Dine Out At This Magical Japanese Village In A Brooklyn Warehouse Courtyard

by Stephanie Maida · March 15, 2021

In the middle of a massive Brooklyn warehouse complex, a magical escape to the Japanese countryside awaits. Cozy up by the fire beneath a canopy of lanterns and enjoy tableside-grilled Wagyu at WakuWaku, the izakaya-styled eatery from Industry City's Japanese Village.

In partnership with the Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center, the restaurant has brought an official taste of Japan to its new outdoor dining area, transforming the industrial courtyard with wooden dining structures modeled after traditional Japanese homes, strings of red and white lanterns, and a menu which includes some coveted real-deal Wagyu beef. The specialty ribeye is cooked on a tabletop charcoal grill right at your table, served with matcha salt, yuzu soy sauce, and house made steak sauce.

If the tabletop grill doesn't do the trick, you'll surely warm up in the presence of an al fresco fire pit. Of course, you could also opt for a classic booze blanket: WakuWaku has teamed up with Suntory Toki and Maker’s Mark to create their own canned cocktails, including the "Hana," made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Hakutsuru Umeshu, and Green Chartreuse, and "Kansha," made with Suntory Toki Whisky, Housemade Persimmon Syrup, and Black Walnut Bitters.

Come for the Insta-worthy setup, stay for the steak and sips. You might just have to post a disclaimer that you didn't actually travel to Japan...

WakuWaku at Industry City, 269 36th St, Brooklyn