Cobra Clutch

Chef DJ Flores and Lu Lopez assemble a high-beamed space hung with color-changing paper lanterns, faux tropical greenery, mounted swords, and vintage anime posters. Screens over the counter cycle through vintage Japanese commercials and screenings of Akira.

Drinks arrive in color-coded glassware chilled with ice imported directly from Japan, from a wasabi-salted margarita twist to an altered old fashioned. Across the room, free-to-play Galaga and Street Fighter II cabinets share floor space with limited seating, keeping the room lively without drowning out conversation.