A few months back, my sister wanted us to try out this place and since she had a groupon for 40$ off.. why not..
Located around Church and Wellesley, Chou Izakaya is quite similar to other Izakaya places in that of having a bar style experience. However you have to make reservations before coming which seems a bit weird but nevertheless we didn't have any problems with the reservations.
As I last remembered, we went there during the superbowl which I totally regretted later because I missed out the Superbowl but nevertheless the place wasn't that packed and we were properly seated in picnic-like tables similar to other Izakaya restaurants. Unlike Guu Izakaya, the ambiance was quite the opposite than that place, while Guu is quite noisy at these times, Chou feels quite somber although it could be attributed by the fact that it allows only people who made reservations.
Regardless, the service was somewhat a hit and miss.. having the place to be half full and more later is one thing but waiting awhile for food to come is another.
The food is also a hit and miss, we had the kimchi pork cheese which was quite salty and we had other apps that just destroyed my appetite..
However the sushi burger was quite good, the rice patties that hold it together was crunchy and has some flavour to it even though the burger was decent and less juicy. The takoyaki was the highlight of our meal.. at first I was creeped out by the wavy flakes on top of the octopus balls but it was pretty oishi (delicious). The curry korokke and niku maki was good as well..
Overall, if you happen to have a groupon for this place then its somewhat worth it considering that our bill was 30+ dollars (original was 70$ minus the discount). Although other places like Guu Izakaya and Sakabar is much more worth it than having to make reservations. However the ambiance is quite somber and I would highly recommend the takoyaki...