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New Japanese Izakaya Restaurant Coming to 1117 V St, NW

This was one of the hardest secrets I’ve ever had to keep quiet. I’m so psyched to finally share the good news. As you can tell there is some construction and permits that need to take place before we get too excited. But if all goes well the new spot should be open by next spring. While a name has not been selected I am told that it will not be a sushi restaurant (though some raw options will be available) rather it will be like a a Japanese “tapas” style restaurant. The space will be on the small side as you can tell from the building. I’ll be sure to share more details as the space and menu are finalized.

Ed. Note: Spotts barbershop has reopened on the 2nd floor of 809 Florida Ave, NW.

Category: Coming and Going, Restaurants, U Street

By: Prince Of Petworth | 21 June 2011 10:22 PM | 23 Comments

gonzo

weird place for this…two businesses in between homes…i hope they worked it out with the two neighbors!

June 21, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Anonymous

http://www.yelp.com/biz/izakaya-ten-new-york#query:izakaya
The NYC version is fantastic

June 22, 2011 at 1:00 am
monkeyrotica

The great thing about izakayas is that they can be upscale like Kushi or just a neighborhood joint to hang out and get grilled meat/fish/vegs. I really hope they go for the latter. The sushi is usually an afterthough; it’s only there because people think that if it’s Japanese it HAS to have sushi. And I don’t think the smallness is a negative. Most izakayas in Japan are mom-&-pop operations that handle a dozen customers at a time. It’s supposed to be small and cozy, not a sprawling, deafening echo chamber like most tapas factories.

June 22, 2011 at 7:34 am
- Ben
  
  I agree – as much as I love Kushi – it’s just too expensive to make it a regular place. Fingers crossed
  
  This town really needs better Japanese, the only thing lacking in this city.
  
  June 22, 2011 at 8:27 am
- JC2
  
  This would be great, but let’s be honest. This is the U Street area in 2011. It’ll be mobbed with people regardless of price, so they’ll jack it up however much they can.
  
  June 22, 2011 at 9:34 am
andy

Dude there better be yakitori on the menu! Onegai shimasu!

June 22, 2011 at 8:36 am
- monkeyrotica
  
  I’d love me some okonomiyaki, but I don’t think DC’s ready for big-ass pancakes smothered in bacon, Kewpie mayo, and fish flakes. Unfortunately.
  
  June 22, 2011 at 10:18 am
  - Ben
    
    You can get them in Arlington at Endo – well without the bacon
    
    They even have takoyaki.
    
    June 22, 2011 at 10:58 am
    - blittle
      
      omigoshtae!
      
      thanks for the info on Endo. Is the takoyaki DIY or does it come out of the kitchen?
      
      June 22, 2011 at 1:08 pm
      - Ben
        
        Out of the kitchen – not up to Osaka standards but pretty good for DC considering the lack of real Japanese food in the area.
        
        I believe the owners are Japanese too – another rarity in these parts ha.
        
        June 22, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Anonymous

Now this is a place I can get excited about.

June 22, 2011 at 9:32 am
Anonymous

I am so excited for this. I know it is a year away, but it has me more pumped than anything else I’ve heard about in a long time.

June 22, 2011 at 10:24 am
anon

How’s the Italian place next door? anyone been?

June 22, 2011 at 11:12 am
- Anonymous
  
  I’ve been. Granted it was opening weekend, but I wouldn’t say it was too much more than a standard pizza place. I got the panini, which was pretty good, but not a standout. No need to avoid the place, but no need to seek it out either, IMO. Although, they did look like they had some decent lunch specials.
  
  June 22, 2011 at 11:18 am
emma d.

Is there anywhere in the city or environs (need not be metro accessible) that’s open now where you can get ramen? Authentic Japanese noodles? I’m reading David Chang’s new magazine, ‘Lucky Peach’, right now and can barely contain my drool.

June 22, 2011 at 11:25 am
- Prince Of Petworth
  
  I think you might be able to get some at Toki Underground:
  
  http://www.princeofpetworth.com/2011/03/toki-underground-opens-april-1-above-the-pug-on-h-st-ne/
  
  June 22, 2011 at 11:27 am
  - emma d.
    
    Yesss! Thank you! I’ll check it out.
    
    June 22, 2011 at 11:38 am
- anon
  
  Ren’s Ramen in Wheaton: http://ren-ramen.com/
  
  June 22, 2011 at 3:19 pm
- A
  
  Sushi Taro occasionally offers a ramen special during lunch — delicious and great value, if you’re in the neighborhood.
  
  June 22, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Luke

OMG. YES. This is so exactly what we need. Totally agreed that Kushi, while awesome, is a bit steep for everyday. Would love for this to be slightly less posh.

And I can get takoyaki in Arlington? Done! I’ve been making my own…

June 22, 2011 at 11:55 am
Sknewt

I can”t wait to try it! Super excited for this place to open.

June 22, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Ousted

I lived in the apartment above it until the sale was recently finalized. I think they have more renovations ahead than they are aware of. The pizza next door ain’t great, but its good to have next door when you stumble home at 3am.

June 23, 2011 at 1:08 pm
L H

Just on the off chance that the owners are reading this, please do make it less posh and more of a fun, pub-like place. I loved izakaya when I visited Japan and would love somewhere to grab a beer and Japanese munchies with friends. So so excited!!!

June 24, 2011 at 6:37 pm