The same night I wrote my last review, Kobe An's management replied instantly, promising to improve the portions issue after unanimous diner feedback. And boy did they ever. Came back last night and it was spectacular. Service was even more exquisite than the previously perfect experience. Think I'm a fan for life... #restaurantcrush
(5)
Darika S.
This restaurant has such cool atmosphere, plus if you get Shabu, it's even more awesome. Seeing a burner on the table when you first sit down, you immediately want to order whatever can to use the burner. Hubby and I went to try the Shabu soup anyways, so I was glad that it was a large on pot on the induction burner. It was all you can, when we went, which means, lots of beef coming. But first, we got miso soup as an appetizer to soup. I'm not the biggest fan of miso but he liked it. The beef came raw and rolled up, ready for cooking. You also get udon, rice noodles, carrots, mushrooms, cabbage and tofu to add for flavoring. We shook on some spicy seasoning from the table too. All the noodles are precooked and the beef cooks in seconds. You get two dipping sauces and rice too. Seriously this is a lot of food. It was all really good, and an experience I would want to share with friends. The waiter was very helpful and friendly. The restaurant is in highlands, but where parking is a little easier to find. Not very big, but a nice addition to the neighborhood.
(5)
P K.
Love this place! Food is always fresh and healthy. Staff is great. One suggestion, rename the Kobe beef selection to something else so people don't think they are getting actual Japanese Kobe beef.
(4)
Jeff W.
Wow! Best shabu shabu this side of the pacific! Flavor is worth every penny. We had the shabu shabu and the sukiyaki both were excellent. If you're visiting from Japan or recently moved here from Japan and you miss this food.... This is the place to bring back the memories!
(5)
Carl B.
Great Shabu Shabu in the heart of Denver. Goma Dare, Ponzu and the meat are of good quality. Great atmosphere and service. Presentations are great. I did not give them a 5 because I don't like sharing the pot for Shabu-Shabu and the minced garlic for your condiments are an option. (They will Gladly give you one of you ask for it).
(4)
Jessica W.
We wanted to go get Ramen at Uncle, but it was closed, sadly. Found this place on yelp, next closest thing to broth and noodles (besides Pho). I was excited to see that this place was filled with Asians. :-) and all the tables inside had it's own heating source, except patio seating. But everything else was nothing special. Overly priced. Grew up in Hawaii and got same type of shabu shabu for half the price. We tried both the sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu. Portion size was good. Flavor and sauces were good, nothing outstanding. Meet and veggies were fresh. Both were authentic and traditional Japanese style. We got both the white and brown rice. The white rice was too dry. Poki was not traditional style, way over priced, very small portion, overly spicy, served mixed in with avocado cucumber and sprouts. Service was ok, a little on the amateur side.
(3)
Whitney N.
If you want to be charged 23 a person and share a pot of shabu and this is the place for you. I hail from California so I've had my fair share of shabu shabu's but never have I ever got charge per person and it not be all you can eat. The shabu shabu base was quite plain for my taste. The hamachi poppers are a joke.. The only thing I would come back for is the shaved ice. Save yourself some money and skip this place. Don't get me wrong, I know Japanese shabu is expensive but this place is a rip off. So much of a rip off I had to yelp about it.
(2)
Jinny K.
I was excited to see that a place specializing in shabu shabu has finally opened in Denver so had to give it a try. Between the four of us we ordered two ribeyes, and one each of the other two. The kobe beef was so worth the price! I wasn't sure if the portion would be enough but all four of us were full by the end of dinner. I wish I had the stomach to try the shaved ice dessert but maybe next time.
(4)
Dan N.
We sampled a taste of the Ramen Burger at the 2015 Denver Burger Battle, which incidentally, won 2nd place. Wasn't overly impressed with it. For this reason, we decided that we should go try it prepared from the real kitchen. We were happy to be surprised! It is truly unique and delicious. The American-Style Kobe Beef they use is more intense tasting than regular beef and really makes that burger. Keep in mind, this is not the expensive, 100% "Wagyu" beef that comes from Japan but rather the American version which is very commonly, and appropriately known as "American-Style Kobe". I ordered the Shabu Shabu w/ sirloin and dipping sauces. Our server, Michiko, was very pleasant and explained to us thoroughly, the "swish" technique and suggested how best to blend the ingredients and spices with the vegetables. Beware the ghost chili oil! If I had been a little hungrier, I would have done the endless Shabu Shabu that they offer on the weekends for a bit more. That is a great deal considering the regular meal has meager portions of meat. However, this was just the right size for the Sunday hangover-kill, meal. I got the feeling that they will do anything for you if you simply ask. The bar has great list of Sake and some good micro brews. We'll be back again to try some of the other dishes soon!
(5)
James S.
Pretty good place. Been wanting to try this place for a bit. Ordered the veggie hot pot with miso, pretty darn good. Lots of fresh veggies and three kinds of noodles. The sauces were really tasty, it come with radishes and green onions to adjust the Taste to your liking. Also had two sushi rolls. Both really good, you could really Taste the freshness if the nori and fish. Serves was great, a smile wouldn't hurt. Seemed like people working were in a bad mood. But it was never taken out on us. I'll be back soon with family and friends to try different areas of the menu.
(4)
Natalya P.
Shabu Shabu is a bit pricey but it is so worth it! This place prepares and serves the food the best out of three different Shabu Shabu places I've been to. You definitely get what you pay for. They also have an all you can eat special that is competitively priced and even though you can only get one kind of meat with that, it's a much cheaper option than having to order a ton of different cuts which can double your bill in no time.
(5)
Kathy K.
Delicious Delicious Delicious! I am never disappointed! I already love their sukiyaki, but ENDLESS sukiyaki for weekend lunches!? Thought it couldn't get better, but then I tried their ramen burgers and it was incredible! I have never had such a delicious burger before! The ramen buns were perfection along with the patties. It was absolutely delicious. It was a little messy to eat and I am ashamed, but I had to, just HAD TO lick my fingers and the plate clean! Can't wait to go back! Also, the patio is super cute!
(5)
Ming T.
Good shabu shabu, but the meat section seemed to be a bit lacking. We ordered the rib eye and the beef was bit tough, even while cooking to a medium-rare stage. The broth for the sukiuaki was very tasty. Could have used more Udon noodles, the ones we had were cut up very small and the portions cooked very quickly. I think overall, the all-you-can-eat would be a better deal than the normal price. The veggies were a good portion though, and parking was great!
(4)
Food A.
The food and service were great. Our group of 8 ordered 2 seaweed salads, 2 hot pots, and 2 shaved ice desserts to share. It was a good amount for everyone. I thought the food was comparable to the ones I had in California.
(4)
Jeremy M.
Really nice ambiance with a tastefully decorated dinning room. Hostess and wait staff really attentive. Started with the Beef Negrimaki which was super delicious. Then had the regular ribeye and aspen shabu shabu which was well done. Their sauces we great and it came with a ton of vegetables. Finished with the Palisade Peach Snocone (Kakigiri) which was crazy good. Honestly can't find anything to complain about! We aren't from Denver but next time we come here we will be back. Well done to this restaurant.
(5)
Diane C.
Don't go here . This place is over priced and not good . They need to go to California and learn how to make a decent broth . Even plain chicken broth is better !!!!!
(1)
Daniel P.
Having moved from Los Angeles recently we have been looking for good (any) shabu shabu in Denver. A search on Yelp! pointed to Kobe An and I could not have been pleased with the whole experience. It is the like the shabu shabu that I am used to and we loved it. The location was easy to find, parking was easy and the service was great. We had a reservation but decided to sit at the bar. The restaurant was very accommodating and the bartenders were great in addition to providing us with friendly and attentive service. The food was great. We opted for the Rib Eye and we were very happy. The vegetable and meat portions were what I expected and tasted great. There was ample rise, noodles and sauces. Everything tasted great. I could go on and on but this place is the real deal and very authentic. Try it out and go with an open mind. This place is great. I can't wait to go back and try the all you can eat on Saturday and Sunday early afternoon.
(5)
Sean H.
Returned to Kobe An on a Sunday for lunch when they do all you can eat. It was as good as the regular full price menu. No corners cut. Also they only charge $10 for kids 5-10 (not 100% on the ages) and nothing for kids under 5. That means for like $60 my wife, 3 yr old (who eats like an adult), my 6 year old, and I sat there for like 2 hours and ate more sukiyaki than half of Japan. And it was awesome. One nice thing about the all you can eat menu is that you can order more of just the ingredients you want. We had them bring us several plates of meat but also additional servings of noodles and about a hundred serving of the mushrooms. Don't tell too many people about their all you can eat menu on the weekend for lunch or else it'll get too crowded. But it's awesome. I'll probably go again this weekend.
(5)
Michelle D.
It was our first time there. When we first arrived and asked for a bottle of wine. We were told after asking for 3 different red wines the waitress finally suggested one they had. Then onto the food. We had never been there and the waitress was annoyed that she had to explain what is the best way to cook our food. Extremely obvious. After we were done eating the waitress dropped the check and as soon as we were done signing the busboy reached over the entire table and grabbed the check. We still had wine and dessert on the table. We had to ask for a receipt since the bussboy took it. As soon as the waitress gave us our receipt went and turned the lights on pretty much kicking us out at 10 on Saturday when they close at 11. Guess they don't like people buying more bottles of wine.
(2)
Nancy A.
Beautiful restaurant and great food! We've been waiting for a shabu shabu place in Denver for awhile now and so glad Kobe An Shabu Shabu opened their doors. They are currently offering an all-you-can-eat special for $26 dollars and it is definitely worth the money! They offer endless meat, veggies, noodles, rice and sauces. Their soup base is amazing. We decided on the spicy miso soup base and it was perfect. No complaints here. Can't wait to go back and try their shaved ice!
(5)
Kyle B.
One of my favorite handful of restaurants in Denver! Great sukiyaki you can't imitate nor find anywhere else (I tried to make Sukiyaki and failed to make it taste as great). I go here about twice a month and always look for the server, MICHIKO, who is the best waitress one can ever ask for. Ask for her when you come here and you will see! They also have all-you-can-eat sukiyaki on weekends, so make sure to try it. It will be easy to finish two full bowls of their delicious food!
(5)
Linda L.
We did the all you can eat. We had a fairly large party and they were extremely accommodating. We got to have sukiyaki and shabu shabu with the spicy miso broth. A separate pot was even brought out for one of the guests who didn't eat beef. Overall, it was very well presented and delicious. I ordered an iced coffee with my meal. It was amazing. They even gave me simple syrup to put in it instead of just sugar packets. Then I had a palisade peach kakigori to polish it all off. YUMMY! As someone who has been to Japan, this is definitely up to par. The prices for dinner are steep though for what you get so all you can eat is definitely the way to go. Will be coming here again.
(4)
Deco G.
Every once in a while, the universe sends you a wonderful unexpected nugget of good fortune and reliable source of joy. For me that nugget is Kobe An. Shabu shabu is one of my favorite foods in the world, and sadly also one of the hardest to find. Even in Japan it's not as common as other types of traditional Japanese foods, and here in the US, much less Denver, forget about it. When I found out a shabu shabu restaurant was opening up in Denver, one block from my house no less (did I mention good fortune?), I was cautiously and skeptically excited. Shabu shabu is hard to find but great shabu shabu is even harder to find. I've had some meh versions in my life. Assuming the beef is a nice flavorful cut and the veggies/noodles are fresh and plump, what will make or break your shabu shabu experience is the goma dare, the sesame dipping sauce. Such a simple, yet critical part of this dish, and too many get it wrong. Not Kobe An. Their goma dare is exquisite. So good that I don't even bother with the ponzu. Everything gets dipped in the sesame sauce. Please, please, please don't ever change the goma dare. I absolutely love the shabu shabu at Kobe An, and don't take for granted that the generous spread they offer is perfectly fresh, flavorful, and a truly authentic, traditional experience all around. I love this place so much that I have been going once a week since it opened. I'm addicted to this food. Even friends who've never heard of shabu shabu before are clamoring to go back. This is one of the most un-guilty pleasures we indulge in. It's not only delicious. This is clean eating. You taste all the ingredients in their natural, unadulterated state. I also love the ritual of building up your own pot, cooking it yourself and eating it fresh and still piping hot. Their miso soup and gyoza are also top notch. Customer service is warm, flexible, and attentive. They go out of their way to accommodate customer requests. The only drawback is that they only have one cooktop built into a table of four. I'm used to having my own individual shabu shabu pot, and am not a fan of the communal pot. It's fine when I go with my boyfriend, but it gets a bit inconvenient and too familiar on a double date. They've told me they will bring out table top stoves for more pots at a table. But this is a minor bummer and obviously hasn't kept me away from Kobe An.
(5)
Monique E.
We live in the neighborhood and stumbled upon Kobe An on their soft opening night. I lived in Japan and absolutely love Japanese food, but have been always disappointed in Denver because there are not that many options (besides your basic sushi and hibatchi, but of which are great, but I want more.!) So now we have a wonderful shabu shabu restaurant. The food was delicious and healthy and we felt very welcome with our 8 month old. (And added bonus is the table top does not heat up since it uses magnetics to cook, I think.) If I were to add one request it would be to make the portions a bit larger. Or perhaps it's because I'm nursing. I was a wee bit hungry afterward. P.S. I've been to their Lakewood restaurant and it was excellent. They had Okinomiyaki there and it was what I remembered when I had it in Japan. Hopefully, they'll bring to to the Highland location. hint, hint.
(4)
Cyndi J.
This, folks, is as good as it gets! I love Japanese food (and yes, Japanese cuisine is so much more than sushi). Kobe An Shabu Shabu is tucked into a trendy neighborhood. Parking is on the street. The interior of the restaurant is serene and peaceful. The service is gracious. If you haven't experienced Shabu Shabu, you must. The tables have a burner built into them so you can cook your own meal (I know, it sounds like a classic Cosmo Kramer idea). A pot of broth comes to a boil, and you cook thinly sliced pieces of succulent beef and fresh, crisp vegetables in the broth. It's simply delightful, and it makes a meal an experience. They serve unique cocktails (I had a margarita-like libation), as well as beer and decent wine. Our server recommended we start with the Kobe Ramen Burger. Ramen burgers were all the rage earlier this year, causing foodie fools to stand in line for hours (ala Black Friday) for a taste of a crispy ramen noodle bun housing a hunk of burger. I thought it was very delicious, but no way would I stand in line for it! We then moved on to our Shabu Shabu. The meat was sliced thinly, it takes only seconds to cook in the miso broth. The vegetables were fresh, and everything is as locally sourced as possible. You also have a choice of several sauces/dips to accompany the meal. It's a full-fledged flavor fiesta. I will also mention that everything is arranged as though it's a work of art - and it is. I was supremely satisfied when I left this restaurant, and I can't wait to take out of town guests here.
(5)
Catherine L.
I have visited Japan for over 6 times, and also I grew up in Taiwan that is full of Japanese food culture. I so miss shabu shabu and sukiyaki, so while I knew the restaurant, I decided to try it surely. It is really very Japanese taste, tableware, food, and the environment, all of them are awesome. If you want "real" Japanese hot pot taste, you should try it. Btw, my Japanese-American bf said if you really want transitional Japanese food, go for it. However, if you expect some American style Japanese food or Asian fusion style food, you maybe consider not going!! ( He grew up in traditional Japanese taste!!)
(5)
Shea W.
Now THIS place knows how to show you a good time. The service is incredible. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful! They were doing a restaurant week special early! We got both the Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu with all the fixings, 2 appetizers and 2 desserts for 30.00 each. Amazing deal. I preferred the Sukiyaki which was so incredibly flavorful. The Shabu Shabu was just ok. Great location. Great food. Great service. And green tea ice cream!!
(5)
Kimmy T.
T and I came in on a snowy day. Perfect weather for shabu shabu! They still had the Restaurant Week deal so we got lucky. Tuna poke, tempura shrimp, shabu shabu, sukiyaki and chocolate cake = $60. We upgraded one order of beef to the Aspen Ridge beef, miso broth and had a large sake. Definitiely get a flavored broth because the normal broth is bland. Total = $85. I did shabu shabu and he ordered sukiyaki. I prefer shabu shabu. Sukiyaki is heavier and the flavor of the broth is a lot stronger but both are good. The upgrade on the beef was well worth it because I love fatty marbling. We should've upgraded to the Kobe. Maybe we'll do that next time. The place is pretty small so reservations are recommended. The service is good and the ambiance and decorations fit. The best time to go is on the weekends from 11-3 where they offer all you can eat for $27 a person.
(4)
Eric Y.
While I appreciate the owners attempt to defend their practice of advertising 'American Kobe' I still find the practice misleading and disingenuous. On our last visit, their staff failed to even attempt to differentiate 'American Kobe' from Kobe Beef simply saying that in this case they offered 'Kobe Sliders'. Not only is that a staff training issue it is also a fundamental issue of honesty and truth in advertising. As has been well documented there is no such thing as 'American Kobe'. It is simply an attempt to piggyback on the exceptional quality and name recognition of true Kobe Beef (much like there is no such thing as 'American Champagne'). I would think that a business could successfully market a product based on its own actual merits without having to add to the confusion already surrounding Kobe Beef. If you read other Yelp reviews of Kobe An you will see that there are diners that were obviously confused and misled thinking that they were buying actual Kobe Beef leading me to assume that is how the staff has sold the product (much like how they offered the product to me). Following my initial review, the owner contacted me stating that they were in the process of updating their website to better clarify their menu but in more than a month there has been no change to their website or online menu. At this point I can't offer more than a one star review until the business steps up and addresses this inaccuracy.
(1)
Robert M.
Tried Shabu Shabu last night and glad I did. Two of us ordered rib eye and aspen ridge(?) beef options to share. As others have described, you are provided a broth to "cook" the food in and some dipping sauces. Orders also come with a bunch of veggies, noodles, bowl of rice and a separate miso soup app. The service was great, with waiter patiently explaining how to cook, suggested seasoning options, etc.. The manager, Woodrow, came by to check how things were and thank us for coming in. Dinner for two with glass of wine came to about $60. Overall, just a nice place with nice people working there. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Paula H.
Great location in LoHi. Nice space, bar, outdoor patio. The people next to us ordered spicy miso and it looked awesome. I will go back for that on a cooler night when hot comfort soup is in order. The sushi was just okay. Lots of wasabi and ginger came with the order. The sea urchin and salmon roe were off, and the co-owner did not hesitate to remove from bill. Paper enclosed cheap disposable chop sticks. Disappointment. This place has potential, how about real chop sticks? We were allowed to hang out and finish our wine while the staff cleaned up to close for the evening. I will go back and check out more on menu. If you are looking for just sushi, not the place.
(3)
Heather M.
Awesome date night find! We sat on the patio and enjoyed drinks, miso soup, and sushi while enjoying the cool summer night. There's an inside portion - bar and restaurant - but the side patio is lovely. The sushi here is really excellent and there were some unique choices on the menu. Definitely a great find while walking around the Highlands.
(4)
Regina C.
On our way back to Denver Airport from Snowmass Village, we stopped by Kobe An Shabu Shabu. The location was not where we expect it to be. Tucked within a neighborhood. Their neighbors are super lucky to be so close to this delicious Shabu spot. The five of us decided on the All You Can Eat Shabu Shabu (which comes with the sirloin). There were 3 types of noodles, 2 types of mushroom, napa cabbage, and other fresh veggies. Service was on point. The 5 of us sat at a table with one burner. Our server brought out another burner for us to share.
(4)
Eddie R.
Pretty solid meal. Had an 8:30 reservation but didn't get seated until 8:50. People seemed to steeped in conversation and not so much moving on. Went with the shabu shabu with wagyu style beef. The beef was tender and quite nice. Not heavy but enough substance to it that it paired well with the Napa cabbage, mushrooms, and other veggies. The homemade sauces were well balanced and added just enough zest to compliment the dashi broth. It was good. Not necessarily cheap for a dinner date but it's was manageable. Will likely come back. Definitely a change from the norm.
(4)
Victoria C.
It's fun and great for winter time. The price is high for the amount of meat you get. The service can be hit or miss. Unlimited brunch on weekends is the way to go. Unfortunately, I wrecked myself the night before a planned sojourn, so I've yet to make it. But the others who did confirmed it was a better deal :)
(4)
Ivan K.
We arrived early for a pre-concert diner and were nicely surprised be the excellent Shabu and. ramen Burgers. We chosen the middle of the road beef upgrade which was really very tender and high quality. The Ramen Burger was addicting in fact I'm wanting one NOW ....,
(4)
M B.
On one snow covered night in Denver..What a great meal I will be back. Go Avs. Thank you Michiko...Domo Arigato
(4)
Scott F.
Tucked on the corner of a residential street, this place is a hidden gem in the Highlands. My wife and I enjoyed a traditional shabu shabu meal that rivaled those we had while living in Tokyo several years ago. We fell in love with shabu shabu during our stay and bought all the equipment to make it at home, but coming here is so easy - no chopping or grating dikon or the elusive hunting for a place that can shave meat so thinly. This place is a win in our book.
(5)
A T.
Got there 10 minutes before the place closed at 3 pm and was promptly seated with no issues. The server was friendly and helpful. Ordered the regular combo but paid extra $3 for the spicy miso broth. The order came with a bowl of miso soup, rice, 6 oz thinly sliced beef, a plate of Napa cabbage, carrots, green onions, yam noodles(?), udon, tofu, and mushrooms. Uncooked vegetables look more than they really are, and I was able to finished almost everything. The bill came out to be $30. Both the service and the food were good, but I gave it a 3* as I think it's slightly overpriced for what you get. But it seems like a fun place to share an experience with friends so I will probably go back and try their sushi and shaved ice.
(3)
Christina O.
I've been in twice now. And it's so good. We went on Sunday for lunch and they have all you can eat Shabu Shabu! They had me sold at all you can eat. Try the miso broth for your shabu shabu. So good. The decor is so cute and it is a small place but so worth it. We had a reservation and surprisingly parking was easy to find. Seriously, going back for all you eat again soon. It's so worth your money!
(4)
Bear S.
Went here for shabu shabu and got the traditional shabu shabu. Very nice place. Cute location. I found the place overpriced. It's some veggies, some low-end meat and seasoned water. For $25+ per person. The "Japanese Coffee" was six dollars and was just a poor over in a fancy glass. You can make this at home for less than half the price and it will taste just as good. It's just way too expensive for what it is.
(3)
Jay N.
Awesome Kobe beef for the shabu shabu. Make a reservation as seating is limited.
(5)
Racheal T.
Simply delicious! Real Shabu Shabu in Denver! We love Shabu Shabu and have been to the Japanese Village in LA (Shabu Shabu House) and a previous location in Aurora, CO; Kobe An gets 5+ stars and definitely measures up as the real thing. The Ponzu dipping and don't forget the dicon radish are wonderful. It's worth the drive; price is a bit higher than the other Shabu Shabu we've visited. Beautiful ambiance and great service! Please tell all your friends about The Japanese "fondu" hot pot style cooking at Kobe An and take them with you; often!
(5)
Chanel M.
A friend and I stumbled upon this place during restaurant week since everything else in the neighborhood was crazy busy. So glad to have found this gem. We split a tuna appetizer, tempura, and the Kobe shabu shabu. Everything was absolutely delicious and the service was impeccable. It was a slightly chilly Denver evening in which rain was imminent, but they graciously sat us on the charming patio which we had to ourselves. As it started to lightly rain halfway through our meal the staff came out right away to make sure the umbrella was situated perfectly over us and we were able to finish our experience without being bothered by the rain. Cocktails were a bit pricey but delicious nonetheless. What a great meal and memory!
(5)
Heather S.
Great food, good price point, loads of fun, and very thoughtful gluten free options. We will definitely be adding this place to our restaurant rotation.
(5)
Lance L.
Love this place! Trying to duplicate their sukiyaki but never really got it. Highly recommended...and service is excellent. Their sukiyaki is so good, a bit pricey, but so worth it. This is a neighborhood gem!!!! Anyone who loves Japanese cuisine should try this out!!!
(5)
Rohn G.
Outstanding new restaurant has amazing Shabu shabu great ambiance and excellent service. Thank you for a wonderful evening. The entire family loved it
(5)
Marsha E.
The Kobe beef, American beef, gyoza, miso soup and shaved ice were awesome. I definitely recommend it. Oh, and the cocktail was amazing (think it started with a K). They apparently freshly squeeze the juices they use in the cocktails. Everything was fresh and delish and the service was exceptional.
(4)
Kate T.
I had no idea what Shabu Shabu was until I was introduced to this place. I finally went last night and it was everything I could've hoped for. The whole experience is just fun, interactive, and tasty. The meat and vegetables were fresh and delicious, and the spicy miso broth gave them an extra kick. Definitely opt for the desert, I can't remember the exact name, but it is super fine shaved ice with flavoring, and it was excellent. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Patrick G.
As a bit of a Japanophile, I was so excited when I heard that Kobe An was opening in Denver. Growing up, I visited Japan several times while my Dad was working abroad there. I have very fond memories of having shabu shabu on the 50th floor of the Sumitomo building in Shinjuku with him while there, and I just haven't been able to find anything close to that experience in the Denver area... until I went to Kobe An! He and I tried this place a while back, and it instantly took me back to feeling like I was in central Tokyo. I'm very grateful for that! I really really hope that this place is able to stay in business for a long time- I'm sure my family will be long time customers! Obviously the novelty of shabu shabu and its prime location in the Lower Highlands means that it is definitely expensive compared to other places on the west coast you might find. But shabu shabu is usually a bit of a splurge meal anyway, so as long as you go into it with that mindset, you'll be happy. Meat portion sizes are a bit smaller than Japanese standards, but they do fill you up with fresh veggies and rice. My only complaint is that they do break with tradition (at least from my experience in Tokyo) by not providing udon noodles at the end of the meal to finish off the stock that is made from the cooking process. Usually you will be provided with a bowl filled with salt and pepper, and you ladle the shabu shabu stock over cooked udon noodles to make a soup to finish the meal. I would absolutely love it if the restaurant provided that option for you (even if you have to pay for it, though it is usually complementary in Japan)!
(5)
Carly H.
I love this place. Every city I visit, I have to find a shabu shabu place and this is definitely worth checking out. Great atmosphere, great service, amazing food. It's a bit on the pricey side, but most Shabu places are and you definitely get your money's worth.
(5)
Erron F.
Staff were super friendly and knew their product very well. I think the cost is a little high for rice and vegetable. Maybe use sirloin and not just ribeye. Other than cost I was impressed and yes it was a learning experience!
(4)
Brooke L.
My husband and I went last night and absolutely loved every second. We sat at the bar (great place for just two) and got to know the friendly bartender, Phil! He is great and provides wonderful service... He made me a great "saketini" to start! The food is to die for. We got two starters, the gyoza and the beef rolls (not sure proper name), and they were amazing. We shared the shabu shabu and got extra beef and an extra set up, but otherwise sharing was plenty with the starters. The hot sake is premium and delicious. We ended with a shared shaved Ice dessert. All in all it was a perfect evening... Between the food, ambience, and awesome service we'll absolutely be back...frequently!
(5)
Ray M.
We just returned from an amazing meal at Kobe An. We started with the tuna poke appetizer which was very fresh with unique flavors and finished with their signature Shabu Shabu which was amazing as well. Our waiter, Phil, was excellent, making great recommendations for our food selections and he was very personable in explaining this unique dining experience. The restaurant itself is nicely finished, great tables and lighting, along with a nice bar and outdoor seating area. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. We live in the neighborhood and couldn't be more thrilled with having such a quality establishment right here in Lohi!
(5)
Joc L.
The experience is cool, the food is ok, and the service was a bit amateur. The drinks take at least 10 minutes and we had to keep asking where they were. Don't pay attention to the price on the beef, I was with a group we each had the ribeye, aspen ridge, and Kobe beef...the ribeye is the least expensive and was the best and is a third of the price of Kobe. If you want a cool experience and have the time to spare, this place is worth a shot.
(3)
V V.
Both my partner and I got shabu shabu with konbu broth (one regular rib cut and one aspen ridge). While we couldn't really tell which beef was better in terms of taste, both were of high quality and it seemed from the color and texture that the aspen ridge is of higher quality. The konbu broth was very good and msg free, and we liked how wasn't too salty so we could actually taste the food itself.
(5)
Kevin I.
Went to this place last night. It has a very cool ambiance and patio! The waiter was really nice and very knowledgable about the food. About the food: there are only 4 options of dishes to order three ribeye meals and 1 vegetarian dish prepared one of two ways. The idea seemed pretty interesting! Once we got the food though, it was very unexciting and very bland! They charge $23 dollars for the lowest tier steak item, which is extremely overpriced for the meal you're getting! For $23 dollars a plate you can definitely go someplace better! Cool idea but definitely need to work on a lot! Would not recommend... Save your money and go to linger!
(1)
Leslie H.
Had been wanting to try this place for months. Finally went on my bday. Service was great. Restaurant is small, but quaint. Ordered beef sliders on ramen for an appetizer. Decent, but I probably wouldn't order again. Main course was shabu shabu with regular beef. Portion size of beef was disappointing. Plenty of veggies however. Miso soup was also included. Overall food was tasty, sesame dipping sauce seemed home made. Wish they would have served yuzu with the shabu shabu, but they said they didn't have any. Paid about $75 for our meal with a beer.
(3)
Brian L.
Overall dining experience was subpar. Food was good, but service was awful. After being refused service 2 weeks ago because they lost our reservation and wouldn't seat us in a near empty restaurant, some friends and I decided to try again. We were greeted by an unfriendly hostess who did not seem to want to be working. Waitstaff seemed unknowledgeable and slow. They were out of nearly half of the wines by the glass, which was told to us as we tried to order each one.
(3)
Sam V.
Came here with two other couples (6 of us total) and we all got the AYCE shabu shabu on a Sunday afternoon before a Broncos game. Luckily it wasn't too busy and we were seated quickly. The spicy miso broth was the best tasting and most flavorful. Unfortunately the set-up is greatly different than what I was used to in SoCal and they brought 2 extra double burners because the tables were only really set for one. We were pretty cramped with our food and everything else taking up a lot of space. Pretty decent, but it's the best that Denver's got.
(4)
Junam L.
I remember going back to this place in early August of last year with few people from work and ordering sukiyaki because my boyfriend and I had shabu shabu last time we visited. The stove on where my boyfriend and I sat the volume couldn't get adjusted because it was broken and ended up burning our sukiyaki broth. After finishing our meal my boyfriend and I got our check and the waiter accidentally charged us for extra meat, and got that taken care of. Then this guy who's just a host started to make such a big deal and said that we did ordered extra meat for our sukiyaki. I seriously wanted to say something to him and tell him to shut the hell up. Possibly bring out the manager or owner to fire this idiot. After what the idiot host made a huge fuss about our order, we are not going to eat at this place anymore. Even one of my co-worker's husband was disappointed with this place. He said he can make better shabu shabu at home.
(1)
Shaun N.
Now I don't rant and rave about many restaurants but Kobe An is a different story...coming from Hawaii where Japanese food is so predominant and Shabu Shabu is a staple; Kobe An does it justice! From amazing service, to fantastic food, they have it down to a T! Next time you're in the Highlands make sure you check this spot out!
(5)
Matthew K.
First of all, i am not sure why this place has 4 stars. Yes, the atmosphere is fine. But romantic atmosphere in shabu shabu place? Don't think it really count. Food - the condition of all 3 beefs were OK. But it's very expensive and they give very small amount. Kobe is around $54 per full order which comes with 6 very thin slices. I thought it was a slide of pork - doesn't worth it for $54, not even $10. I know I am from California and used to very good shabu shabu places but it's just totally waste of money. Ribeye which costed around $18 for full order, seemed it had no marbling at all. Hard to find the tenderness. Aspen natural beef which costed around $36 for full order was the best among these three options but still it was so-so. With 4 people (average adults), it costed around $500. We mixed all 3 beefs but it didn't make us full. Of course we had some sakes, rice, and some appetizers. Just order rices and extra noodles, it would save your money. But my recommendation is don't expect too much from this place. I wouldn't take my family or customers to this place again. Service - it was OK but it took awhile for them to serve us. Somewhat I felt as if something was not organized or managed properly.
(1)
Shannon G.
I've never had Shabu, but our friend who dined with us had. It was so tasty! I loved the experience of "swishing" the fresh veggies and high quality beef, cooking at our table. The restaurant is gorgeous and they have the most inviting and cozy patio. When we return, I think we will try sitting at the bar which open air windows covered with bamboo shades. The shades make it feel like you are in a vacation spot! Love the service, can't wait to return!
(5)
Chris T.
I don't have anything to compare this to, as I haven't had shabu shabu before coming here, but I enjoyed the experience. We came on the weekend and had the "all you can eat." It seemed like a good deal. I know this set up can be a burden for the waitstaff as the customers will "keep on" asking for things... But - don't show it! Our waiter because irritated that we were asking for more broth... I think we asked 3 times for more broth... They would bring a small container each time, which was fine, but each time we asked for more, the waiter would sigh.... C'mon, there are four of us dropping over $100 in your restaurant and you're crabby about us wanting more boiling broth... What do you want us to dip the raw meat in? Our jasmine tea? Anyway - I don't usually rate service; the food is good and I recommend giving this place a try, especially if you haven't had it before!
(4)
Megan D.
So amazing! Fun experience! Pricey but worth it! Husband got the Sukiyaki... nervous at first but LOVED IT! I got the Shabu Shabu... the sauce was FIRE! Such a perfect Date night! The shaved ice Pomegranate... so delicious! Not a fan of the green tea but the Pomegranate was on point!
(5)
Tony S.
A really nice experience with really good food and gracious service. Go! You will be glad that you did.
(5)
Dawn O.
Amazing! The sushi is delicious. The Kobe slider is unlike anything I've ever had. The drinks are top notch. My other half raves about the bourbon and whiskey drinks. We come here at least once a week.
(5)
Da L.
My sister and I had the Kobe beef which was excellent. For first timers, keep in mind the shabu shabu is going to be a little bland. I've been to shabu shabu places where they have a great selection of different types of broths but the one here is your basic soup base. Those places aren't as authentic I guess but I love flavorful broths. I wish this place had a wider selection of soup bases but it tastes clean and shabu shabu is always fun!
(4)
W M.
Dined here on their opening night. Nice atmosphere and very attentive service. Shabu is basically dipping meats and vegetables in a pot of boiling broth with noodles. Here, the meats are delicious and the vegetables very fresh. The only drawback, most of us were starving after dinner. Prime cuts of beef are expensive, but maybe more noodles and other ingredient-portions would help. High price-point to be hungry after dinner. Cocktails were fresh and delicious.
(4)
John R.
Shabu shabu! Swish swish. That's the sound of good things to come. I dined here on Saturday ( day 2 of the highly anticipated opening ) with a couple of friends who had never been to or eaten, shabu shabu. I myself have had the experience and I've made sukiyaki at home. First off the place is aesthetic to the eyes just like the other shabu shabu houses I've been to. Beautiful tables with induction range tops. We ordered both sukiyaki and shabu shabu from our fabulous server. She was new to the gig but very knowledgable and helpful ( I let my friends do the ordering so they could get the whole experience ) our meat choice was the rib eye. Both set ups were pretty good but I will confess that the portion sizes were small. Luckily we had eaten a hefty lunch so it was perfect but I was concerned about the amount of food you get. I agree the meat is quality grade so I get the price but the veggies/ noodles should be hefty as I've had in previous shabu houses. I don't feel the portion sizes are adequate. Maybe I missed something when we ordered. All in all the experience was pleasant and the food was top grade and fresh. It was a little awkward having the staff stare at us the whole time but I'm guessing that was because they weren't busy when we had dinner at 7pm on a holiday weekend. If the portion sizes increase I'll happily give it 5 stars but truth be told It's a pretty minor hiccup and I'm glad it's finally open. I will be returning. Note: they didn't have any mocktails ( boo ) PS Their patio is really nice!
(4)
lek t.
I went there about a week ago, and was pretty disappointed. My expectations may have been slightly high since I've been to a shabu shabu shop in California. The soup base here is so plain, it's only water and a piece of seaweed and you're not allowed to add any sauces or anything other then vegetables and meat which makes it pretty plain. The server literally said "if you put sauces in there, I will kick you out" that's nearly word for word. They are short on utensils also. It's nearly impossible to pick out the udon noodles from the soup since all you have is chopsticks. You're only supplied one bowl which is for rice. They should have supplied a 2nd one to be be used for removing the food from the pot to keep your rice dry. I feel like the only thing that went right was the sauces. Not to mention it costed us 60 dollars or so for 2. In California the same meal would have costed no more than 50 for 2 with tip included.
(2)
Ivan K.
We arrived early for a pre-concert diner and were nicely surprised be the excellent Shabu and. ramen Burgers. We chosen the middle of the road beef upgrade which was really very tender and high quality. The Ramen Burger was addicting in fact I'm wanting one NOW ....,
(4)
Robert M.
Tried Shabu Shabu last night and glad I did. Two of us ordered rib eye and aspen ridge(?) beef options to share. As others have described, you are provided a broth to "cook" the food in and some dipping sauces. Orders also come with a bunch of veggies, noodles, bowl of rice and a separate miso soup app. The service was great, with waiter patiently explaining how to cook, suggested seasoning options, etc.. The manager, Woodrow, came by to check how things were and thank us for coming in. Dinner for two with glass of wine came to about $60. Overall, just a nice place with nice people working there. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Catherine L.
I have visited Japan for over 6 times, and also I grew up in Taiwan that is full of Japanese food culture. I so miss shabu shabu and sukiyaki, so while I knew the restaurant, I decided to try it surely. It is really very Japanese taste, tableware, food, and the environment, all of them are awesome. If you want "real" Japanese hot pot taste, you should try it. Btw, my Japanese-American bf said if you really want transitional Japanese food, go for it. However, if you expect some American style Japanese food or Asian fusion style food, you maybe consider not going!! ( He grew up in traditional Japanese taste!!)
(5)
Peter H.
The same night I wrote my last review, Kobe An's management replied instantly, promising to improve the portions issue after unanimous diner feedback. And boy did they ever. Came back last night and it was spectacular. Service was even more exquisite than the previously perfect experience. Think I'm a fan for life... #restaurantcrush
(5)
Eddie R.
Pretty solid meal. Had an 8:30 reservation but didn't get seated until 8:50. People seemed to steeped in conversation and not so much moving on. Went with the shabu shabu with wagyu style beef. The beef was tender and quite nice. Not heavy but enough substance to it that it paired well with the Napa cabbage, mushrooms, and other veggies. The homemade sauces were well balanced and added just enough zest to compliment the dashi broth. It was good. Not necessarily cheap for a dinner date but it's was manageable. Will likely come back. Definitely a change from the norm.
(4)
Cyndi J.
This, folks, is as good as it gets! I love Japanese food (and yes, Japanese cuisine is so much more than sushi). Kobe An Shabu Shabu is tucked into a trendy neighborhood. Parking is on the street. The interior of the restaurant is serene and peaceful. The service is gracious. If you haven't experienced Shabu Shabu, you must. The tables have a burner built into them so you can cook your own meal (I know, it sounds like a classic Cosmo Kramer idea). A pot of broth comes to a boil, and you cook thinly sliced pieces of succulent beef and fresh, crisp vegetables in the broth. It's simply delightful, and it makes a meal an experience. They serve unique cocktails (I had a margarita-like libation), as well as beer and decent wine. Our server recommended we start with the Kobe Ramen Burger. Ramen burgers were all the rage earlier this year, causing foodie fools to stand in line for hours (ala Black Friday) for a taste of a crispy ramen noodle bun housing a hunk of burger. I thought it was very delicious, but no way would I stand in line for it! We then moved on to our Shabu Shabu. The meat was sliced thinly, it takes only seconds to cook in the miso broth. The vegetables were fresh, and everything is as locally sourced as possible. You also have a choice of several sauces/dips to accompany the meal. It's a full-fledged flavor fiesta. I will also mention that everything is arranged as though it's a work of art - and it is. I was supremely satisfied when I left this restaurant, and I can't wait to take out of town guests here.
(5)
Dan N.
We sampled a taste of the Ramen Burger at the 2015 Denver Burger Battle, which incidentally, won 2nd place. Wasn't overly impressed with it. For this reason, we decided that we should go try it prepared from the real kitchen. We were happy to be surprised! It is truly unique and delicious. The American-Style Kobe Beef they use is more intense tasting than regular beef and really makes that burger. Keep in mind, this is not the expensive, 100% "Wagyu" beef that comes from Japan but rather the American version which is very commonly, and appropriately known as "American-Style Kobe". I ordered the Shabu Shabu w/ sirloin and dipping sauces. Our server, Michiko, was very pleasant and explained to us thoroughly, the "swish" technique and suggested how best to blend the ingredients and spices with the vegetables. Beware the ghost chili oil! If I had been a little hungrier, I would have done the endless Shabu Shabu that they offer on the weekends for a bit more. That is a great deal considering the regular meal has meager portions of meat. However, this was just the right size for the Sunday hangover-kill, meal. I got the feeling that they will do anything for you if you simply ask. The bar has great list of Sake and some good micro brews. We'll be back again to try some of the other dishes soon!
(5)
James S.
Pretty good place. Been wanting to try this place for a bit. Ordered the veggie hot pot with miso, pretty darn good. Lots of fresh veggies and three kinds of noodles. The sauces were really tasty, it come with radishes and green onions to adjust the Taste to your liking. Also had two sushi rolls. Both really good, you could really Taste the freshness if the nori and fish. Serves was great, a smile wouldn't hurt. Seemed like people working were in a bad mood. But it was never taken out on us. I'll be back soon with family and friends to try different areas of the menu.
(4)
Shea W.
Now THIS place knows how to show you a good time. The service is incredible. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful! They were doing a restaurant week special early! We got both the Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu with all the fixings, 2 appetizers and 2 desserts for 30.00 each. Amazing deal. I preferred the Sukiyaki which was so incredibly flavorful. The Shabu Shabu was just ok. Great location. Great food. Great service. And green tea ice cream!!
(5)
Victoria C.
It's fun and great for winter time. The price is high for the amount of meat you get. The service can be hit or miss. Unlimited brunch on weekends is the way to go. Unfortunately, I wrecked myself the night before a planned sojourn, so I've yet to make it. But the others who did confirmed it was a better deal :)
(4)
Eric Y.
While I appreciate the owners attempt to defend their practice of advertising 'American Kobe' I still find the practice misleading and disingenuous. On our last visit, their staff failed to even attempt to differentiate 'American Kobe' from Kobe Beef simply saying that in this case they offered 'Kobe Sliders'. Not only is that a staff training issue it is also a fundamental issue of honesty and truth in advertising. As has been well documented there is no such thing as 'American Kobe'. It is simply an attempt to piggyback on the exceptional quality and name recognition of true Kobe Beef (much like there is no such thing as 'American Champagne'). I would think that a business could successfully market a product based on its own actual merits without having to add to the confusion already surrounding Kobe Beef. If you read other Yelp reviews of Kobe An you will see that there are diners that were obviously confused and misled thinking that they were buying actual Kobe Beef leading me to assume that is how the staff has sold the product (much like how they offered the product to me). Following my initial review, the owner contacted me stating that they were in the process of updating their website to better clarify their menu but in more than a month there has been no change to their website or online menu. At this point I can't offer more than a one star review until the business steps up and addresses this inaccuracy.
(1)
Regina C.
On our way back to Denver Airport from Snowmass Village, we stopped by Kobe An Shabu Shabu. The location was not where we expect it to be. Tucked within a neighborhood. Their neighbors are super lucky to be so close to this delicious Shabu spot. The five of us decided on the All You Can Eat Shabu Shabu (which comes with the sirloin). There were 3 types of noodles, 2 types of mushroom, napa cabbage, and other fresh veggies. Service was on point. The 5 of us sat at a table with one burner. Our server brought out another burner for us to share.
(4)
Darika S.
This restaurant has such cool atmosphere, plus if you get Shabu, it's even more awesome. Seeing a burner on the table when you first sit down, you immediately want to order whatever can to use the burner. Hubby and I went to try the Shabu soup anyways, so I was glad that it was a large on pot on the induction burner. It was all you can, when we went, which means, lots of beef coming. But first, we got miso soup as an appetizer to soup. I'm not the biggest fan of miso but he liked it. The beef came raw and rolled up, ready for cooking. You also get udon, rice noodles, carrots, mushrooms, cabbage and tofu to add for flavoring. We shook on some spicy seasoning from the table too. All the noodles are precooked and the beef cooks in seconds. You get two dipping sauces and rice too. Seriously this is a lot of food. It was all really good, and an experience I would want to share with friends. The waiter was very helpful and friendly. The restaurant is in highlands, but where parking is a little easier to find. Not very big, but a nice addition to the neighborhood.
(5)
P K.
Love this place! Food is always fresh and healthy. Staff is great. One suggestion, rename the Kobe beef selection to something else so people don't think they are getting actual Japanese Kobe beef.
(4)
Jeff W.
Wow! Best shabu shabu this side of the pacific! Flavor is worth every penny. We had the shabu shabu and the sukiyaki both were excellent. If you're visiting from Japan or recently moved here from Japan and you miss this food.... This is the place to bring back the memories!
(5)
Carl B.
Great Shabu Shabu in the heart of Denver. Goma Dare, Ponzu and the meat are of good quality. Great atmosphere and service. Presentations are great. I did not give them a 5 because I don't like sharing the pot for Shabu-Shabu and the minced garlic for your condiments are an option. (They will Gladly give you one of you ask for it).
(4)
Jessica W.
We wanted to go get Ramen at Uncle, but it was closed, sadly. Found this place on yelp, next closest thing to broth and noodles (besides Pho). I was excited to see that this place was filled with Asians. :-) and all the tables inside had it's own heating source, except patio seating. But everything else was nothing special. Overly priced. Grew up in Hawaii and got same type of shabu shabu for half the price. We tried both the sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu. Portion size was good. Flavor and sauces were good, nothing outstanding. Meet and veggies were fresh. Both were authentic and traditional Japanese style. We got both the white and brown rice. The white rice was too dry. Poki was not traditional style, way over priced, very small portion, overly spicy, served mixed in with avocado cucumber and sprouts. Service was ok, a little on the amateur side.
(3)
Sam V.
Came here with two other couples (6 of us total) and we all got the AYCE shabu shabu on a Sunday afternoon before a Broncos game. Luckily it wasn't too busy and we were seated quickly. The spicy miso broth was the best tasting and most flavorful. Unfortunately the set-up is greatly different than what I was used to in SoCal and they brought 2 extra double burners because the tables were only really set for one. We were pretty cramped with our food and everything else taking up a lot of space. Pretty decent, but it's the best that Denver's got.
(4)
M B.
On one snow covered night in Denver..What a great meal I will be back. Go Avs. Thank you Michiko...Domo Arigato
(4)
Natalya P.
Shabu Shabu is a bit pricey but it is so worth it! This place prepares and serves the food the best out of three different Shabu Shabu places I've been to. You definitely get what you pay for. They also have an all you can eat special that is competitively priced and even though you can only get one kind of meat with that, it's a much cheaper option than having to order a ton of different cuts which can double your bill in no time.
(5)
Kathy K.
Delicious Delicious Delicious! I am never disappointed! I already love their sukiyaki, but ENDLESS sukiyaki for weekend lunches!? Thought it couldn't get better, but then I tried their ramen burgers and it was incredible! I have never had such a delicious burger before! The ramen buns were perfection along with the patties. It was absolutely delicious. It was a little messy to eat and I am ashamed, but I had to, just HAD TO lick my fingers and the plate clean! Can't wait to go back! Also, the patio is super cute!
(5)
Paula H.
Great location in LoHi. Nice space, bar, outdoor patio. The people next to us ordered spicy miso and it looked awesome. I will go back for that on a cooler night when hot comfort soup is in order. The sushi was just okay. Lots of wasabi and ginger came with the order. The sea urchin and salmon roe were off, and the co-owner did not hesitate to remove from bill. Paper enclosed cheap disposable chop sticks. Disappointment. This place has potential, how about real chop sticks? We were allowed to hang out and finish our wine while the staff cleaned up to close for the evening. I will go back and check out more on menu. If you are looking for just sushi, not the place.
(3)
Heather M.
Awesome date night find! We sat on the patio and enjoyed drinks, miso soup, and sushi while enjoying the cool summer night. There's an inside portion - bar and restaurant - but the side patio is lovely. The sushi here is really excellent and there were some unique choices on the menu. Definitely a great find while walking around the Highlands.
(4)
Kimmy T.
T and I came in on a snowy day. Perfect weather for shabu shabu! They still had the Restaurant Week deal so we got lucky. Tuna poke, tempura shrimp, shabu shabu, sukiyaki and chocolate cake = $60. We upgraded one order of beef to the Aspen Ridge beef, miso broth and had a large sake. Definitiely get a flavored broth because the normal broth is bland. Total = $85. I did shabu shabu and he ordered sukiyaki. I prefer shabu shabu. Sukiyaki is heavier and the flavor of the broth is a lot stronger but both are good. The upgrade on the beef was well worth it because I love fatty marbling. We should've upgraded to the Kobe. Maybe we'll do that next time. The place is pretty small so reservations are recommended. The service is good and the ambiance and decorations fit. The best time to go is on the weekends from 11-3 where they offer all you can eat for $27 a person.
(4)
Junam L.
I remember going back to this place in early August of last year with few people from work and ordering sukiyaki because my boyfriend and I had shabu shabu last time we visited. The stove on where my boyfriend and I sat the volume couldn't get adjusted because it was broken and ended up burning our sukiyaki broth. After finishing our meal my boyfriend and I got our check and the waiter accidentally charged us for extra meat, and got that taken care of. Then this guy who's just a host started to make such a big deal and said that we did ordered extra meat for our sukiyaki. I seriously wanted to say something to him and tell him to shut the hell up. Possibly bring out the manager or owner to fire this idiot. After what the idiot host made a huge fuss about our order, we are not going to eat at this place anymore. Even one of my co-worker's husband was disappointed with this place. He said he can make better shabu shabu at home.
(1)
Bear S.
Went here for shabu shabu and got the traditional shabu shabu. Very nice place. Cute location. I found the place overpriced. It's some veggies, some low-end meat and seasoned water. For $25+ per person. The "Japanese Coffee" was six dollars and was just a poor over in a fancy glass. You can make this at home for less than half the price and it will taste just as good. It's just way too expensive for what it is.
(3)
Jay N.
Awesome Kobe beef for the shabu shabu. Make a reservation as seating is limited.
(5)
Racheal T.
Simply delicious! Real Shabu Shabu in Denver! We love Shabu Shabu and have been to the Japanese Village in LA (Shabu Shabu House) and a previous location in Aurora, CO; Kobe An gets 5+ stars and definitely measures up as the real thing. The Ponzu dipping and don't forget the dicon radish are wonderful. It's worth the drive; price is a bit higher than the other Shabu Shabu we've visited. Beautiful ambiance and great service! Please tell all your friends about The Japanese "fondu" hot pot style cooking at Kobe An and take them with you; often!
(5)
Chanel M.
A friend and I stumbled upon this place during restaurant week since everything else in the neighborhood was crazy busy. So glad to have found this gem. We split a tuna appetizer, tempura, and the Kobe shabu shabu. Everything was absolutely delicious and the service was impeccable. It was a slightly chilly Denver evening in which rain was imminent, but they graciously sat us on the charming patio which we had to ourselves. As it started to lightly rain halfway through our meal the staff came out right away to make sure the umbrella was situated perfectly over us and we were able to finish our experience without being bothered by the rain. Cocktails were a bit pricey but delicious nonetheless. What a great meal and memory!
(5)
Heather S.
Great food, good price point, loads of fun, and very thoughtful gluten free options. We will definitely be adding this place to our restaurant rotation.
(5)
Scott F.
Tucked on the corner of a residential street, this place is a hidden gem in the Highlands. My wife and I enjoyed a traditional shabu shabu meal that rivaled those we had while living in Tokyo several years ago. We fell in love with shabu shabu during our stay and bought all the equipment to make it at home, but coming here is so easy - no chopping or grating dikon or the elusive hunting for a place that can shave meat so thinly. This place is a win in our book.
(5)
A T.
Got there 10 minutes before the place closed at 3 pm and was promptly seated with no issues. The server was friendly and helpful. Ordered the regular combo but paid extra $3 for the spicy miso broth. The order came with a bowl of miso soup, rice, 6 oz thinly sliced beef, a plate of Napa cabbage, carrots, green onions, yam noodles(?), udon, tofu, and mushrooms. Uncooked vegetables look more than they really are, and I was able to finished almost everything. The bill came out to be $30. Both the service and the food were good, but I gave it a 3* as I think it's slightly overpriced for what you get. But it seems like a fun place to share an experience with friends so I will probably go back and try their sushi and shaved ice.
(3)
Christina O.
I've been in twice now. And it's so good. We went on Sunday for lunch and they have all you can eat Shabu Shabu! They had me sold at all you can eat. Try the miso broth for your shabu shabu. So good. The decor is so cute and it is a small place but so worth it. We had a reservation and surprisingly parking was easy to find. Seriously, going back for all you eat again soon. It's so worth your money!
(4)
Jinny K.
I was excited to see that a place specializing in shabu shabu has finally opened in Denver so had to give it a try. Between the four of us we ordered two ribeyes, and one each of the other two. The kobe beef was so worth the price! I wasn't sure if the portion would be enough but all four of us were full by the end of dinner. I wish I had the stomach to try the shaved ice dessert but maybe next time.
(4)
Ming T.
Good shabu shabu, but the meat section seemed to be a bit lacking. We ordered the rib eye and the beef was bit tough, even while cooking to a medium-rare stage. The broth for the sukiuaki was very tasty. Could have used more Udon noodles, the ones we had were cut up very small and the portions cooked very quickly. I think overall, the all-you-can-eat would be a better deal than the normal price. The veggies were a good portion though, and parking was great!
(4)
Food A.
The food and service were great. Our group of 8 ordered 2 seaweed salads, 2 hot pots, and 2 shaved ice desserts to share. It was a good amount for everyone. I thought the food was comparable to the ones I had in California.
(4)
Jeremy M.
Really nice ambiance with a tastefully decorated dinning room. Hostess and wait staff really attentive. Started with the Beef Negrimaki which was super delicious. Then had the regular ribeye and aspen shabu shabu which was well done. Their sauces we great and it came with a ton of vegetables. Finished with the Palisade Peach Snocone (Kakigiri) which was crazy good. Honestly can't find anything to complain about! We aren't from Denver but next time we come here we will be back. Well done to this restaurant.
(5)
Diane C.
Don't go here . This place is over priced and not good . They need to go to California and learn how to make a decent broth . Even plain chicken broth is better !!!!!
(1)
Daniel P.
Having moved from Los Angeles recently we have been looking for good (any) shabu shabu in Denver. A search on Yelp! pointed to Kobe An and I could not have been pleased with the whole experience. It is the like the shabu shabu that I am used to and we loved it. The location was easy to find, parking was easy and the service was great. We had a reservation but decided to sit at the bar. The restaurant was very accommodating and the bartenders were great in addition to providing us with friendly and attentive service. The food was great. We opted for the Rib Eye and we were very happy. The vegetable and meat portions were what I expected and tasted great. There was ample rise, noodles and sauces. Everything tasted great. I could go on and on but this place is the real deal and very authentic. Try it out and go with an open mind. This place is great. I can't wait to go back and try the all you can eat on Saturday and Sunday early afternoon.
(5)
Whitney N.
If you want to be charged 23 a person and share a pot of shabu and this is the place for you. I hail from California so I've had my fair share of shabu shabu's but never have I ever got charge per person and it not be all you can eat. The shabu shabu base was quite plain for my taste. The hamachi poppers are a joke.. The only thing I would come back for is the shaved ice. Save yourself some money and skip this place. Don't get me wrong, I know Japanese shabu is expensive but this place is a rip off. So much of a rip off I had to yelp about it.
(2)
Shaun N.
Now I don't rant and rave about many restaurants but Kobe An is a different story...coming from Hawaii where Japanese food is so predominant and Shabu Shabu is a staple; Kobe An does it justice! From amazing service, to fantastic food, they have it down to a T! Next time you're in the Highlands make sure you check this spot out!
(5)
Nancy A.
Beautiful restaurant and great food! We've been waiting for a shabu shabu place in Denver for awhile now and so glad Kobe An Shabu Shabu opened their doors. They are currently offering an all-you-can-eat special for $26 dollars and it is definitely worth the money! They offer endless meat, veggies, noodles, rice and sauces. Their soup base is amazing. We decided on the spicy miso soup base and it was perfect. No complaints here. Can't wait to go back and try their shaved ice!
(5)
Matthew K.
First of all, i am not sure why this place has 4 stars. Yes, the atmosphere is fine. But romantic atmosphere in shabu shabu place? Don't think it really count. Food - the condition of all 3 beefs were OK. But it's very expensive and they give very small amount. Kobe is around $54 per full order which comes with 6 very thin slices. I thought it was a slide of pork - doesn't worth it for $54, not even $10. I know I am from California and used to very good shabu shabu places but it's just totally waste of money. Ribeye which costed around $18 for full order, seemed it had no marbling at all. Hard to find the tenderness. Aspen natural beef which costed around $36 for full order was the best among these three options but still it was so-so. With 4 people (average adults), it costed around $500. We mixed all 3 beefs but it didn't make us full. Of course we had some sakes, rice, and some appetizers. Just order rices and extra noodles, it would save your money. But my recommendation is don't expect too much from this place. I wouldn't take my family or customers to this place again. Service - it was OK but it took awhile for them to serve us. Somewhat I felt as if something was not organized or managed properly.
(1)
Shannon G.
I've never had Shabu, but our friend who dined with us had. It was so tasty! I loved the experience of "swishing" the fresh veggies and high quality beef, cooking at our table. The restaurant is gorgeous and they have the most inviting and cozy patio. When we return, I think we will try sitting at the bar which open air windows covered with bamboo shades. The shades make it feel like you are in a vacation spot! Love the service, can't wait to return!
(5)
Sean H.
Returned to Kobe An on a Sunday for lunch when they do all you can eat. It was as good as the regular full price menu. No corners cut. Also they only charge $10 for kids 5-10 (not 100% on the ages) and nothing for kids under 5. That means for like $60 my wife, 3 yr old (who eats like an adult), my 6 year old, and I sat there for like 2 hours and ate more sukiyaki than half of Japan. And it was awesome. One nice thing about the all you can eat menu is that you can order more of just the ingredients you want. We had them bring us several plates of meat but also additional servings of noodles and about a hundred serving of the mushrooms. Don't tell too many people about their all you can eat menu on the weekend for lunch or else it'll get too crowded. But it's awesome. I'll probably go again this weekend.
(5)
Michelle D.
It was our first time there. When we first arrived and asked for a bottle of wine. We were told after asking for 3 different red wines the waitress finally suggested one they had. Then onto the food. We had never been there and the waitress was annoyed that she had to explain what is the best way to cook our food. Extremely obvious. After we were done eating the waitress dropped the check and as soon as we were done signing the busboy reached over the entire table and grabbed the check. We still had wine and dessert on the table. We had to ask for a receipt since the bussboy took it. As soon as the waitress gave us our receipt went and turned the lights on pretty much kicking us out at 10 on Saturday when they close at 11. Guess they don't like people buying more bottles of wine.
(2)
Kyle B.
One of my favorite handful of restaurants in Denver! Great sukiyaki you can't imitate nor find anywhere else (I tried to make Sukiyaki and failed to make it taste as great). I go here about twice a month and always look for the server, MICHIKO, who is the best waitress one can ever ask for. Ask for her when you come here and you will see! They also have all-you-can-eat sukiyaki on weekends, so make sure to try it. It will be easy to finish two full bowls of their delicious food!
(5)
Linda L.
We did the all you can eat. We had a fairly large party and they were extremely accommodating. We got to have sukiyaki and shabu shabu with the spicy miso broth. A separate pot was even brought out for one of the guests who didn't eat beef. Overall, it was very well presented and delicious. I ordered an iced coffee with my meal. It was amazing. They even gave me simple syrup to put in it instead of just sugar packets. Then I had a palisade peach kakigori to polish it all off. YUMMY! As someone who has been to Japan, this is definitely up to par. The prices for dinner are steep though for what you get so all you can eat is definitely the way to go. Will be coming here again.
(4)
Chris T.
I don't have anything to compare this to, as I haven't had shabu shabu before coming here, but I enjoyed the experience. We came on the weekend and had the "all you can eat." It seemed like a good deal. I know this set up can be a burden for the waitstaff as the customers will "keep on" asking for things... But - don't show it! Our waiter because irritated that we were asking for more broth... I think we asked 3 times for more broth... They would bring a small container each time, which was fine, but each time we asked for more, the waiter would sigh.... C'mon, there are four of us dropping over $100 in your restaurant and you're crabby about us wanting more boiling broth... What do you want us to dip the raw meat in? Our jasmine tea? Anyway - I don't usually rate service; the food is good and I recommend giving this place a try, especially if you haven't had it before!
(4)
Megan D.
So amazing! Fun experience! Pricey but worth it! Husband got the Sukiyaki... nervous at first but LOVED IT! I got the Shabu Shabu... the sauce was FIRE! Such a perfect Date night! The shaved ice Pomegranate... so delicious! Not a fan of the green tea but the Pomegranate was on point!
(5)
Kate T.
I had no idea what Shabu Shabu was until I was introduced to this place. I finally went last night and it was everything I could've hoped for. The whole experience is just fun, interactive, and tasty. The meat and vegetables were fresh and delicious, and the spicy miso broth gave them an extra kick. Definitely opt for the desert, I can't remember the exact name, but it is super fine shaved ice with flavoring, and it was excellent. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Da L.
My sister and I had the Kobe beef which was excellent. For first timers, keep in mind the shabu shabu is going to be a little bland. I've been to shabu shabu places where they have a great selection of different types of broths but the one here is your basic soup base. Those places aren't as authentic I guess but I love flavorful broths. I wish this place had a wider selection of soup bases but it tastes clean and shabu shabu is always fun!
(4)
W M.
Dined here on their opening night. Nice atmosphere and very attentive service. Shabu is basically dipping meats and vegetables in a pot of boiling broth with noodles. Here, the meats are delicious and the vegetables very fresh. The only drawback, most of us were starving after dinner. Prime cuts of beef are expensive, but maybe more noodles and other ingredient-portions would help. High price-point to be hungry after dinner. Cocktails were fresh and delicious.
(4)
Kevin I.
Went to this place last night. It has a very cool ambiance and patio! The waiter was really nice and very knowledgable about the food. About the food: there are only 4 options of dishes to order three ribeye meals and 1 vegetarian dish prepared one of two ways. The idea seemed pretty interesting! Once we got the food though, it was very unexciting and very bland! They charge $23 dollars for the lowest tier steak item, which is extremely overpriced for the meal you're getting! For $23 dollars a plate you can definitely go someplace better! Cool idea but definitely need to work on a lot! Would not recommend... Save your money and go to linger!
(1)
Deco G.
Every once in a while, the universe sends you a wonderful unexpected nugget of good fortune and reliable source of joy. For me that nugget is Kobe An. Shabu shabu is one of my favorite foods in the world, and sadly also one of the hardest to find. Even in Japan it's not as common as other types of traditional Japanese foods, and here in the US, much less Denver, forget about it. When I found out a shabu shabu restaurant was opening up in Denver, one block from my house no less (did I mention good fortune?), I was cautiously and skeptically excited. Shabu shabu is hard to find but great shabu shabu is even harder to find. I've had some meh versions in my life. Assuming the beef is a nice flavorful cut and the veggies/noodles are fresh and plump, what will make or break your shabu shabu experience is the goma dare, the sesame dipping sauce. Such a simple, yet critical part of this dish, and too many get it wrong. Not Kobe An. Their goma dare is exquisite. So good that I don't even bother with the ponzu. Everything gets dipped in the sesame sauce. Please, please, please don't ever change the goma dare. I absolutely love the shabu shabu at Kobe An, and don't take for granted that the generous spread they offer is perfectly fresh, flavorful, and a truly authentic, traditional experience all around. I love this place so much that I have been going once a week since it opened. I'm addicted to this food. Even friends who've never heard of shabu shabu before are clamoring to go back. This is one of the most un-guilty pleasures we indulge in. It's not only delicious. This is clean eating. You taste all the ingredients in their natural, unadulterated state. I also love the ritual of building up your own pot, cooking it yourself and eating it fresh and still piping hot. Their miso soup and gyoza are also top notch. Customer service is warm, flexible, and attentive. They go out of their way to accommodate customer requests. The only drawback is that they only have one cooktop built into a table of four. I'm used to having my own individual shabu shabu pot, and am not a fan of the communal pot. It's fine when I go with my boyfriend, but it gets a bit inconvenient and too familiar on a double date. They've told me they will bring out table top stoves for more pots at a table. But this is a minor bummer and obviously hasn't kept me away from Kobe An.
(5)
Monique E.
We live in the neighborhood and stumbled upon Kobe An on their soft opening night. I lived in Japan and absolutely love Japanese food, but have been always disappointed in Denver because there are not that many options (besides your basic sushi and hibatchi, but of which are great, but I want more.!) So now we have a wonderful shabu shabu restaurant. The food was delicious and healthy and we felt very welcome with our 8 month old. (And added bonus is the table top does not heat up since it uses magnetics to cook, I think.) If I were to add one request it would be to make the portions a bit larger. Or perhaps it's because I'm nursing. I was a wee bit hungry afterward. P.S. I've been to their Lakewood restaurant and it was excellent. They had Okinomiyaki there and it was what I remembered when I had it in Japan. Hopefully, they'll bring to to the Highland location. hint, hint.
(4)
Patrick G.
As a bit of a Japanophile, I was so excited when I heard that Kobe An was opening in Denver. Growing up, I visited Japan several times while my Dad was working abroad there. I have very fond memories of having shabu shabu on the 50th floor of the Sumitomo building in Shinjuku with him while there, and I just haven't been able to find anything close to that experience in the Denver area... until I went to Kobe An! He and I tried this place a while back, and it instantly took me back to feeling like I was in central Tokyo. I'm very grateful for that! I really really hope that this place is able to stay in business for a long time- I'm sure my family will be long time customers! Obviously the novelty of shabu shabu and its prime location in the Lower Highlands means that it is definitely expensive compared to other places on the west coast you might find. But shabu shabu is usually a bit of a splurge meal anyway, so as long as you go into it with that mindset, you'll be happy. Meat portion sizes are a bit smaller than Japanese standards, but they do fill you up with fresh veggies and rice. My only complaint is that they do break with tradition (at least from my experience in Tokyo) by not providing udon noodles at the end of the meal to finish off the stock that is made from the cooking process. Usually you will be provided with a bowl filled with salt and pepper, and you ladle the shabu shabu stock over cooked udon noodles to make a soup to finish the meal. I would absolutely love it if the restaurant provided that option for you (even if you have to pay for it, though it is usually complementary in Japan)!
(5)
Carly H.
I love this place. Every city I visit, I have to find a shabu shabu place and this is definitely worth checking out. Great atmosphere, great service, amazing food. It's a bit on the pricey side, but most Shabu places are and you definitely get your money's worth.
(5)
Erron F.
Staff were super friendly and knew their product very well. I think the cost is a little high for rice and vegetable. Maybe use sirloin and not just ribeye. Other than cost I was impressed and yes it was a learning experience!
(4)
Brooke L.
My husband and I went last night and absolutely loved every second. We sat at the bar (great place for just two) and got to know the friendly bartender, Phil! He is great and provides wonderful service... He made me a great "saketini" to start! The food is to die for. We got two starters, the gyoza and the beef rolls (not sure proper name), and they were amazing. We shared the shabu shabu and got extra beef and an extra set up, but otherwise sharing was plenty with the starters. The hot sake is premium and delicious. We ended with a shared shaved Ice dessert. All in all it was a perfect evening... Between the food, ambience, and awesome service we'll absolutely be back...frequently!
(5)
Tony S.
A really nice experience with really good food and gracious service. Go! You will be glad that you did.
(5)
Dawn O.
Amazing! The sushi is delicious. The Kobe slider is unlike anything I've ever had. The drinks are top notch. My other half raves about the bourbon and whiskey drinks. We come here at least once a week.
(5)
John R.
Shabu shabu! Swish swish. That's the sound of good things to come. I dined here on Saturday ( day 2 of the highly anticipated opening ) with a couple of friends who had never been to or eaten, shabu shabu. I myself have had the experience and I've made sukiyaki at home. First off the place is aesthetic to the eyes just like the other shabu shabu houses I've been to. Beautiful tables with induction range tops. We ordered both sukiyaki and shabu shabu from our fabulous server. She was new to the gig but very knowledgable and helpful ( I let my friends do the ordering so they could get the whole experience ) our meat choice was the rib eye. Both set ups were pretty good but I will confess that the portion sizes were small. Luckily we had eaten a hefty lunch so it was perfect but I was concerned about the amount of food you get. I agree the meat is quality grade so I get the price but the veggies/ noodles should be hefty as I've had in previous shabu houses. I don't feel the portion sizes are adequate. Maybe I missed something when we ordered. All in all the experience was pleasant and the food was top grade and fresh. It was a little awkward having the staff stare at us the whole time but I'm guessing that was because they weren't busy when we had dinner at 7pm on a holiday weekend. If the portion sizes increase I'll happily give it 5 stars but truth be told It's a pretty minor hiccup and I'm glad it's finally open. I will be returning. Note: they didn't have any mocktails ( boo ) PS Their patio is really nice!
(4)
Marsha E.
The Kobe beef, American beef, gyoza, miso soup and shaved ice were awesome. I definitely recommend it. Oh, and the cocktail was amazing (think it started with a K). They apparently freshly squeeze the juices they use in the cocktails. Everything was fresh and delish and the service was exceptional.
(4)
Ray M.
We just returned from an amazing meal at Kobe An. We started with the tuna poke appetizer which was very fresh with unique flavors and finished with their signature Shabu Shabu which was amazing as well. Our waiter, Phil, was excellent, making great recommendations for our food selections and he was very personable in explaining this unique dining experience. The restaurant itself is nicely finished, great tables and lighting, along with a nice bar and outdoor seating area. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. We live in the neighborhood and couldn't be more thrilled with having such a quality establishment right here in Lohi!
(5)
Joc L.
The experience is cool, the food is ok, and the service was a bit amateur. The drinks take at least 10 minutes and we had to keep asking where they were. Don't pay attention to the price on the beef, I was with a group we each had the ribeye, aspen ridge, and Kobe beef...the ribeye is the least expensive and was the best and is a third of the price of Kobe. If you want a cool experience and have the time to spare, this place is worth a shot.
(3)
V V.
Both my partner and I got shabu shabu with konbu broth (one regular rib cut and one aspen ridge). While we couldn't really tell which beef was better in terms of taste, both were of high quality and it seemed from the color and texture that the aspen ridge is of higher quality. The konbu broth was very good and msg free, and we liked how wasn't too salty so we could actually taste the food itself.
(5)
Leslie H.
Had been wanting to try this place for months. Finally went on my bday. Service was great. Restaurant is small, but quaint. Ordered beef sliders on ramen for an appetizer. Decent, but I probably wouldn't order again. Main course was shabu shabu with regular beef. Portion size of beef was disappointing. Plenty of veggies however. Miso soup was also included. Overall food was tasty, sesame dipping sauce seemed home made. Wish they would have served yuzu with the shabu shabu, but they said they didn't have any. Paid about $75 for our meal with a beer.
(3)
Brian L.
Overall dining experience was subpar. Food was good, but service was awful. After being refused service 2 weeks ago because they lost our reservation and wouldn't seat us in a near empty restaurant, some friends and I decided to try again. We were greeted by an unfriendly hostess who did not seem to want to be working. Waitstaff seemed unknowledgeable and slow. They were out of nearly half of the wines by the glass, which was told to us as we tried to order each one.
(3)
Lance L.
Love this place! Trying to duplicate their sukiyaki but never really got it. Highly recommended...and service is excellent. Their sukiyaki is so good, a bit pricey, but so worth it. This is a neighborhood gem!!!! Anyone who loves Japanese cuisine should try this out!!!
(5)
Rohn G.
Outstanding new restaurant has amazing Shabu shabu great ambiance and excellent service. Thank you for a wonderful evening. The entire family loved it
(5)
lek t.
I went there about a week ago, and was pretty disappointed. My expectations may have been slightly high since I've been to a shabu shabu shop in California. The soup base here is so plain, it's only water and a piece of seaweed and you're not allowed to add any sauces or anything other then vegetables and meat which makes it pretty plain. The server literally said "if you put sauces in there, I will kick you out" that's nearly word for word. They are short on utensils also. It's nearly impossible to pick out the udon noodles from the soup since all you have is chopsticks. You're only supplied one bowl which is for rice. They should have supplied a 2nd one to be be used for removing the food from the pot to keep your rice dry. I feel like the only thing that went right was the sauces. Not to mention it costed us 60 dollars or so for 2. In California the same meal would have costed no more than 50 for 2 with tip included.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Peter H.
The same night I wrote my last review, Kobe An's management replied instantly, promising to improve the portions issue after unanimous diner feedback. And boy did they ever. Came back last night and it was spectacular. Service was even more exquisite than the previously perfect experience. Think I'm a fan for life... #restaurantcrush
(5)Darika S.
This restaurant has such cool atmosphere, plus if you get Shabu, it's even more awesome. Seeing a burner on the table when you first sit down, you immediately want to order whatever can to use the burner. Hubby and I went to try the Shabu soup anyways, so I was glad that it was a large on pot on the induction burner. It was all you can, when we went, which means, lots of beef coming. But first, we got miso soup as an appetizer to soup. I'm not the biggest fan of miso but he liked it. The beef came raw and rolled up, ready for cooking. You also get udon, rice noodles, carrots, mushrooms, cabbage and tofu to add for flavoring. We shook on some spicy seasoning from the table too. All the noodles are precooked and the beef cooks in seconds. You get two dipping sauces and rice too. Seriously this is a lot of food. It was all really good, and an experience I would want to share with friends. The waiter was very helpful and friendly. The restaurant is in highlands, but where parking is a little easier to find. Not very big, but a nice addition to the neighborhood.
(5)P K.
Love this place! Food is always fresh and healthy. Staff is great. One suggestion, rename the Kobe beef selection to something else so people don't think they are getting actual Japanese Kobe beef.
(4)Jeff W.
Wow! Best shabu shabu this side of the pacific! Flavor is worth every penny. We had the shabu shabu and the sukiyaki both were excellent. If you're visiting from Japan or recently moved here from Japan and you miss this food.... This is the place to bring back the memories!
(5)Carl B.
Great Shabu Shabu in the heart of Denver. Goma Dare, Ponzu and the meat are of good quality. Great atmosphere and service. Presentations are great. I did not give them a 5 because I don't like sharing the pot for Shabu-Shabu and the minced garlic for your condiments are an option. (They will Gladly give you one of you ask for it).
(4)Jessica W.
We wanted to go get Ramen at Uncle, but it was closed, sadly. Found this place on yelp, next closest thing to broth and noodles (besides Pho). I was excited to see that this place was filled with Asians. :-) and all the tables inside had it's own heating source, except patio seating. But everything else was nothing special. Overly priced. Grew up in Hawaii and got same type of shabu shabu for half the price. We tried both the sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu. Portion size was good. Flavor and sauces were good, nothing outstanding. Meet and veggies were fresh. Both were authentic and traditional Japanese style. We got both the white and brown rice. The white rice was too dry. Poki was not traditional style, way over priced, very small portion, overly spicy, served mixed in with avocado cucumber and sprouts. Service was ok, a little on the amateur side.
(3)Whitney N.
If you want to be charged 23 a person and share a pot of shabu and this is the place for you. I hail from California so I've had my fair share of shabu shabu's but never have I ever got charge per person and it not be all you can eat. The shabu shabu base was quite plain for my taste. The hamachi poppers are a joke.. The only thing I would come back for is the shaved ice. Save yourself some money and skip this place. Don't get me wrong, I know Japanese shabu is expensive but this place is a rip off. So much of a rip off I had to yelp about it.
(2)Jinny K.
I was excited to see that a place specializing in shabu shabu has finally opened in Denver so had to give it a try. Between the four of us we ordered two ribeyes, and one each of the other two. The kobe beef was so worth the price! I wasn't sure if the portion would be enough but all four of us were full by the end of dinner. I wish I had the stomach to try the shaved ice dessert but maybe next time.
(4)Dan N.
We sampled a taste of the Ramen Burger at the 2015 Denver Burger Battle, which incidentally, won 2nd place. Wasn't overly impressed with it. For this reason, we decided that we should go try it prepared from the real kitchen. We were happy to be surprised! It is truly unique and delicious. The American-Style Kobe Beef they use is more intense tasting than regular beef and really makes that burger. Keep in mind, this is not the expensive, 100% "Wagyu" beef that comes from Japan but rather the American version which is very commonly, and appropriately known as "American-Style Kobe". I ordered the Shabu Shabu w/ sirloin and dipping sauces. Our server, Michiko, was very pleasant and explained to us thoroughly, the "swish" technique and suggested how best to blend the ingredients and spices with the vegetables. Beware the ghost chili oil! If I had been a little hungrier, I would have done the endless Shabu Shabu that they offer on the weekends for a bit more. That is a great deal considering the regular meal has meager portions of meat. However, this was just the right size for the Sunday hangover-kill, meal. I got the feeling that they will do anything for you if you simply ask. The bar has great list of Sake and some good micro brews. We'll be back again to try some of the other dishes soon!
(5)James S.
Pretty good place. Been wanting to try this place for a bit. Ordered the veggie hot pot with miso, pretty darn good. Lots of fresh veggies and three kinds of noodles. The sauces were really tasty, it come with radishes and green onions to adjust the Taste to your liking. Also had two sushi rolls. Both really good, you could really Taste the freshness if the nori and fish. Serves was great, a smile wouldn't hurt. Seemed like people working were in a bad mood. But it was never taken out on us. I'll be back soon with family and friends to try different areas of the menu.
(4)Natalya P.
Shabu Shabu is a bit pricey but it is so worth it! This place prepares and serves the food the best out of three different Shabu Shabu places I've been to. You definitely get what you pay for. They also have an all you can eat special that is competitively priced and even though you can only get one kind of meat with that, it's a much cheaper option than having to order a ton of different cuts which can double your bill in no time.
(5)Kathy K.
Delicious Delicious Delicious! I am never disappointed! I already love their sukiyaki, but ENDLESS sukiyaki for weekend lunches!? Thought it couldn't get better, but then I tried their ramen burgers and it was incredible! I have never had such a delicious burger before! The ramen buns were perfection along with the patties. It was absolutely delicious. It was a little messy to eat and I am ashamed, but I had to, just HAD TO lick my fingers and the plate clean! Can't wait to go back! Also, the patio is super cute!
(5)Ming T.
Good shabu shabu, but the meat section seemed to be a bit lacking. We ordered the rib eye and the beef was bit tough, even while cooking to a medium-rare stage. The broth for the sukiuaki was very tasty. Could have used more Udon noodles, the ones we had were cut up very small and the portions cooked very quickly. I think overall, the all-you-can-eat would be a better deal than the normal price. The veggies were a good portion though, and parking was great!
(4)Food A.
The food and service were great. Our group of 8 ordered 2 seaweed salads, 2 hot pots, and 2 shaved ice desserts to share. It was a good amount for everyone. I thought the food was comparable to the ones I had in California.
(4)Jeremy M.
Really nice ambiance with a tastefully decorated dinning room. Hostess and wait staff really attentive. Started with the Beef Negrimaki which was super delicious. Then had the regular ribeye and aspen shabu shabu which was well done. Their sauces we great and it came with a ton of vegetables. Finished with the Palisade Peach Snocone (Kakigiri) which was crazy good. Honestly can't find anything to complain about! We aren't from Denver but next time we come here we will be back. Well done to this restaurant.
(5)Diane C.
Don't go here . This place is over priced and not good . They need to go to California and learn how to make a decent broth . Even plain chicken broth is better !!!!!
(1)Daniel P.
Having moved from Los Angeles recently we have been looking for good (any) shabu shabu in Denver. A search on Yelp! pointed to Kobe An and I could not have been pleased with the whole experience. It is the like the shabu shabu that I am used to and we loved it. The location was easy to find, parking was easy and the service was great. We had a reservation but decided to sit at the bar. The restaurant was very accommodating and the bartenders were great in addition to providing us with friendly and attentive service. The food was great. We opted for the Rib Eye and we were very happy. The vegetable and meat portions were what I expected and tasted great. There was ample rise, noodles and sauces. Everything tasted great. I could go on and on but this place is the real deal and very authentic. Try it out and go with an open mind. This place is great. I can't wait to go back and try the all you can eat on Saturday and Sunday early afternoon.
(5)Sean H.
Returned to Kobe An on a Sunday for lunch when they do all you can eat. It was as good as the regular full price menu. No corners cut. Also they only charge $10 for kids 5-10 (not 100% on the ages) and nothing for kids under 5. That means for like $60 my wife, 3 yr old (who eats like an adult), my 6 year old, and I sat there for like 2 hours and ate more sukiyaki than half of Japan. And it was awesome. One nice thing about the all you can eat menu is that you can order more of just the ingredients you want. We had them bring us several plates of meat but also additional servings of noodles and about a hundred serving of the mushrooms. Don't tell too many people about their all you can eat menu on the weekend for lunch or else it'll get too crowded. But it's awesome. I'll probably go again this weekend.
(5)Michelle D.
It was our first time there. When we first arrived and asked for a bottle of wine. We were told after asking for 3 different red wines the waitress finally suggested one they had. Then onto the food. We had never been there and the waitress was annoyed that she had to explain what is the best way to cook our food. Extremely obvious. After we were done eating the waitress dropped the check and as soon as we were done signing the busboy reached over the entire table and grabbed the check. We still had wine and dessert on the table. We had to ask for a receipt since the bussboy took it. As soon as the waitress gave us our receipt went and turned the lights on pretty much kicking us out at 10 on Saturday when they close at 11. Guess they don't like people buying more bottles of wine.
(2)Nancy A.
Beautiful restaurant and great food! We've been waiting for a shabu shabu place in Denver for awhile now and so glad Kobe An Shabu Shabu opened their doors. They are currently offering an all-you-can-eat special for $26 dollars and it is definitely worth the money! They offer endless meat, veggies, noodles, rice and sauces. Their soup base is amazing. We decided on the spicy miso soup base and it was perfect. No complaints here. Can't wait to go back and try their shaved ice!
(5)Kyle B.
One of my favorite handful of restaurants in Denver! Great sukiyaki you can't imitate nor find anywhere else (I tried to make Sukiyaki and failed to make it taste as great). I go here about twice a month and always look for the server, MICHIKO, who is the best waitress one can ever ask for. Ask for her when you come here and you will see! They also have all-you-can-eat sukiyaki on weekends, so make sure to try it. It will be easy to finish two full bowls of their delicious food!
(5)Linda L.
We did the all you can eat. We had a fairly large party and they were extremely accommodating. We got to have sukiyaki and shabu shabu with the spicy miso broth. A separate pot was even brought out for one of the guests who didn't eat beef. Overall, it was very well presented and delicious. I ordered an iced coffee with my meal. It was amazing. They even gave me simple syrup to put in it instead of just sugar packets. Then I had a palisade peach kakigori to polish it all off. YUMMY! As someone who has been to Japan, this is definitely up to par. The prices for dinner are steep though for what you get so all you can eat is definitely the way to go. Will be coming here again.
(4)Deco G.
Every once in a while, the universe sends you a wonderful unexpected nugget of good fortune and reliable source of joy. For me that nugget is Kobe An. Shabu shabu is one of my favorite foods in the world, and sadly also one of the hardest to find. Even in Japan it's not as common as other types of traditional Japanese foods, and here in the US, much less Denver, forget about it. When I found out a shabu shabu restaurant was opening up in Denver, one block from my house no less (did I mention good fortune?), I was cautiously and skeptically excited. Shabu shabu is hard to find but great shabu shabu is even harder to find. I've had some meh versions in my life. Assuming the beef is a nice flavorful cut and the veggies/noodles are fresh and plump, what will make or break your shabu shabu experience is the goma dare, the sesame dipping sauce. Such a simple, yet critical part of this dish, and too many get it wrong. Not Kobe An. Their goma dare is exquisite. So good that I don't even bother with the ponzu. Everything gets dipped in the sesame sauce. Please, please, please don't ever change the goma dare. I absolutely love the shabu shabu at Kobe An, and don't take for granted that the generous spread they offer is perfectly fresh, flavorful, and a truly authentic, traditional experience all around. I love this place so much that I have been going once a week since it opened. I'm addicted to this food. Even friends who've never heard of shabu shabu before are clamoring to go back. This is one of the most un-guilty pleasures we indulge in. It's not only delicious. This is clean eating. You taste all the ingredients in their natural, unadulterated state. I also love the ritual of building up your own pot, cooking it yourself and eating it fresh and still piping hot. Their miso soup and gyoza are also top notch. Customer service is warm, flexible, and attentive. They go out of their way to accommodate customer requests. The only drawback is that they only have one cooktop built into a table of four. I'm used to having my own individual shabu shabu pot, and am not a fan of the communal pot. It's fine when I go with my boyfriend, but it gets a bit inconvenient and too familiar on a double date. They've told me they will bring out table top stoves for more pots at a table. But this is a minor bummer and obviously hasn't kept me away from Kobe An.
(5)Monique E.
We live in the neighborhood and stumbled upon Kobe An on their soft opening night. I lived in Japan and absolutely love Japanese food, but have been always disappointed in Denver because there are not that many options (besides your basic sushi and hibatchi, but of which are great, but I want more.!) So now we have a wonderful shabu shabu restaurant. The food was delicious and healthy and we felt very welcome with our 8 month old. (And added bonus is the table top does not heat up since it uses magnetics to cook, I think.) If I were to add one request it would be to make the portions a bit larger. Or perhaps it's because I'm nursing. I was a wee bit hungry afterward. P.S. I've been to their Lakewood restaurant and it was excellent. They had Okinomiyaki there and it was what I remembered when I had it in Japan. Hopefully, they'll bring to to the Highland location. hint, hint.
(4)Cyndi J.
This, folks, is as good as it gets! I love Japanese food (and yes, Japanese cuisine is so much more than sushi). Kobe An Shabu Shabu is tucked into a trendy neighborhood. Parking is on the street. The interior of the restaurant is serene and peaceful. The service is gracious. If you haven't experienced Shabu Shabu, you must. The tables have a burner built into them so you can cook your own meal (I know, it sounds like a classic Cosmo Kramer idea). A pot of broth comes to a boil, and you cook thinly sliced pieces of succulent beef and fresh, crisp vegetables in the broth. It's simply delightful, and it makes a meal an experience. They serve unique cocktails (I had a margarita-like libation), as well as beer and decent wine. Our server recommended we start with the Kobe Ramen Burger. Ramen burgers were all the rage earlier this year, causing foodie fools to stand in line for hours (ala Black Friday) for a taste of a crispy ramen noodle bun housing a hunk of burger. I thought it was very delicious, but no way would I stand in line for it! We then moved on to our Shabu Shabu. The meat was sliced thinly, it takes only seconds to cook in the miso broth. The vegetables were fresh, and everything is as locally sourced as possible. You also have a choice of several sauces/dips to accompany the meal. It's a full-fledged flavor fiesta. I will also mention that everything is arranged as though it's a work of art - and it is. I was supremely satisfied when I left this restaurant, and I can't wait to take out of town guests here.
(5)Catherine L.
I have visited Japan for over 6 times, and also I grew up in Taiwan that is full of Japanese food culture. I so miss shabu shabu and sukiyaki, so while I knew the restaurant, I decided to try it surely. It is really very Japanese taste, tableware, food, and the environment, all of them are awesome. If you want "real" Japanese hot pot taste, you should try it. Btw, my Japanese-American bf said if you really want transitional Japanese food, go for it. However, if you expect some American style Japanese food or Asian fusion style food, you maybe consider not going!! ( He grew up in traditional Japanese taste!!)
(5)Shea W.
Now THIS place knows how to show you a good time. The service is incredible. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful! They were doing a restaurant week special early! We got both the Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu with all the fixings, 2 appetizers and 2 desserts for 30.00 each. Amazing deal. I preferred the Sukiyaki which was so incredibly flavorful. The Shabu Shabu was just ok. Great location. Great food. Great service. And green tea ice cream!!
(5)Kimmy T.
T and I came in on a snowy day. Perfect weather for shabu shabu! They still had the Restaurant Week deal so we got lucky. Tuna poke, tempura shrimp, shabu shabu, sukiyaki and chocolate cake = $60. We upgraded one order of beef to the Aspen Ridge beef, miso broth and had a large sake. Definitiely get a flavored broth because the normal broth is bland. Total = $85. I did shabu shabu and he ordered sukiyaki. I prefer shabu shabu. Sukiyaki is heavier and the flavor of the broth is a lot stronger but both are good. The upgrade on the beef was well worth it because I love fatty marbling. We should've upgraded to the Kobe. Maybe we'll do that next time. The place is pretty small so reservations are recommended. The service is good and the ambiance and decorations fit. The best time to go is on the weekends from 11-3 where they offer all you can eat for $27 a person.
(4)Eric Y.
While I appreciate the owners attempt to defend their practice of advertising 'American Kobe' I still find the practice misleading and disingenuous. On our last visit, their staff failed to even attempt to differentiate 'American Kobe' from Kobe Beef simply saying that in this case they offered 'Kobe Sliders'. Not only is that a staff training issue it is also a fundamental issue of honesty and truth in advertising. As has been well documented there is no such thing as 'American Kobe'. It is simply an attempt to piggyback on the exceptional quality and name recognition of true Kobe Beef (much like there is no such thing as 'American Champagne'). I would think that a business could successfully market a product based on its own actual merits without having to add to the confusion already surrounding Kobe Beef. If you read other Yelp reviews of Kobe An you will see that there are diners that were obviously confused and misled thinking that they were buying actual Kobe Beef leading me to assume that is how the staff has sold the product (much like how they offered the product to me). Following my initial review, the owner contacted me stating that they were in the process of updating their website to better clarify their menu but in more than a month there has been no change to their website or online menu. At this point I can't offer more than a one star review until the business steps up and addresses this inaccuracy.
(1)Robert M.
Tried Shabu Shabu last night and glad I did. Two of us ordered rib eye and aspen ridge(?) beef options to share. As others have described, you are provided a broth to "cook" the food in and some dipping sauces. Orders also come with a bunch of veggies, noodles, bowl of rice and a separate miso soup app. The service was great, with waiter patiently explaining how to cook, suggested seasoning options, etc.. The manager, Woodrow, came by to check how things were and thank us for coming in. Dinner for two with glass of wine came to about $60. Overall, just a nice place with nice people working there. Will definitely be back.
(5)Paula H.
Great location in LoHi. Nice space, bar, outdoor patio. The people next to us ordered spicy miso and it looked awesome. I will go back for that on a cooler night when hot comfort soup is in order. The sushi was just okay. Lots of wasabi and ginger came with the order. The sea urchin and salmon roe were off, and the co-owner did not hesitate to remove from bill. Paper enclosed cheap disposable chop sticks. Disappointment. This place has potential, how about real chop sticks? We were allowed to hang out and finish our wine while the staff cleaned up to close for the evening. I will go back and check out more on menu. If you are looking for just sushi, not the place.
(3)Heather M.
Awesome date night find! We sat on the patio and enjoyed drinks, miso soup, and sushi while enjoying the cool summer night. There's an inside portion - bar and restaurant - but the side patio is lovely. The sushi here is really excellent and there were some unique choices on the menu. Definitely a great find while walking around the Highlands.
(4)Regina C.
On our way back to Denver Airport from Snowmass Village, we stopped by Kobe An Shabu Shabu. The location was not where we expect it to be. Tucked within a neighborhood. Their neighbors are super lucky to be so close to this delicious Shabu spot. The five of us decided on the All You Can Eat Shabu Shabu (which comes with the sirloin). There were 3 types of noodles, 2 types of mushroom, napa cabbage, and other fresh veggies. Service was on point. The 5 of us sat at a table with one burner. Our server brought out another burner for us to share.
(4)Eddie R.
Pretty solid meal. Had an 8:30 reservation but didn't get seated until 8:50. People seemed to steeped in conversation and not so much moving on. Went with the shabu shabu with wagyu style beef. The beef was tender and quite nice. Not heavy but enough substance to it that it paired well with the Napa cabbage, mushrooms, and other veggies. The homemade sauces were well balanced and added just enough zest to compliment the dashi broth. It was good. Not necessarily cheap for a dinner date but it's was manageable. Will likely come back. Definitely a change from the norm.
(4)Victoria C.
It's fun and great for winter time. The price is high for the amount of meat you get. The service can be hit or miss. Unlimited brunch on weekends is the way to go. Unfortunately, I wrecked myself the night before a planned sojourn, so I've yet to make it. But the others who did confirmed it was a better deal :)
(4)Ivan K.
We arrived early for a pre-concert diner and were nicely surprised be the excellent Shabu and. ramen Burgers. We chosen the middle of the road beef upgrade which was really very tender and high quality. The Ramen Burger was addicting in fact I'm wanting one NOW ....,
(4)M B.
On one snow covered night in Denver..What a great meal I will be back. Go Avs. Thank you Michiko...Domo Arigato
(4)Scott F.
Tucked on the corner of a residential street, this place is a hidden gem in the Highlands. My wife and I enjoyed a traditional shabu shabu meal that rivaled those we had while living in Tokyo several years ago. We fell in love with shabu shabu during our stay and bought all the equipment to make it at home, but coming here is so easy - no chopping or grating dikon or the elusive hunting for a place that can shave meat so thinly. This place is a win in our book.
(5)A T.
Got there 10 minutes before the place closed at 3 pm and was promptly seated with no issues. The server was friendly and helpful. Ordered the regular combo but paid extra $3 for the spicy miso broth. The order came with a bowl of miso soup, rice, 6 oz thinly sliced beef, a plate of Napa cabbage, carrots, green onions, yam noodles(?), udon, tofu, and mushrooms. Uncooked vegetables look more than they really are, and I was able to finished almost everything. The bill came out to be $30. Both the service and the food were good, but I gave it a 3* as I think it's slightly overpriced for what you get. But it seems like a fun place to share an experience with friends so I will probably go back and try their sushi and shaved ice.
(3)Christina O.
I've been in twice now. And it's so good. We went on Sunday for lunch and they have all you can eat Shabu Shabu! They had me sold at all you can eat. Try the miso broth for your shabu shabu. So good. The decor is so cute and it is a small place but so worth it. We had a reservation and surprisingly parking was easy to find. Seriously, going back for all you eat again soon. It's so worth your money!
(4)Bear S.
Went here for shabu shabu and got the traditional shabu shabu. Very nice place. Cute location. I found the place overpriced. It's some veggies, some low-end meat and seasoned water. For $25+ per person. The "Japanese Coffee" was six dollars and was just a poor over in a fancy glass. You can make this at home for less than half the price and it will taste just as good. It's just way too expensive for what it is.
(3)Jay N.
Awesome Kobe beef for the shabu shabu. Make a reservation as seating is limited.
(5)Racheal T.
Simply delicious! Real Shabu Shabu in Denver! We love Shabu Shabu and have been to the Japanese Village in LA (Shabu Shabu House) and a previous location in Aurora, CO; Kobe An gets 5+ stars and definitely measures up as the real thing. The Ponzu dipping and don't forget the dicon radish are wonderful. It's worth the drive; price is a bit higher than the other Shabu Shabu we've visited. Beautiful ambiance and great service! Please tell all your friends about The Japanese "fondu" hot pot style cooking at Kobe An and take them with you; often!
(5)Chanel M.
A friend and I stumbled upon this place during restaurant week since everything else in the neighborhood was crazy busy. So glad to have found this gem. We split a tuna appetizer, tempura, and the Kobe shabu shabu. Everything was absolutely delicious and the service was impeccable. It was a slightly chilly Denver evening in which rain was imminent, but they graciously sat us on the charming patio which we had to ourselves. As it started to lightly rain halfway through our meal the staff came out right away to make sure the umbrella was situated perfectly over us and we were able to finish our experience without being bothered by the rain. Cocktails were a bit pricey but delicious nonetheless. What a great meal and memory!
(5)Heather S.
Great food, good price point, loads of fun, and very thoughtful gluten free options. We will definitely be adding this place to our restaurant rotation.
(5)Lance L.
Love this place! Trying to duplicate their sukiyaki but never really got it. Highly recommended...and service is excellent. Their sukiyaki is so good, a bit pricey, but so worth it. This is a neighborhood gem!!!! Anyone who loves Japanese cuisine should try this out!!!
(5)Rohn G.
Outstanding new restaurant has amazing Shabu shabu great ambiance and excellent service. Thank you for a wonderful evening. The entire family loved it
(5)Marsha E.
The Kobe beef, American beef, gyoza, miso soup and shaved ice were awesome. I definitely recommend it. Oh, and the cocktail was amazing (think it started with a K). They apparently freshly squeeze the juices they use in the cocktails. Everything was fresh and delish and the service was exceptional.
(4)Kate T.
I had no idea what Shabu Shabu was until I was introduced to this place. I finally went last night and it was everything I could've hoped for. The whole experience is just fun, interactive, and tasty. The meat and vegetables were fresh and delicious, and the spicy miso broth gave them an extra kick. Definitely opt for the desert, I can't remember the exact name, but it is super fine shaved ice with flavoring, and it was excellent. I will definitely be back.
(5)Patrick G.
As a bit of a Japanophile, I was so excited when I heard that Kobe An was opening in Denver. Growing up, I visited Japan several times while my Dad was working abroad there. I have very fond memories of having shabu shabu on the 50th floor of the Sumitomo building in Shinjuku with him while there, and I just haven't been able to find anything close to that experience in the Denver area... until I went to Kobe An! He and I tried this place a while back, and it instantly took me back to feeling like I was in central Tokyo. I'm very grateful for that! I really really hope that this place is able to stay in business for a long time- I'm sure my family will be long time customers! Obviously the novelty of shabu shabu and its prime location in the Lower Highlands means that it is definitely expensive compared to other places on the west coast you might find. But shabu shabu is usually a bit of a splurge meal anyway, so as long as you go into it with that mindset, you'll be happy. Meat portion sizes are a bit smaller than Japanese standards, but they do fill you up with fresh veggies and rice. My only complaint is that they do break with tradition (at least from my experience in Tokyo) by not providing udon noodles at the end of the meal to finish off the stock that is made from the cooking process. Usually you will be provided with a bowl filled with salt and pepper, and you ladle the shabu shabu stock over cooked udon noodles to make a soup to finish the meal. I would absolutely love it if the restaurant provided that option for you (even if you have to pay for it, though it is usually complementary in Japan)!
(5)Carly H.
I love this place. Every city I visit, I have to find a shabu shabu place and this is definitely worth checking out. Great atmosphere, great service, amazing food. It's a bit on the pricey side, but most Shabu places are and you definitely get your money's worth.
(5)Erron F.
Staff were super friendly and knew their product very well. I think the cost is a little high for rice and vegetable. Maybe use sirloin and not just ribeye. Other than cost I was impressed and yes it was a learning experience!
(4)Brooke L.
My husband and I went last night and absolutely loved every second. We sat at the bar (great place for just two) and got to know the friendly bartender, Phil! He is great and provides wonderful service... He made me a great "saketini" to start! The food is to die for. We got two starters, the gyoza and the beef rolls (not sure proper name), and they were amazing. We shared the shabu shabu and got extra beef and an extra set up, but otherwise sharing was plenty with the starters. The hot sake is premium and delicious. We ended with a shared shaved Ice dessert. All in all it was a perfect evening... Between the food, ambience, and awesome service we'll absolutely be back...frequently!
(5)Ray M.
We just returned from an amazing meal at Kobe An. We started with the tuna poke appetizer which was very fresh with unique flavors and finished with their signature Shabu Shabu which was amazing as well. Our waiter, Phil, was excellent, making great recommendations for our food selections and he was very personable in explaining this unique dining experience. The restaurant itself is nicely finished, great tables and lighting, along with a nice bar and outdoor seating area. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. We live in the neighborhood and couldn't be more thrilled with having such a quality establishment right here in Lohi!
(5)Joc L.
The experience is cool, the food is ok, and the service was a bit amateur. The drinks take at least 10 minutes and we had to keep asking where they were. Don't pay attention to the price on the beef, I was with a group we each had the ribeye, aspen ridge, and Kobe beef...the ribeye is the least expensive and was the best and is a third of the price of Kobe. If you want a cool experience and have the time to spare, this place is worth a shot.
(3)V V.
Both my partner and I got shabu shabu with konbu broth (one regular rib cut and one aspen ridge). While we couldn't really tell which beef was better in terms of taste, both were of high quality and it seemed from the color and texture that the aspen ridge is of higher quality. The konbu broth was very good and msg free, and we liked how wasn't too salty so we could actually taste the food itself.
(5)Kevin I.
Went to this place last night. It has a very cool ambiance and patio! The waiter was really nice and very knowledgable about the food. About the food: there are only 4 options of dishes to order three ribeye meals and 1 vegetarian dish prepared one of two ways. The idea seemed pretty interesting! Once we got the food though, it was very unexciting and very bland! They charge $23 dollars for the lowest tier steak item, which is extremely overpriced for the meal you're getting! For $23 dollars a plate you can definitely go someplace better! Cool idea but definitely need to work on a lot! Would not recommend... Save your money and go to linger!
(1)Leslie H.
Had been wanting to try this place for months. Finally went on my bday. Service was great. Restaurant is small, but quaint. Ordered beef sliders on ramen for an appetizer. Decent, but I probably wouldn't order again. Main course was shabu shabu with regular beef. Portion size of beef was disappointing. Plenty of veggies however. Miso soup was also included. Overall food was tasty, sesame dipping sauce seemed home made. Wish they would have served yuzu with the shabu shabu, but they said they didn't have any. Paid about $75 for our meal with a beer.
(3)Brian L.
Overall dining experience was subpar. Food was good, but service was awful. After being refused service 2 weeks ago because they lost our reservation and wouldn't seat us in a near empty restaurant, some friends and I decided to try again. We were greeted by an unfriendly hostess who did not seem to want to be working. Waitstaff seemed unknowledgeable and slow. They were out of nearly half of the wines by the glass, which was told to us as we tried to order each one.
(3)Sam V.
Came here with two other couples (6 of us total) and we all got the AYCE shabu shabu on a Sunday afternoon before a Broncos game. Luckily it wasn't too busy and we were seated quickly. The spicy miso broth was the best tasting and most flavorful. Unfortunately the set-up is greatly different than what I was used to in SoCal and they brought 2 extra double burners because the tables were only really set for one. We were pretty cramped with our food and everything else taking up a lot of space. Pretty decent, but it's the best that Denver's got.
(4)Junam L.
I remember going back to this place in early August of last year with few people from work and ordering sukiyaki because my boyfriend and I had shabu shabu last time we visited. The stove on where my boyfriend and I sat the volume couldn't get adjusted because it was broken and ended up burning our sukiyaki broth. After finishing our meal my boyfriend and I got our check and the waiter accidentally charged us for extra meat, and got that taken care of. Then this guy who's just a host started to make such a big deal and said that we did ordered extra meat for our sukiyaki. I seriously wanted to say something to him and tell him to shut the hell up. Possibly bring out the manager or owner to fire this idiot. After what the idiot host made a huge fuss about our order, we are not going to eat at this place anymore. Even one of my co-worker's husband was disappointed with this place. He said he can make better shabu shabu at home.
(1)Shaun N.
Now I don't rant and rave about many restaurants but Kobe An is a different story...coming from Hawaii where Japanese food is so predominant and Shabu Shabu is a staple; Kobe An does it justice! From amazing service, to fantastic food, they have it down to a T! Next time you're in the Highlands make sure you check this spot out!
(5)Matthew K.
First of all, i am not sure why this place has 4 stars. Yes, the atmosphere is fine. But romantic atmosphere in shabu shabu place? Don't think it really count. Food - the condition of all 3 beefs were OK. But it's very expensive and they give very small amount. Kobe is around $54 per full order which comes with 6 very thin slices. I thought it was a slide of pork - doesn't worth it for $54, not even $10. I know I am from California and used to very good shabu shabu places but it's just totally waste of money. Ribeye which costed around $18 for full order, seemed it had no marbling at all. Hard to find the tenderness. Aspen natural beef which costed around $36 for full order was the best among these three options but still it was so-so. With 4 people (average adults), it costed around $500. We mixed all 3 beefs but it didn't make us full. Of course we had some sakes, rice, and some appetizers. Just order rices and extra noodles, it would save your money. But my recommendation is don't expect too much from this place. I wouldn't take my family or customers to this place again. Service - it was OK but it took awhile for them to serve us. Somewhat I felt as if something was not organized or managed properly.
(1)Shannon G.
I've never had Shabu, but our friend who dined with us had. It was so tasty! I loved the experience of "swishing" the fresh veggies and high quality beef, cooking at our table. The restaurant is gorgeous and they have the most inviting and cozy patio. When we return, I think we will try sitting at the bar which open air windows covered with bamboo shades. The shades make it feel like you are in a vacation spot! Love the service, can't wait to return!
(5)Chris T.
I don't have anything to compare this to, as I haven't had shabu shabu before coming here, but I enjoyed the experience. We came on the weekend and had the "all you can eat." It seemed like a good deal. I know this set up can be a burden for the waitstaff as the customers will "keep on" asking for things... But - don't show it! Our waiter because irritated that we were asking for more broth... I think we asked 3 times for more broth... They would bring a small container each time, which was fine, but each time we asked for more, the waiter would sigh.... C'mon, there are four of us dropping over $100 in your restaurant and you're crabby about us wanting more boiling broth... What do you want us to dip the raw meat in? Our jasmine tea? Anyway - I don't usually rate service; the food is good and I recommend giving this place a try, especially if you haven't had it before!
(4)Megan D.
So amazing! Fun experience! Pricey but worth it! Husband got the Sukiyaki... nervous at first but LOVED IT! I got the Shabu Shabu... the sauce was FIRE! Such a perfect Date night! The shaved ice Pomegranate... so delicious! Not a fan of the green tea but the Pomegranate was on point!
(5)Tony S.
A really nice experience with really good food and gracious service. Go! You will be glad that you did.
(5)Dawn O.
Amazing! The sushi is delicious. The Kobe slider is unlike anything I've ever had. The drinks are top notch. My other half raves about the bourbon and whiskey drinks. We come here at least once a week.
(5)Da L.
My sister and I had the Kobe beef which was excellent. For first timers, keep in mind the shabu shabu is going to be a little bland. I've been to shabu shabu places where they have a great selection of different types of broths but the one here is your basic soup base. Those places aren't as authentic I guess but I love flavorful broths. I wish this place had a wider selection of soup bases but it tastes clean and shabu shabu is always fun!
(4)W M.
Dined here on their opening night. Nice atmosphere and very attentive service. Shabu is basically dipping meats and vegetables in a pot of boiling broth with noodles. Here, the meats are delicious and the vegetables very fresh. The only drawback, most of us were starving after dinner. Prime cuts of beef are expensive, but maybe more noodles and other ingredient-portions would help. High price-point to be hungry after dinner. Cocktails were fresh and delicious.
(4)John R.
Shabu shabu! Swish swish. That's the sound of good things to come. I dined here on Saturday ( day 2 of the highly anticipated opening ) with a couple of friends who had never been to or eaten, shabu shabu. I myself have had the experience and I've made sukiyaki at home. First off the place is aesthetic to the eyes just like the other shabu shabu houses I've been to. Beautiful tables with induction range tops. We ordered both sukiyaki and shabu shabu from our fabulous server. She was new to the gig but very knowledgable and helpful ( I let my friends do the ordering so they could get the whole experience ) our meat choice was the rib eye. Both set ups were pretty good but I will confess that the portion sizes were small. Luckily we had eaten a hefty lunch so it was perfect but I was concerned about the amount of food you get. I agree the meat is quality grade so I get the price but the veggies/ noodles should be hefty as I've had in previous shabu houses. I don't feel the portion sizes are adequate. Maybe I missed something when we ordered. All in all the experience was pleasant and the food was top grade and fresh. It was a little awkward having the staff stare at us the whole time but I'm guessing that was because they weren't busy when we had dinner at 7pm on a holiday weekend. If the portion sizes increase I'll happily give it 5 stars but truth be told It's a pretty minor hiccup and I'm glad it's finally open. I will be returning. Note: they didn't have any mocktails ( boo ) PS Their patio is really nice!
(4)lek t.
I went there about a week ago, and was pretty disappointed. My expectations may have been slightly high since I've been to a shabu shabu shop in California. The soup base here is so plain, it's only water and a piece of seaweed and you're not allowed to add any sauces or anything other then vegetables and meat which makes it pretty plain. The server literally said "if you put sauces in there, I will kick you out" that's nearly word for word. They are short on utensils also. It's nearly impossible to pick out the udon noodles from the soup since all you have is chopsticks. You're only supplied one bowl which is for rice. They should have supplied a 2nd one to be be used for removing the food from the pot to keep your rice dry. I feel like the only thing that went right was the sauces. Not to mention it costed us 60 dollars or so for 2. In California the same meal would have costed no more than 50 for 2 with tip included.
(2)Ivan K.
We arrived early for a pre-concert diner and were nicely surprised be the excellent Shabu and. ramen Burgers. We chosen the middle of the road beef upgrade which was really very tender and high quality. The Ramen Burger was addicting in fact I'm wanting one NOW ....,
(4)Robert M.
Tried Shabu Shabu last night and glad I did. Two of us ordered rib eye and aspen ridge(?) beef options to share. As others have described, you are provided a broth to "cook" the food in and some dipping sauces. Orders also come with a bunch of veggies, noodles, bowl of rice and a separate miso soup app. The service was great, with waiter patiently explaining how to cook, suggested seasoning options, etc.. The manager, Woodrow, came by to check how things were and thank us for coming in. Dinner for two with glass of wine came to about $60. Overall, just a nice place with nice people working there. Will definitely be back.
(5)Catherine L.
I have visited Japan for over 6 times, and also I grew up in Taiwan that is full of Japanese food culture. I so miss shabu shabu and sukiyaki, so while I knew the restaurant, I decided to try it surely. It is really very Japanese taste, tableware, food, and the environment, all of them are awesome. If you want "real" Japanese hot pot taste, you should try it. Btw, my Japanese-American bf said if you really want transitional Japanese food, go for it. However, if you expect some American style Japanese food or Asian fusion style food, you maybe consider not going!! ( He grew up in traditional Japanese taste!!)
(5)Peter H.
The same night I wrote my last review, Kobe An's management replied instantly, promising to improve the portions issue after unanimous diner feedback. And boy did they ever. Came back last night and it was spectacular. Service was even more exquisite than the previously perfect experience. Think I'm a fan for life... #restaurantcrush
(5)Eddie R.
Pretty solid meal. Had an 8:30 reservation but didn't get seated until 8:50. People seemed to steeped in conversation and not so much moving on. Went with the shabu shabu with wagyu style beef. The beef was tender and quite nice. Not heavy but enough substance to it that it paired well with the Napa cabbage, mushrooms, and other veggies. The homemade sauces were well balanced and added just enough zest to compliment the dashi broth. It was good. Not necessarily cheap for a dinner date but it's was manageable. Will likely come back. Definitely a change from the norm.
(4)Cyndi J.
This, folks, is as good as it gets! I love Japanese food (and yes, Japanese cuisine is so much more than sushi). Kobe An Shabu Shabu is tucked into a trendy neighborhood. Parking is on the street. The interior of the restaurant is serene and peaceful. The service is gracious. If you haven't experienced Shabu Shabu, you must. The tables have a burner built into them so you can cook your own meal (I know, it sounds like a classic Cosmo Kramer idea). A pot of broth comes to a boil, and you cook thinly sliced pieces of succulent beef and fresh, crisp vegetables in the broth. It's simply delightful, and it makes a meal an experience. They serve unique cocktails (I had a margarita-like libation), as well as beer and decent wine. Our server recommended we start with the Kobe Ramen Burger. Ramen burgers were all the rage earlier this year, causing foodie fools to stand in line for hours (ala Black Friday) for a taste of a crispy ramen noodle bun housing a hunk of burger. I thought it was very delicious, but no way would I stand in line for it! We then moved on to our Shabu Shabu. The meat was sliced thinly, it takes only seconds to cook in the miso broth. The vegetables were fresh, and everything is as locally sourced as possible. You also have a choice of several sauces/dips to accompany the meal. It's a full-fledged flavor fiesta. I will also mention that everything is arranged as though it's a work of art - and it is. I was supremely satisfied when I left this restaurant, and I can't wait to take out of town guests here.
(5)Dan N.
We sampled a taste of the Ramen Burger at the 2015 Denver Burger Battle, which incidentally, won 2nd place. Wasn't overly impressed with it. For this reason, we decided that we should go try it prepared from the real kitchen. We were happy to be surprised! It is truly unique and delicious. The American-Style Kobe Beef they use is more intense tasting than regular beef and really makes that burger. Keep in mind, this is not the expensive, 100% "Wagyu" beef that comes from Japan but rather the American version which is very commonly, and appropriately known as "American-Style Kobe". I ordered the Shabu Shabu w/ sirloin and dipping sauces. Our server, Michiko, was very pleasant and explained to us thoroughly, the "swish" technique and suggested how best to blend the ingredients and spices with the vegetables. Beware the ghost chili oil! If I had been a little hungrier, I would have done the endless Shabu Shabu that they offer on the weekends for a bit more. That is a great deal considering the regular meal has meager portions of meat. However, this was just the right size for the Sunday hangover-kill, meal. I got the feeling that they will do anything for you if you simply ask. The bar has great list of Sake and some good micro brews. We'll be back again to try some of the other dishes soon!
(5)James S.
Pretty good place. Been wanting to try this place for a bit. Ordered the veggie hot pot with miso, pretty darn good. Lots of fresh veggies and three kinds of noodles. The sauces were really tasty, it come with radishes and green onions to adjust the Taste to your liking. Also had two sushi rolls. Both really good, you could really Taste the freshness if the nori and fish. Serves was great, a smile wouldn't hurt. Seemed like people working were in a bad mood. But it was never taken out on us. I'll be back soon with family and friends to try different areas of the menu.
(4)Shea W.
Now THIS place knows how to show you a good time. The service is incredible. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful! They were doing a restaurant week special early! We got both the Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu with all the fixings, 2 appetizers and 2 desserts for 30.00 each. Amazing deal. I preferred the Sukiyaki which was so incredibly flavorful. The Shabu Shabu was just ok. Great location. Great food. Great service. And green tea ice cream!!
(5)Victoria C.
It's fun and great for winter time. The price is high for the amount of meat you get. The service can be hit or miss. Unlimited brunch on weekends is the way to go. Unfortunately, I wrecked myself the night before a planned sojourn, so I've yet to make it. But the others who did confirmed it was a better deal :)
(4)Eric Y.
While I appreciate the owners attempt to defend their practice of advertising 'American Kobe' I still find the practice misleading and disingenuous. On our last visit, their staff failed to even attempt to differentiate 'American Kobe' from Kobe Beef simply saying that in this case they offered 'Kobe Sliders'. Not only is that a staff training issue it is also a fundamental issue of honesty and truth in advertising. As has been well documented there is no such thing as 'American Kobe'. It is simply an attempt to piggyback on the exceptional quality and name recognition of true Kobe Beef (much like there is no such thing as 'American Champagne'). I would think that a business could successfully market a product based on its own actual merits without having to add to the confusion already surrounding Kobe Beef. If you read other Yelp reviews of Kobe An you will see that there are diners that were obviously confused and misled thinking that they were buying actual Kobe Beef leading me to assume that is how the staff has sold the product (much like how they offered the product to me). Following my initial review, the owner contacted me stating that they were in the process of updating their website to better clarify their menu but in more than a month there has been no change to their website or online menu. At this point I can't offer more than a one star review until the business steps up and addresses this inaccuracy.
(1)Regina C.
On our way back to Denver Airport from Snowmass Village, we stopped by Kobe An Shabu Shabu. The location was not where we expect it to be. Tucked within a neighborhood. Their neighbors are super lucky to be so close to this delicious Shabu spot. The five of us decided on the All You Can Eat Shabu Shabu (which comes with the sirloin). There were 3 types of noodles, 2 types of mushroom, napa cabbage, and other fresh veggies. Service was on point. The 5 of us sat at a table with one burner. Our server brought out another burner for us to share.
(4)Darika S.
This restaurant has such cool atmosphere, plus if you get Shabu, it's even more awesome. Seeing a burner on the table when you first sit down, you immediately want to order whatever can to use the burner. Hubby and I went to try the Shabu soup anyways, so I was glad that it was a large on pot on the induction burner. It was all you can, when we went, which means, lots of beef coming. But first, we got miso soup as an appetizer to soup. I'm not the biggest fan of miso but he liked it. The beef came raw and rolled up, ready for cooking. You also get udon, rice noodles, carrots, mushrooms, cabbage and tofu to add for flavoring. We shook on some spicy seasoning from the table too. All the noodles are precooked and the beef cooks in seconds. You get two dipping sauces and rice too. Seriously this is a lot of food. It was all really good, and an experience I would want to share with friends. The waiter was very helpful and friendly. The restaurant is in highlands, but where parking is a little easier to find. Not very big, but a nice addition to the neighborhood.
(5)P K.
Love this place! Food is always fresh and healthy. Staff is great. One suggestion, rename the Kobe beef selection to something else so people don't think they are getting actual Japanese Kobe beef.
(4)Jeff W.
Wow! Best shabu shabu this side of the pacific! Flavor is worth every penny. We had the shabu shabu and the sukiyaki both were excellent. If you're visiting from Japan or recently moved here from Japan and you miss this food.... This is the place to bring back the memories!
(5)Carl B.
Great Shabu Shabu in the heart of Denver. Goma Dare, Ponzu and the meat are of good quality. Great atmosphere and service. Presentations are great. I did not give them a 5 because I don't like sharing the pot for Shabu-Shabu and the minced garlic for your condiments are an option. (They will Gladly give you one of you ask for it).
(4)Jessica W.
We wanted to go get Ramen at Uncle, but it was closed, sadly. Found this place on yelp, next closest thing to broth and noodles (besides Pho). I was excited to see that this place was filled with Asians. :-) and all the tables inside had it's own heating source, except patio seating. But everything else was nothing special. Overly priced. Grew up in Hawaii and got same type of shabu shabu for half the price. We tried both the sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu. Portion size was good. Flavor and sauces were good, nothing outstanding. Meet and veggies were fresh. Both were authentic and traditional Japanese style. We got both the white and brown rice. The white rice was too dry. Poki was not traditional style, way over priced, very small portion, overly spicy, served mixed in with avocado cucumber and sprouts. Service was ok, a little on the amateur side.
(3)Sam V.
Came here with two other couples (6 of us total) and we all got the AYCE shabu shabu on a Sunday afternoon before a Broncos game. Luckily it wasn't too busy and we were seated quickly. The spicy miso broth was the best tasting and most flavorful. Unfortunately the set-up is greatly different than what I was used to in SoCal and they brought 2 extra double burners because the tables were only really set for one. We were pretty cramped with our food and everything else taking up a lot of space. Pretty decent, but it's the best that Denver's got.
(4)M B.
On one snow covered night in Denver..What a great meal I will be back. Go Avs. Thank you Michiko...Domo Arigato
(4)Natalya P.
Shabu Shabu is a bit pricey but it is so worth it! This place prepares and serves the food the best out of three different Shabu Shabu places I've been to. You definitely get what you pay for. They also have an all you can eat special that is competitively priced and even though you can only get one kind of meat with that, it's a much cheaper option than having to order a ton of different cuts which can double your bill in no time.
(5)Kathy K.
Delicious Delicious Delicious! I am never disappointed! I already love their sukiyaki, but ENDLESS sukiyaki for weekend lunches!? Thought it couldn't get better, but then I tried their ramen burgers and it was incredible! I have never had such a delicious burger before! The ramen buns were perfection along with the patties. It was absolutely delicious. It was a little messy to eat and I am ashamed, but I had to, just HAD TO lick my fingers and the plate clean! Can't wait to go back! Also, the patio is super cute!
(5)Paula H.
Great location in LoHi. Nice space, bar, outdoor patio. The people next to us ordered spicy miso and it looked awesome. I will go back for that on a cooler night when hot comfort soup is in order. The sushi was just okay. Lots of wasabi and ginger came with the order. The sea urchin and salmon roe were off, and the co-owner did not hesitate to remove from bill. Paper enclosed cheap disposable chop sticks. Disappointment. This place has potential, how about real chop sticks? We were allowed to hang out and finish our wine while the staff cleaned up to close for the evening. I will go back and check out more on menu. If you are looking for just sushi, not the place.
(3)Heather M.
Awesome date night find! We sat on the patio and enjoyed drinks, miso soup, and sushi while enjoying the cool summer night. There's an inside portion - bar and restaurant - but the side patio is lovely. The sushi here is really excellent and there were some unique choices on the menu. Definitely a great find while walking around the Highlands.
(4)Kimmy T.
T and I came in on a snowy day. Perfect weather for shabu shabu! They still had the Restaurant Week deal so we got lucky. Tuna poke, tempura shrimp, shabu shabu, sukiyaki and chocolate cake = $60. We upgraded one order of beef to the Aspen Ridge beef, miso broth and had a large sake. Definitiely get a flavored broth because the normal broth is bland. Total = $85. I did shabu shabu and he ordered sukiyaki. I prefer shabu shabu. Sukiyaki is heavier and the flavor of the broth is a lot stronger but both are good. The upgrade on the beef was well worth it because I love fatty marbling. We should've upgraded to the Kobe. Maybe we'll do that next time. The place is pretty small so reservations are recommended. The service is good and the ambiance and decorations fit. The best time to go is on the weekends from 11-3 where they offer all you can eat for $27 a person.
(4)Junam L.
I remember going back to this place in early August of last year with few people from work and ordering sukiyaki because my boyfriend and I had shabu shabu last time we visited. The stove on where my boyfriend and I sat the volume couldn't get adjusted because it was broken and ended up burning our sukiyaki broth. After finishing our meal my boyfriend and I got our check and the waiter accidentally charged us for extra meat, and got that taken care of. Then this guy who's just a host started to make such a big deal and said that we did ordered extra meat for our sukiyaki. I seriously wanted to say something to him and tell him to shut the hell up. Possibly bring out the manager or owner to fire this idiot. After what the idiot host made a huge fuss about our order, we are not going to eat at this place anymore. Even one of my co-worker's husband was disappointed with this place. He said he can make better shabu shabu at home.
(1)Bear S.
Went here for shabu shabu and got the traditional shabu shabu. Very nice place. Cute location. I found the place overpriced. It's some veggies, some low-end meat and seasoned water. For $25+ per person. The "Japanese Coffee" was six dollars and was just a poor over in a fancy glass. You can make this at home for less than half the price and it will taste just as good. It's just way too expensive for what it is.
(3)Jay N.
Awesome Kobe beef for the shabu shabu. Make a reservation as seating is limited.
(5)Racheal T.
Simply delicious! Real Shabu Shabu in Denver! We love Shabu Shabu and have been to the Japanese Village in LA (Shabu Shabu House) and a previous location in Aurora, CO; Kobe An gets 5+ stars and definitely measures up as the real thing. The Ponzu dipping and don't forget the dicon radish are wonderful. It's worth the drive; price is a bit higher than the other Shabu Shabu we've visited. Beautiful ambiance and great service! Please tell all your friends about The Japanese "fondu" hot pot style cooking at Kobe An and take them with you; often!
(5)Chanel M.
A friend and I stumbled upon this place during restaurant week since everything else in the neighborhood was crazy busy. So glad to have found this gem. We split a tuna appetizer, tempura, and the Kobe shabu shabu. Everything was absolutely delicious and the service was impeccable. It was a slightly chilly Denver evening in which rain was imminent, but they graciously sat us on the charming patio which we had to ourselves. As it started to lightly rain halfway through our meal the staff came out right away to make sure the umbrella was situated perfectly over us and we were able to finish our experience without being bothered by the rain. Cocktails were a bit pricey but delicious nonetheless. What a great meal and memory!
(5)Heather S.
Great food, good price point, loads of fun, and very thoughtful gluten free options. We will definitely be adding this place to our restaurant rotation.
(5)Scott F.
Tucked on the corner of a residential street, this place is a hidden gem in the Highlands. My wife and I enjoyed a traditional shabu shabu meal that rivaled those we had while living in Tokyo several years ago. We fell in love with shabu shabu during our stay and bought all the equipment to make it at home, but coming here is so easy - no chopping or grating dikon or the elusive hunting for a place that can shave meat so thinly. This place is a win in our book.
(5)A T.
Got there 10 minutes before the place closed at 3 pm and was promptly seated with no issues. The server was friendly and helpful. Ordered the regular combo but paid extra $3 for the spicy miso broth. The order came with a bowl of miso soup, rice, 6 oz thinly sliced beef, a plate of Napa cabbage, carrots, green onions, yam noodles(?), udon, tofu, and mushrooms. Uncooked vegetables look more than they really are, and I was able to finished almost everything. The bill came out to be $30. Both the service and the food were good, but I gave it a 3* as I think it's slightly overpriced for what you get. But it seems like a fun place to share an experience with friends so I will probably go back and try their sushi and shaved ice.
(3)Christina O.
I've been in twice now. And it's so good. We went on Sunday for lunch and they have all you can eat Shabu Shabu! They had me sold at all you can eat. Try the miso broth for your shabu shabu. So good. The decor is so cute and it is a small place but so worth it. We had a reservation and surprisingly parking was easy to find. Seriously, going back for all you eat again soon. It's so worth your money!
(4)Jinny K.
I was excited to see that a place specializing in shabu shabu has finally opened in Denver so had to give it a try. Between the four of us we ordered two ribeyes, and one each of the other two. The kobe beef was so worth the price! I wasn't sure if the portion would be enough but all four of us were full by the end of dinner. I wish I had the stomach to try the shaved ice dessert but maybe next time.
(4)Ming T.
Good shabu shabu, but the meat section seemed to be a bit lacking. We ordered the rib eye and the beef was bit tough, even while cooking to a medium-rare stage. The broth for the sukiuaki was very tasty. Could have used more Udon noodles, the ones we had were cut up very small and the portions cooked very quickly. I think overall, the all-you-can-eat would be a better deal than the normal price. The veggies were a good portion though, and parking was great!
(4)Food A.
The food and service were great. Our group of 8 ordered 2 seaweed salads, 2 hot pots, and 2 shaved ice desserts to share. It was a good amount for everyone. I thought the food was comparable to the ones I had in California.
(4)Jeremy M.
Really nice ambiance with a tastefully decorated dinning room. Hostess and wait staff really attentive. Started with the Beef Negrimaki which was super delicious. Then had the regular ribeye and aspen shabu shabu which was well done. Their sauces we great and it came with a ton of vegetables. Finished with the Palisade Peach Snocone (Kakigiri) which was crazy good. Honestly can't find anything to complain about! We aren't from Denver but next time we come here we will be back. Well done to this restaurant.
(5)Diane C.
Don't go here . This place is over priced and not good . They need to go to California and learn how to make a decent broth . Even plain chicken broth is better !!!!!
(1)Daniel P.
Having moved from Los Angeles recently we have been looking for good (any) shabu shabu in Denver. A search on Yelp! pointed to Kobe An and I could not have been pleased with the whole experience. It is the like the shabu shabu that I am used to and we loved it. The location was easy to find, parking was easy and the service was great. We had a reservation but decided to sit at the bar. The restaurant was very accommodating and the bartenders were great in addition to providing us with friendly and attentive service. The food was great. We opted for the Rib Eye and we were very happy. The vegetable and meat portions were what I expected and tasted great. There was ample rise, noodles and sauces. Everything tasted great. I could go on and on but this place is the real deal and very authentic. Try it out and go with an open mind. This place is great. I can't wait to go back and try the all you can eat on Saturday and Sunday early afternoon.
(5)Whitney N.
If you want to be charged 23 a person and share a pot of shabu and this is the place for you. I hail from California so I've had my fair share of shabu shabu's but never have I ever got charge per person and it not be all you can eat. The shabu shabu base was quite plain for my taste. The hamachi poppers are a joke.. The only thing I would come back for is the shaved ice. Save yourself some money and skip this place. Don't get me wrong, I know Japanese shabu is expensive but this place is a rip off. So much of a rip off I had to yelp about it.
(2)Shaun N.
Now I don't rant and rave about many restaurants but Kobe An is a different story...coming from Hawaii where Japanese food is so predominant and Shabu Shabu is a staple; Kobe An does it justice! From amazing service, to fantastic food, they have it down to a T! Next time you're in the Highlands make sure you check this spot out!
(5)Nancy A.
Beautiful restaurant and great food! We've been waiting for a shabu shabu place in Denver for awhile now and so glad Kobe An Shabu Shabu opened their doors. They are currently offering an all-you-can-eat special for $26 dollars and it is definitely worth the money! They offer endless meat, veggies, noodles, rice and sauces. Their soup base is amazing. We decided on the spicy miso soup base and it was perfect. No complaints here. Can't wait to go back and try their shaved ice!
(5)Matthew K.
First of all, i am not sure why this place has 4 stars. Yes, the atmosphere is fine. But romantic atmosphere in shabu shabu place? Don't think it really count. Food - the condition of all 3 beefs were OK. But it's very expensive and they give very small amount. Kobe is around $54 per full order which comes with 6 very thin slices. I thought it was a slide of pork - doesn't worth it for $54, not even $10. I know I am from California and used to very good shabu shabu places but it's just totally waste of money. Ribeye which costed around $18 for full order, seemed it had no marbling at all. Hard to find the tenderness. Aspen natural beef which costed around $36 for full order was the best among these three options but still it was so-so. With 4 people (average adults), it costed around $500. We mixed all 3 beefs but it didn't make us full. Of course we had some sakes, rice, and some appetizers. Just order rices and extra noodles, it would save your money. But my recommendation is don't expect too much from this place. I wouldn't take my family or customers to this place again. Service - it was OK but it took awhile for them to serve us. Somewhat I felt as if something was not organized or managed properly.
(1)Shannon G.
I've never had Shabu, but our friend who dined with us had. It was so tasty! I loved the experience of "swishing" the fresh veggies and high quality beef, cooking at our table. The restaurant is gorgeous and they have the most inviting and cozy patio. When we return, I think we will try sitting at the bar which open air windows covered with bamboo shades. The shades make it feel like you are in a vacation spot! Love the service, can't wait to return!
(5)Sean H.
Returned to Kobe An on a Sunday for lunch when they do all you can eat. It was as good as the regular full price menu. No corners cut. Also they only charge $10 for kids 5-10 (not 100% on the ages) and nothing for kids under 5. That means for like $60 my wife, 3 yr old (who eats like an adult), my 6 year old, and I sat there for like 2 hours and ate more sukiyaki than half of Japan. And it was awesome. One nice thing about the all you can eat menu is that you can order more of just the ingredients you want. We had them bring us several plates of meat but also additional servings of noodles and about a hundred serving of the mushrooms. Don't tell too many people about their all you can eat menu on the weekend for lunch or else it'll get too crowded. But it's awesome. I'll probably go again this weekend.
(5)Michelle D.
It was our first time there. When we first arrived and asked for a bottle of wine. We were told after asking for 3 different red wines the waitress finally suggested one they had. Then onto the food. We had never been there and the waitress was annoyed that she had to explain what is the best way to cook our food. Extremely obvious. After we were done eating the waitress dropped the check and as soon as we were done signing the busboy reached over the entire table and grabbed the check. We still had wine and dessert on the table. We had to ask for a receipt since the bussboy took it. As soon as the waitress gave us our receipt went and turned the lights on pretty much kicking us out at 10 on Saturday when they close at 11. Guess they don't like people buying more bottles of wine.
(2)Kyle B.
One of my favorite handful of restaurants in Denver! Great sukiyaki you can't imitate nor find anywhere else (I tried to make Sukiyaki and failed to make it taste as great). I go here about twice a month and always look for the server, MICHIKO, who is the best waitress one can ever ask for. Ask for her when you come here and you will see! They also have all-you-can-eat sukiyaki on weekends, so make sure to try it. It will be easy to finish two full bowls of their delicious food!
(5)Linda L.
We did the all you can eat. We had a fairly large party and they were extremely accommodating. We got to have sukiyaki and shabu shabu with the spicy miso broth. A separate pot was even brought out for one of the guests who didn't eat beef. Overall, it was very well presented and delicious. I ordered an iced coffee with my meal. It was amazing. They even gave me simple syrup to put in it instead of just sugar packets. Then I had a palisade peach kakigori to polish it all off. YUMMY! As someone who has been to Japan, this is definitely up to par. The prices for dinner are steep though for what you get so all you can eat is definitely the way to go. Will be coming here again.
(4)Chris T.
I don't have anything to compare this to, as I haven't had shabu shabu before coming here, but I enjoyed the experience. We came on the weekend and had the "all you can eat." It seemed like a good deal. I know this set up can be a burden for the waitstaff as the customers will "keep on" asking for things... But - don't show it! Our waiter because irritated that we were asking for more broth... I think we asked 3 times for more broth... They would bring a small container each time, which was fine, but each time we asked for more, the waiter would sigh.... C'mon, there are four of us dropping over $100 in your restaurant and you're crabby about us wanting more boiling broth... What do you want us to dip the raw meat in? Our jasmine tea? Anyway - I don't usually rate service; the food is good and I recommend giving this place a try, especially if you haven't had it before!
(4)Megan D.
So amazing! Fun experience! Pricey but worth it! Husband got the Sukiyaki... nervous at first but LOVED IT! I got the Shabu Shabu... the sauce was FIRE! Such a perfect Date night! The shaved ice Pomegranate... so delicious! Not a fan of the green tea but the Pomegranate was on point!
(5)Kate T.
I had no idea what Shabu Shabu was until I was introduced to this place. I finally went last night and it was everything I could've hoped for. The whole experience is just fun, interactive, and tasty. The meat and vegetables were fresh and delicious, and the spicy miso broth gave them an extra kick. Definitely opt for the desert, I can't remember the exact name, but it is super fine shaved ice with flavoring, and it was excellent. I will definitely be back.
(5)Da L.
My sister and I had the Kobe beef which was excellent. For first timers, keep in mind the shabu shabu is going to be a little bland. I've been to shabu shabu places where they have a great selection of different types of broths but the one here is your basic soup base. Those places aren't as authentic I guess but I love flavorful broths. I wish this place had a wider selection of soup bases but it tastes clean and shabu shabu is always fun!
(4)W M.
Dined here on their opening night. Nice atmosphere and very attentive service. Shabu is basically dipping meats and vegetables in a pot of boiling broth with noodles. Here, the meats are delicious and the vegetables very fresh. The only drawback, most of us were starving after dinner. Prime cuts of beef are expensive, but maybe more noodles and other ingredient-portions would help. High price-point to be hungry after dinner. Cocktails were fresh and delicious.
(4)Kevin I.
Went to this place last night. It has a very cool ambiance and patio! The waiter was really nice and very knowledgable about the food. About the food: there are only 4 options of dishes to order three ribeye meals and 1 vegetarian dish prepared one of two ways. The idea seemed pretty interesting! Once we got the food though, it was very unexciting and very bland! They charge $23 dollars for the lowest tier steak item, which is extremely overpriced for the meal you're getting! For $23 dollars a plate you can definitely go someplace better! Cool idea but definitely need to work on a lot! Would not recommend... Save your money and go to linger!
(1)Deco G.
Every once in a while, the universe sends you a wonderful unexpected nugget of good fortune and reliable source of joy. For me that nugget is Kobe An. Shabu shabu is one of my favorite foods in the world, and sadly also one of the hardest to find. Even in Japan it's not as common as other types of traditional Japanese foods, and here in the US, much less Denver, forget about it. When I found out a shabu shabu restaurant was opening up in Denver, one block from my house no less (did I mention good fortune?), I was cautiously and skeptically excited. Shabu shabu is hard to find but great shabu shabu is even harder to find. I've had some meh versions in my life. Assuming the beef is a nice flavorful cut and the veggies/noodles are fresh and plump, what will make or break your shabu shabu experience is the goma dare, the sesame dipping sauce. Such a simple, yet critical part of this dish, and too many get it wrong. Not Kobe An. Their goma dare is exquisite. So good that I don't even bother with the ponzu. Everything gets dipped in the sesame sauce. Please, please, please don't ever change the goma dare. I absolutely love the shabu shabu at Kobe An, and don't take for granted that the generous spread they offer is perfectly fresh, flavorful, and a truly authentic, traditional experience all around. I love this place so much that I have been going once a week since it opened. I'm addicted to this food. Even friends who've never heard of shabu shabu before are clamoring to go back. This is one of the most un-guilty pleasures we indulge in. It's not only delicious. This is clean eating. You taste all the ingredients in their natural, unadulterated state. I also love the ritual of building up your own pot, cooking it yourself and eating it fresh and still piping hot. Their miso soup and gyoza are also top notch. Customer service is warm, flexible, and attentive. They go out of their way to accommodate customer requests. The only drawback is that they only have one cooktop built into a table of four. I'm used to having my own individual shabu shabu pot, and am not a fan of the communal pot. It's fine when I go with my boyfriend, but it gets a bit inconvenient and too familiar on a double date. They've told me they will bring out table top stoves for more pots at a table. But this is a minor bummer and obviously hasn't kept me away from Kobe An.
(5)Monique E.
We live in the neighborhood and stumbled upon Kobe An on their soft opening night. I lived in Japan and absolutely love Japanese food, but have been always disappointed in Denver because there are not that many options (besides your basic sushi and hibatchi, but of which are great, but I want more.!) So now we have a wonderful shabu shabu restaurant. The food was delicious and healthy and we felt very welcome with our 8 month old. (And added bonus is the table top does not heat up since it uses magnetics to cook, I think.) If I were to add one request it would be to make the portions a bit larger. Or perhaps it's because I'm nursing. I was a wee bit hungry afterward. P.S. I've been to their Lakewood restaurant and it was excellent. They had Okinomiyaki there and it was what I remembered when I had it in Japan. Hopefully, they'll bring to to the Highland location. hint, hint.
(4)Patrick G.
As a bit of a Japanophile, I was so excited when I heard that Kobe An was opening in Denver. Growing up, I visited Japan several times while my Dad was working abroad there. I have very fond memories of having shabu shabu on the 50th floor of the Sumitomo building in Shinjuku with him while there, and I just haven't been able to find anything close to that experience in the Denver area... until I went to Kobe An! He and I tried this place a while back, and it instantly took me back to feeling like I was in central Tokyo. I'm very grateful for that! I really really hope that this place is able to stay in business for a long time- I'm sure my family will be long time customers! Obviously the novelty of shabu shabu and its prime location in the Lower Highlands means that it is definitely expensive compared to other places on the west coast you might find. But shabu shabu is usually a bit of a splurge meal anyway, so as long as you go into it with that mindset, you'll be happy. Meat portion sizes are a bit smaller than Japanese standards, but they do fill you up with fresh veggies and rice. My only complaint is that they do break with tradition (at least from my experience in Tokyo) by not providing udon noodles at the end of the meal to finish off the stock that is made from the cooking process. Usually you will be provided with a bowl filled with salt and pepper, and you ladle the shabu shabu stock over cooked udon noodles to make a soup to finish the meal. I would absolutely love it if the restaurant provided that option for you (even if you have to pay for it, though it is usually complementary in Japan)!
(5)Carly H.
I love this place. Every city I visit, I have to find a shabu shabu place and this is definitely worth checking out. Great atmosphere, great service, amazing food. It's a bit on the pricey side, but most Shabu places are and you definitely get your money's worth.
(5)Erron F.
Staff were super friendly and knew their product very well. I think the cost is a little high for rice and vegetable. Maybe use sirloin and not just ribeye. Other than cost I was impressed and yes it was a learning experience!
(4)Brooke L.
My husband and I went last night and absolutely loved every second. We sat at the bar (great place for just two) and got to know the friendly bartender, Phil! He is great and provides wonderful service... He made me a great "saketini" to start! The food is to die for. We got two starters, the gyoza and the beef rolls (not sure proper name), and they were amazing. We shared the shabu shabu and got extra beef and an extra set up, but otherwise sharing was plenty with the starters. The hot sake is premium and delicious. We ended with a shared shaved Ice dessert. All in all it was a perfect evening... Between the food, ambience, and awesome service we'll absolutely be back...frequently!
(5)Tony S.
A really nice experience with really good food and gracious service. Go! You will be glad that you did.
(5)Dawn O.
Amazing! The sushi is delicious. The Kobe slider is unlike anything I've ever had. The drinks are top notch. My other half raves about the bourbon and whiskey drinks. We come here at least once a week.
(5)John R.
Shabu shabu! Swish swish. That's the sound of good things to come. I dined here on Saturday ( day 2 of the highly anticipated opening ) with a couple of friends who had never been to or eaten, shabu shabu. I myself have had the experience and I've made sukiyaki at home. First off the place is aesthetic to the eyes just like the other shabu shabu houses I've been to. Beautiful tables with induction range tops. We ordered both sukiyaki and shabu shabu from our fabulous server. She was new to the gig but very knowledgable and helpful ( I let my friends do the ordering so they could get the whole experience ) our meat choice was the rib eye. Both set ups were pretty good but I will confess that the portion sizes were small. Luckily we had eaten a hefty lunch so it was perfect but I was concerned about the amount of food you get. I agree the meat is quality grade so I get the price but the veggies/ noodles should be hefty as I've had in previous shabu houses. I don't feel the portion sizes are adequate. Maybe I missed something when we ordered. All in all the experience was pleasant and the food was top grade and fresh. It was a little awkward having the staff stare at us the whole time but I'm guessing that was because they weren't busy when we had dinner at 7pm on a holiday weekend. If the portion sizes increase I'll happily give it 5 stars but truth be told It's a pretty minor hiccup and I'm glad it's finally open. I will be returning. Note: they didn't have any mocktails ( boo ) PS Their patio is really nice!
(4)Marsha E.
The Kobe beef, American beef, gyoza, miso soup and shaved ice were awesome. I definitely recommend it. Oh, and the cocktail was amazing (think it started with a K). They apparently freshly squeeze the juices they use in the cocktails. Everything was fresh and delish and the service was exceptional.
(4)Ray M.
We just returned from an amazing meal at Kobe An. We started with the tuna poke appetizer which was very fresh with unique flavors and finished with their signature Shabu Shabu which was amazing as well. Our waiter, Phil, was excellent, making great recommendations for our food selections and he was very personable in explaining this unique dining experience. The restaurant itself is nicely finished, great tables and lighting, along with a nice bar and outdoor seating area. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. We live in the neighborhood and couldn't be more thrilled with having such a quality establishment right here in Lohi!
(5)Joc L.
The experience is cool, the food is ok, and the service was a bit amateur. The drinks take at least 10 minutes and we had to keep asking where they were. Don't pay attention to the price on the beef, I was with a group we each had the ribeye, aspen ridge, and Kobe beef...the ribeye is the least expensive and was the best and is a third of the price of Kobe. If you want a cool experience and have the time to spare, this place is worth a shot.
(3)V V.
Both my partner and I got shabu shabu with konbu broth (one regular rib cut and one aspen ridge). While we couldn't really tell which beef was better in terms of taste, both were of high quality and it seemed from the color and texture that the aspen ridge is of higher quality. The konbu broth was very good and msg free, and we liked how wasn't too salty so we could actually taste the food itself.
(5)Leslie H.
Had been wanting to try this place for months. Finally went on my bday. Service was great. Restaurant is small, but quaint. Ordered beef sliders on ramen for an appetizer. Decent, but I probably wouldn't order again. Main course was shabu shabu with regular beef. Portion size of beef was disappointing. Plenty of veggies however. Miso soup was also included. Overall food was tasty, sesame dipping sauce seemed home made. Wish they would have served yuzu with the shabu shabu, but they said they didn't have any. Paid about $75 for our meal with a beer.
(3)Brian L.
Overall dining experience was subpar. Food was good, but service was awful. After being refused service 2 weeks ago because they lost our reservation and wouldn't seat us in a near empty restaurant, some friends and I decided to try again. We were greeted by an unfriendly hostess who did not seem to want to be working. Waitstaff seemed unknowledgeable and slow. They were out of nearly half of the wines by the glass, which was told to us as we tried to order each one.
(3)Lance L.
Love this place! Trying to duplicate their sukiyaki but never really got it. Highly recommended...and service is excellent. Their sukiyaki is so good, a bit pricey, but so worth it. This is a neighborhood gem!!!! Anyone who loves Japanese cuisine should try this out!!!
(5)Rohn G.
Outstanding new restaurant has amazing Shabu shabu great ambiance and excellent service. Thank you for a wonderful evening. The entire family loved it
(5)lek t.
I went there about a week ago, and was pretty disappointed. My expectations may have been slightly high since I've been to a shabu shabu shop in California. The soup base here is so plain, it's only water and a piece of seaweed and you're not allowed to add any sauces or anything other then vegetables and meat which makes it pretty plain. The server literally said "if you put sauces in there, I will kick you out" that's nearly word for word. They are short on utensils also. It's nearly impossible to pick out the udon noodles from the soup since all you have is chopsticks. You're only supplied one bowl which is for rice. They should have supplied a 2nd one to be be used for removing the food from the pot to keep your rice dry. I feel like the only thing that went right was the sauces. Not to mention it costed us 60 dollars or so for 2. In California the same meal would have costed no more than 50 for 2 with tip included.
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