My spouse and I dined at Okatshe for dinner on a Saturday
evening in August 2019. Okatshe is open for dinner only on Wednesdays through
Sundays (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Diners can reserve a spot using the
online Open Table reservation system.
Okatshe was conceived by Chef Jose Garces, who also operates
neighboring restaurant Olon, as well as other properties in NJ (Amada,
Distrito), NY (Ortzi), and Philadelphia (Amada, Buena Onda, Distrito, JG
Domestic, The Olde Bar, Stella, Tinto, Village Whiskey, and Volver). We dined
at Amada in December 2012, Olon in July 2018, and Ortzi in August 2019, Volver
in December 2019, as well as at the now-shuttered Chifa in December 2010.
Okatshe is located in the Tropicana, just off the casino
floor, and next to Olon. Guests Okatshe through a secret door at the back of a
Japanese candy shop (okashi). Inside, the dark izakaya atmosphere features
glowing overhead neon signs that are reminiscent of the Tokyo streets. The
space accommodates up to 80 patrons at a time, seated at either the drinks bar,
sushi bar, communal tables, regular tables, and a few more secluded booths. On
certain nights, a DJ provides entertainment both during a meal and afterwards when
the restaurant turns into a nightclub.
Okatshe serves
Japanese izakaya cuisine, including small plates, yakitori, ramen, sushi, and sashimi. From the Small Plates section of the menu,
we shared the Chashu Buns (pork belly, daikon, hoisin sauce). From the
Yakitori, we shared the Butabara (pork belly) and the zucchini (three skewers
of each). For our main dishes, we ordered the Tonkotsu Style (pork broth) ramen
Tan Tan (sesame tare, ground pork, scallions, bean sprouts) and some sushi nigiri
(tuna and yellowtail) and traditional rolls (spicy tuna, spicy yellowtail). For
dessert, we shared just one small mochi (toasted coconut). A full bar offers Japanese
whiskeys, 50 types of sake, many kinds of beer, and cocktails.
We enjoyed our dinner at Okatshe; the food, service, and
atmosphere were pleasant.
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