Has anyone been to an "Izakaya" Japanese restaurant? Is it good?

Question:

I heard these Japanese drinking/snack establishments are gaining popularity outside of Japan.

Answer:

The idea of Izakaya is not new nor is it unique to Japan.

A Izakaya is very much like the old neighborhood bar or cafe. They range widely from cheap rundown to very cozy hidden gems. Depending on the owner, they can be a bit reserved or not as welcoming to total strangers because their main clienteles are longtime patrons - some even going back a couple of generation or more.

Speaking for myself, I enjoyed the food of the ones I've gone to but the drinking can be a bit excessive. The Japanese are heavy drinkers, and the Izakaya is a place for both drinking and eating - smoking, too.