50 East Main Street (Rt. 30)
Westborough, MA 01581
(508) 898-1880
A friend wrote, “Have you been to Sapporo yet? Did you like it? I went one time when it first opened and had such a great lunch that I couldn’t wait to go back…. and never went back. Go figure.”
I did go to Sapporo went it opened back around 2006. It was a family outing. I like trying foods and learning cultures from around the world….and let’s just say the kids were not thrilled. Unlike a teppanyaki style Japanese restaurant where there’s a bit of a show, my recollection is Sapporo coached us preparing delicious food we wrapped in lettuce. Self prepared foods wrapped in lettuce; had you been there you may have thought we had taken the kids to participate in Fear Factor.
The parking lot at Sapporos always seems busy, so with the kids away, I boldly
ventured back to Sapporo. I heard they have a bartender named David who makes a great Mai Tai…..so I needed to understand this in greater detail.
Entering around 6PM on a Saturday night, I was instantly reminded of Disneyworld. Inside the large rectangular space are four distinct areas, each on this night seemingly catering to a different demographic:
- BBQ area - the Korean version of the teppanyaki. This areas had families with happy children. (And no sign of Joe Rogan of Fear Factor.)
- Sushi bar – a busy, well lit area churning our sushi
- Restaurant area – where the mature set was having dinner
- Bar area - nearly filled with 20-30 somethings, singles and couples
My personal demographic would have me in the restaurant, and feeling rebellious I declared a protocol violation was appropriate and sat at the bar. No worries, I was welcomed by some of the crowd…who knew me because they had gone to school with my kids.
A bartender instantly appeared, and it was indeed Mr. David Wong. David was formerly at Cheng Du, and has moved his Mai Tai Mystique to Sapporo where his Daughter and Son-in-Law run the place. It is clear David has a loyal following, and he greeted many by name.
I’m not a big fan of umbrella drinks. David’s Mai Tai is an exception…..filled with an intoxicating blend of subtle flavors without any one flavor being overwhelming.
Looking at the dinner menu, I asked David for a recommendation. He asked what I was in the mood for 
(beef, chicken or fish) and turned the menu to the page for Korean Barbecue. I opted for Pork Bulgogi, sliced pork marinated in spicy sauce.
Each BBQ entrées is served with rice, miso soup and Korean side dishes. I was immediate served the side dishes, and the miso soup. The soup was quite good, and I enjoyed sampling the side dishes before my entrée was served.
The pork entrée was served on a sizzling skillet, and included grilled vegetables. While I could tell the selection was spiced, it was not overwhelming as some can be. The grilled vegetables were all “crisp” (how I like them) rather than an overcooked mush.
Sapporo also does take out, and I observed a fair number of bagged take-out meals heading out the door.
Still reflecting on my original visit to Sapporo, I also remembered my daughter three months after coming home after graduating college. “Dad, Westborough is dull.” My response was, “Yes, isn’t it great?” I get Westborough being seemingly dull to a 21 year old, and even helped with her move into Boston. After visiting Sapporo and seeing 20 somethings enjoying themselves, I sent my daughter a text, “Hey, after college when you lived in Westborough, did you ever go to Sapporo?” “Nope, I’ve never been – how come?” “Had you, you never would have left!”
As I was leaving, I asked one couple what brings them to Sapporo and keeps them coming back…and was told David’s Mai Tais and Keno. There are lots of places to play Keno in Westborough, so my guess is the combination of great food, $5.95 Mai Tais, and a comfortable atmosphere combine like the subtle flavors of David’s Mai Tai….making Sapporo a popular place in Westborough.
Hours
Kitchen Hours:
-
- Monday CLOSED
- Tuesday – Saturday 11:30am to 10:00pm
- Sunday 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Bar Hours:
-
- Monday CLOSED
- Tuesday – Thursday 11:30am to 11:00pm
- Friday and Saturday 11:30am to 12:00am
- Sunday 12:00pm to 10:00pm
;)
Sapporo Korean BBQ & Sushi gets a GREEN LIGHT…go and enjoy.
About the RAG scale:
Green Light – Go and enjoy
Amber Light – Use caution
Red Light – Save your time and money