Izakaya at Daikaya

Izakaya means “stay-drink-place,” and that’s exactly what you’ll want to do at this small plates Japanese restaurant. Unlike other spots on this list, don’t expect live entertainment, but do expect a surprisingly awesome ‘80s world disco soundtrack, fantastic hibiscus-mandarin drinks, and immaculate small plates like smokily charred chicken wing skewers and homestyle wagyu curry. The fun here sneaks up on you. You might come in thinking you’re just pre-gaming for whatever’s happening at Capital One Arena across the street, but by the time the game starts, you’re three cherry mandarin mules deep and too happily skewered out to care.