Bamboo Izakaya (CLOSED)

An oceanside, Japanese pub may seem like an odd combo (or too good to be true), but Bamboo Izakaya offers a full bar, grilled skewers and a full sushi menu steps from the Santa Monica Pier. Browse the extensive sake list for sips from sweet and floral to bone dry or, better yet, stop by for Sake Sunset happy hour (daily 2:30-5:30pm). Groups can claim a communal table and share small plates such as gyoza, grilled items and sushi rolls from classic—we like the ume plum and shiso maki ($5)—to the obligatory California roll ($9), the house version made with real crab.