On a Roll

Japango celebrates 25 years of elevated flavor and family vibes

By Kalene McCort  »  Photos by Josh Plunkett

For a quarter of a century, Japango has been welcoming patrons into its doors for top-level sushi, innovative libations and exceptional service on the Pearl Street Mall. Beyond epic rolls and refreshing cocktails, the eatery has served as a refuge for regulars throughout its 25 glowing years. From welcoming in folks impacted by the Marshall Fire for consecutive days after the destructive blaze to providing a massive number of takeout meals during the beginning stages of the pandemic, this establishment remains a community favorite. Casual happy hours, work lunches, first dates and anniversary dinners continue to fill the reservation books. 

“We strive to create an environment where people want to spend their time,” says Erin Banis, who owns Japango with her husband Jon. “We like to be a reprieve from the bad times and a celebration of the good times. We have high standards for what we serve and how we serve, but we want the human aspect of it to be first and foremost the thing that people come back here for.”

Erin and Jon Banis met and fell in love within Japango where they both worked as staff members, prior to taking ownership of the popular restaurant. Now parents to two young daughters—Isla and Charley—the couple is carrying on the legacy of one of Boulder’s longstanding and most adored eateries, and they’re doing it all with the same level of commitment and connection that was established years ago under the direction of the original owner. 

The man—the anchor—behind Japango’s unforgettable sushi offerings is Chef Yukiji Iwasa. Hailing from Japan, he started his culinary journey when he was just 15 years old. Now in his 70s, he still approaches each new menu item with an unwavering sense of enthusiasm. Over the years, he has nurtured relationships with fishermen and premier fish distributers to craft the finest rolls utilizing prime ingredients. Fusing modern with traditional, he exceeds expectations of guests with each palate-pleasing choice. From top-brokered fish flown in directly from Japan to salmon reeled out of Alaska’s Copper River, the high quality of products used remains a high priority.  

“After eating this food for 15 years, I still crave it,” says Banis, who admits her hankerings change seasonally; although, she remains a loyal fan of the Gilded Bee roll—a poetic blend of cucumber, avocado, tempura asparagus, Hamachi, browned butter, black truffle honey, lemon and habanero masago.

Those who don’t embrace the raw can choose from a selection of mouthwatering cooked options such as lobster potstickers, miso black cod and spicy seafood udon. Even vegetarian and vegan dishes are mainstays at Japango.

In the center of the dining room, a pillar-like tank where luminous jellyfish, hailing from Monterey Bay, undulate. Nearby the dancing marine life, diners can sprawl out on lounge seating or cozy up to the bar where mixologists keep the tastebuds engaged by shaking up a roster of inventive drinks. 

Reimagined cocktails, possessing unexpected ingredients, can be found within the evolving selection. Japango’s Fireside Mule is ideal for the winter season and features black onyx cacao and a toasted marshmallow. Japanese microbrews, an extensive wine list and a variety of hot and cold sake round out the satisfying mix.

Given that the eatery possesses the largest collection of Japanese whiskey in the Front Range, owners have opted to create a pop-up liquor store in the corner of the restaurant, where enthusiasts of the rare and robust can shop exclusive labels just in time for holiday gift-giving. The pop-up will be offered through December 2024.          

In 2023, the Banises welcomed a second Japango located in Fort Collins. Above the sushi restaurant is another passion project, Sugar, Salt, Sand—an eatery inspired by their family trips to exotic locales.

Exploring eateries and bonding with restauranters in The Caribbean and Mexico motived the Banises to bring a fusion of international flavor stateside with their new culinary concept. Meanwhile, Japango’s flagship Boulder restaurant lures in new fans and welcomes longtime diners celebrating milestones.  

From hosting Boulder International Film festival’s yearly VIP filmmakers’ mixer to welcoming in the same guests for birthdays year after year, Japango continues to be a community hub of camaraderie. Weekly feature sheets deliver dishes crafted with newly acquired catches and drinks featuring fresh spirits to liven up the offerings, but consistency is always valued within this sleek establishment, which received an upgraded remodel in 2013. 

Post main meal, confection lovers can warm up with a pot of oolong tea and enjoy a range of desserts including green tea crème brûlée, mochi ice cream, sesame truffles and more. 

“I think the ambiance, the people that work here, the bar program and the food all play equal parts in what we’re trying to achieve,” Banis says. “Pearl Street is just amazing in the winter. There’s so much local vibrancy down here—the holiday shopping, the hustle and bustle, the lights. We have a prime spot for taking all that in.”

To learn more, visit japangosushi.com and follow the culinary adventures on Instagram @japangoboulder. Japango, 1136 Pearl St., Boulder, Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm.  Happy Hour is 3-6pm daily and all day Monday.

1136 Pearl St. Boulder, CO
303.938.0330
boulderjapango.com