yuki izakaya

LC: All over the world I’ve been to formal sushi bars with white-coated men who sing a traditional “irasshaimase” when you walk in the door. I’ve dined at pristine Japanese restaurants with private tatami rooms, demure kimono-clad servers, and multi-course omakase tasting menus. On the other end of the spectrum are izakayas—these are the places where the Japanese let their obi sashes and salary men’s ties loose. Often beat-up holes in the wall, they're the equivalent of dive bars here (über dark inside with loud music playing). But they do have food—always good food. Yuki is the perfect example of an izakaya. While octopus dumplings and spicy cod roe pickles might not be the equivalent of American chips and dip, this is what makes Yuki the real deal, with decent bowls of ramen and vintage Japanese gangster movies shown on the brick wall for added effect.