
Jenpachi Japanese Steak House
3160 Wellner Dr NE #500, Rochester, MN 55906
About Jenpachi Japanese Steak House - steak house in Rochester, Minnesota
Modest Japanese restaurant featuring entertaining hibachi chefs, plus sushi & cocktails.
Customer Review Summary
Jenpachi Japanese Steak House offers a lively hibachi dining experience with a fun atmosphere and talented chefs. Many reviewers praised the quality of the food, particularly the steak and shrimp, which were well-cooked and flavorful, alongside delicious sides like fried rice and vegetables. Service experiences varied widely—from attentive and accommodating staff to rude and unprofessional interactions. Some diners reported issues such as cold food, miscommunication about pricing, and the presence of plastic in drinks, which raised safety concerns. Despite the negative encounters, several guests expressed their intention to return, citing the entertaining chefs and quality food.
Key Features
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Customer Reviews
Rating Distribution
Dustin Elder
Restaurant Review: Jenpachi Japanese Steakhouse – A Must-Try Hibachi Experience in Rochester, MN From the moment we walked into Jenpachi, the energy of the restaurant was lively and inviting. The sizzling sounds from the hibachi grills, the laughter of guests, and the aroma of freshly grilled food filled the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. We opted for the hibachi grill experience, and I went with the steak and shrimp combination. Watching the chef expertly cook everything right in front of us was half the fun—the flames, knife tricks, and humor made for an interactive and entertaining meal. The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The shrimp were equally impressive, grilled just right with a delicious smoky-charred touch. What really elevated the meal were the sides—fluffy, flavorful fried rice, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and, of course, the famous yum yum sauce, which I could have easily drizzled over everything. Each bite was rich, savory, and bursting with flavor. The atmosphere at Jenpachi is lively but comfortable, making it the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends, family, or even a date. The service was top-notch, with friendly staff who ensured everything was just right. If you’re looking for great food, an entertaining dining experience, and a lively environment, Jenpachi is the place to go. I’ll definitely be back for another round of hibachi fun!
Ashley Smith
I really hate to do this, but this was the first time in all my life I could not leave a tip. To start, we walked in and I said hi, how are you? And the waitress said, “well I’m working- I’m alive” “I had a baby two weeks ago and can’t stand being at home so I’m here instead.” Immediately thrown off. Then we were walked to the griddle area where most like to sit to watch the experience at hand- although, we were on date night so I had to ask for a table which they only had 2 in the restaurant. We were sat under a huge fan next to a utility sink. I thought okay, freezing but maybe my fiance will nestle in. We ordered the filet mingon sushi roll with shrimp tempura- bad start, no flavor whatsoever. Then when we got our salads the waitress (not upset at her or holding a grudge) spilled ginger sauce all over my purse etc. I was starting to get anxiety. I order the lobster and steak and it comes out cold to touch. I felt so bad to tell our waitress about it but I decided if I’m paying all this money I better. It’s even asked her to feel it. I felt so bad at this point. But here we are, she says maybe we can comp it, and I suggest brining me out a side of “hot” shrimp. So they get that cooking. Mind you my food is ice cold, I’m freezing under this giant fan and everything seems run down. Another waitress/possibly manager role comes over and asks how is everything? But it did not feel genuine. I stated that the food was very cold and she argued the situation with me to the point I put my head down and stopped responding (I’m pretty dang assertive too). I couldn’t believe she was arguing with a guest spending money and I was very calm & respectful about it. The lobster was cut up into little pieces so cold- and the meat was like it was taken out of the fridge. I couldn’t believe it. I will absolutely never return unfortunately. We were never checked on after that. There’s no liveliness there anymore and way overpriced for cold, cut up food. We paid over $80. No “sorry” was given.
Ross TerBeek
This place is wonderful , we are visiting for a week we have been there twice so far. Alfredo and his brothers and the whole staff are very accommodating and handled our special dietary restrictions like champions. Would recommend to anyone. Fantastic food, fantastic atmosphere, fantastic staff. 10 out of 10
Thomas Bryant
The food was decent, but the customer service was extremely disappointing. Upon entering, we were informed of a “2-for-$35” deal, which my friend and I decided to order. However, when it was time to pay, the total came to $50. When we inquired about the discrepancy, the owner informed us that the deal was not available on weekends—something that was not communicated to us when we placed our order. Additionally, rather than addressing our concerns professionally, the owner spoke to us in a condescending manner, stating, “If you had a business, you would understand how hard it is,” while completely dismissing the issue of the unexpected charges. Really had high hopes for this place, but won’t be returning!
Mohamed
The staff was extremely rude, and they overcharged us by $20 compared to the menu prices. The portions were ridiculously small, and the lady serving us was especially disrespectful. Absolutely would not recommend this place to anyone!
Foster Zittel
Great experience; great food and a hilarious chef! 10/10 would recommend.
Christina McCarthy
I went to Jenpachi this weekend to celebrate a birthday with friends. We all had some alcoholic blended beverage. After having a few sips of my drink, I noticed some pieces of 'ice' (well I thought it was ice), in my mouth from the drink that wasn't dissolving. Come to realize that it was actually a sharp hard piece of plastic. I had already swallowed one piece of plastic. I brought it up to the waitress and they brought it up to someone else. I told them as I wanted them to check the blender and their ice machine that no other pieces of plastic were in there for their other customers and to be VIGILANT to not do that again. Service is a 2/5 stars b/c they confirmed they checked the blender but not the ice machine and they offered a $5 coupon.... and the drink cost $10. Another friend, then noticed plastic in her drink as well and spit out a few of them. They also were offered a $5 drink but she also stopped drinking her drink in fear of swallowing plastic. I think there should have been way more compensated given 1) its a safety risk to have sharp hard plastic in one's drink2) the drink was $10 and was offered $5, 3) I have been nervous since if that one piece of plastic I swallowed is out of my system at this point. I didn't want to make a bigger stink about it at the time as it was a birthday occasion and supposed to be fun. Of course the food was excellent and a happy fun atmosphere. Just staff please be vigilant and slow down what one's doing to ensure safe products are provided to your customers.
Leah Marx
We visit this place a couple times a year and it’s always great quality food! Chefs are entertaining and get everyone at the table involved in the cooking process. 2.16.2025
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