OTOTO

This has been my go-to sushi spot for the past ten years! You can now add your name to the waitlist online so you don't have to wait on the stairs.

Sake and small plates are the name of the game here.

The sake list is extensive and most can be ordered by the glass, carafe or bottle. (A few are bottle only.) Sit at the bar and talk to the bartender about what you like and they'll guide you in the right direction. We're generally fairly sake-illiterate in this country, so the guidance and information from the experts behind the bar is much appreciated.

There's also a few Japanese beers and sojus to choose from as well.

The Japanese small plates (they call them drinking snacks) are great too. The okonomiyaki is amazing (available with corn & cheese or pork belly ... both are excellent) and the hirame crudo is not to be missed. The kaki fry (deep fried oysters) are a treasure!

The sleeper hit was the kara-age, which is Japanese fried chicken. (Think bite-sized pieces of tender chicken perfectly breaded and not greasy at all.) I'd come back for this alone.

The atmosphere is small and intimate but carries a real energy. It feel alike you're both part of a community and having a small, romantic moment with who you came with.

The staff was attentive and helpful. They want to help you discover sakes you'll like.

Prices are fair. Parking is on the street. You'll probably have to wait for a minute if you get there at a traditionally busy time (like weekends or 7pm).

Good drink, good food, good atmosphere. What's not to love.

Ototo is a small intimate Japanese sake bar serving up small delicious bites. Its decor is minimal and elegant that's reminiscent of the many bars and restaurants that I've visited in Japan. Because of its size and popularity, expect a wait.

Happy Hour:
Specials for sake+appetizer combos

Drinks:
There is a wide selection of sakes to choose from. From where I was sitting it looked like they had some on draft.

Food: Overall the food items were delicious, but the portions were small for the price. If you're looking to get full here, you're going to have to pay a little more.
1) Katsu Sando - Loved the crispiness of the katsu in addition to the soft but lightly toasted bread. It was a bit pricey for such a small portion.
2) Kara-age - the fried chicken was incredible juicy and soft. I really liked the spices around the battered skin.
3) Sweet potato - flattened japanese sweet potato with furikake and other ingredients. The contrast between the crunchy topping and the softness of the sweet potato made it an enjoyable dish.

Service:
Pretty quick. It's a very small place so if you're sitting at the bar, you might be asked to move over a seat or two to make room for other guests who are waiting.

Parking:
Valet was in $5-$10 range. Street parking is limited.

Excellent place that lives up to the hype. Sat at the bar for extra special attention.

Pricey! But great sake collection! All dishes were delicious and well prepared. Gets crowded but it seems like a place people just stop over so the tables get turned over quickly. Staff was efficient but a bit grumpy. The sweet potato used the best type of sweet potato!