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Izakaya NoMad
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Izakaya NoMad
8.2
A sake-friendly izakaya built for sharing: skewers, tempura, and small plates that work best when you order in waves instead of all at once. It’s strongest as a long-table, after-work meal—yakitori first, one cooked seafood plate, then a single roll or ramen to close.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yakitori assortment, Beef tataki, Okonomiyaki
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A true izakaya rhythm—skewers, sake, and share-plate pacing.
Who should go: After-work groups who share plates
When to visit: Happy hour through late dinner
What to order: Yakitori, beef tataki, okonomiyaki
Insider tip: Order skewers in two rounds—keeps them hot and the table balanced.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited street parking and garages nearby—plan on a garage or rideshare, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to trendy—jeans are fine, but many guests lean polished for nights out.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, louder during peak happy hour and dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; quicker turn during early hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable skewers, tempura, salads, and small plates work well together.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable skewers and sides, but ask about sauces and broths.
Gluten-free options: Partial—plain grilled skewers and select sashimi-style items work; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or social first date than an intimate one—the energy is lively and the shared-plates format keeps things interactive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially early or late, but peak dinner and happy hour fill fast—bar seating turns over quicker than tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—menu and vibe skew adult; better suited for teens comfortable with shared plates.
Best For
Better for: Group-friendly izakaya pacing, sake-driven nights, and ordering in waves rather than committing to a full meal at once.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate Japanese dinner or a strict sushi-focused experience—opt for a calmer sushi bar instead.
Izakaya NoMad
8.3
A lively izakaya-style room where sushi rolls work best as part of a broader, share-the-table rhythm—rolls, skewers, and a few hot plates moving in waves. The strongest move is to anchor the table with one classic roll, add one richer specialty roll, then let the kitchen’s cooked items round out the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Salmon avocado roll, Eel avocado roll
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Izakaya energy with dependable rolls plus strong cooked dishes.
Who should go: After-work groups and share-plate diners
When to visit: Weeknights early for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Spicy tuna roll, eel avocado roll, one hot small plate
Insider tip: Order rolls first, then add cooked items once drinks land.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; street parking is limited and difficult after 6pm. Nearby paid garages within a 2–3 block walk are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room leans stylish—clean sneakers or casual dress shoes fit best.
Noise level: Moderate-lively. You can hold a conversation, but expect background buzz during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or minimal wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable rolls, edamame, and cooked small plates work well.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and sides; ask about sauces.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, but soy sauce and fried items limit flexibility. Best for partial gluten avoidance, not strict needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want energy without pressure. The lively izakaya vibe keeps things casual, and shared plates give you something to talk about.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends are busier—bar seating is the easiest fallback without a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for younger kids. The room is loud and alcohol-forward; better suited for adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Group-friendly sushi nights where rolls, skewers, and hot plates all play a role—not just raw fish.
Skip if: You want a quiet omakase-style sushi experience or a strictly fish-forward, minimalist meal.