Sogo Roll Bar Opens Second Location in Highland Park

News Summary

Sogo Roll Bar is expanding with a new location in Highland Park, opening on June 4. The popular sushi destination aims to replicate its Los Feliz success, offering a diverse menu of hand rolls, fresh fish, and a curated drink selection. The Highland Park venue features a renovated interior and an all-day sushi option, contributing to the local culinary scene with accessible pricing and a welcoming atmosphere.

Los Angeles is set to welcome the new Sogo Roll Bar in Highland Park on June 4. This will be the second location for the popular sushi establishment, expanding from its original base in Los Feliz. The new restaurant will be located at 5535 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90042, occupying a space that previously housed Holcomb, which closed in April.

The Highland Park Sogo Roll Bar will maintain the same menu that has made the Los Feliz location a hit with sushi enthusiasts. Guests can expect to find a variety of hand and cut rolls, donburi dishes, and appetizers, such as cucumber salad. Highlighted menu items will include roll sets featuring fresh fish like snapper, yellowtail, and salmon, and shareable starters such as spicy tuna crispy rice and baked crab crispy rice. Larger offerings in the donburi section can be customized with various proteins, including raw salmon and albacore.

This expansion arises from a partnership between David Gibbs and Kiminobu Saito, both of whom are connected with Sushi Note, and seasoned industry professionals Sarah Dietz and Dustin Lancaster. With their extensive experience in the field, they aim to provide a unique dining experience that stresses both the quality of the food and the overall atmosphere.

Decor and Atmosphere

The new location features a complete renovation, setting the stage with green Japanese stucco walls complemented by maroon heron print Gucci wallpaper. The interior’s lighting has been crafted by Simon St. James of New Made LA, while Ellery Stoneware provides custom serving ware in earthy tones. A long wooden bar spans the dining area, accompanied by several tables, with an outdoor patio suitable for those looking to enjoy sake and snacks al fresco.

Focused Drink Program

A notable addition for the Highland Park location will be its focused drink program, differing from the broader offerings at the Los Feliz branch. The drink menu will include a selection of sake, wine, and beer, along with non-alcoholic options. Sakes will be categorized into options described as “light and refreshing,” “savory and interesting,” and “fruity and funky,” catering to a variety of preferences. The restaurant aims to position itself as a destination for both casual drinks and complete meals.

Accessibility and Community Impact

Price points for the hand rolls are designed to remain accessible, with most sets priced around $30. The Highland Park Sogo Roll Bar will also offer an all-day sushi option, a welcome addition to a neighborhood with limited Japanese cuisine choices. Currently, the only other sushi establishment in the area is Ichijiku Sushi, which has limited operating hours.

Operational hours for the Highland Park location will be Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. The new restaurant’s opening has generated positive buzz within the local community, with expectations for it to fill a culinary gap that residents have long recognized.

Background on the Original Location

Sogo Roll Bar’s initial location in Los Feliz has gained popularity since its inception, and the team behind the restaurant is optimistic that the Highland Park site will replicate its success. By offering a modern take on traditional sushi and creating a welcoming space, the restaurant strives to become a favorite dining spot within the Highland Park community.

As the opening date approaches, anticipation continues to grow for this exciting new addition to Los Angeles’s diverse culinary scene.

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Additional Resources

• Eater: Sogo Hand Roll Bar Opening
• LA Times: Best Hand Roll Bars
• The Infatuation: Best Sushi Outside LA
• Wikipedia: Sushi
• Google Search: Hand Roll bars in Los Angeles