Izakaya Restaurants in the USA

Our guide to izakaya restaurants

Japanese restaurants include sushi bars, ramen shops, izakayas (casual drinking spots with small plates), teppanyaki grills where chefs cook at the table, and specialists in tempura, udon, katsu or yakitori. Many sushi restaurants also offer cooked dishes and bento boxes, so there is something for diners who do not eat raw fish.

At a sushi bar, sitting at the counter lets you watch the chefs and ask what is freshest that day. Omakase – leaving the selection to the chef – is the most traditional way to eat, while rolls with sauces and toppings are an American innovation that most menus now feature heavily.

Opening hours

Based on 6 izakaya restaurants across the US with published hours, the typical weekday schedule runs from 11:45 AM to 10:00 PM. 67% are open on Sundays, 33% are open seven days a week and 83% stay open until 10 PM or later.

Prices

Across 7 menus from izakaya restaurants across the US, the median item costs $11.00; half of all priced items fall between $6.60 and $17.00. The most common menu sections are Ramen.

Services

Of 7 izakaya restaurants with detailed profiles in our guide: 100% list “dine-in”, 100% list “delivery”, 100% list “accepts reservations”, 86% list “good for kids”, and 71% list “takeaway”.