Japanese Eatery Brings New Life to Lindenhurst Dining Scene

Lindenhurst, NY— Joining the mini-Renaissance happening in downtown Lindenhurst is a new Japanese izakaya-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar. Bakuto opened at 121 N. Wellwood Avenue in October in a former Quiznos store. The restaurant features an open kitchen with an imported robata grill from Japan that cooks the small plates of grilled and skewered meats and proteins that are traditional in izakaya.

Chef Zachary Rude, who is also the executive chef at Verde Kitchen in Bay Shore, is one of the partners at Bakuto and he told Patch that they've received a positive reaction despite taking a risk by bringing a new type of Japanese food to the area.

"We knew we were taking a chance doing something that might not be too familiar to a lot of people but the feedback has been really great. Bakuto is unique for a bunch of different reasons," he explained, including the chic, modern decor and a cutting-edge drink menu.

"The beverage program that Patrick [Capellini] created is super creative and unique. He blends classic cocktails with Japanese ingredients and does a bunch of super creative original cocktails as well. Lastly the food is unique as well we take a lot of Japanese ideology, cooking techniques, and izakaya philosophy to some familiar local ingredients."

In addition to the izakaya meat dishes, there are buns, udon noodle dishes and other small plates.

Deciding to open in downtown Lindenhurst was an easy choice, Rude said.

"I always thought it was a really beautiful downtown aesthetically but just needed a few fresh new businesses to bring it back to life. Between the businesses that are here already and everything coming it seemed like a no-brainer."

What do you think of the boom of new restaurants and bars opening in downtown Lindenhurst? Tell us in the comments.