(Schaumburg, IL)-LettuceEntertain You is rolling out a new concept, one where shareable, global plates,a lounge-like vibe and ambient electro beats give suburban dining and imbibinga fresh face. Izakaya-inspired Tokio Pub willopen on May 18 adjacent to Shaw's Crab House in Schaumburg, boasting a separate entrance and singular scene.
Decked in richhues with industrial-yet-rustic details, the space comes courtesy of Chicago's innovative 555 International, the maestros behind hotspots Girl & the Goat in Chicago as well as the Playboy Club, N9NE Steakhouse and La Cave at Wynn Las Vegas. Naturally, Tokio Pub exudes its own eclectic feel with concrete floors, copperseating at wood tables and earthy, burlap-swathed walls dotted with distinctive etched, metallic Japanese artwork.
Meanwhile, the shareable, all-day menu is injected with the flavors of Japan, Korea, Thailand and Latin America. That translates into charred, sweetly sauced shishito peppers and ginger-inflected chicken meatball skewers from arobata grill; crying tiger shrimp tacos cradled by house-made corn tortillas with mango-habanero salsa and crunchy cabbage; and garlic-ginger chicken wings. Sweet-spicy baby back ribs offer a slight detour. Meanwhile, raw and cooked seafood selections are options as well, with Chef Naoki Nakashima's signature tuna, shrimp or salmon-topped crispy rice-finished with masago and chile oil-leading the way. Small plates range from $3 to $8, while combination plates ring in between $9 and $16 per dish.
However, it could be argued that Tokio Pub's cocktails play a starring role. Pub pitchers-perfect when imbibing with friends-range from yuzu margaritas to ginger mojitos and Merlot-spiked, sake sangria ($8 by the glass, $22 per pitcher). Asian-inspired cocktails like the Blushing Geisha with Beefeater gin, prickly pear puree and fresh lime juice($7) further the theme. Tap and canned beers hailing from near and far are all crisp, refreshing and perfectly pair with Tokio's cuisine (Tecante from Mexico $5, Half Acre Daisy Cutter from Chicago $8, Asahi from Japan $5.5 and more). Athoughtful, by-the-glass wine selection-not to mention specialty sips sans booze-complete the experience.
Following suit, up-tempo tunes-from dance-rock to electro-play an integral role, lending a feel that's equal parts stylish midday sojourn, date-night-appropriate and night-on-the-town.
Tokio Pub is adjacent to Shaw's Crab House in Schaumburg and is open Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 midnight and Sunday 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Valet parking is available for $5 per vehicle, seasonal outdoor seating for 40 diners is available and all major credit cards accepted. For more info, call 847-278-5181, visit the website at www.tokiopub.com, tweet at @Tokio_Pub, or keep up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tokiopub.