Far Bar

Unless you are on the lookout for it, you are likely to walk right by the narrow passage between two brick buildings leading to this urban gem in the heart of Little Tokyo. It is well worth a momentary claustrophobic squeeze to get to. Budding out from the area's old, trusty Chop Suey restaurant, the Far Bar is an eatery-bar-patio all unto itself. The elegant simplicity of the place, clasped between two tall brick walls stitched across with strings of lights, invites one to lounge and linger, whether over a couple of sakes or something more substantial—the menu features a great selection of reasonably priced finger food. Small jazz acts and chanteuses frequent the far corner, providing a lush musical backdrop to a lazy evening. - Kate Sobol