J’s Teriyaki and Pub

Reviews

• Elizabeth H.

  star star star star star 13 June 2026

  This place was absolutely wonderful!! I was in town with friends for a conference, and we serendipitously stumbled upon this place that just turned out to be a gem! The teriyaki tofu was incredible! The sauce was so flavorful but not overwhelming. The owners were so kind! They came and talked with us and were just so genuine. I would definitely recommend this place and will go again if I'm in the area!!

• Greg L.

  star star star star_border star_border 6 June 2026

  TL;DR - 3.5 for a standard Japanese joint that might not blow you away, but the staff is kind with prompt service and the food is satisfying.
  ____________________
  
  CONTEXT: Came through with 3 co-workers for lunch and ran into another colleague with her husband! It's a regular for people who work nearby at our Salem clinic, though I've only been once.
  
  FOOD/DRINKS
  -- Tempura Udon: Standard. The broth wasn't very flavorful and was a little too hot for my taste, but was comforting on a chilly day nonetheless. I haven't had udon at any of the other Japanese places in town, so can't compare to anywhere else local. Definitely not bad especially as one of the daily specials, so $1 or $2 off (can't remember now).
  -- Kiss of Fire (roll): My 2 co-workers who both ordered this definitely felt the fire. They both said they don't handle super spicy very well but can usually do spicy tuna, but were having a fun time fighting the heat throughout our meal. It looked like they used sriracha or something similar, and there was a generous spread of it on the roll, which looked like a generous portion.
  
  STAFF
  Lovely! She was prompt, quick to refill out waters, and brought us our change as origami. My co-worker's come through a few times to dine in and has called to take out, and the front-of-house woman apparently recognized her by voice!
  
  SPACE/LOCATION
  They have a nice, quaint space. It's a little cozy with a handful of tables.

• Jennifer L.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 31 May 2026

  I absolutely cannot fathom how anyone could think this establishment makes good or even edible food. I guess you get what you pay for though----mediocre sushi and the worst cuts of chicken.

• Breanne W.

  star star star star star 29 May 2026

  This is our favorite family sushi joint. They have incredible yakisoba noodles too with vegetables cooked just right. The Lancaster roll, kiss of fire & emperor roll are fantastic.
  
  The staff is friendly & eager to meet your needs, as well as get to know their customers personally.

• Mimi A.

  star star star star star 15 May 2026

  I was actually on my way to Del Taco when I saw J's Teriyaki tucked inside a small strip mall.  I decided to check out their menu in the window, and then called hubby to see if he wanted that instead.  He's from Hawaii all his life, so been missing authentic Asian food outside the home.  I went inside and was greeted by a friendly lady with a Korean accent.  I was excited to tell her she was the first Korean I've encountered in Salem.  I'm half Korean so it was nice seeing someone "like me." Anyway, after reading the whole menu to husband, he decided on Chicken Katsu and I got vegetable Tempura.  I didn't wait too long, and when I got home to open the delicious smelling food, I was pleased at the way it looked.  It was fresh batter and fresh veggies.  My husband knows more about Asian cuisine than I do, and he said the Katsu was ono.  I liked my food, too.  We will be back soon.  I'd post a pic of his food, but the pic didn't come out good.