You can’t help but enjoy the smell of charcoal-grilled yakiroti when you walked past Ichirō Izakaya on South Main.
I simply couldn’t pass up a grilled dinner– especially since I don’t own a grill myself at home.
“Izakaya” is traditionally a type of Japanese bar that serves small snacks and alcoholic drinks. In English, it directly translates to “stay-drink-place.” Think of it as the Japanese version of an Irish pub or Spanish tapas bar.
The narrow space is decked out in natural woods and vivid chochin lanterns. Though the restaurant doesn’t serve sushi, it still has bar seating– similar to a sushi bar– where you can watch kitchen staff cook the yakitori on the indoor grills.
The menu has something for any palate– meat lovers, pescetarians and vegetarians. And the drink menu is complete with food-pairing suggestions. If you don’t know where to start, start with a glass of osake.
Most dishes have minimal ingredients, but they are executed flawlessly. In my opinion, simplicity is what makes Ichirō Izakaya attractive.
How to order at Ichirō Izakaya
Though the menu offers grilled yakitori skewers for no more than $7, the concept is set up for dinner guests to order multiple small plates. They suggest starting with a cocktail and one to two small plates, moving to five to seven yakitori skewers and ending with a final dish.
Pro-tip: scanning the table’s QR code will take you to their website where you can see photos of the dishes.
I ordered a cocktail, two small plates and six skewers and dessert– which was plenty. Expect to spend $30 to $50 per guest.
My ginger highball was very whiskey forward. I ordered this because it was happy hour, and it paired well with spicy skewers and miso glazed meats.
The fried lotus root and pan seared shumai dumplings were recommended. I wasn’t sure what to expect with lotus root however the texture is addicting– very similar to tempura. The spices are what I tasted the most.
And, can you go wrong with crispy bottomed dumplings? These were filled with pork and tasted very ginger forward. Scrumptious.
Next time I plan to order the takoyaki– fried octopus puffs.
For my skewers I went with the negima (chicken thighs and scallions), soy-marinated ribeye, shishito peppers and charred corn. Everything was grilled excellently.
Ribeye skewers are a must order– tender, fatty, sweet but still salty. The scallions on the negima skewer add a bright tang to the juicy chicken thighs. Corn is buttery and smokey while the shishitos you can pass on.
I also got a taste of the grilled teriyaki yellowtail which had a delicious sticky glaze and flaky inside. You’ll love the Japanese pork sausage skewers if you like Texas barbecue sausage.
Finally, I finished by inhaling the matcha crème brûlée. This item stays on the menu year-round but Ichirō Izakaya also rotates house-made seasonal desserts.
I love crème brûlée and I love matcha, so I loved this. It’s not too sweet, but rich and creamy with a crackly sugar torched top.
Japanese izakaya bar in Fort Worth
The South Main neighborhood is home to local favorites like Tinie’s, Panther City Barbecue, and Coco Shrimp, but it lacked a Japanese restaurant until Ichirō Izakaya opened its doors at 401 Bryan Ave.
Ichirō Izakaya is open for dinner only: Sunday to Thursday from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Happy hour, or “Kanapi hour,” offers $4 beers and $8 highball cocktails. It is Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m.
Pro-tip: call to make a reservation. Due to the small space, popularity, and limited hours, this place can get packed. Or, if you are planning on walking in, make it an early dinner and arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. (I went on a Wednesday at 5 p.m. and was seated immediately).
Ella Gonzales
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