KIRIN

Welcoming guests with the savory aroma of hardwood smoke, the izakaya KIRIN offers a relaxed perch whether you are looking for a full evening meal or just a quiet drink. The menu revolves around a wide array of house-smoked delicacies spanning meats, seafood, cheese, vegetables, and bar snacks. In addition to staples like house-cured bacon, pork loin ham, and rich chicken liver, creative small plates include oil-marinated chicken cartilage and gizzards, as well as smoked pickled ginger and umeboshi plums.

When deciding where to begin, the customizable platters or the "Solo Diner 3-Variety Platter" are convenient starting points. Nibbling on small bites of Camembert, smoked soft-boiled eggs, and cherry tomatoes provides an easy pairing for an opening glass of red or white wine or a highball. For heartier appetites, the kitchen also turns out individual-sized pizzas, such as Margherita topped with house bacon and a Japanese-style pizza, alongside smoked pork spare ribs.

The drinks list is similarly broad, featuring beer and sours alongside Japanese whiskies like Hakushu, Chita, and Yamazaki, as well as bottled wines from various regions. Welcoming to solo diners at the counter as well as small groups sharing a meal, it is an inviting spot to drop by late in the evening for a glass and a plate of smoked favorites.