Neko Sushi & Hibachi

***CLOSED*** Nekos in Wappingers closed about 3 weeks ago. This really sucks. The New Paltz location is still alive and breathing and that’s a good thing.

As a tradition, I come here with my best bud in Poughkeepsie whenever I visit. I even came here for his post-​wedding dinner reception. However, I find it funny that this is the place we choose because (not to jinx it or have them spit in my food), but I think this place is only mediocre at best. Their food is greasy (although delicious) and the chefs at the hibachi do a sluggish job during lunch hours. I still like their onion volcanoes and they’ll go through the normal motions of providing entertainment and cooking at the same time. If you haven’t seen hibachi before, you’ll probably think this stuff is absolutely incredible. It certainly is entertainining :)
I haven’t really eaten at many other restaurants in Poughkeepsie, so this one might be the cat’s pajama’s awesomeness (if you’re into this type of asian cuisine). In NYC standards, however, I don’t think the restaurant would do too well. It has the fire and the cooking, but somehow missing some flare and uniqueness. It’s a little hard to put into words… so I would suggest giving it a go and ordering one of the hibachi meals.

Fast service in the regular dining room. Always have had great sushi here.
They have a wide variety of sushi rolls and sashimi which is nice since we have dined there often.

Neko means cat in Japanese. Not sure why they named it that but it causes many Americans to pronounce it «neck-​o» instead of «née-​koh.»
Anyways, lunch and dinner hibachi is very cheap here compared to Osho’s. The food tastes about the same quality and the space is about the same, too. There are private rooms and non-​hibachi dining areas. You can always order hibachi and not sit at a hibachi table if you don’t prefer the «frills» of it.
I can’t rate the sushi because I am not a fan of sushi. I’ve only had the hibachi lunches and dinners.
The wait staff is neither nice nor rude. They all have the same «stone face» look about them. Also, if you tip too low for them (their definition of too low), they will go after you and yell at you, trying to convince you to pay more.
I’ve had better Japanese food because I’ve searched for it. But for those who are not picky and don’t mind good food, but not particularly true ethnic Japanese food, it’s for you.

Only went here once and from what I can remember after a sake-​and-​vodka induced haze, it was only an OK place.
We were just about the only customers in this joint except for maybe two other tables who were so quiet. I remember the sake came quickly, went down fast and made me see double.
The rolls were okay and the ‘crunchy’ tobiko flakes always gives extra flavor.
My usual is crabmeat rolls and Boston rolls. The two were both mediocre. Miso soup was dandy and the place seemed pretty clean.
Not bad but I’ve had better sushi [from within the area] that left me with more of a WOW versus… wait what?
Three stars.

Really good. And they have natto rolls!
I was worried when we walked in and the place was empty, but it was early Sunday evening so maybe that’s why. They had a lot of unusual nigiri and rolls and I was half expecting the waiter to tell me they didn’t have this or that but, no, I got everything I ordered and it was fresh and well-​prepared. My daughter had the fried ice cream for dessert and loved it. Our waitress was very low-​key, but attentive so that’s okay.
We’ll be back again.

I spend a lot of time in the Hudson Valley since my folks have a house in Dutchess County. It is beautiful there and a great place to visit or even live if you are not the urban or suburban type. I like riding my motorcycle with Niki on the back up the winding road known as the Taconic State Parkway. I especially like the stretch through the hilly parts of Westchester and Putnam counties. In the fall the stretch just north of 84 is incredible with the colorful trees about to shed their leaves.
On route 9 you will find a sushi — hibachi establishment known as Neko. For many years Osho has ruled the sushi — hibachi world in the valley but mediocre food and service have plagued Osho and their fall from grace was made complete by the opening of Neko just down the street.
We have enjoyed this establishment countless time with friends and family. The selection of Japanese food here is only rivaled by their vast sake bar menu. Honestly, I haven’t found a selection of sake this extensive outside HARU Sake Bar or the private Japanese clubs in NYC which I have had the privilege of visiting with clients.
So what’s the story morning glory? Well, I’ll tell ya!
If you want Sushi, Hibachi, or Both. This is the place to be in the H.V.
If Hibachi is your thing, just take a seat at one of the many tables and your order will be prepared table side by one of their Hibachi masters. From shrimp, chicken, and lobster to their coveted Neko steak, you will be delighted by the skill and taste of Neko’s Hibachi.
If sush is your flavor, then bring your party for a under the sea feast. Start with a bowl of miso, salty and hot, that’s what I’m talking about. Followed by a nice and tasty seaweed salad. Yeah I know it’s seaweed but just try it and you will find that next time your having sushi you will be scanning the menu for it.
Now for the sush!
Niki and I always start with hand rolls. Spicy Tuna, Spicy Yellow Tail, Spicy Salmon, take your pick you cant go wrong. Follow that with some of their special rolls. We like the Norway Ginger Roll which is Norwegian mackerel, ginger, and scallions. Nordically Delicious!!! The Macarena Roll is much cooler than the dance, its eel, crab, avocado, and cucumber with fish eggs. The Dynamite Roll is simply that DYNOMITE!!! yummy tempura shrimp, crab, avocado with fish eggs and spicy sauce.
Sake is a very personal drink. From dry to fruity, hot to cold their is a vast difference in flavor from one bottle to the next. I enjoy something in between and I have found my brand. Wakatake Onikoroshi — Demon Slayer medium bodied and full of flavor it is an exceptional sake.
A vast array of wines are available and if you haven’t tried plum wine yet, here is your chance and you will be thanking me later.
Do they have dessert at Japanese Restaurants? Of course they do and if you want something special Neko’s got it. Ask for the Tempura Ice Cream but substitute the vanilla for green tea. Now green tea is not everyone’s favorite but when made into ice cream, ohhh so special. Give it a try and you’ll be wanting more.
So now you’ve experienced Neko sushi first hand and a better person for it, now all you have to watch out for is the HSNS!