Cuisine:

• Others
• Japanese
• Sushi bar

Japengo Description:
Like so many land-locked American sushi bars, this likable Northeast Heights spot emphasizes fun and fusion over exquisite purity. Scope out the spare modern dining room featuring oversize portraits of contemporary geishas painted by the owner's wife, and you'll see your fellow diners delving into all sorts of goodies no iron-fisted itamae would allow: gingered chicken nuggets, green chile tempura and the signature monkey ball with fried spicy tuna and mushrooms, for instance. Many maki selections are similarly over the top. In short, what Japengo lacks in absolute mastery---more straightforward sushi and dishes like sukiyaki are perfectly adequate if not enthralling---it makes up for in guilty pleasures, as well as in unusually helpful service. Note that if you're making an evening of guilty pleasures---say, catching a blockbuster at the Century Rio 24 theater complex across the way---you might want to start early, because Japengo gets slammed with moviegoers on weekends.


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