budonoki, virgil village.
we love this cozy little izakaya that opened up on virgil avenue a couple years ago, and not only because they have orion, our absolute favorite japanese beer, on tap (though that is a major factor).
sake bomb: orion beer, heiwa shuzo yuzushu; dry martini: koshi no kanbai “tokusen” ginjo, kenkai “iki” shochu, dry vermouth, yuzu bitters, black peppercorn.
cute menu graphics.
scallop crudo, citrus.
the drinks are great, the food is great and honestly, the playlist is even better. they are famous for their thai pork sausage and it’s a must order.
naem: thai pork sausage, crispy rice, herby slaw.
grilled pork jowl, “crying tiger” sauce, mint, thai basil.
pork jowl closeup.
orion on draft :heart emoji:
daitoshi: tamagawa “time machine”, cocchi torino, sherry, cherry vanilla bitters.
yellowtail oshizushi: japanese hamachi, shiso, ceviche dressing.
there is something really comforting about snacking away and drinking at an izakaya, and the flavors and entire vibe at budonoki make it that much more fun. they even have soft serve on the dessert menu, which we have been too full each time to partake in. one of these days i’ll save enough room..
yakisoba: pan fried noodles, wagyu, bulldog sauce.
654 virgil ave, los angeles, ca 90004
