I am in no way a travel expert when it comes to Colorado. What I do know are GOOD EATS. I was recently in Colorado for an NBCE exam to become a chiropractor and these places I went to eat at after the exam and the morning after. The list is short and too the point giving you what I like about each restauraunt/eateries I visited and the location.

My #1 favorite: TATSU IZAKAYA

2022 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210

I ordered 3 food items: Tan Tan Ramen, Unagi Nigiri (2pc), and Takoyaki (6pc)

I also had a small hot sake and the Sushi Chef at the counter gave me a complimentary off menu Hamachi with a mango and habanero sauce.

Appetizer: Takoyaki

I recently traveled to Japan with my girlfriend and had the best takoyaki in Sangenjaya, Tokyo. This appetizer here at Tatsu Izakaya brought me back to that memory of standing there eating takoyaki in Japan. It was SO CLOSE to 100% perfection. The octopus is nice and chewy. It was cooked perfectly. All that changed it from a 10/10 to a 9.5/10 appetizer was teh sweet sauce. There was a little to much for me and they could have put 1/2 the dark sweet sauce that was at the bottom of the plate. Overall its an excellent choice to start your meal. I am giving this a 9.5/10.

Unagi Nigiri

This comes as a 2 pc. Overall It was pretty typical american overly sweet compared to the version I’ve had in Japan. If you love Eel (Unagi) you will still enjoy this, but if you don’t want extra sweet notes in your meal I would order a different fish. I am giving this a 6/10.

Chefs Complimentrary: Hamachi Nigiri with Mango Habanero Sauce

I was speachless after trying this. I have had plenty of great fish from Michelin Restauraunts, Japan, and from deep sea fishing. I have not had good Hamachi in a very long time and this was my favorite fish of the night! The sauce complimented the mild savory notes of the Hamachi. It began with the taste of rice vinegar mixed with the sushi rice follwoed by a mild savory note from the hamachi blended with a kick of spice from the habanero and a light not too sweet finish from the mango. It was the perfect balance in one bite. A true masterpiece. 10/10.

Tan Tan Ramen

The finale ends with the Tan Tan Ramen. In the bowl there is: Ramen noodles, spicy chicken and peanut broth, topped with ground chicken, sprouts, narutio (the spiral looking fish cake), mushrooms, bok choy, 1/2 egg, and green onion.
Once again I am taken back to Japan ordering Ramen after a long day of exploring and walking everywhere. I’m hungry and want comfort food. This dish hits on many levels starting with the broth. Its separated when served so you have to mix it. Tasted seperatly the chicken broth is savory and the peanut broth is spicy, umami, and savory. Together it is a harmonious blend of balanced spice, increased umami and savory notes. It’s a delicate yet pronouced punch to the taste buds that leaves you wanting more. The ground chicken was also a pleasant surprise in the dish offering extra heat to the dish. Finally, the ramen noodles had a nice chewy bite to it. In my humble opinion it could have been a little more al dente to match that of the Ramen mongers in Japan. That’s just, me hyper analyzing it’s a wonderful dish.
Overall this ramen is the closest to those memories back in Japan with strong flavors and proud cooking. 9/10. Worth every bite.

Service at Tatsu Izakaya was quick and professional. There were 2 waiters that night working efficiently tkaing orders at 75% capacity. If you plan on trying Tatsu Izakaya I would keep in mindv that you might have to park somewhere else and walk to it as the parking lot is small. I would walk there every time for a comfort meal even if I had to walk 30 minutes to get there.

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