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| - Ichiza deserves all the credit in the world (at least Vegas) for making non-Japanese people of Las Vegas aware of something called izakaya. They started the craze by offering up good Japanese-style tapas in a communal setting, in the heart of Spring Mountain, WAY ahead of their time. They've been around for at least 10 years, at it's just recently that this run of izakayas have emerged in town. Perhaps that's why, but this perennially packed joint has lost some of its crowd. Not to a point of detriment, but I remember going here when you literally had to wait 45-60 minutes to get in, and now it's maybe 5-10 minutes, if at all.
They have a LOT of items, many of which I have no idea what they are. Aside from getting menus, they are individually pasted all over the walls and I never bothered to check whether it's the same stuff as on the menu. I think many are not, so it would be worthwhile if you can read Japanese. The setting is wide open so it's great for people watching, especially since it is frequented by mostly young patrons. Service is passable, some girls are really nice and others are pretty much all business. But your stuff comes promptly, and service is rarely something to complain about.
The food, as may be expected from a place with such a large menu, can be hit-or-miss. I would say most are good to very good, such as myriad of their tofu dishes and excellent fried items (e.g. croquettes). Some are pretty good (don dishes & grilled fishes), and a few are not recommended (didn't like their udon). Chances are that you will find their dishes at least acceptable in most cases, so don't be afraid to order. I have been here many times and I can't say I've ever left with a sour taste in my mouth.
Table-for-1 Factor: While they have bar seating across from the chefs, I would not recommend hitting up an izakaya by yourself, especially this one. Just awkward.
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