We've been writing about the new Japanese pub/izakaya since early last year, ahead of a planned launch in summer of 2018. That didn't happen as advertised, but now that the soft opening starts tonight, it already looks worth the wait.
Tori Tori, a play off "yakitori," opens in the space next to King Bao and Royal Tea, at 720 N. Mills Ave. It will continue to serve a limited menu until the grand opening.
The hours may vary somewhat during the soft opening period, but expect the kitchen to be open from 5:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. on weeknights and Sundays, and open 5:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. They are closed on Mondays.
Photo via Sonny Nguyen
The Tori Tori space, as it appeared in January 2018, with "Coming Summer 2018" sign
"I felt like I had to do more for our city to really put us on the map," said Nguyen. "I felt like there was a missing piece that I think the people of our city deserve to experience."
Expect Tori Tori to have a modern take on Japanese roots and traditions. Nguyen says to expect it to "pack an edge of going against the grain."
The concept is part of the "Domu Dynasty," aka the "Double-D Group," which is the new umbrella for all of Nguyen's current and future concepts.
For the exact hours and previews of the full menu, follow Tori Tori on Facebook and Instagram for word on the grand opening.
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