Hanasho Japanese Restaurant

Hanasho is located in a slightly dingy Irving strip mall, but don’t let that dissuade you. Sushi and sashimi are impeccably fresh, and certain varieties can be had during happy hour for just a buck. Hamachi collar and delectably fatty toro are standouts. Besides the requisite raw fish, this traditional sushi joint also offers other Japanese specialties like shabu-shabu — raw beef and vegetables served with a pot of hot water for DIY cooking at your table — shrimp and vegetable tempura, teriyaki and ramen and udon noodle soups. If you’re lucky, they might just have takoyaki (the round octopus dumplings that are popular as street food in Japan) on the specials menu, but call ahead to check, lest you be left crying into your sushi rice.