🍶 Salt Lake City｜I Found My Dream Izakaya! 🏮

Sugarhouse is truly full of hidden gems. After work, with some time to kill before a concert, I dropped by this newly opened izakaya. Within just a short while, I knew — this is going to be my regular spot. Not many places nail the vibe for both lively group hangs and cozy solo visits — but this izakaya does 🏮. Scan-to-order and pay — perfect for introverts like me 😌. The menu has plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, even a dedicated gluten-free fryer. Classic for Utah’s most hippie town ✌️🌿. 🌶️ Whipped Tofu with Mapo Sesame Sauce [Vegan] One of the most eye-opening fusion dishes I’ve had recently. Clearly inspired by pita + hummus, but here it’s paired with scallion pancakes 🫓. The tofu mash — silken tofu blended with sesame paste — is incredibly smooth, and the house-made chili sauce gives serious Lao Gan Ma vibes. 🍣 Salmon Ikura Don (Sake Don) Every bite bursts with salmon roe — incredible value for the price. 🍗 Karaage [Gluten-Free] Chicken wings coated in potato starch, fried just right, sprinkled with a special vinegar salt. I caught a hint of sweetness, almost like plum powder. Personally not my favorite seasoning, but still solid. 🐟 Grilled Mackerel (Shioyaki Saba) Steamed first, then grilled — crispy outside, tender and juicy inside. Served with yuzu radish paste… makes you really want a drink with it 🍶. 🏙️ Ambience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🅿️ Parking: Plenty of street parking 💰 Per person: Around $20 📍 Koyote 551 W 400 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 #RestaurantRecommendation #HiddenGemEats #GlobalFoodies #JapaneseIzakaya #VibeDining