Good to be happy at any hour.

There is a new sushi joint in the area – Kushi Izakaya & Sushi - that opened earlier this month. Owned by husband and wife team, Darren Lee Norris and Ari Kushimoto Norris, Kushi is located at 465 K Street near yet another upcoming area of DC – Mt. Vernon Square. Kushi only proves that everything on Wikapedia is true: “Izakaya is a type of Japanese drinking establishment which also service food to accompany the drinks.” This establishment also includes a raw bar that offers oysters for $3/ea, cherry stone clams from Nova Scotia for $1/ea, and lobster cocktail from Maine. In addition to the raw bar and sushi, the menu offers other small plates that include duck sausage, chicken meatballs, fioe gras, and grilled Japanese squash. The ambiance is a perfect setting for a happy hour with an open urban friendly space. My ‘plus one,’ right away noticed the high vaulted ceilings and its converted loft look. The up front live action kitchen makes you feel like you are part of the action (or a reality show). There is plenty of room to walk around and there are three bars, one for sushi, drink, and food. Each offers a wide space with enough room for your sake, sushi and elbows as my ‘plus one’ quipped. The highlight of the evening was the hot sake on tap and pick your own mix and match sake glass. Kushi's address is: 465 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001, and can be reached at (202) 682-3123‎. Although it doesn’t look like it has been updated you can find out more information on their website.