"Sometimes you go on a date with confidence as to how things will pan out. Other times not so much. When it’s looking like the latter category, grab a table at Kushiba. Meals can wrap up early or extend long into the night at this low-lit izakaya in Echo Park—all depending on the mood. The menu focuses on Osaka-style kushikatsu, or deep-fried things on sticks. The skewers come out quickly, so start with one or two that catch your eye, order cocktails like the house martini or a highball with shochu and ume, then see how things play out. Ordering is done on a sheet of paper, which you can easily add to as the night progresses." - brant cox, sylvio martins