Coming here late at night, I didn't think there would be many ppl, but there was a steady stream of local looking customers (i.e. sans cameras and not burnt to a lobster red) during our meal. Always a good sign.
Our order:
-Sea Urchin and Salmon Carpaccio: Uni for under $10?! Uni was not incredible on its own, but the dish together was delicious! I don't even want to know how they can price uni so low. Accept and move on...8/10
-Chicken Cartilage: Why would someone order the cartilage? For some, animal connective tissue is considered healthy for your skin. For me, I grew up eating it, and actually love the crunchy texture more than meat itself. This rendition is simply salted and still had some meat attached. Good. 7/10
-Sea Urchin and Nori Paste Spoon: This was delightful, and not at all salty despite the nori paste. Again, it's uni and it's at a crazy price, but is still fresh. 8/10
-Sake and Ikura Bowl: This is a generous bowl of chirashi for less than $8...Why on earth is this place considered $$ by Yelp?! Sake wasn't even cut thin. Incredible. 9/10
-Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen: Noodles were deliciously al dente, but broth was meh. It didn't taste like tonkotsu, but by no means bad. 6/10
This place is a total gem of a find. Very reasonable and still good izakaya food. There were so many other items on the menu I want to try, so you bet that we'll be back!