Mike L.

After coming across Chubby Cattle on a past trip down to SoCal, I was super curious about them. I hadn't been aware of them previously, but I knew I had to check them out in the future. So, it was quite the pleasant surprise when I discovered that they actually have a location in the Bay Area! However, let's all just ignore the fact that this one has been around for over a year and I somehow had no idea this was here until just recently, okay? Almost immediately after we stepped inside, the first thing that struck me was how this place is a lot smaller than it appears from outside. I imagine it's in part because the entire place is divided into smaller sections, but, regardless, it's impressive how it's not exceptionally loud and that you can't really hear neighboring tables despite how there are so many tables squeezed in here. As for the menu, they have three AYCE tiers - Silver, Gold, and Diamond. We opted to go with Diamond, which gets you two dishes per person from each of their "Specials Meats" and "Special Dishes" selections, along with everything else (Gold gets you one, Silver gets you none). With so many different cuts of beef, pork, seafood, sushi, fried foods, soups, and hot items to choose from, as well as their buffet area of sides and prepared items, we knew we weren't going to be able to try everything. However, I'd like to think we got to a good amount of it: -- SPECIAL MEATS - A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Short Rib, Dry Aged Australian Chuck Roll, A5 Striploin, A5 Finger Meat, A5 Miyazaki Ribeye, A5 Wagyu Otoro Thick Cut -- SPECIAL DISHES - A5 Wagyu Foie Gras Nigiri, A5 Wagyu Uni Caviar Nigiri, Lobster Roll -- REGULAR MENU - A5 Wagyu Brisket, Wagyu Brisket, Full Blood Thick Cut Wagyu Short Ribs, M8-9 Wagyu Otoro, Wagyu Skirt Steak, Wagyu Cube, Iberico Pork, Thick Sliced Pork Belly -- NON-BBQ ITEMS - Yellowtail Nigiri, Salmon Nigiri, Seared Salmon Nigiri, Salmon Hand Roll, Unagi Avocado Hand Roll, Chicken Karaage, Fried Chicken Wing, Cheeseburger Sliders, Beef Curry, Warabi Mochi In total, I can genuinely say that nothing that we had was even close to bad - "just okay" for a few things, solid/standard for most others, and downright awesome for the rest. Of the meats, the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Short Rib, Thick Cut Wagyu Short Rib, A5 Wagyu Brisket, A5 Miyazaki Ribeye, and A5 Wagyu Otoro Thick Cut were my favorites. Some of them were sliced a little too thin and were a bit too fatty (lots of flare ups and charring), but they were undeniably delicious. On the other end, the Wagyu Skirt Steak and Wagyu Cubes weren't as impressive, but still perfectly fine. As for the non-meats, the nigiri and handrolls were surprisingly decent for a Korean BBQ joint, as were the sliders, but skip the Karaage and Wings (they just weren't very special). As much as I enjoyed the vast majority of what we had, though, our entire group agreed that our server, Kelly, was absolutely the highlight of our meal. Not only was she really attentive, checking on us often and making sure that each round of our orders went through, but she was also super friendly and funny. Plus, we appreciated how she took the time to chat with us for a few minutes before we left, even though she was already on her break! While Chubby Cattle's prices may be higher than what you might find elsewhere, there's no question that the quality of everything here is also better, even beyond their premium cuts. What's more, the menu here just has so much more to offer, including a ton of non-alcoholic drink options that are already part of the AYCE, like sodas, black milk tea, jasmine milk tea, blue slushies, and more. If you're on a budget, though, the Gold tier is probably sufficient and Chubby Cattle offers a membership program that costs money to join, but will save you (and a guest) more in the long run by virtue of lower menu prices and a free birthday meal. All in all, FOUR AND A HALF STARS feels about right, but Kelly is the reason why it was an easy decision to round up to five. Chubby Cattle, I'll happily be paying the toll and driving back out here to see you again...and soon! Just do me a favor and make sure we get Kelly as our server again!

Camille Y.

Come early! The waitlist opens about 30 minutes before opening, but get there even earlier especially on weekends. People start lining up before the waitlist even goes live. I've been a fan of Chubby Cattle ever since my first visit in Vegas, and the Pleasanton location has become a regular stop. It's definitely a splurge, but it's worth it. We always go with the Gold Tier for the premium meats, and with my Chubby Club membership, it's about $145 for 2ppl after tax (before tip). We always leave completely stuffed. Service has consistently been great. This visit, Viet was our server and did an amazing job recommending meats, keeping our orders coming, and even giving us ideas of things to do nearby since we weren't locals. My only complaint is that something always seems to be unavailable. A previous visit they were out of egg tarts because the oven wasn't working, and this time they were out of yellowtail and unagi. We've also had grill issues before that made our table overly smoky. Despite those minor hiccups, the quality of the food and service keeps us coming back.

Grace H.

I personally thought this spot was over rated but so glad I tried it! Was able to put my name down on the waitlist via Yelp because I was within the 5 mile radius. We got seated after awaiting about an hour and a half on a Thursday early dinner and it worked out great. We were initially given the bar seating but were able to get switched over to a booth because we did have an infant in a carrier with us. The actual restaurant itself is very small with limited tables and the walkway is a little bit tight so I don't recommend bringing in strollers. They do have high chairs available. My husband and I ordered the gold tier and honestly, I didn't think it was worth it. I think we could've gotten away with the lowest tier. The premium meats were limited and honestly, they tasted all right, not memorable. The Wagyu briskets were all delicious and I did love the seasoning but shortly after starting my meal, I actually started to feel a bit sick because the meat was so fatty. The meats were good don't get me wrong, but I thought overall it was all right. I however, loved the buffet option which had corn cheese, wagyu burger, curry, milk, tea, and a bunch of fruits. I was also able to order a salmon carpaccio, wagyu nigiri, and salmon nigiri, which were all super delicious and worth it itself. They also have hand rolls and I had the spicy raw wagyu hand roll, which was alright because it was a bit chewy. I love that you were able to order on a tablet which made the entire process so much easier in my opinion. Service was great despite ordering on the tablet and our tables were cleared whenever we had empty plates and our meats came out very fast. Overall, I thought the 90 minute time limit was fair and our server kept checking in to say it was last call to ensure that we ordered everything before our time ended. Stela was great and made the experience amazing! Overall, I do recommend trying to spot out at least once. I would probably return with in mind that the meats definitely get a little too fatty and have a different strategy going in next time, but overall thought it was solid since we didn't have to wait too long for a table. The price is worth it and service was amazing.

Kim F.

This place is delicious!! We ordered the middle tier which was perfect in my opinion. Our server was very attentive and when there was a delay we were compensated with some food from the most expensive tier. Booths are very spacious, music is loud but not obnoxious. Best to go on a weekday and weekends the wait time is significant but you can always check in and shop around the plaza. They have a fruit bar and some bites you can get when you first enter. In my opinion the slides are worth the try but remove the top bun, trust me you'll want to save room for all the wagyu. My favorite part was leaving full but not feeling disgusting because the meat quality is so good!! No alcohol YET but they've applied for their license. GO GO GO!! So worth it

Mariel M.

Have been wanting to try Chubby Cattle for a while and decided to give it a try and use my free birthday reward and had a wonderful time! We made the drive from the Peninsula to the East Bay, and joined the waitlist at around 4:30 on a Monday and got seated about 20 minutes later. Definitely recommend coming at 4:30, because when I checked the waitlist at around 6-6:30, they were already filled up for the night. It was just my boyfriend and I dining, so we got bar seats which I thought was perfect for two people. We were pretty familiar with the format, but our server still walked us through the ordering process. The birthday reward covers one silver tier menu, but I decided to pay and upgrade to gold. I personally appreciate that everything is ordered by yourself on an iPad because you don't have to wait around to place another round of orders. If you think this is regular kbbq/jbbq, think again! For the gold tier, you get an option of a specialty appetizer and my boyfriend and I both got the lobster roll. It was pretty good for getting it at a bbq place! You also get one specialty meat, but I'm not remembering which we got. Most of the meats were delicious, but I will say some of them were a bit too salty, but I saw they had options to get the meat plain which I will definitely do next time. They have nigiri and hand rolls here that absolutely exceeded my expectations. All the fish cuts were thick and buttery. The eel handroll was one of the standout dishes for me. The menu here is impressive as you get both variety and quality, something that most places are not able to do in unison. Definitely worth the drive for a special occasion, will definitely be back!

Sadaf S.

We just had the BEST experience here!! They have confirmed Halal meat options, and not just a few, literally TONS of halal meat bbq options. They also have amazing serve yourself sides, boba tea, slushee, and ice cream bar. Their variety of foods is insane with an amazing grill (and great ventilation) in the middle of each table and an iPad for ordering all you can eat meats, nigiri, sashimi, lobster rolls, soups, you name it they have it. Vibes are on point, as soon as we stepped inside it felt like the Japanese restaurants we've visited in Tokyo. It was literally a culinary EXPERIENCE. The cuts were reallyyyy good and the sauces and sides bar had amazing options. I really enjoyed the fresh cut fruit, ice cream, milk teas, miso soup, seaweed salad, edemame, takoyaki, lobster roll, scallops, nigiri, and salmon carpaccio in addition to the BEST cuts of meat I've had to bbq. Jenny was our awesome waitress and helped us cook meats to perfection initially as well. The meats came out really fast and the staff were all very responsive. We can't wait to come back. They have memberships as well for a year round chubby cattle experience . ***We got the gold tier and all the following meats were HALAL: All the A5 meats (about 5 diff cuts) MAM9 Australian

Joseph L.

Hands down one of the best AYCE experiences I've had. The A5 Wagyu was absolutely incredible--rich, buttery, and melted in your mouth with every bite. The quality of the meat exceeded expectations, and having unlimited access made the experience even better. What really made the night stand out was the exceptional service. Our server, Raymond, was attentive, friendly, and consistently checked in to make sure we had everything we needed. He kept the experience running smoothly and made us feel well taken care of from start to finish. Between the premium quality meats and outstanding service, this place is definitely worth the visit. If you're a Wagyu lover, this spot is a must-try. Already looking forward to coming back!

Krystal A.

Came here on a Sunday afternoon, waited about an hour and a half. Good thing it's near a shopping plaza for us to kill time because this place gets super busy. Me and my hubby love love loves this place. Soooooo good! Our server Kelly provided excellent and friendly service. She helped us learn about the membership and also helped us sign up. Food is great quality, can't go wrong with any of their choices. The foie gras nigiri was the best thing there! Love the food bar because you can get all types of different thi no s you don't usually see at other k bbq places like jasmine milk tea, slushies, wagyu curry, etc. And the vibes were upbeat. Definitely coming back!

Dari T.

Solid all you can eat Japanese grill by Livermore outlets! We did the silver tier and honestly it was pretty great and had plenty more than we could manage anyway. I think only diamond and silver make sense bc gold is only ten dollar less than diamond. Our server Patrick checked in with us several times throughout our meal to make sure we were comfortable. There's also plenty of free stuff in the back like ice cream, tarts, rice, and fruits. I only have one nitpick. The place does have an odd smell when you enter. Not just smoky but like moldy towel. I'm not sure what caused it but it seemed to get worse the further you walk in.

Jessica N.

Wow I was completely blown away and they live up to the hype. I was unsure about the waitlist process since it appeared to change a few times and there were lots of complaints about their system. I came on a Sunday for lunch and got in line at 1030am. They open at 1130 on weekends. I was probably within the first 15 groups in line. Basically you stand in line in order to add your name to their waitlist, which they opened at 11am. You need to physically add your name to the list and then they will text you when ready. I was able to add my name by 11:15am and I was texted to come back at 11:45am. I was informed that I for the last table for the first wave. On weekdays though you were able to join waitlist online if you're within 5 miles of the restaurant. We went with the middle "silver" option and it was definitely the right choice for us. All the meats were incredible and the quality is top notch. Theres also a fountain soda bar, milk teas, salad bar, fruit, and some apps that are self service. My biggest complaint is the area is very high traffic and narrow with very little space to get in and out. They also were wiped out of most items and didn't refill quickly enough. Overall it was a good experience and I would definitely come back again.

Thompson N.

I had the pleasure of having Patrick as my server last night at Chubby Cattle Pleasanton, and he gave great service from start to finish. He was attentive, friendly, and checked on me often to make sure I had everything I needed. I really appreciated the small details, like how he changed my grill often, brought extra napkins, and offered to help cook my meats. Those little things made the meal much more comfortable and enjoyable. Patrick made the whole experience feel easy and well taken care of without being overbearing. His kindness, attention to detail, and excellent service really stood out.

Candy C.

Come hungry and bring your appetite! AYCE is never really my jam, so places like this usually come out ahead while I tap out after a round or two. That said, the selection is impressive. There's a huge variety of food options across the board. One thing to keep in mind: the wait can be absolutely unreal on weekends. If you can swing it, try visiting during off-peak hours--maybe midweek, on a school day when it's pouring rain... just sayin'. Is it worth the money, the wait, and the drive? Comme ci, comme ça. For some, the endless food options and all-you-can-eat experience will be worth it.

Reggie O.

F.O.O.D. Review F - First Impression The moment I walked through the doors, I felt like I had been transported to Japan. The modern décor, warm lighting, and attention to detail created an atmosphere that felt both upscale and welcoming. Everything was immaculate, thoughtfully designed, and inviting. Instead of feeling like another restaurant in the Bay Area, it felt like a dining destination where the experience begins before the first bite. O - Ordering Experience Although there are plenty of options, the ordering process by touchscreen monitor was simple and well organized. Our server "Ray" patiently explained how everything worked, answered our questions, and made recommendations without making us feel rushed. Throughout the meal he remained attentive, making sure we had everything we needed while allowing us to enjoy the experience at our own pace. O - Overall Taste & Quality This is where Chubby Cattle truly stands out. Every ingredient tasted exceptionally fresh--from the beautifully marbled meats to the seafood and vegetables. The presentation alone was impressive, with each platter carefully arranged as if every detail mattered. The quality of the ingredients was evident throughout the meal, and every dish exceeded my expectations. It wasn't just an amazing 50th Birthday Lunch--it was an experience. D - Delivery/Dining Experience From beginning to end, everything flowed effortlessly. The staff struck the perfect balance of being attentive without interrupting our conversation. Empty plates were cleared promptly, drinks were refilled, and we never had to ask for anything twice. What I appreciated most was that the meal encouraged us to slow down, even the monitor said to enjoy in moderation. Instead of rushing through lunch, we were able to enjoy the food, the conversation, and the atmosphere together. That feeling of being transported to Japan never really went away--it stayed with us throughout the whole 90 minute time limit. Final Verdict Some restaurants serve great food. Others create memorable experiences. Chubby Cattle manages to do both. Between the exceptional quality of the ingredients, outstanding service, and immersive atmosphere, this is easily one of the most unique dining experiences I've had in the Bay Area. It's a place I'll gladly return to and confidently recommend to anyone looking for more than just a great meal.