Arigato Japanese Steak House, Clearwater, Florida, Japanese Restaurant Details

Food:

Today is a sad day. Arigato's has closed its doors. Arigato is by far and away my favorite hibachi style restaurant. I have been to many other hibachi style Japanese steakhouses (Kobe, Shogun, Benihana, etc.) and they are all very similar. More than similar, in my opinion they could all be the same restaurant. Same ginger dressing (too sweet), same inferior dipping sauces, and they give you noodles (Arigato’s started doing this later on which I didn’t agree with). Arigato’s was truly unique among Japanese Steakhouses. The food was always incredible, the salad dressing amazing, and I would do almost anything for the Goody Goody and Yummy Yummy sauces. Not to mention the recent addition of the “Lunch Box” they started providing. When asked by anyone, “Where do you want to eat tonight?”, my answer was always, “Arigatos”. Didn’t matter the time of day or where we were. I cannot stress this enough, it is/was my favorite restaurant. Birthdays, anniversary, at random Tuesday night, doesn’t matter. I wanted Arigatos.

I have been going to the Clearwater location since I was a small child, when they were originally located at NE Coachman and 19. Arigatos, you will be missed. I am happy I got to share this experience with my 3 year old son, who also loved to go see the “Fireman” at Arigatos.

Food:

I usually go to the St Pete location, and now I know why. Clearwater = Horrible. The chicken was under cooked. When told about the issue, the manager said it was the type of chicken they use and that it was indeed cooked. It clearly wasn't cooked throughly, you could see the pink. She comp a kids meal and charged us a 13 dollar gratuity when we had three people. She said there was nothing she could do about it. Rediculous.

Food:

My first and last experience! I have taken my daughter (15) to Kobe every year for her birthday and this year she wanted to try this dirt hole. They asked how many birthdays were at the table. We raised our hands with two other older adults. They said she needed an ID to get $20 off her meal...didn't have and ID because she is 15 so the rude as server said...well its okay you can still stay and celebrate... OH THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO STAY! After the meal they brought out 2 cupcakes!!! Not 3...2! Because we did not have ID and were obviously paying full price...the youngest birthday DID NOT get happy birthday song or even acknowledgement! DISGUSTING! Not that that wasn't bad enough but the filthy long hair, non english speaking person who was filling water and boxing food...WAS RUDE AND VERY DIRTY LOOKING! DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND TO TO KOBE! I DID NOT LEAVE A TIP!

Food:

My family and I have gone to Arigatos for years. The food tastes amazing, however something just isn't right :( I sometimes forget why my family no longer goes there. Every time they eat at the Clearwater location they get very very sick, last night was no different for myself. It's been a while since I've been but I went to dinner with my sister last night. The guy that was at our table was vomiting in the parking lot, which was a warning as to what I should expect when I got home.
It's such a shame because it's a fun atmosphere and the food tastes good, until you digest. Can't do it anymore.. Guess they really were on Dirty Dining for a reason!

Food:

Arigato Japanese Steak House is an excellent hibachi style restaurant. The chefs are fun to watch and the food is superb. They have a very nice rewards program that offers discounts, a point system that can be used to get gift certificates, and a free dinner on your birthday. They are a bit pricey, but you are paying for the entertainment provided by the chefs. They do, however, quite frequently offer discounts and groupon/living social deals that make it less of a burden on your pocket book. All in all, Arigato is a fantastic restaurant.