Readers of Relish know my affectation for focused concepts (Cheese-ology) and small, rent-friendly spaces (Taste by Niche, DeMun Oyster Bar). I even predicted we'd see more of same in the coming year.
Well...it's happening already.
Look for Izakaya Ren Sushi and Sake Bar to open within six weeks on one of the hottest corners in town (Dougherty Ferry and Big Bend), in the space formerly occupied by Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill. Within the last two years, that intersection has caught fire thanks to places like The Tavern, The Corner Pub & Grill, Cafe Nicoletti, and the continued buzz about JJ Twig's.
Izakaya is a concept one can find on both US coasts (and in Chicago just this last year), but is brand new to St. Lou. Traditionally, izakaya are Japanese watering holes, close-quarters "corner bar" types of places, after-work pubs for drinking, snacking, and trading lies. Owner Wookrae Cho says his iteration will be similar, "a come-as-you-are neighborhood gathering spot." He says "think of it as 'small plates meets sake bar,"' which translated, means: sake, beer, wine, and cocktails, with Japanese share-ables like sushi, sashimi, and yakitori (skewers) as the food component.
The 40 seats will be more American-traditional (standard tables, booths and love seats) than Japanese (low tables and tatami mats), although there will be a 10-seat sushi bar.
Cho says one goal will be to demystify the name: "Izakaya may sound foreign, but it's really as familiar as sushi and skewers."
