Food: 7.8/10 The food overall was solid, with a good range of options that kept the experience interesting. We opted for the "Gold" tier ($78 per person), which includes a selection of higher-grade items available once per table. From that menu, I tried the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu short rib and the uni caviar lobster roll. While both sounded impressive on paper, the lobster roll in particular was underwhelming visually--it looked nothing like the menu photos, which set a misleading expectation. That said, the core strength of the menu lies in its variety. There's a wide selection of cuts ranging from beef tongue and finger meat to pork belly, which gives diners the chance to explore different textures and flavors. The quality of the meat itself was generally good, though not exceptional across the board. One notable downside was the self-service station for sauces, drinks, and side dishes. At this price point, it feels out of place. Beyond concerns about cleanliness, it detracts from the overall dining experience--having to get up repeatedly doesn't align with the level of service you'd expect when spending close to $100 per person after tax and tip. It makes the experience feel more casual than the pricing suggests. Service: 2/10 Unfortunately, the service significantly detracted from the experience. We had an 8:30 PM reservation and arrived on time, but due to internal delays, we weren't seated until about 20-25 minutes later. While delays can happen, there was little effort made to compensate for the inconvenience. Once seated, our server did a decent job explaining the menu and tier system, but the experience quickly went downhill. Immediately after placing our first round of orders, we were informed that the kitchen would be closing in 30 minutes. For an "all-you-can-eat" restaurant--especially one at this price point--this is simply unacceptable. Most comparable establishments allow at least 75-90 minutes for ordering, which makes this restriction feel rushed and poorly managed. This time constraint forced us to speed through the meal, which completely undermined the enjoyment. To make matters worse, portion sizes were extremely small. For example, our table of four was limited to a single order of lamb chops, which consisted of just two pieces--hardly enough to share. As the meal went on, the pressure only increased. During last call, while I was still trying to finalize our order on the tablet, the server announced, "1 minute left," which felt unnecessarily abrupt and added to the already stressful atmosphere. By that point, the experience had shifted from enjoyable to frustrating. Ambiance: 8/10 The ambiance is where the restaurant really shines. From the moment you walk in, it's clear that a lot of thought and investment went into the design. The space channels a Japanese-inspired street food market aesthetic, complete with hanging signs, lanterns, and a lively yet casual atmosphere. The table setups are also well-executed. The built-in grills are high quality, and the seating is comfortable enough for a longer dining session--if only the service allowed for one. Some tables feature wooden partitions that add a sense of privacy, which is a nice touch. The inclusion of ordering tablets at each table is another highlight. It's convenient, especially when servers are busy or hard to flag down, and adds a modern element to the experience. Overall 2.9/5 While the food and ambiance show promise, the service and operational issues significantly hold this place back. The rushed dining window, small portions, and lack of accommodation for delays make it difficult to justify the price. With better time management and a more guest-focused approach, this could be a much stronger experience--but as it stands, it falls short of expectations for an all-you-can-eat restaurant in this price range. read more

Chubby Cattle BBQ is a modern take on Japanese BBQ with an all-you-can-eat experience focused around high-quality meats and interactive dining. We walked into a lively space with a setup that makes the meal feel more like an event rather than just going out for food. The restaurant has a contemporary, polished feel that still keeps the energy casual and group-friendly, with grill tables spread throughout the dining room and a steady hum of conversation and sizzling meat filling the air. The menu offers different tiers depending on how much variety and premium cuts you want, with the higher tiers featuring options like wagyu and more specialty meats. The wagyu is the standout, with a rich flavor and tender texture that makes it worth the upgrade. We started with a mix of cuts, including the wagyu brisket and short rib, both of which cooked up quickly on the tabletop grill and held their juiciness well. The self-grilling format is fun for groups, giving everyone a chance to cook their own selections and control the doneness of each piece, and the marinades on some of the meats added an extra layer of flavor without masking the quality of the beef. Beyond the meats, there are plenty of sides, sauces, rice, drinks, desserts, and even items like egg tarts and soft serve at the self-service area, making it easy to customize the meal. The variety of dipping sauces lets you switch up the flavor profile with each bite, and the banchan-style sides help break up the richness of the grilled meats. The egg tarts, available in the self-service station, are a fun touch that adds a sweet finish to the savory meal. The ordering process is convenient with everything coming out quickly, and the staff does a good job explaining how the system works for first-time visitors. They walked us through the tier options and the tablet ordering system without making it feel complicated, and they were attentive about changing out the grill grates when needed. The service helps make the experience smoother without taking away from the fun of cooking at the table, and the pacing of the meal allows you to settle in and enjoy the process rather than rush through. Chubby Cattle BBQ is a great choice for a group meal when you want variety, quality meats, and a more interactive dining experience. The combination of unlimited options, premium cuts, and the grill-at-your-table setup makes it a place worth visiting, especially for BBQ lovers who enjoy the hands-on approach and the chance to sample a wide range of flavors in one sitting. read more

We have lived in the area for about 15 years. The most recent restaurant in this location, The Woo, became our date night spot. We would take many, many friends over the years, but we would always reserve and visit for a date our special occasions Anniversary, Valentine's Day, New Years, etc. Unfortunately, this restaurant does not take reservations for two people. I understand it's a big ol' chain restaurant -- but there's nothing to make one feel like this is a tourist-catered spot only like not allowing two people to plan in advance in NYC, where people live jam-packed lives; it's not just vacationers, here, folks. The first floor was empty when we arrived at 6:15pm. Empty. And they quoted a 40-60min wait. I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt and guess that they're currently short-staffed for the soft open and the upstairs must have been packed. One hopes. Regardless, it's now been more than 1hr & 45mins since we walked in and we are still not off the wait list--and that's not due to lack of planning. Once again, they do not accept reservations for two-tops. They also do not have a bar to pop up at. I hope that's solely temporary due to the soft opening and time it can understandably take to get a license. We went elsewhere. And from the reviews we are seeing about the limitations on the A5 Wagyu, et al, we likely won't take the risk again (unless my super-disappointed sweet partner insists). We instead found ourselves at Chachatang on 6th Ave, which had excellent cocktails and food; we shared a phenomenal meal. Highly recommended. I generally, genuinely root for every new spot that opens in the neighborhood. We always to visit every new business we can. Trying to force a line and wait clout can often backfire with these touristy spots -- especially when seeming disappointments await inside. I do hope for the best. We'll see. read more

If you're debating whether to go to Chubby Cattle BBQ... just know this place is basically the Hidden Leaf Village of hot pot and BBQ. From the moment we walked in, it felt like we unlocked Ultra Instinct like Goku. The service was fast, sharp, and on point -- like they trained under Master Roshi before their shift. And shoutout to our server, Kasey, who was absolutely amazing. Attentive, friendly, and always one step ahead -- honestly Hokage-level hospitality. She made the whole experience smooth and fun from start to finish. The wagyu? Legendary status. We're talking top-tier, over-9000 quality. The marbling melts so perfectly it's like watching Naruto finally master Rasengan -- smooth, powerful, and deeply satisfying. And the all-you-can-eat setup? That's Pokémon trainer energy. You don't just order food... you collect it. "Gotta grill 'em all." From premium beef to seafood to sides, every plate felt like adding another rare card to the collection. The miso soup was rich, flavorful, and balanced -- no filler episodes here. Just straight main-character energy the entire meal. If you're looking for a spot that delivers flavor, experience, and hype all in one... this place absolutely powers up. Definitely coming back -- and hopefully getting Kasey again, if she isn't the Hokage yet! - Big Dave, Moshe Def , Mikey Millionz , and ur boy Bryan Face!!! read more

I went here for my birthday and it was so much fun. You have a touchscreen moniter/iPad to put the orders in. They did have servers walking around, although you are responsible for doing your own cooking to my current understanding. I had gotten the Gold(medium priced - $65 for member pricing and $78 for standard) which while very fun I would say does feel like a special occasion treat - as the items which I believe were on the Silver menu (cheapest - $49.99 member pricing and $58 for standard) had a wide variety of delicious good quality options. They sang happy birthday to me and had a banner which was quite fun - the ambiance felt friendly and approachable. I had an 8:30PM reservation, and our server let us know that they were closing down the unlimited station to make sure we got our desserts while we could. There is a drink machine to the left of soft serve machine that you should not mix up as a 2nd soft serve machine/sauce dispenser. It dispenses drinks. read more

I had an incredible dining experience at Chubby Cattle -- truly a 10 out of 10! From the moment we sat down, the service and food exceeded expectations. Our waiter, Sam, was outstanding. He went above and beyond to guide us through the menu, helping us select a variety of beef cuts and even taking the time to cook some of them right at the table -- perfectly done every time. The buffet options were excellent as well, offering a great variety of fresh and flavorful choices. Every cut of meat we tried was tender and delicious, giving us the chance to enjoy different textures and flavors throughout the meal. Overall, this was one of the best dining experiences I've had in a while -- great food, great service, and a fun, interactive atmosphere. Highly recommend Chubby Cattle, and definitely ask for Sam if you want top-notch service! It Good read more

I had an absolutely incredible experience at Chubby Cattle! From start to finish, everything exceeded my expectations. The meats were outstanding. Perfectly fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection at the table, making every bite unforgettable. Our servers, Samuel and Steph, made the evening even more memorable. Samuel provided phenomenal service, attentive and friendly without ever being overbearing. Steph was also incredibly kind and helpful, making sure we had everything we needed and answering all our questions with a smile. The atmosphere was lively yet comfortable, creating the perfect backdrop for an amazing meal. I can confidently say this was the best JBBQ I have ever had. I left full, happy, and already planning my next visit. Highly recommend Chubby Cattle to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in NYC! read more

This place was insaaane -- all the hype is true. Every cut of meat we tried was incredible. My friends said the hand rolls were also amazing, and there was so much good-looking stuff on the menu I wanted to try, but since it was my first time, I wanted to keep it all beef. We went with the Gold Tier, and our waitress, Kasey, was fantastic. She put us onto her favorite cuts, which we ended up loading up on again and again -- especially the A5 Wagyu (unreal) and a few others she recommended. We were celebrating a birthday, and it honestly couldn't have been a better spot for it. Great food, great experience, and great service -- even great ice cream. In retrospect, I kind of wish I tried some of the other menu items too, but that just gives me a reason to come back -- which we definitely will. Hopefully we get Kasey again! read more

My friend and my first time at this place, but it was on our list for a while and WOW it was so incredible. The meat was excellent and very good cuts and portion sizes. Our server Tenzin was fantastic and helped us navigate the menu and our orders with extreme detail and accuracy! Also another server (Female, Chris) helped us as well with any questions we had and MY ALLERGIES! Thank you to both of you (if you see this lol) and the entire staff at Chubby Cattle BBQ! Now that we're members we WILL be back soon! also the decor and ambiance of the restaurant is very impressive and really makes me feel as if I'm stepping into a restaurant in Japan. Loved this place so much and can't wait to be back! AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HAING TANZIN AND CHRIS AGAIN!!!!!! read more

Amazing experience at Chubby Cattle SoHo! I had an incredible time dining at Chubby Cattle BBQ in SoHo. The food was top-tier -- everything from the marinated meats to the side dishes was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The atmosphere was lively but comfortable, making it a great place to enjoy with friends or family. A special shoutout to our server, Sam Kim, who made the whole experience exceptional. Sam was friendly, attentive, and had great menu recommendations that really elevated the meal. You could tell he genuinely cared that we had a great time. Service like that makes all the difference! Definitely coming back -- 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for great food and even better service. read more

This was my first time at Chubby Cattle, and it was a great experience overall. The quality of the meat was impressive--fresh, well-cut, and very flavorful. The wagyu options were rich and comforting, and everything came out quickly despite the restaurant being busy. The staff was friendly and attentive, explaining how the ordering process worked and checking in to make sure we had everything we needed. The atmosphere was lively but still comfortable, making it a great spot for both groups and casual dining. For a first visit, I was really satisfied with both the food and service. Definitely a place I'd come back to and recommend to others who are looking for a solid, high-quality experience. read more

I recently dined there and had an amazing experience! The food was delicious, but what really made the night stand out was our server, Christine. She was attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure we felt welcome and taken care of. She took the time to explain the menu, made excellent recommendations, and checked in on us frequently to refill our drinks and clear our plates. The service was top-notch, and Christine seemed to genuinely care about our experience. Overall, I'd highly recommend Chubby Cattle to anyone looking for a great dining experience. And if you're lucky enough to have Christine as your server, you'll be in for a real treat! read more

I recently dined at Chubby Cattle and had such an amazing experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely delicious -- every dish was full of flavor and beautifully presented. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a great meal. A special shoutout to our server, Matthew, who truly made the night memorable. He was attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. His recommendations were spot-on, and his genuine hospitality added so much to the experience. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better evening. I'll definitely be coming back soon and recommending this place to friends and family! read more

It was my first time visiting for my nephew's birthday, and I was genuinely impressed. The quality of the food and the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere were top-notch--but what truly elevated the entire experience was the exceptional service we received from Louie. From the moment we were seated, he went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Louie didn't just serve us--he guided us. He took the time to explain how to cook each cut of meat to perfection and offered thoughtful pairing suggestions that made every bite even more enjoyable. His attentiveness, warmth, and genuine passion for hospitality made a lasting impression on all of us. Thanks to Louie! read more

5/5 Stars I went to Chubby Cattle BBQ today and had an amazing experience! The food was delicious, but what really made the visit stand out was the outstanding service. Our servers, Mathew and Christine, went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect--from explaining the menu to checking in at just the right times. They were friendly, attentive, and made the whole meal even more enjoyable. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and everything came out fresh and flavorful. It's rare to find a place where both the food and the service are this good. I'll definitely be coming back soon--and I'll be asking for Mathew and Christine again! read more

Solid first time at Chubby Cattle, and definitely not the last! Meat selection was super fresh and plentiful, and we were big fans of the tom yum soup on the side! Service was also great -- the hosts were warm and welcoming and our main server Kasey was very informative and helpful with the cooking and keeping an eye on our grill for changes. We went mid-afternoon and had a wait of 1.5 hours, but it was definitely worth it. Yelp doesn't allow 2 person reservations for whatever reason so we just walked by and put our names down. We ended up just trying out the silver menu but decided to sign up for membership after having such a good time. read more

The food here is incredibly fresh, flavorful, and presented with great attention to detail. Every dish tasted like it was made with high-quality ingredients, and the portion sizes were just right. The service was also excellent -- friendly, attentive, and efficient without feeling rushed. Samuel in particular stood out with his warm attitude, helpful recommendations, and genuine professionalism, which made the entire dining experience even more enjoyable. The restaurant has a comfortable atmosphere and feels like a place that cares about its customers. I will definitely come back in the future and highly recommend it to others. read more

Just came here two days after my birthday and had such a great experience. Sherry was our server and she was honestly the highlight--so friendly, attentive, and made everything feel easy and welcoming. I also really appreciated how accommodating the team was: even though I wasn't there on the exact day, they still let me add the membership birthday discount, which was a really nice touch and made me feel taken care of. Ordering was super smooth on the screen and the whole process was quick and straightforward. Overall, awesome service and a stress-free experience. I'll definitely be coming back again in the future! read more

Had an incredible time at Chubby Cattle! The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented -- every bite felt like a treat. The wagyu was melt-in-your-mouth good, and the broth was perfectly seasoned. Special shoutout to Shawn, who made the whole experience even better. He was super attentive, friendly, and really knew the menu inside out. He gave great recommendations and made sure our table had everything we needed. If you're looking for top-tier hot pot and outstanding service, Chubby Cattle is the place to go. Highly recommend asking for Shawn -- he'll make sure you have a great time! read more