"Anyone who’s ever tried to cross under the 405 during rush hour knows it’s not for the faint of heart, which is why we always bookmark Hakata Izakaya Hero as our come-down spot. Walking into this Japanese izakaya in Westwood, you’ll be immediately hit with the tranquility of it all. The tiny, minimalist space holds about seven or so tables, with the sounds and smells of sizzling meat emanating from a semi-open kitchen in the back. The menu features dozens of shareable small plates—all of which taste great with beer or sake—but our favorites are the pan-fried Champon noodles, potato salad, and crispy chicken wings that’ve been stuffed with pork." - Brant Cox, Sylvio Martins