In the tradition of Japanese izakayas—sake shops with tapas-style menus—Izakaya Roku serves an extensive menu of small plates. The menu opens with simple snacks, such as edamame and garlic toast, before introducing seared fish and five kinds of carpaccio. There's tempura and ramen, of course, but also stews with everything from pork belly to sake-steamed clams. The menu even includes surprising takes on American drinking food such as a pair of pizzas, although they're neither covered in pepperoni or delivered to your table by car—instead, they're topped with mushrooms and cod-roe sauce or miso chicken.

The traditional izakaya in Japan is a cozy, neighborly place, and Izakaya Roku would fit right in among them if it ever decided to pack up and take a vacation. "Now, this is an izakaya," the San Francisco Chronicle's Janny Hu noted approvingly, advising guests to "order up and just enjoy what comes to the table." Neon signs, amber lighting, and handsome wood paneling fill the corner shop. Signs showing the day's specials flutter over the bar, hastily painted onto white paper as though the chefs' imaginations were working faster than their hands could move.