Izakaya Shinya

"This restaurant from the Shinya Ramen team livens up an otherwise unexciting block of Wicker Park. But while the restaurant is colorful (full of parasols and paper lanterns), Izakaya Shinya’s grilled skewers aren’t as vibrant. Though dishes like tsukune and wagyu are cooked well, everything has the same sweet, soy sauce flavor. But the fun atmosphere and upbeat pop soundtrack make it a solid spot for late-night snacks and drinks (it’s open until 2am)—whether you’re ready to crawl into bed after or are just getting started." - John Ringor

"Open daily until 2am As a member of the Shinya Ramen family, this Wicker Park izakaya also loves to stay up late. And though most of the grilled skewers all kind of have the same sweet, soy sauce flavor, they're still pretty tasty, especially when paired with a cup crisp sake or Asahi. Plus, with Izakaya Shinya's upbeat pop soundtrack and vibrant dining room filled with parasols and paper lanterns, it's a fun place to hang and grab some late-night snacks—whether you’re here for a nightcap or the party is just getting started." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru