The Izakaya

Name: The Izakaya
Address: Lower Level, 820 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, Chicago, IL, 60607.0, US
Telephone: +1 312-733-4818
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.8

Essential

Japanese

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About

The Izakaya — West Loop japanese where the Uni Pasta sets the tone. Worth ordering a drink, because the bar holds its own. "The aesthetics are incredible & of course the service is just perfect" — Jen.

Experience Breakdown

🍴Food

5.0

👥Service

5.0

✨Ambiance

4.4

💬Sentiment

4.6

Julian Harrell

110 reviews

Highlights

CozyGreat CocktailsQuick Bite

Must Try

Uni PastaBurger

What Diners Are Saying

Diners loved

Strong cocktail menu

Some noted

Portions could be bigger

Read all 903+ reviews on Google

Specialties

Uni Pasta

Location

Lower Level, 820 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

What 903+ diners say about The Izakaya

“The drinks are practical and good; however, the individuals behind the bar have talent.”

The drinks are practical and good; however, the individuals behind the bar have talent. I appreciate the off menu cocktail. The food is 10/10. Had one item from each part of the menu and almost finished every last morsel. So good. Going back. Enough said.

C (ChicagoCoors)

Jan 2026

“The Izakaya is a nostalgic piece of Japan right in the heart of West Loop - amazing.”

The Izakaya is a nostalgic piece of Japan right in the heart of West Loop - amazing! A few steps off of Lake & Green, guests descend into a basement that transports you to another world that would normally require a passport and a pricey plane ticket. Well-placed lanterns and string lights provide a warm glow that compliment the vibey playlist accompanying an absolutely delicious menu and super friendly service. The Momo Royal is Chicago hamburger royalty worthy of standing alongside other West Loop heavy hitters. Perfectly cooked French fries and miso mayo round out a comforting yet luxurious plate of food (at a very reasonable price of $25). Also enjoyed the Miyato Precision mocktail, which is top tier for any NA option I’ve encountered globally. The Izakaya is fiya!!!! 10/10!!

Julian Harrell

Jan 2026

“In the heart of West Loop nestled next to Momotaro all you have to do is descend a few steps into...”

In the heart of West Loop nestled next to Momotaro all you have to do is descend a few steps into the basement of Izakaya to be transported to another world. The space is vibrant with splashes of light that illuminate the dark. Well-placed lanterns give a warm glow that compliment the expertly curated playlist grooves. Service is friendly and attentive without pretense or pressure. And the food is delicious!! I tried the Momo Royal, which deserves real consideration as a member of Chicago’s hamburger bourgeoisie (the toasted bao bread is next level too). The fries are paired with miso mayo that adds a luxurious texture and subtle yet inescapable flavor. The Miyato Precision mocktail is arguably the best I’ve ever had (Drake voice). It drinks at the grownup table without all the unwanted baggage. Izakaya is a real 10/10!!! Follow “savortheflavorbabe” on Instagram for more top tier bites!

Julian Harrelll

Jan 2026

“The staff, the food, the drinks were fantastic.”

The staff, the food, the drinks were fantastic! They were so kind helping me celebrate my husband’s Birthday! ✨

Cori Woods

Jan 2026

“very tasty and well made Japanese food, skillful bartender, friendly staff.”

very tasty and well made Japanese food, skillful bartender, friendly staff. discrete and cool vibes, great place for dates

Haotian Wang

Jan 2026

“The burger alone is worth coming here for.”

The burger alone is worth coming here for! But the drinks are great and the atmosphere/music are vibey. I live out of state but make it a point to come here every time I'm in town. 10/10 would recommend.

Michelle Rodriguez

Jan 2026

“Amazing basement bar atmosphere with small bites, japanese street food and cocktails.”

Amazing basement bar atmosphere with small bites, japanese street food and cocktails. This is located under momotaro and there's usually a good amount of bar seating and some private booths. As long as you're in a party of two it's pretty easy to get seating. All of the food and especially the burger we got were great. Service was friendly and pretty quick.

Michael Damato

Dec 2025

“One of the best burgers in the city.”

One of the best burgers in the city. Easily the best bun in the city. Crispy outside and fluffy on the inside with a juicy patty in between.

Abdallah Al-Qudsi

Oct 2025

“Burger was top 2 I’ve ever had, cool vibe, great music, great service, 10/10 will be back next trip to Chicago 🙌🏻.”

Hannah Jones

Oct 2025

“The vibe was incredible since we got there, the food and service was top-tier, the whole crew was...”

The vibe was incredible since we got there, the food and service was top-tier, the whole crew was super attentive and kind, Adelina took care of us and gave some amazing recommendations. . We'll definitely be back

Luis Jose Ovalles Baute

Sep 2025

“First of all, prolly one of the best burgers In the Chi , we never had anything like it, we could...”

First of all, prolly one of the best burgers In the Chi , we never had anything like it, we could not stop saying omg every time we took a bite. We started with the gyozas which were outstanding! Followed by the wings, also cooked perfectly! crunchy on the outside but not overwhelmingly, juicy on the inside. And served with an amazing home made dill Ranch. Oh and the burger came with Japanese sweet potatoes fries🍠!! Where are you gonna get that? Outstanding! We will absolutely return! The customer service was great as well, which is just as important as the quality and taste of the food because it makes the experience whole!