The delightful and miniature Izakaya Ten is tucked away just below gallery row and provides a much needed refuge that's at once casual and also elegant. With a bar, plus tiny tables for two and also a raised back area (with a gorgeous skylight), one can nosh on small plates of traditional Japanese street food and wash it down with hyper- creative drinks made with shochu. Food highlights are the Tako Yaki, deep fried octopus balls that are succulent and comfortingly creamy; Tsukune, chicken 'meatballs' on skewer sticks that you'll want to fight over; and Eel Dynamite, a BBQ eel with just enough spice to make it interesting. Eats aside though, it is the drinks that will make you feel like you discovered some well- kept secret. A grapefruit chu-hai, made with shochu is refreshing in all climates. The Revolver, a bourbon drink for bourbon lovers made with Apry goes down smoothly. But the winner on the list is the Kannoko Pagoda, a shochu, pear, elderflower and Chartreuse cocktail that may be the best cocktail we've ever had. Rounding it all out, their sake list is pretty standout, making it the kind of place people like to show off as their discovery.

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