Seemor
AburayaBWorth Trying
362 17th St, Oakland, CA 94612
· Japanese restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Beer store
· 4.7/5 Google (1343 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative Japanese fried chicken with big portions, great value, and lively punk vibe; best for takeout or quick eats, with occasional consistency and service rough edges.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Aburaya delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality and exceptional value, with crispy-juicy chicken and generous portions that justify its loyal following. However, inconsistent sandwich builds and occasional dry pieces prevent a higher grade, while limited seating and high noise levels make it better suited for takeout than lingering meals. The punk-rock energy and gluten-free focus create character, but execution gaps keep it competitive with—rather than ahead of—the area's better casual dining options.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels loud and lively with punk decor and merch lining the walls, a counter up front, and trays flying during the lunch and pre-show rush. Diners talk about crispy-juicy chicken and value, while one summed up the model: "You order up front, pick up, and bus your own table." The cooking leans creative comfort with Japanese flavors: shio-koji marinated fried chicken, shichimi and sansho teriyaki, taco rice, and even a fried chicken burrito. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: familiar fried-chicken pleasures with bright, fusion accents rather than fine-dining theatrics. Expect big portions, lots of seasoning choices, and occasional inconsistency on sandwiches or saucing. For families, this is easy and generous. The Family Meal feeds a crowd, tater tots and simple bowls suit many kids, and the gluten-free focus lets celiac households eat together. There is no formal kids menu, seating is limited and loud, so many families opt for takeout to keep it relaxed.
At a Glance
- Big, flavorful portions at wallet-friendly prices
- Gluten-free fried chicken and solid vegan options
- Seating is limited and noise can be high
- Inconsistent sandwiches and occasional dry pieces
- Order ahead for lunch or pre-show rush
What Sets It Apart
- gluten_free_fried_chicken
- punk_rock_decor
- family_meal_value
- broad_vegan_options
What People Love
- Crispy-juicy chicken with bold seasonings
- Enormous sandwiches and shareable packs
- Fast ticket times for a quick meal
- Playful punk attitude and value pricing
Points of Concern
- Crowded, loud space with limited seating; better for takeout during peak times
- Sandwich build and bread texture can vary by visit
- A few reports of old or mishandled items; no phone line frustrates problem resolution
- Review patterns show signs of typical fast-casual variability rather than manipulation
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$22-30 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose dry seasonings for takeout crispness (e.g., shichimi)
- Add a side like Elote or Tater Tots to round out a bowl
- Dessert fans: try Matcha Flan or Yuzu Cheesecake at $6-7
Perfect For
- Pre-concert eats near the Fox Theater
- Casual office lunch or team takeout
- Families needing gluten-free fried chicken
- Hungry diners chasing big portions on a budget
Location Insights
Area: Central downtown block serving office workers, concertgoers, and locals; lively, urban, and casual.
Safety: Busy corridor with typical downtown foot traffic; generally safe with crowds, standard urban caution at night.
Nearby: Near Fox Theater, offices, bars, and Lake Merritt; convenient for pre-show meals and takeout.
Uptown OaklandUptown Oakland is a trendy and rapidly developing neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and music venues. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual eateries to upscale establishments, catering to a crowd that values creativity and social engagement. The area is pedestrian-friendly and popular for evening outings.
Gold CoastThe Gold Coast is a historic and upscale sub-area within Uptown, characterized by luxury apartments, boutique shops, and high-end restaurants. It offers a more refined dining atmosphere compared to the broader Uptown area, attracting a clientele interested in premium experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday17:00–21:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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