Hojoko
Japanese restaurant · Fenway ·
Japanese tavern fare, craft beers & frozen cocktails
Japanese tavern fare, craft beers & frozen cocktails
"At this Japanese izakaya in Fenway, save room between bites of sushi and sashimi for the burger. Made with chuck and wagyu short rib and topped with cheese, dashi pickles, red onion, and a secret sauce, it’s been a local favorite for years. Know before you go: There is valet parking at the adjacent Verb Hotel, but it’s available at “their discretion,” per Hojoko’s website. In other words, perhaps find an alternate transit plan on a Red Sox game day." - Erika Adams
"At Hojoko, you can always count on blaring music, a random ’80s movie playing on a big screen in the back, and tables next to what must be Boston’s only outdoor pool that’s open year-round (it’s heated). Hojoko isn’t just fun, though. The izakaya menu (from the same people behind O Ya) is outstanding. Start with the karaage fried chicken, play wasabi roulette with a roll that includes one really spicy piece of salmon, and definitely get the wagyu cheeseburger." - dan secatore, tanya edwards, valerie li stack
"Located at the Verb Hotel, this izakaya-inspired restaurant from the O Ya team is full of fun sushi and small plates, loud music, great bartenders, and Japanese knick-knacks." - Celina Colby
"What’s the opposite of a sensory deprivation chamber? If there isn’t already a name for it, let’s go with Hojoko. Come to this Fenway izakaya and play Pac-Man, take in the completely random movie playing on a loop in the back, and order tons of Japanese barbecue bites and tiki drinks." - dan secatore
"Do they have to deal with snow in Tokyo street markets? We have no idea - go ask Harvey Leonard. Regardless, they definitely don’t have to deal with snow inside this colorful, loud, sensory-assaulting Fenway izakaya that feels like a Tokyo street market. Grab a bowl of ramen or the wagyu short rib burger and try to ignore the fact that the ballpark across the street is still going to be shuttered for a few more months." - dan secatore