Ushabu opened in a tiny Tremont space in October 2016, doing something unique to Cleveland: serving Japanese “shabu shabu” where diners dunk thin-sliced meats, seafood and veggies into a simmering pot of broth and flavoring them with a variety of sauces.
Chefs Matt Spinner and David Kocab closed Ushabu early in the pandemic and used the time to re-invent the space as Bar Oni, still Japanese-flavored but more casual, reopening in late 2020 with a menu of grilled yakitori (skewered) and izakawa (Japanese bar food) items such as grilled chicken, pork belly and veggies, as well as dumplings and tempura. They describe the new vibe of the space as “Japanese sports bar,” a description emphasized by the addition of big-screen TVs. It’s more of a place to drop in, hang out with friends and enjoy a beer, cocktail or Japanese whiskey than to sit for a formal dinner, with no reservations needed or taken. Kitchen is open until 11pm Fridays and Saturdays; bar until 1am. Spinner left Bar One for other projects in late 2022, and was replaced by Chef Kevin Jockey, formerly of Taki’s in Avon Lake.
2173 Professor
216-713-1741