Koji's swanky bar is perfect for happy hour.
(Credit: Dave Moran)
The combination of creative dishes and delicious drinks is enough to draw a crowd, while the moderate pricing ensures a trip to Koji’s won’t empty your bank account. And though the menu keeps patrons happy, it's the trendy vibe of a busy Tokyo restaurant that adds a lively ambiance to Koji that other Hartford restaurants lack.
Food: Koji’s menu offers a wide selection of your favorite Pan Asian tastes. With a number of sushi options, grilled teriyaki dishes and other meticulously-seasoned plates, you’ll love every bite. But the best part of this restaurant isn’t its entrées. The real highlight of Koji seems to be the items that are the cheapest on the menu—the yakitori. For those of you who don't know, these are Japanese-style skewers. With options like shrimp garlic butter, eggplant and miso pork, the long list of yakitori choices will have you wanting to sample everything on the menu because, let’s face it, food just tastes better on a stick.
Drinks: If you aren’t in the mood for a full entrée, Koji’s is the perfect place to enjoy a few appetizers and, definitely, a few drinks with friends. With an extensive drink menu of sake-tinis, sake, martinis, mixed drinks, wine and beer, your biggest problem is picking which decadent drink you want to try first. If the weather is nice, try the Cucumber Sake-tini for a refreshing end to your workday. Grabbing a drink on a chilly winter evening? Give the Green Tea martini a try to make sure you get a healthy extra dose of antioxidants for the flu season.
Decor: After dining at Koji once, you’ll instantly feel a little more hip and cultured. The restaurant creates a look that is both trendy and stylish, with dim lighting, black furniture and a green, glowing bar. Multiple TVs surround the bar, displaying photos taken at the restaurant as well as shows and games of interest.
Crowd: A sophisticated crowd tends to gravitate toward this restaurant. As a token spot for happy hour due to its great specials, you are likely to find a good number of working professionals ending their day at Koji with a drink or two.
Service: This small restaurant makes up with service for what it lacks in space. Waiters and waitresses are there to answer your questions with a friendly demeanor and helpful suggestions. And how can you not be impressed with the bartenders after one taste of their deliciously crafted drinks?
Dress code: Dressing for Koji seems to be pretty simple, as most of the people wining and dining look like they just came from work. A refined, yet urban chic look will guarantee you fit right in, but don’t fret if you are on the casual side, as you will still feel completely at home.
Bottom line: Koji is definitely a spot worth a visit or two. Whether you are looking for an intimate evening on Saturday date night, a chance to catch up with friends after work, or are in need of sushi (and a cocktail) on your lunch hour, satisfaction is guaranteed.
Koji
17 Asylum St., Hartford
860-247-5654
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
