A1 Japanese Steakhouse

I used to frequently visit this place, as it was one of my favorite hibachi places. The last few times the quality of food and service has really gone down hill. The last visit, would have to be the worst though. When the cook started and put the rice onto the grill, I could see a bug moving in it. I immediately told the chef, who proceeded to just pick it out and continue to cook. I was disgusted, and couldn’t even think of eating anything. Very unprofessional way of handling the situation, and makes you wonder how they handle other problems. Will probably never be back.

We used to really enjoy eating here but the quality of their offerings have declined significantly over our past few visits. The last visit was highlighted by undercooked food, a very sloppy chef that left our hibachi table looking like a food fight had just happened, the food didn’t taste all that great, we had a birthday celebration which they forgot to acknowledge, and the service overall was very subpar. The chef used rice to toss rather than shrimp, chicken or a vegetable which went everywhere when he tossed it to a guest.

My husband and I have been there several times over the last few years. It’s hit or miss, but they offer calamari in their hibachi so since it’s my favorite and close to home so it’s always a win for us. However, tonight changed our opinion. Due to the attitude of the servers, I’m not sure when We’ll be back.
The food is salty by nature, a little, «would you like more water?“would have been nice. Once they brought the check it seemed off. I asked about a buy one sushi get one sushi ½ off that was advertised on an easel as you walked into the restaurant. So we ordered sushi. The check came and we questioned the server. Apparently it was only Monday-​Wednesday for the sushi special. I myself walked out and checked out the easel. The server was correct and it was only Monday-​Wednesday (or whatever day that did not include today). Ok, so no biggie whatever, but they brought my husband a check of a higher value as I was waking out to take a look at the sign. 2 servers bombarded him with a higher bill

Another person said this place has gone downhill fast but in reality this place has hit the bottom and is about as bad as it can be. The food portions where terrible, had a scallop that was orange (never have I seen a scallop this color), fried cheese cake was still frozen and to top it off they added a 19.9% service charge to a table af 4. Go to McDonalds, it will be a more pleasant meal (and unfortunately this is a fact). Have been going there for years but after this meal, I will never ever go back.

Bad service. Worst ever. Took us over 2 ½ hours to get out and now my 9 year old has a stomach ache. NEVER again.

Well, after sitting for an HOUR, dirty plate and fork… We finally got drinks. That says it all. Our dinner time was 2 ½ hrs long. Thai, who cooked our food, GREAT. But they didn’t give us our ice cream and they TOTALLY FORGOT MY SON’S BIRTHDAY. … NEVER AGAIN. Wouldn’t recommend to anyone! So disappointed…

We were regular patrons. At one time I would say it was the best in town. Not anymore. Went to celebrate our son’s birthday. Service was terrible, place was dirty. Sat forever until food came. One person’s water had something floating in it. Two hibachi chefs argued in front of us over space. Never saw anyone cook so fast. Very little interaction. Then the computer didn’t work so took forever to pay. Very disappointed. Won’t be going back. What a shame.

Stopped for sushi and cocktails. Sat at bar for 10 minutes until anyone came over. At least 6 staff standing around looking at us. Bartender, and I use that term loosely, finally came over. Husband ordered vodka and club. She had no idea. Both ordered spicy tuna roll. Not so good. Both hoping we don’t get sick. Last time was very good. Won’t go back again. First time I have ever left a bad tip only 10% but it wasn’t good food or good service.

Lousy service, marginally edible food, don’t go there for sushi. I used to go there for sushi, and it used to be pretty good. Waiter did not listen, got the order wrong, did it tell us that soup was included, did not cancel — so we had double soup — the fish soup is terrible. Sashimi was so so. looked old.
Fried rice was not edible. Took out for dogs.

Best anywhere for hibachi. Salad dressing to die for that you will not find in similar restaurants. Meats and seafood very fresh. I highly recommend this place!

the rice had no flavor. Asked for medium rare steak and got well done steak. The rest of the meal had little flavor. Needless to say I will never come back.

This place is awful went for lunch today we had to beg for our drinks… waited forever the soup tasted like water the food was awful the chef was nasty we asked for garlic he said «I don’t have garlic» will never ever go back… the food was flavorless… Terrible terrible terrible

No Stars. Go Somewhere else– maybe Wendy’s …Lousy dining experience from start to finish. Sushi dining here for years. Tried Hibachi. Room dilapidated. Substituted cheaper steak for filet right in front of us. Hibachi chef squirted 2 year old in face with water making him visibly upset. When child calmed down, he did it again. This place is crappy. If I don’t give at least one star this can’t be posted, but it deserves none!!!

They have really good bento box lunches. Not sure about the hibachi part being that I live in nj and these guys are across the street of my job in PA lol. I’m sure they are as good as their lunches

Had a special night with family. Have sat here reading reviews and must laugh. Overall the food was good. The art of cooking was excellent with many laughs and enjoyment. This takes a good meal allows you to enjoy everything additional. If you really want a gourmet authentic meal, find somewhere else. If you want an authentic with entertainment you have found the right place. Surprising it’s in a strip mall. Will be back

Never again.
First off, the resteraunt was dingy and previous patrons food was on the floor under and near the hibachi table seating.
The waistress practically tossed the soup bowl on the table, causing it to splash on my husbands lap. No apology. I told the chef «NO!» when tossing shrimp to catch; he tossed it anyway, hitting me square in the eye… then the greasy, soy covered shrimp landed squarely on the front of my brand new dress, ruining it. Again no aplogy, but laughter instead… by not only payrons but the chef himself as my headcovering (I cover my hair) fell off while dodging a SECOND shrimp tossed at my face. I had to run to the bathroom humiliated, hair out for the world to see; soy in my eye, on my face, and on my dress.
The food I did eat prior to my double drive by shrimping was awful… the scallops were chewy and gritty. The fried rice was swimming in butter that it slid off the fork. The steak was equally greasy and tough. The soup tasted like hot water with funyons floating in it, and the salad was wet.
I will never set foot in that place again. Ever.
Pretty much the worse resteraunt experience in recent years, made even worse by the fact it was a wedding anniversary and meant to be special.
I am a bit upset I can’t give a lower rating than one star. Avoid this place at all costs.

My entrée was good. A few disappointments however:
1) The Miso Soup tasted like hot water
2) The Salad had no dressing
3) I wandered into this place on Monday night because I was shopping at Ross next door. I usually call and place orders, but I was curious to try this place. I was excited when I looked over the menu. I placed my order with the waiter (or host?) at the desk. He told me it would be 15 minutes and asked for the 11 or so dollars. I filled out the credit card slip quickly, not thinking twice about tip because it was to go. I always tip 20% when I actually am waited on. As I walked away the man said «And no tip»… I was shocked. I pretended not to hear him and walked out. He acted so nice and smiley when I came back it concerned me on even eating the food. To me 11 dollars is pricey and my good experienced turned bad after that. I realize I never tip on to go food. Am I supposed to? I don’t know should I be giving this place another $ 2 to give this man a 20% tip for putting my order in?

Have dined here many times over the years. Not as much anymore however.
In my opinion, There has always been an issue of cleanliness.
The reason I mention this first is you can bet if an establishment is dirty outwardly, you do NOT want to know the conditions «behind closed doors».
The food has gone downhill as well. I’ve always liked the sushi, but the last time I was there, the meal was not fresh at all… not something you want when ordering sushi.
Good luck ordering any type of special mixed drink (it is best to write it down — language barrier).
And on top of that, the drinks are very weak and overpriced.

This place sucks. When we walked in, no one acknowledged us for four minutes. The hostess Katrina was a slug with no personality. Food took long time to arrive and looked like s@@@. The miso tasted like dish water and the salad was floating in too much dressing. I just hope we so not get Japanese revenge. I bought nausea. Medicine later just in case. I would never recommend this joint to anyone. See pics. I left a 5 percent tip. I added one more pic about a week later that really sums up my feeling about this dump

I have a strange sushi compulsion. See, I love fatty tuna. Sweet shrimp, when in season, cause me to squeal with giddiness. Few things taste more luscious than super-​fresh yellowtail sashimi.
But I also crave mediocre sushi. I enjoy the shoddy presentation. I have a thing for fake crab. Even tasteless tuna, with the right ratio of wasabi to soy sauce, makes me smile.
And, as far as I’ve found, A1 Japanese Steakhouse serves the best mediocre sushi in the Lehigh Valley. Here’s why…
First, it’s housed inside what is the soon-​to-​be-​abandoned South Mall complex, wedged between an art store and a pet store. Cozy, right? Walk by the lethargic koi in the outside pond and into the restaurant and you’ll find a fine display of kitschy Asian trinkets decorating the foyer. Look! That cute cat is waving at me! Oooooh! A Japanese taiko drum! Is that a knock-​off version of a P! nk song I hear over the speakers? How exotic!
Second, they serve hibachi. Every great mediocre sushi bar should have a mediocre hibachi. How else will you laugh at the same joke of the hibachi chef squirting pee pee out of a little boy doll (it’s just water, hahahahaha!)? Oh and ONION VOLCANO!
As I said, despite how mediocre the hibachi is, I come here for the mediocre sushi experience. The staff here isn’t Japanese, so if you’re looking for what fish is fresh or new, don’t bother. (Once I asked a waitress what kinds of tea they have and she replied: «Teriyaki.») Order a sushi deluxe or a roll combo – it’s all going to taste pretty much the same anyway. Unless, of course you want a «special» roll that’s deep fried and mayo-​logged. That just tastes American.
The miso soup? Mediocre bits of re-​hydrated tofu and seaweed in a watered-​down broth. The green tea? It comes from mediocre supermarket bagged tea. The salad with ginger dressing? So mediocre they sell it in to-​go containers!
The sushi itself has that slightly funky fishy flavor and sends you to the toilet shortly after eating only about 50% of the time (Japanese roulette!). The rice isn’t too sweet, too vinegary, too dry, or too stale. If I had to pick a word for it, that word would probably be «mediocre.»
The price is average, but make sure you print out a coupon from their website for a mediocre 10% off.
I would rate this restaurant a solid, middle-​of-​the-​road 2 ½ stars if the fascists at Unilocal would let me, but I guess I’ll give an extra ½ star to the host (owner?) of the establishment who always greets you with a lazy smile when you enter. Sometimes, if he’s not napping when you leave, he’ll ask you «Howwaseverything?»
“Just what I was looking for,” I usually say.