Apartment Look

fullscreen The first impression of Highland Park's RBTA, the neighborhood's new izakaya, is that it's a tad narrow. The space is akin to a railroad apartment, in which you have to pass through the separate compartments to get to where you need to be. "Cozy" isn't quite the right word for it, however, what with the industrial bulbs hanging over head, and the file of passersby at the front window, some of whom will glance at you expectantly as if hoping for some sign of your opinion on the place (FYI, we're having a perfectly good time ). The prevailing atmosphere here is one of a tucked-away stand in Tokyo’s famed Shoube Yokochou Alley , also affectionately known as "piss alley" (we doubt the tourism board was responsible for this one). The vibe at RBTA is a little frenetic, a little boozy, and the mindset is one of instant gratification. RBTA, named for the robata grill that exists in the heart of the kitchen, is the brainchild of chef Justin Ba...