Kushi Bozu

The meal at Kushi Bozu begins with an otoshi starter of freshly grated daikon. Mild and gently sweet rather than pungent, the radish comes with free refills throughout the evening, serving as a crisp palate cleanser between rich cuts and an easy accompaniment to fattier grilled meats.

The skewers can be ordered comfortably by the single skewer at approachable prices. Alongside staples like negima chicken-and-leek and tsukune meatballs, the grill yields crisp chicken skin, charred bonjiri tail meat, and quail eggs paired with green peppers. Creative options round out the menu, from shiso pork rolls and natto rolls to scored cocktail wieners.

The supporting menu provides plenty of variety beyond the skewers. Grilled chicken tails tossed in tart and savory ponzu, thick slices of nostalgic deep-fried ham cutlets, and juicy boiled dumplings all make worthy bar snacks. Drinkers can pair them with chilled draft beer, heated Iwate sake from the Asabiraki brewery, or Lark, a refreshing chuhai infused with aromatic herbs that lend a subtle bitterness and spice.

To finish, diners often turn to crisp-crusted grilled rice balls, comforting chicken broth, or the shop's specialty fried noodles. Outfitted with counter and table seating, this Suidocho izakaya maintains a friendly, low-pressure atmosphere that suits solo drinkers dropping in for a few skewers just as easily as small groups settling in for a full meal.