Hojoko
"The coolest Japanese spot near BU. Rock 'n roll vibes, incredible food, and open late. Worth the splurge."
Last verified: 2024-12-20
What to Order
- Fried Chicken Karaage - crispy, juicy, perfect
- Ramen - rich and satisfying
- Robata-Grilled Meats - the smoky flavor is incredible
- Sake Flight - to explore their selection
- Japanese Milk Bread Toast - the brunch star
What to Avoid
- Being in a rush - izakaya is meant to be leisurely
- Skipping sake - their selection is excellent
- Missing the vibe - the décor is half the experience
The Full Review
Hojoko is what happens when a Japanese izakaya meets rock 'n roll. Located inside The Verb Hotel in Fenway, this spot has some serious Main Character Energy—think vinyl records on the walls, sake on tap, and food that takes Japanese pub fare to the next level.
The concept is izakaya, which means small plates meant for sharing over drinks. The karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is legendary—crispy batter, juicy meat, addictive sauce. The robata-grilled items are smoky and perfect. The ramen is rich enough to make you want to take a nap.
The sake selection is serious—they have a "sake sommelier" and flights to help you explore. If you're 21+ and curious about sake, this is the place to learn.
The vibe is effortlessly cool without being pretentious. Exposed brick, moody lighting, rock posters—it feels like a place where interesting things happen. Weekend brunch features their famous Japanese milk bread toast.
This is not cheap student food. It's "impress your date" or "treat yourself after acing finals" territory. But the experience is worth it.
Details
Hours
Location
1271 Boylston St, Boston
Fenway * 0.6 mi from campus
Delivery
Features
Best For
What Students Say
"Hojoko feels like you're in Tokyo but also at a cool rock show? The vibe is immaculate."
"The karaage there is the best fried chicken I've ever had. Fight me."
"Took my parents here and they were blown away. Makes you look cultured af."
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of restaurant is Hojoko?
It's a Japanese izakaya—small plates meant for sharing over drinks. Think upscale Japanese pub food with a rock 'n roll atmosphere.
Is Hojoko good for groups?
Perfect! The small plates format is ideal for sharing. Groups of 4-6 work great.
Do I need a reservation at Hojoko?
Recommended for dinner, especially weekends. Walk-ins possible at the bar.
How late is Hojoko open?
Until midnight! One of the few quality late-night dining options in Fenway.