Friday dining around Japantown?

[Mr. Lunchbox]

Any suggestions for fun, great options in or near Japantown for 8 stressed out parents (w/o kids) looking to enjoy a movie and dinner?

We are open to Japanese or other cuisines near the Kabuki theatre. Don't care much about price as long as it is great, fun and we can drink!

[ML8000]

Maki, everything was good. Housemade miso soup, one of the best I've ever had and I believe housemade teriyaki sauce. Everything is very well prepared but the small touches like the soup and teri sauce put it a cut above.

[isybela]

I have to back up mrsricho. Having been to many izakaya in Japan, but open to the "fusion" prevalent on this side of the Pacific, O Izakaya was a disappointment. Not disgusting, but overpriced and definitely not delicious. A few dishes were good, the rest forgettable. I won't go back.

[Robert Lauriston]

What was good and bad?

Some of my favorites were the yakimono, which are $3-5 per skewer, the $9 soba, and a $19 grilled yellowtail collar (huge, plenty for three people to share). Is there someplace in SF that sells that stuff a lot cheaper?

[whiner]

If you don't care mch about price, I had a great experience at Bushi-Tei about a year and a half ago. Haven't been back, but that has more to do with wanting to try other places, too. I'm not saying it is the best value in the city, but it is a truly quality restaurant and the quail appetizer was spectacular.

[mrsricho]

I had one of the worst meals ever at O Izikaya recently. Absolutely abominable. Second strike out there actually. Have had great food at Bushi-Tei.

[Robert Lauriston]

What did you order and what was wrong with the food?

[Carrie 218]

Since you specified a drink, I would heartily suggest the first choice be O Izakaya in the Kabuki Hotel; while technically a bar, it serves fabulous Japanese bar food and interesting cocktails. For eight, I would recommend making a reservation as Friday nights can book up quickly and you'll want to assure a quality table.

[Robert Lauriston]

Second on O Izakaya, great food and comfortable for a party that size.

It's technically a restaurant, just has a very bar-like atmosphere.

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O Izakaya Lounge
1625 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

[Mr. Lunchbox]

Thanks Robert and Carrie 218-

I had already booked this last nigh before your suggestions though I've never been there. Your suggestion providede great validation. Thanks!

[Robert Lauriston]

I dream of their grilled pork-belly skewers.