Exciting: Bar Suehiro Transforms Little Tokyo Nightlife with Japanese Mixology

The historic Japanese restaurant Suehiro Café, a beloved institution in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, is embarking on a new journey with the opening of Bar Suehiro. This transformation marks a significant milestone for the family-owned business, which has been serving the Japanese American community for over half a century. The new venture, led by Kenji Suzuki, the second-generation owner, aims to blend tradition with modernity, offering a unique experience in Downtown Los Angeles’ Historic Core.

The Journey of Suehiro Café

Suehiro Café was founded in 1972 by sisters Junko and Yuriko Suzuki on 2nd Street. Their dream was to bring authentic Japanese comfort food to America, a vision that faced numerous challenges but ultimately flourished. The café moved to 1st Street in 1990 after being evicted from its original location. Over the years, Suehiro Café became a cornerstone of Little Tokyo, known for its homestyle Japanese fare, including ramen, tempura, and beef hayashi rice.

In 2001, Junko Suzuki retired, passing the torch to her son, Kenji. Under his leadership, the café continued to thrive, even expanding with the opening of Suehiro Mini in Chinatown in 2019. However, the landscape of Little Tokyo began to change, with many long-standing businesses facing closure due to rising rents and redevelopment pressures. In early 2023, Suehiro Café received an eviction notice from its landlord, Anthony Sperl, leading to a legal battle that ultimately resulted in the café’s relocation.

The Birth of Bar Suehiro

The relocation of Suehiro Café to Downtown Los Angeles’ Historic Core presented an opportunity for reinvention. Kenji Suzuki, recognizing the need to evolve, secured a Type 47 liquor license earlier this year, allowing the establishment to serve hard liquor. This was a game-changing move, as obtaining such licenses is notoriously difficult and expensive, often costing over six figures. Fortunately, Suzuki’s broker won the lottery for a new, affordable license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

With the help of Huy Nang Pham, a seasoned bartender with experience at renowned establishments like Seven Grand and Steep After Dark, Bar Suehiro was born. The new craft cocktail den, which officially opens to the public on Wednesday, July 31, features nine seats and a handful of tables spread across two bar areas. The upscale sibling concept draws inspiration from Tokyo’s whiskey bars and American cocktail lounges, offering a sophisticated yet intimate drinking experience.

The Cocktail Experience

Bar Suehiro’s opening menu consists of classic cocktails, premium martinis, and sake-derived Japanese vermouth, alongside ten unique house creations. Drink prices range from $16 to $32, with the most expensive offering being a Rob Roy made with Yoichi whiskey. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the bar also offers thoughtfully constructed Seedlip-based cocktails.

Pham, the mastermind behind the drinks concept, brings his expertise from previous roles at Bar Jackalope and Steep After Dark. He aims to create an intimate sit-down drinking den, best experienced in small groups. Unlike many bars in Los Angeles, Bar Suehiro encourages patrons to linger and savor their drinks, with Pham personally interacting with every customer.

In addition to the cocktails, patrons can order from Suehiro Café’s unchanged menu, featuring homestyle dishes like ramen, tempura, and beef hayashi rice. This seamless integration of food and drink ensures that guests can enjoy a complete dining experience.

The Significance of Bar Suehiro

The debut of Bar Suehiro represents a significant moment for the namesake restaurant and the Suzuki family. Junko Suzuki, Kenji’s late mother, opened Suehiro Café with her sister in 1972, and the new venture honors their legacy while adapting to the changing landscape of Downtown Los Angeles. The relocation and expansion into a cocktail bar come at a time when the area is experiencing record office vacancies and a slowdown in new bar openings.

Bar Suehiro’s opening is a rare and ambitious move, aiming to fill the void left by the closure of influential cocktail bars like Varnish. The new establishment not only carries on the torch of its predecessors but also aspires to become one of the best bars in the city. With its grand opening scheduled for July 31, Bar Suehiro is set to become a vibrant addition to the neighborhood, offering a unique blend of Japanese tradition and modern mixology.

Our Advice on the City

For occasional travelers visiting Los Angeles, a visit to Bar Suehiro offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Located in the Historic Core, the bar provides a glimpse into the evolving landscape of Downtown LA, where tradition meets modernity. We recommend making a reservation via Instagram DM to ensure a spot at this intimate venue.

For expert travelers, exploring the Historic Core and Little Tokyo can provide deeper insights into the area’s history and cultural significance. Take the time to visit other legacy businesses and landmarks that have shaped the community. Engaging with local establishments not only supports the preservation of cultural heritage but also enriches your travel experience with authentic and meaningful encounters.

In conclusion, the opening of Bar Suehiro marks a new chapter for Suehiro Café, blending the old with the new in a way that honors its legacy while embracing the future. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this new venture offers a unique and enriching experience that reflects the dynamic spirit of Los Angeles.