Susuru

A trendy, local Izakaya restaurant that pays homage to Japanese cuisine and pop culture, Susuru offers a menu that features delicious small plates that will leave your taste buds satisfied. Decorated floor to ceiling in vintage Japanese toys, neon signs, and banners, the restaurant has a bustling energy that immerses you wholeheartedly. An abundance of skewers, noodles, and rice bowls are included within the diverse menu.

Highlights include the Chicken Karaage, which leaves the kitchen piled high and fried to perfection, accompanied by a light yuzu sauce that pairs perfectly with the salty meat. A definite crowd-pleaser, it’s sure to delight even the pickiest of eaters.

Another favorite of ours is the Mi-So-Hot ramen, a spicy take on a classic miso broth. Crafted with colorful chili hair, a jammy soft boiled egg, and a tender pork chashu, the dish possesses a complex umami flavor with bright undernotes. For those who do not care to partake in meat, the dish can also be ordered sans pork and still is a fantastic and nuanced bite. Though this bowl is not for the weak hearted, for those who can appreciate an effusive spice, this is a must-get.

An order of the Yaki Onigiri Chazuke comes with a pouring of tea broth over a grilled rice bowl, finished with an abundance of scallions and sesame seeds. A cozy order that warms even the chilliest of days, the inclusion of mentaiko lends the dish a savory, salty quality wonderfully offset by the subtle notes of the tea broth.

Other honorable mentions include the silken tofu, grilled shishito pepper kabob, and crispy gyoza. We also suggest washing it all down with the refreshing matcha boba, which can be ordered with or without alcohol.

Relatively inexpensive for the high quality ingredients and flavors, Susuru is, in our opinion, an excellent deal. Our recommendation for the best experience here would be to order a variety of dishes and enjoy with the table. Make sure to get there early to snag your seats as lines build up quickly even before opening time!