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Thanks to the popular tapas stop Tia Pol next door, Izakaya Ten was the beneficiary of spillover success. It eventually won a crowd in its own right. The industrially cozy space attracts local gallery denizens with its smart, modern style: Hanging bamboo sculptures and a brightly colored mural that wraps around to the ceiling play off the steel-brick-wood-stone-and-glass interior. A concrete bar in front serves sake and shochu sippers; those settling in for a meal populate wooden stools and low tables in the main room. There’s more than just sushi on the broad menu. Raw octopus with wasabi is the hottest dish thanks to its fiery root, but it’s also one of the most adventurous, because of its chewy, slippery texture. A sizzling skillet of thin-sliced pork belly and kimchee earns its place as one of the house signatures for its spicy, sweet, and meaty balance. As for those with sushi and sashimi on the brain, they'll certainly be satisfied with the vast selection of fine-quality fish. — Kathleen Squires

Mon.–Fri. 5 p.m.–7 p.m.; special sake and beer prices

Private Dining
A private dining nook tucked in back can accommodate up to 25 guests.

Buta kimchee, $8; sashimi moriawase, $15.50–$18.50; short rib, $7.50