Amu: A Hidden Izakaya Gem in Boulder

🌈A traditional Japanese izakaya. At the entrance, beside the bluestone stepping stones, neatly arranged woven slippers await. 🌈Following the example of regulars, we slipped off our shoes and stepped onto the soft tatami mats, making our way to the cypress wood bar. The handwritten Japanese menu was a bit overwhelming, but the server patiently explained each item. 🍺The grilled ginkgo nuts offered a subtle bitter aroma, while the chicken neck was cooked to a perfect crisp outside and tender inside, enhanced with a squeeze of lime juice. 🍺It feels like a typical Japanese restaurant—small and somewhat overpriced. It opens at 5 p.m., and if you want a seat, you must be prepared to wait in line first. The food is acceptable. 💛The most interesting part was the interaction with the chef. When he served the day's hidden dish—monkfish liver—he made sure to use a translation app to let us know it had been freshly delivered that morning. 🍣People in Boulder must be earning quite well to enjoy one of their most renowned restaurants. #BoulderEats #Izakaya #Amu