River monsters
Bar Kaiju (Little River)
BARS • First Round
The word kaiju roughly translates to “strange beast” in Japanese, and it’s the inspiration behind the cocktails at Little River’s Bar Kaiju, inside the Citadel food hall. This dimly-lit spot is intimate and fun, with a touch of mystery.
Decorated with Japanese anime and other monster paraphernalia, the L-shaped bar has plenty of seating, along with the adjacent lounge area. With a creative array of monster-inspired cocktails, owner Derek Stilmann and his team have designed a menu that looks like collectable Pokémon cards housed in a plastic page binder. Each card not only describes the drink and its tasting notes, but also goes into detail about the monster they’ve created, including its origin, strengths, and weaknesses, paired with holographic illustrations.
The Maskinganna — the Demon of the Dream World — is known for masking his appearance in order to frighten those around him. Its cocktail is a completely clear espresso martini made with undertones of chocolate, sherry, and amaro. Meanwhile, the Groot (yes, inspired by the Marvel movie character) is a cocktail made with bourbon and peach, woodsy and floral. There is also a Kaiju Classics menu, featuring the bar’s twist on cocktail standards.
It’s the kind of spot that’s great for your first drink of the night, and given how late it stays open, even better if you’re looking for a (monster of a) nightcap. –Amber Love Bond
→ Bar Kaiju (Little River) • 8300 NE 2nd Ave • Wed & Sun 6p-1a, Thu-Sat 7p-2a.