FoodTyrant

Think country yakitori, or urban Japanese farmhouse and you'll get the right idea. Menu is diverse, but anything off the grill is a main attraction (and you can even get your own table-side grill).

After work crowd can be intense, but that's part of the allure--especially when 75% of the clientele is Japanese, trying to get drunk, and very hungry. And despite potentially long waits, only good vibes once you get a table. There's also the option of private booths, in case you feel like you're terribly important.

Fried Chicken, fish collar, grilled pork cheek, fun in midtown