Hanakawa Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar Menu

If you’ve ever stood in front of a Japanese menu and thought, “I want sushi, but also steak, but also someone to throw shrimp at me,” Hanakawa Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar gets it. The menu is basically two great restaurants under one roof. One side is calm and covered in spicy mayo; the other is a fiery show with flying rice and a chef who missed their calling as a comedian.

Menus can change, and different Hanakawa locations may tweak things. But the vibe stays the same: fresh sushi, sizzling teppanyaki, and enough soy sauce to make your rice jealous. Let’s walk through the highlights so you can order like a pro.

Starters and Small Plates

Every great meal needs a warm-up act, and Hanakawa’s appetizers deliver. Edamame is the classic move: steamed soybeans with salt, perfect for sharing while you pretend to study the menu. Gyoza usually shows up pan-fried and juicy, with a dipping sauce that deserves its own fan club.

If you like things crispy, tempura is your friend. Shrimp and vegetables get a light, airy batter that makes broccoli feel fancy. Miso soup and seaweed salad are also solid light starters, especially if you’re saving room for a mountain of fried rice.

For the raw-curious crowd, sashimi appetizers or tuna tataki can be a gentle introduction. They’re clean, fresh, and less scary than they sound. Pro tip: ask your server what’s freshest that day.

The Sushi Bar

Rolls, Nigiri, and Sashimi

The sushi bar is where Hanakawa really struts its stuff. You’ll find all the classics: California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, salmon avocado rolls, and shrimp tempura rolls. These are the reliable friends who never cancel plans.

Then there are the specialty rolls, which often sound like action movies. Dragon rolls, rainbow rolls, volcano rolls, and crazy rolls topped with eel, mango, jalapeño, or crispy flakes. They’re fun to share, but also acceptable to guard with your chopsticks.

Nigiri and sashimi are available for purists who want fish, rice, and zero nonsense. You can order tuna, salmon, yellowtail, eel, octopus, and more. Vegetarian options like avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, and sweet potato rolls keep everyone happy.

Hibachi and Teppanyaki

Dinner and a Show

Now, the teppanyaki side is dinner and a show, minus the overpriced popcorn. You sit around a hot grill, and a chef turns onions into a volcano, flips shrimp into mouths, and makes everyone laugh. It’s part cooking, part circus, and part “why is my rice so good?”

HANAKAWA JAPANESE STEAK & SUSHI, Libertyville - Restaurant Reviews

Most hibachi dinners come with soup, salad, vegetables, and fried rice. You pick your protein: chicken, steak, shrimp, scallops, salmon, filet mignon, lobster, or a combo. The combo is great if you have decision fatigue and a serious appetite.

Then come the sauces. Ginger sauce, yum yum sauce, teriyaki sauce, and maybe a spicy one that wakes up your taste buds. Pour them on everything. No regrets.

Kitchen Entrees

Not feeling the grill show or raw fish? Hanakawa’s kitchen menu has your back. Teriyaki chicken, salmon teriyaki, steak teriyaki, and chicken katsu are comforting and filling. Tempura dinners and udon noodle soups are great when you want something warm and slurpable.

Bento boxes are the ultimate “I want a little of everything” move. They often include a protein, rice, soup, salad, and a few tasty sides. It’s like a Japanese lunchbox that went to college and got a degree in deliciousness.

Sides, Sauces, and Extras

Sides matter, my friend. Extra fried rice, hibachi noodles, steamed rice, and extra vegetables can turn any meal into a feast. You can also add extra shrimp, chicken, or steak if your hunger is feeling dramatic.

Sauces are usually available on the side, so ask for extra yum yum if you dip everything. Kids’ menus often include smaller hibachi or teriyaki options, which is smart. Happy kids equal happy dinner.

Menu at Hanakawa Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar, Libertyville

Drinks and Desserts

To drink, green tea is the cozy classic. Japanese beers, sake, plum wine, and cocktails can make the evening feel festive. If you’re driving, mocktails and soda work just fine.

Save room for dessert, because mochi ice cream is a delightful little pillow of joy. Tempura ice cream is another winner: crispy outside, cold and creamy inside. It’s basically a science experiment you can eat.

How to Order Without Panic

Start with edamame or gyoza for the table. Then decide: sushi mode, hibachi mode, or kitchen mode. You can mix and match, and nobody will judge you.

If you’re new, try a combo hibachi dinner and split a specialty roll. If you’re a sushi lover, order nigiri and one wild roll. If you’re starving, add fried rice and trust the process.

Hanakawa Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar works for date night, family dinner, birthday chaos, or a random Tuesday when you need shrimp tossed at your face. The menu is big, but it’s friendly big, not scary big. Go hungry, bring someone fun, and order one thing you’ve never tried before.

You’ll leave full, happy, and maybe smelling faintly of grilled onions. Honestly? That’s a small price to pay for a great meal. Now go grab some chopsticks and make some delicious memories.