"Saru Handroll Bar (formerly Saru Sushi Bar) is the neighborhood destination for flawless, simple temaki. The operation at this Japanese spot is simple: slide up to a bar stool, mark your order on the paper menu, and wait for a sushi chef to hand you neatly rolled parcels of fish and vinegary rice across the counter. Go for the set of five, which will get you full (but not too full) and always include showstoppers like fatty tuna and yellowtail with a smattering of green onions. There are no reservations, so if there’s a line, grab a drink at Macondray or Bar Iris while you wait. " - will kamensky, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez