Arigato Japanese Steak House

Today is a sad day. Arigato's has closed its doors. Arigato is by far and away my favorite hibachi style restaurant. I have been to many other hibachi style Japanese steakhouses (Kobe, Shogun, Benihana, etc.) and they are all very similar. More than similar, in my opinion they could all be the same restaurant. Same ginger dressing (too sweet), same inferior dipping sauces, and they give you noodles (Arigato’s started doing this later on which I didn’t agree with). Arigato’s was truly unique among Japanese Steakhouses. The food was always incredible, the salad dressing amazing, and I would do almost anything for the Goody Goody and Yummy Yummy sauces. Not to mention the recent addition of the “Lunch Box” they started providing. When asked by anyone, “Where do you want to eat tonight?”, my answer was always, “Arigatos”. Didn’t matter the time of day or where we were. I cannot stress this enough, it is/was my favorite restaurant. Birthdays, anniversary, at random Tuesday night, doesn’t matter. I wanted Arigatos. I have been going to the Clearwater location since I was a small child, when they were originally located at NE Coachman and 19. Arigatos, you will be missed. I am happy I got to share this experience with my 3 year old son, who also loved to go see the “Fireman” at Arigatos. Edit: Two years later and I still miss this place. Such great memories and food!!!
Feb 5th, 2016

My family and I have gone to Arigatos for years. The food tastes amazing, however something just isn't right :( I sometimes forget why my family no longer goes there. Every time they eat at the Clearwater location they get very very sick, last night was no different for myself. It's been a while since I've been but I went to dinner with my sister last night. The guy that was at our table was vomiting in the parking lot, which was a warning as to what I should expect when I got home. It's such a shame because it's a fun atmosphere and the food tastes good, until you digest. Can't do it anymore.. Guess they really were on Dirty Dining for a reason!
Jul 18th, 2014

My first and last experience! I have taken my daughter (15) to Kobe every year for her birthday and this year she wanted to try this dirt hole. They asked how many birthdays were at the table. We raised our hands with two other older adults. They said she needed an ID to get $20 off her meal...didn't have and ID because she is 15 so the rude as server said...well its okay you can still stay and celebrate... OH THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO STAY! After the meal they brought out 2 cupcakes!!! Not 3...2! Because we did not have ID and were obviously paying full price...the youngest birthday DID NOT get happy birthday song or even acknowledgement! DISGUSTING! Not that that wasn't bad enough but the filthy long hair, non english speaking person who was filling water and boxing food...WAS RUDE AND VERY DIRTY LOOKING! DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND TO TO KOBE! I DID NOT LEAVE A TIP!
Feb 1st, 2014

Not happy about service! Worst dinning experience ever!
Nov 19th, 2013

I started going to Arigato's over 20 years ago, when it used to be in the free-standing building south of its current location. It has always been the place for birthdays and special occasions for my family. Even now, I live 1-1/2 hours from the Clearwater location and we still go there for birthday celebration dinners. Food and service are always excellent. We have tried other Japanese restaurants, and always come back to Arigato's, as it is our favorite and "Ted" has always been our favorite chef. Sometimes I miss the entertainment provided (the guy who used to entertain the kids with the tinfoil dinosaur putting matches in the dinosaur mouth and lighting them) and the option of the tinfoil origami leftover packages, as it was very unique to Arigato's. The food is always excellent, especially the scallops. There is always ample portions and if you want extra or to substitute, it is never a problem. I highly recommend Arigato's Japanese Restaurant.
Jul 22nd, 2013