute!! They have a screen where you can order and they'll bring it out to a pick-up table when its ready. Loving this self-serve vibe. I took many cute photos. Will definitely come back to try more from the menu!!!! read more

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Oh my this was unexpectedly amazing. Went on a date night here and let's say we might be returning weekly. Ordered the katsu chicken with their classic sauce and then okonomiyaki with pork belly on the self service tablets. Both dishes were hot and delicious - the sauce on the katsu chicken was something I'll remember. Plus this cute Japanese diner vibe is just perfect for a rainy day. They also have a great drink selection and service was super fast. read more

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Food is consistently delicious everytime. Service is good. Ambiance is nice and chill.

Unlike any Japanese food I've ever had! when do you get when a hibachi, noodles, chicken Katsu, egg and a crepe combine together? Hiro classic. I didn't know what to expect hearing Hiroshima style Japanese food but I was pleasantly surprised. The ordering yourself feature we actually pretty unique and fun. The staff was very welcoming and helpful explaining any questions we had. I remember going to the diner that was at this very location so seeing it with a Japanese makeover was very playful. The Chanko sauce was the best add on! The food can be a little heavy with the sauces and the stir fry which is helpful when you don't know what to expect. I loved my meal so much, I ordered one to go. read more

Chanko - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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The chicken katsu rice meal was delicious. Loved the little extras that came with it. It was fun picking out a Japanese bottle drink to go with the food! And it was a short wait for the food to be ready! The atmosphere is fun, unique, and surprisingly cozy. I will definitely be returning. read more

Chanko - Chicken Chix Katsu Rice Plate - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Miyagi is this new heaven of a dish I found in life. Not only did it last me 4 meals,it probably could have lasted 6 but it was overwhelmingly tasty....it was was so good. I mean it. I can think of things equally as good but not better than this mouth magic. Every bite leaves you more excited than the last. It's shocking how exciting it is!!! Karaage I legit could eat this everyday all day. Omg I am in love with this. I seriously can just say order it and you will feel ~ life makes good things, and this is one of the joys. I seriously never had this style of food prior to now, Japanese, but nothing like this...and I can tell you I'm a hooked cookie. If I was to move away, this food I would miss! I seriously feel a new avenue of food was opened up to me. All can say is thank you for existing. read more

Chanko - Miyagi - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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We went on a Friday, expecting it to be a long wait but it was easy to get right in. We love that they only do a few things but they do them very well. The ambiance is awesome too! read more

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Chanko after being at Busch Gardens the whole day, and I must say, the experience was delightful. The star of my meal was the Curry Katsu Chicken. The dish featured a perfectly breaded and fried chicken cutlet that was crispy on the outside. The katsu was served with a rich, flavorful Japanese curry that had a wonderful balance of savory and slightly sweet notes. The curry was hearty, with a smooth texture and just the right amount of spice, making it incredibly comforting and satisfying. You can make it extra spicy for those who like hot curry. The portion size was really big and the dish came with a side of steamed rice, which paired perfectly with the curry.The combination of the crispy katsu, creamy curry, and fluffy rice created a brought back memories that blend textures and flavors that left me impressed. The ambiance of the restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a Japanese anime vibe. The service was attentive and friendly, adding to the overall enjoyable dining experience. read more

Chanko Was Dynamite. I was looking for a place with a fun flare to it! A place that I thought would be something my hubby would like. Also I read Elvis was here back in the day. No idea if that's a true story! Chanko was what I came up with. Setting is a funky fifty's diner with the back in the day Japanese theme to it. I felt like we were in a movie. I ordered the good size okinominyaki. Say that a bunch of times out loud. I have had something like this at Susuru in Orlando which is definitely a cool place. Look it up and u will see! This one was different than that one. It's a huge bowl. The very bottom is a soft Japanese crepe, then a bunch of diff veggies, cabbage, noodles, seasonings, lots of jazz. Ordered chicken katsu on top and egg. This has a sweet teriyaki like flavor. There are other options for this as well. This was great and a tad diff in a way. I wish I found more of the crepe sooner bc it's on the very bottom. I liked it a lot. I would maybe ask for the noodles a little bit crunchier. This dish rocked it. Service is hands offish. Not great not bad. Self service computer and then I rose my hand like a kid in school once I saw someone bc I had a question about my selection. Then they call your name when the food is ready and you pick it up. My best comparison of this dish is kinda like a deconstructed egg roll. Try it!!! read more

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The Bangkok pork belly is amazing. Really good food definitely do recommend this place

My friend recommended this place last night for dinner and I'm so happy she did! Chanko is an old diner converted into a home style Japanese restaurant. Once you walk in, you order at one of the screens and you pick up your meal when your name is called. I ordered the Okonomiyaki Hiro Classic with Beef and was literally blown away with how delicious every bite I took was. Honestly, one of the best dishes I've had in awhile. Packed with flavor and the beef was so soft. I can't wait to bring my boyfriend here. On top of everything, it's a great bang for your buck too! Overall, 5 out of 5! Highly recommend! read more

Chanko - Outside - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Finally visited this place after two friends raved about it and I am glad I did. We frequent Florida Ave for the breweries but are new to eating in this area. After my second friend visited this place and told me how amazing it was we visited. On a random Friday we came in at lunch time. It is wgat looks like a former dinner. It is a unique experience because it is a Japanese forward menu with a modern dinner vibe. The menu is offered on a touch screen menu and only after your meal is ready do you encounter any human. The vibe is awsome the food was amazing I only wish I could have encountered a human after my meal to thank them for the experience. So if you are a loner who doesn't want or need human interaction this is your place. I will totally be back but wish for a little more human interaction. read more

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The Good, the Bad, and the Kinda Ugly. Ok first, The Good. Ready? The food. I went with my wife and three teen daughters, all of whom love anime and are absolutely brutal if they don't like something, in the way only teen girls can be. We ordered a variety of things, and everything was delicious, even my 13 year old liked the food. I will repeat that, my 13 year old daughter, who hates,...(checks list) ...everything, liked the food. That is saying something. It was so good and served quickly. We ordered food for 5 people, and it was ready in minutes The Bad: It was hot in there. Like, the food could be served room temperature and still burn your mouth. I get that it is summer, I get that it is an older building, but dude, seriously? You couldn't throw is some window units? Maybe a fan or two? It was really uncomfortable in there. The Kinda Ugly: The decor. It is an obviously retro fitted old diner. There was a diner counter with stools and some diner style booths There were a few anime themed items in shelves (which by girls explained to me at length) a lot of unfinished, unpainted wood, aaaand, that's it. Not great, However, I will say this. I think there may be on to something, A little paint, some lighting, leather conditioner on the seats, cool the place off, serve the food on actual plates instead of plastic containers, you know, create an atmosphere to go along with the food, and this place could become an actual destination restaurant, a place worth traveling for. As it is now, I can absolutely recommend this place for take out, but that's it. (Seriously, the food is really really good.) read more

Chanko is still on my mind. The restaurant resembles an old-style diner, and you order your food at touchscreens before seating yourself. This makes the process quick and straightforward. You choose your base and protein, similar to building a bowl. The food was incredibly good, surpassing my expectations. I will definitely return! read more

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Great food. The restaurant needs a deep cleaning however, I know it's self service but it's off putting when you just feel like everything needs a good scrub. I love supporting local so I want to see this place to stick around but just feel like cleanliness needs to be addressed in the dining area read more

We heard so many great things about this place that we had to give it a try. You walk up and they have a definite 50's diner vibe. It is really fun because you don't think of that as going with Asian food, but I loved it. They have their full menu available to peruse when you go to the counter to order. You place your order on a large touch screen. It is easy to navigate and shows a picture of what your dish will look like. Once you place the order ,you choose your seat and then wait to hear your name called. The food comes in to go containers, so you can take home the your remaining food since they give large portions. I got their grilled chicken rice bowl with the Spicy Chanko sauce. The food was so fresh and tasty. The sauce had the perfect amount of heat for me. I'm looking forward to coming back again soon. read more

Chanko - Grilled Chicken Rice Plate with Spicy Chanki sauce - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

My favourite little hidden gem in tampa. i'm so glad i found this place so many years ago. they have never disappointed. i usually come here for their curry dishes but i tried their beef rice plate today and it was delicious and such a great deal with how much it comes with. they also have okonomiyaki (japanese savory pancake) which i've only tried from my friend's, but it is perfect and i'm dying to come back and order it for myself. read more

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I just came back from Japan and was high key craving curry and katsudon. I got the curry, medium spice, with veg, chicken Lantau, tiger slaw, and this peach drink. Once I saw that cinnamon bark, it was over. I knew I came to the right place!! I threw down on that plate!! It was everything I was looking for and more. The service is quick, very much like Japan. Order first, then pick up. Quick too. The tiger slaw was so refreshing and it complemented the curry really well. I'll be back to try the karaage. Plenty of parking outside and it weren't raining, I would've sat outside in their picnic tables. read more

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This place has changed a little in case you've ever been here. And those changed are improvements. The food comes out very fast, very fresh, and very tasty. It comes out portable, and easy to wrap up if you can't finish it. This place uses kiosks for minimal staff interaction, but the staff are still friendly and come out when needed. I feel like the prices are slightly high, but I feel as though the place is worth it. read more

Updating review to include pictures of the Hiro classic, Chicken katsu (a fav!) and grilled chicken with noodles. read more

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Chanko got a lot of attention in our yelp community. It serve the Japanese street food. It is located in an old dinner cart. The seat is limited. If you have large groups, you may want to think about outside seating. The order is from the computer and bring to table. Not much of services. Food is definitely good here. I think they are the first one serve the Japanese Okonomiyaki - Japanese pan fried noodles. We got the pork as protein. The noodle is crispy. It is supposed to be that way. We also got chicken teriyaki. I also like this dish due to slightly burn meat edge. Sauce also good. Finally we can said we have okonomiyaki in Tampa Bay Area. read more

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If you would have told me that the only place I'd find delicious okonomikyaki outside of Japan, and my kitchen, was in Tampa -- I would have never believed you. Chanko was incredible! I loved being able to take my time and order via their screen, absorbing the oddly New Jersey-esque diner vibe, filled with little toys and posters that made me yearn for another trip to Tokyo. The serving sizes were more than I had hoped for, the pork belly was think and after a few bites, guaranteed that there would be leftovers to enjoy. Ugh, it was ALL SO GOOD. So happy we tried this tonight and got in right before the dinner crowd so we could enjoy some quiet time to explore. Highly recommend for anyone who has eaten okonomiyaki before, or wants to try something you will not get anywhere else. read more

Chanko - Hiro Classic - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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I love a good Japanese meal, especially panko chicken - not too overly breaded, chicken wasn't dried out, plenty of rice. You enter and place your order at the counter and then they call it out for you to pick up to take to your table - so no real service, which is no problem, just a heads up. A solid amount of food for the price - so if you're feeling a good meal that won't break the bank, that looks like it was an old diner (love the decor by the way), this is your spot. read more

Chanko - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Craving okonomiyaki, some light research put Chanko on the short list. Located in Seminole Heights, Chanko is laid out like a diner but with flair, with anime figurines and Daruma dolls behind the counter. One orders on a tablet and then the food is brought out to the counter. On to the food. In my past experiences, okonomiyaki meant a thick pancake with cabbage and other veggies imbedded inside. The okonomiyaki at Chanko are "Hiroshima style", which I was not previously familiar with, but in this instance meant essentially a yakisoba noodle bowl with a paper-thin crepe buried at the bottom, the noodles topped with sauce, furikake, tempura flakes, and your choice of meat. I went with the pork belly and while wonderfully crispy/sweet/fatty, there were only a few slices. Outside of the limited pork belly, the other ingredients abounded and none of us came within 40% of finishing our gigantic meals. If you crave a giant mound of noodles with savory/sweet/creamy/spicy/tangy/savory toppings, this is your bet. Just don't be upset if your okonomiyaki looks more like a bathtub full of yakisoba than something you would find at IHOP. read more

Chanko - Interior - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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