If this is a real, honest-to-god izakaya and not some bar that happens to server mediocre sushi and bland yakitori I’ll be there often. I’m not getting my hopes up, though. There are several good izakayas in NYC, but they are mostly under-the-radar joints populated by Japanese ex-pats, not trendy bars in up and coming neighborhoods

If, as was previously noted, this is a real izakaya, this would be a huge addition to the DC culinary universe. I am suspicious, though, of any izakaya that 1) serves sushi and 2) describes izakaya fare as ‘Japanese tapas’.

(For the uninitiated, izakayas are traditional Japanese pubs. The name translates more or less as ‘place where sake is [served]‘, and the idea is that they are places where you can get a beer or sake or shochu after work and eat food that goes well with these. Historically, these were modest places, usually immediately identifiable by red lantern hanging outside their doors. This type is still ubiquitous in Japan, but recently some fancy-pants chefs have been opening up more modern versions featuring more adventurous or high-class versions of izakaya staples. While what goes well with a beer or a sake is certainly open to debate, sushi is generally not on the menu. If you want sushi, you go to a sushi restaurant.)

Just got back from hitting several izakayas in Soho and the East Village and these places are long overdue in DC. Even if it’s mediocre, the cachet value of it being first should make it pretty lucrative. And I think this style of eating is particularly well suited to the DC market. But I’m pretty sure they’ll have to offer some token sushi dishes to satisfy those customers who either don’t get it or are just along for the ride.

Would it be to much to ask for octopus balls and huge friggen pancakes drowned in Kewpie Brand mayo?

I’ll be going here whatever their Japanese fare ends up being…am even fine with it being mediocre sushi and the like.

As far as Asian-themed food in more or less the same area goes, does anyone know anything about the new dim sum restaurant to open up on the west side of 7th Street NW just south of K? It’s going to be called Ping Pong, and that’s about all that I know about it. There is an alcoholic beverage hearing notice in the window, but I’ve not had time to stop and read it as I’ve walked by.

Sorry, this will be my last comment. I should have just searched online for Ping Pong in DC. I found a number of hits for the new dim sum restaurant that will be opening…in addition to the izakaya.

I agree with Meeg. I’m actually always looking for authentic Japanese restaurants. I studied the language for six years and hate going to sushi bars and asking (in Japanese) if I may order in Japanese only to have the server say ‘oh, I’m Korean’ or ‘i’m Spanish’ or ‘Japanese, what?’. Looking forward to visiting this one!