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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Izakaya Sasaya
7.7
A late-night charcoal-grilled kushiyaki bar on Sawtelle that fills a specific gap in West LA—few other spots run an authentic izakaya program past midnight with this depth of skewer and sashimi selection. The Tokyo dive bar energy works well for groups splitting dozens of small plates over sake, though the 3.9 Google rating and a notable 15% one-star tail suggest experiences can vary. Best approached as a loud, no-frills session spot where you lean into the grill menu and keep expectations calibrated to the format.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted Kushiyaki Skewers (7 Skewers), Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Tsukune (Chicken Meatball Skewer)
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: One of the only late-night izakayas in West LA, open past midnight with a massive menu of charcoal-grilled kushiyaki skewers, sashimi, and comfort dishes in an authentic Tokyo dive bar setting.
Who should go: Late-night groups craving authentic izakaya with deep sake selection
When to visit: Thu-Sat after 10 PM for peak late-night izakaya energy
What to order: Start with the 7-skewer kushiyaki assortment to sample the charcoal grill, add crispy rice with spicy tuna, then a comfort dish like mentai butter udon to close — order sake by the bottle for the table.
Insider tip: Order via the tablet but ask the staff for their current sake recommendation — the rotating selection is better than what's listed on screen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Santa Monica Blvd (free after 6 PM); small free lot in back with roughly 7 spots that fills fast—arrive early or plan to circle the block
Dress code: Casual—t-shirts and jeans fit right in, no dress code enforced
Noise level: Lively and can get loud during peak hours; fine for group energy but not ideal for quiet one-on-one conversation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including eggplant miso, vegetable gyoza, sauteed shishito peppers, and spinach with sesame sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, with caveats — the space has a charming Tokyo dive bar feel with tall-backed booth seating that creates surprising privacy between tables. It's not white-tablecloth romantic, but the dim, intimate vibe and shared small plates make for great conversation starters. Noise level runs high due to the lively izakaya atmosphere, so request a booth for the most privacy. Best suited for a date with someone who appreciates authenticity over polish.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky — even on weeknights, tables tend to be fully reserved. Reviewers report showing up on a Tuesday to find every table marked reserved. Book at least a few days ahead regardless of the day. Online reservations accommodate up to 5 guests. For walk-in attempts, late-night hours (after 10pm) are your best bet, but it's not guaranteed. Closed Sundays.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — this is a late-night izakaya with a bar-forward atmosphere, opening at 5:30pm and running past midnight. No kids menu or high chairs have been confirmed. The shared small-plate format and alcohol-focused concept cater to adults. Older teens who enjoy Japanese food could work, but it's not a family dining destination. Call ahead to confirm specific accommodations if needed.
Is it good for groups? Yes for groups up to 5 — online reservations cap at 5 guests, so larger parties need to call the restaurant directly. Booth seating works well for small-to-mid groups sharing izakaya plates. No private dining room has been confirmed. For groups of 6+, call well in advance as even weeknight tables fill up quickly. The shared-plate format and lively atmosphere make it a natural group spot if you can secure the space.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — patio dining is available, with reports of heated outdoor seating. Specific details on size, coverage, and dog-friendliness are not confirmed online. Call ahead to request outdoor seating, especially on weekends when both indoor and outdoor tables book up.
Best For
Better for: Late-night group hangs with drinks—open until 12:30 AM weeknights and 1:30 AM Thu–Sat, with daily happy hour until 6:45 PM
Skip if: You need a quiet date-night spot or easy parking for a large party
Hours
Monday5:30pm - 12:45am
Tuesday5:30pm - 12:45am
Wednesday5:30pm - 12:45am
Thursday5:30pm - 1:45am
Friday5:30pm - 1:45am
Saturday5:30pm - 1:45am
SundayClosed