Don't Worry, the Gizzard Wizards at Yakitori Taisho Are Grilling Again

For a moment there, we worried that our beloved Yakitori Taisho might join Trash & Vaudeville, St. Mark’s Sounds, and the Sock Man on the list of recently departed St. Marks Place institutions. A few weeks ago, EV Grieve reported that the subterranean sizzle sanctuary had been “closed for several weeks.” A sign on the door said the Japanese standby was only “temporarily closed,” but we’ve seen restaurants fib about that before.
Luckily, it wasn’t a fib at all– Taisho reopened last night and is once again serving up frosty mugs of Kirin, glistening chicken-gizzard skewers, and crispy ham hocks. An employee at adjacent sister spot Oh! Taisho told us that the original location had closed to upgrade its counter, floors and “some kitchen stuff.” A peek inside last night confirmed that the vibe remains the same, with diners pressed elbow-to-elbow on low stools. Either we’re weeping tears of joy and relief, or smoke just got in our eyes. Maybe it’s both!