Downtown’s Newest Izakaya-Inspired Restaurant Opens at The Bloc

Downtown’s former department store-turned-open-air retail complex The Bloc now has a new dining option, the Japanese izakaya-inspired Hatch Yakitori + Bar, by the season two winner of The Great Food Truck Race and LA pop-up regular, Daniel Shemtob.

The 2,300 square foot restaurant is separated into two sections. One is designed for all-day walk-in orders, with the other dedicated to sit-down service with Hatch’s spin on traditional yakitori. Hatch uses binchōtan charcoal, also known as petrified plum trees, to add a smoky flavor to the grilled menu. These items vary from Jidori chicken with shiso leaf to vegetables. Beyond grilled meat and vegetables, Hatch also has a raw bar, bento boxes playfully labeled Yolko Ono or Mick J-Egg-Er, and a 48-hour brined black chicken karaage.

The restaurant has sake on tap, as well as eight beers at the bartender’s fingertips. Most are suds from Japanese makers and out-of-state breweries. Shemtob anticipates having a full bar in the coming months.

Hatch Yakitori + Bar is now a part of The Bloc’s group of restaurants including Urban Oven, District Bar and Kitchen, and Everytable. Hatch Yakitori + Bar is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Farley Elliott

Daniel Shemtob

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