Royal Izakaya

Identified by only a blue door and a red lantern, Royal Izakaya isn’t easy to find, but those who do are in for quite a treat. This tiny spot on South Second Street churns out stellar Japanese cuisine that ranges from preparations of unexpected elements like pork jowl and chicken gizzard to standby favorites like yellowtail and mackerel. The drink menu boasts 13 varieties of Japanese whiskey, including an array of cult faves from Nikka and the Bill Murray–approved Suntory along with a well-rounded lineup of barrel-aged beauties from the U.S. and Scotland. Tucked behind the main dining room, a ten-seat bar focuses exclusively on sushi from Chef Jesse Ito. Open until 2am, the Bella Vista hotspot also draws a solid late-night crowd.