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| - Solid izakaya. Good food, reasonable prices, with just the right amount of culinary weirdness to remind you this is Vegas.
As a fellow yeep stated, "Kyara is either he poor man's Raku or the rich man's Ichiza" So true. Dishes do not deliver the authenticity or finesse of Raku but nor do the prices. A good thing for the izakaya noob.
For starters, top props to the spicy tuna dip served with rice crackers. Clean tuna flavor without the cloying mayo. Great textural contrast when eaten on the rice crackers. Other sashimi dishes are less successful, swimming in sauces that quickly "cooks" the fish (ceviche) and overpowers the subtle fish flavors.
Deep fried items deliver great flavor but do not order too many at once. Maybe it was busy on my visits but the oil is not hot enough, so the food gets soggy fast. Items with cheese; yes cheese, take on a very greasy, cloying mouth feel. Not good eats. Stick to simple items. The squid tentacles are absolutely delicious. Ranging from tender to tough with a salty finish. The gobo chips simple and earthy.
Finally, skewered and grilled items are all very good and averaging $2 a skewer, dirt cheap. Chicken and pork options moist, veg barely cooked exuding freshness, both with a delicious hibachi char. Great tasting marinades and sauces that give them all a flavor punch deserving of any beer. The enoki clusters wrapped in bacon is a must try.
Special note: Yamaimo is offered in many preparations on the menu. If you have never tried it before, it is very challenging texturally. Slimy and starchy. You either like it or you don't. Just sayin.
Friendly and efficient service. Very reasonable prices.
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