Skip to main content

ZipPicks Awards

Best Wings in Sawtelle Japantown Best Happy Hour Wings in Sawtelle Japantown

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

FuRaiBo 8.4
Sawtelle
A Sawtelle izakaya known for Nagoya-style tebasaki wings: twice-fried, lacquered in a savory-sweet glaze, and finished with a crackly skin. Locals come for the wings first, then linger over beer, sake, and small plates in a lively, late-night setting.
Must-Try Dishes: Teba-Saki Chicken Wings, Spicy Garlic Teba-Saki, Chicken Karaage
Scores:
Value: 7.7 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 8.3 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Nagoya tebasaki wings with a signature crackly, sweet-savory glaze.
Who should go: Wing obsessives, izakaya fans, and groups chasing drinks.
When to visit: Evenings for peak energy; late-night for a relaxed pace.
What to order: Teba-saki wings, spicy garlic wings, karaage bento.
Insider tip: Ask for wings extra-crispy and pair with a cold draft lager.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant with stacked parking—convenient but limited spots. Street parking on Sawtelle is tough during peak hours.
Dress code: Very casual—it's an izakaya with tatami seating and a rowdy bar vibe. Shorts and t-shirts fit right in.
Noise level: Loud when busy—tables are crammed together and it attracts groups. Not ideal for intimate conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect crowds before 9pm—lines are common when full. Reservations accepted for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually fine. Owner says reservations not needed unless you have a big party.
Dietary Options
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting to share wings and drinks in a rowdy izakaya atmosphere—order multiple rounds of tebasaki and get loud.
Skip if: You want a quiet date night or intimate conversation—tables are tight and it gets noisy.

Hours

Monday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 10:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 10:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm