Kushiba

Between Osen in Silver Lake and Ototo and Tsubaki in Echo Park, the eastern fringe of Sunset Boulevard is an izakaya haven these days. And now you can add Kushiba to the collection. Semi-hidden in a quiet, remodeled strip mall, this moody Echo Park spot from the Shibumi chef specializes in Osaka-style kushikatsu, or deep-fried things on sticks. There are 20 different panko-crusted skewers on the menu, spanning from taro to pork belly, and the impulse to order as many as possible will be strong. But resist. We suggest picking one or two (the flounder and camembert are current standouts), adding a few small plates like spicy cold tofu and beef tendon stew, then saving the rest of your budget for Kushiba’s best items: the cocktails. Along with martini and negroni riffs, there’s a whole DIY highball section where you mix and match whiskey and shochu with things like ume, yuzu, or oolong tea. It all makes for a fun night that might start with a few snacks and end with an impromptu sake bomb.