​​📍 Chicago's Newest Izakaya - Hiro Bar Izakaya 🍶​​

After Porto closed its doors, Celeste Group announced in March they'd be taking over the space to open a Japanese izakaya - and let me tell you, I've been COUNTING DOWN the days！💖 While I'll definitely miss my beloved Basque cuisine, West Town has been missing a proper izakaya since Santouka closed. So when I was back in the neighborhood recently, I HAD to check it out！ First impressions? The space is cozy but modern, with just the right amount of Tokyo-street vibe ✨ The drink menu is already impressive, and the food... well, let's dive in！ 🍢 ​​Non-Alcoholic Highlight:​​ Kiwi Highball (P2) This refreshing drink was a SAVIOR on a hot Chicago evening！The perfect balance of tart kiwi and fizzy soda - I could drink these all night！💨 🍢 ​​Grilled Salmon Tataki (P3)​​ The concept is brilliant - that beautiful line between raw and cooked salmon. Mine was slightly overcooked, but the pickled onion and avocado combo saved it！🥑 🍢 ​​Toro Hand Roll (P4)​​ The fish paste was silky smooth (almost TOO smooth), but the rice fell apart way too easily. The seasoning was good, but next time I'll ask for extra soy sauce！🍣 🍢 ​​Beef Tongue Skewers (P5)​​ Now THIS was a win！Charred on the outside, juicy inside - just how I like it！The smoky flavor was perfection！🔥 🍢 ​​Grilled King Oyster Mushrooms (P6)​​ VEGAN FRIENDLY and surprisingly meaty！These had that perfect charred exterior with tender insides - my vegetarian friend was OBSESSED！🌱 🍢 ​​Chicken Skewers (P7) & Chicken Meatballs (P8)​​ Here's where things got... interesting. The chicken was DRY (classic breast meat problems), and the green onions were basically charcoal. The meatballs? Let's just say they became "chicken charcoal logs" 🤣 I sent them back, and the chef was AMAZING about it - comped our table and even made us a take-home version (P9)... which was still a little charred, but at least edible！ ​​Final Verdict:​​ The food is hit-or-miss, but the SERVICE is impeccable！This place is perfect for: Post-dinner drinks 🍸 Casual hangouts with friends 👯 Izakaya newcomers who want to try Japanese pub culture 🇯🇵 Will update if my opinion changes after more visits！For now, come for the drinks and ONE or TWO dishes！ 📍 Hiro Bar Izakaya: 1600 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 💰 Price: $$ (reasonable for the area) ⭐ Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 - Great atmosphere, inconsistent food) #ChicagoEats #IzakayaLife #HiroBarReview #JapaneseFoodChicago #WestTownDining #FoodieAdventures #ChicagoLiving #SakeTime #DontTrustTheChicken #CharcoalChickenClub