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Drunken Monk brings Japanese food — and philosophical ideas — to 1438 El Camino Real in Menlo Park. The izakaya, which opened on Oct. 1, takes over the spot from the Japanese restaurant Gombei that closed during the pandemic.
“The name ‘Drunken Monk’ draws inspiration from a monk’s transformative encounter, symbolizing a break from societal norms,” Khloe Mak, the manager of Drunken Monk, wrote in an email. In the story, the monk’s experience challenged the traditional view that monks shouldn’t drink alcohol. “This concept fuels the restaurant’s core, fostering an inclusive space where patrons can break free from expectations and savor a unique journey to inner awakening,” Mak added.
Guests can expect Japanese fare, with typical starters like gyoza, tori kawa and karaage. Mak said that sukiyaki, a kind of Japanese hot pot prepared at the table, is a popular main dish. Diners can choose their type of wagyu and a side of rice or udon. Other crowd favorites include the yakitori grilled over binchotan charcoal and chawanmushi, a soft egg custard with shimeji mushrooms and seafood listed in their “Munchies” section.
Drunken Monk offers an extensive sake menu, as well as beer, wine and shochu-based cocktails. Nonalcoholic drinks include amazake, a fermented sweet rice drink, and moshi sparkling sodas.
The owners met seven years ago and share “a deep passion for Japanese culture and cuisine,” Mak said, founding Drunken Monk after years of working in Japanese restaurants. At the izakaya, they split up restaurant tasks; one oversees front-of-house reception and customer service, while another handles kitchen operations and menu items. They chose Menlo Park for what they saw as its potential for restaurant growth.
The interior of the restaurant is simple and neat, with wooden tables, blue walls and woven wood shades. Japanese lanterns and sake barrels serve as decorations. Drunken Monk has an indoor seating capacity of 40, and doesn’t offer private rooms or outdoor seating. The restaurant is only open for dinner, but the owners are planning to start lunch service in the next couple of months.
Drunken Monk, 1438 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 650-384-6668, Instagram: @ drunkenmonk_official. Open 4:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Monday and Wednesday-Thursday and 4:30-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.