The first time you’re driving upstate and you see a Japanese building perched above I-87, you might do a double take. Next time, turn off the road, go through the big red torii gate, and drive up a private mountain to the sprawling, party-ready time warp that is Mt. Fuji. But call ahead first, because this hibachi restaurant with a view is perpetually packed with folks who enjoy being sung to on their birthdays, preferably by a guy dancing around under a dragon head. (They also do weddings.)
Mt. Fuji in Hillburn opened in 1985, and it’s the last remaining location of a NJ hibachi chain that was started in the ’60s by a former Olympic wrestler. (They had nine restaurants at one point; the second-to-last one was demolished recently to make space for a Shake Shack drive-thru.) The heavy wooden tables and booths feel well-weathered, the neon cocktails are syrupy sweet, and the food is a few decades behind the curve. But there’s just something about watching families laughing and clapping as a chef flips an egg into a tall hat and pulls out a stuffed toy chick that feels completely timeless.
It’s good, old-fashioned fun with a few modern touches. Your chef might go straight from belting out Stevie Wonder to singing Chappell Roan, and there’s a newer bar area that looks like a classy airport lounge. Time your table reservation for sunset (and request one with a view), but go get a drink at the lounge first: On a clear day you can just about make out the city over the hills.
Food RundownCocktails
Lurid. Get a tiki drink for the bit, but then move on to beer. They have a small selection of sake, too.
photo credit: Sonal Shah
Sushi
There’s a whole sushi bar here, but you don’t really need to delve into this section of the menu.
photo credit: Sonal Shah
Hibachi Specialties
All the proteins come with some hibachi shrimp (which do a little dance on the knife before landing on your plate), an oniony soup, salad, fried rice, noodles, and some vegetables. You don’t need to splurge on the lobster or the “Shogun Duet” with sirloin and filet mignon—in fact we kind of enjoyed the simple tofu and vegetable option most. Unless you really need red meat, the Banzai chicken is a fine choice, too, and comes with a more flavorful sauce. Just know that the garlicky fried rice will probably be the best thing on your plate.
photo credit: Sonal Shah
Banzai Ceremony
Please note, having someone come by your table wearing a dragon head and bearing a pineapple with a candle in it costs a little bit extra.
video credit: Sonal Shah
AloJapan.com