Japango

Continuity of excellence serves authentic Japanese cuisine

By RAY LINVILLE  »  Photos TIM ROMANO

A taste of Japan has been offered in the heart of Boulder for more than two decades at Japango. This family-operated restaurant is a lively, modern space for Japanese tapas, sushi and sashimi, with daily happy hours.

Located in a historic landmark building just west of Broadway on Pearl Street, Japango anchors a choice spot on the Pearl Street Mall.

For owners Jon and Erin Banis, Japango has been a labor of love. Jon joined the team in 2001 under the previous owner and seven years later took over as owner when Erin also joined the restaurant team. With Yukiji Iwasan, the head chef, they have expanded the traditional Japanese cuisine, leaned into more modern influences, introduced an innovative bar program and transformed Japango to one of Boulder’s top restaurants.

Staying in business for more than 20 years requires the hard work and incredible dedication of the entire team. Erin Banis brags about the staff: “They provide a remarkable working energy with how they respect each other and the customers. Some of the staff have been with the restaurant almost a decade. We have done a good job keeping them.”

A prime example is Iwasan, who was born in Nagano, Japan, and started his training to become a master sushi chef when he was 15 years old. He started with Japango when it initially opened, but later left for career opportunities in Las Vegas. “When he learned that we had bought the restaurant, he eagerly rejoined the team and has been with us ever since,” she says.

Another important team member is sushi chef Jesse Eshima. Known for his attention to detail and speed, he has spent more than 20 years perfecting his craft. 

The continuity of excellence at Japango extends beyond its staff and embraces every dish that is served.

Both lunch and dinner menus have something for everyone, whether you consider yourself a sushi connoisseur or are uncertain about what to order. Both menus also feature salads, soups and a delightful selection of starters such as lobster potstickers, seared tuna tempura and spicy calamari. Sashimi, sushi, nigiri and maki are popular choices.

At lunch, bento boxes — a traditional Japanese lunch served with miso soup, mixed green salad and white rice — include several choices of teriyaki, vegetable tempura, California roll and specials. At dinner, large plates include the eight-ounce Japango filet, a lightly seasoned Hawaii tuna steak and spicy seafood udon.

Enjoy perusing the captivating drink menu that changes with the season. Get ready to toast your friends with “Kanpai,” the Japanese equivalent of “Cheers!” An obligatory ritual before anyone enjoys a drink, it literally means “empty cup.” The restaurant offers the largest selection of saki and Japanese beer and whisky in Boulder.

At Japango, enjoy tea by the cup or the pot. Among the many choices, consider Sakura cherry blossom, a prominent symbol of Japan that signifies the transient nature of life. Think of Japanese cherry blossoms wafting in a spring breeze, as you enjoy this sweet and refreshing brew.

Desserts are another specialty. Taking its name from a malevolent fire spirit in Japanese folklore, the akuma cake is a chocolate devil’s food cake topped with miso caramel, chocolate ganache and sesame brittle, and Glacier vanilla sea salt caramel ice cream. The other desserts are equally tempting.

A kid’s menu of small plates (noodles or potstickers) or large plates (teriyaki or tofu) is also available for young diners.

Each dining area is inviting and has special charm. “The two patios on Pearl Street are always fun and lively. They bring a different kind of energy,” says Banis, who notes that the restaurant has more than 20 tables outside. The back patio with a fireplace and the immediate patio also provide opportunities to enjoy the scenery.

Indoors, the dining room awaits you with its charm. Pull up to a seat at the lively front bar, watch the chefs at work behind the sushi bar, enjoy your meal at a classic table, or relax in the lounge.

Active in the community long before “Boulder Strong” became a watchword, Japango continues to show how businesses can care for their neighbors. With the support of its customers, the restaurant gave away $100,000 in gift cards to Boulder frontline heroes and others affected by the pandemic.

The restaurant also hosts special events that support local charities, such as organizations that help at-risk youth or provide financial support for patients receiving breast cancer treatments. On the monthly Giveback Thursdays, 8.88 percent of all proceeds go directly to selected charities.

Why is the number eight so special and repeated three times? “That number in Japanese is associated with prosperity. Eight is a lucky number in Japan, because it conveys the idea of being prosperous,” Banis explains.

Another special way they are involved in the community is its support for Foothills Elementary School. When its students complete their lesson plan on Japanese customs and traditions, the restaurant delivers lunch in bento boxes for them to enjoy.

Join the family atmosphere at Japango when you want a taste of Japan. All your favorites are also available for curbside pickup when you want to simply dine at home.

1136 Pearl Street, Boulder CO
303-938-0330
boulderjapango.com