5 to Try: Izakaya Houses

by sfgirl06 - 1 Review - 261 Lists

Updated: July 07, 2008

Izakaya houses, also known as ale-houses in Japan, are springing up all over the city, introducing San Francisco to Japan's comfort food cuisine--pork, fish and veggies, braised, pickled, and fried--and the copious sake and beer drinking that often goes with it.

5 to Try

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended O Izakaya Lounge
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    1625 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115 (map)

    Located in the Hotel Kabuki, this Japanese-baseball-themed spot serves izakaya dishes like braised Berkshire pork belly along with specialty sakes in a pub-like space lined with flatscreens playing sumo and Japanese baseball.

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Sozai
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    1500 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122 (map)

    Known as the city?s authentic izakaya house, Sozai?s raucous drinking scene and excellent Japanese cuisine make it a destination for group-dining twentysomethings.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Umami
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    2909 Webster St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)

    This izakaya-style dining destination for locally sourced food sprinkled with flavors from throughout Asia doubles as a Marina singles scene.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Oyaji Restaurant
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    3123 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121 (map)

    Artfully presented Japanese small plates and sushi are the highlights at this quirky, convivial Outer Richmond haunt.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Nihon
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    1779 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)

    More than 120 varieties of whiskey and izakaya small plates lure in the uber-stylish set.