If you're in love with izakayas, you'll want to check out this list. We've rounded up the best izakayas in Denver by using Yelp data and our own secret process. Here's where you should head for some informal pub fun, Japanese style.
1. Mizu Izakaya
Topping the list is Mizu Izakaya. Located at 1560 Boulder St. in Highland, it offers up sushi, ramen, wine, sake, cocktails and beer. It's also the highest rated izakaya in Denver, boasting four stars out of 217 reviews on Yelp.
Besides sushi and ramen, you can snag teriyaki chicken, beef short ribs and chicken karaage. (You can view the full menu here.)
Yelper Amanda K., who visited on June 3, said, "I'd like to specifically point out how fresh all of the fish tasted. We were informed that they have their fish flown from Japan every other day and there is certainly no doubt about it."
2. Kobe An LoHi
Next up is Highland's Kobe An LoHi, situated at 3400 Osage St. With four stars out of 148 reviews on Yelp, it serves up sushi and hot pot and has proven to be a local favorite.
Offerings include shabu shabu (which gets its name from the sound of raw meat dipped into the pipping hot broth) served with vegetables, noodles, tofu, and dipping sauces and your choice of protein; sukiyaki (a simmering one-pot dish) served with vegetables, noodles, tofu, sauce and egg and choice of protein; and small plates from the izakaya menu. (See the full menu here.)
Yelp reviewer Garrett I. shared his experience at the eatery, saying, "Best-kept secret in Denver! The food is amazing, the hot pots come with beautiful plates of meat, noodles and veggies. Amazing sliders, sushi and happy hour options."
3. Izakaya Ronin
Five Points' Izakaya Ronin, located at 3053 Brighton Blvd., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving it four stars out of 51 reviews.
The restaurant, bar and speakeasy features sushi and sake. It has rice bowls, skewers, soups and other dishes, such as gyoza (pork and chicken dumplings), yakitori chicken breast with scallions, katsu curry (fried pork cutlet in yellow curry). It also has an omakase, or chef's choice, option at the sushi bar. (See the full menu here.)
In a Feb. 27 review, Kevina L. wrote: "You know the ramen will be great when they only have one ramen option on the menu. What makes it memorable is that it's different. Their special ingredient, chicharrones, adds a unique flavor and just makes ramen an entirely new experience."
4. Menya
Menya, an izakaya in Capitol Hill that offers ramen and poke, is another go-to, with four stars out of 33 Yelp reviews. Head over to 600 E. Colfax Ave. to see for yourself, or check out one of the other three Denver area locations.
The ramen bar is on the first floor and the izakaya bar is on the second. Menu items include the braised pork belly bun, the Menya Special (chashu, bean sprouts and scallions in a creamy pork broth), spicy chicken with scallions in a spicy miso broth and a poke tuna bowl with seaweed salad, avocado and crab meat on rice. (See the full menu here.)
Mason W. visited April 1 and said, "This is the best ramen in Denver, hands down. The bar scene is surprisingly dope."
