Ssisso, the new Japantown spot from the owners of Playground, appears to have opened a little earlier than planned (it was originally forecast for late January). According to their Facebook page, their doors are open now, though their grand-opening bash won't be until the first week of February.
As previously reported, the new spot (named for the Korean word for "seesaw") is right downstairs from the mothership, but features a more eclectic menu, with dishes like yuzu pork belly salad; steamed black cod in a spicy sauce; and grilled pork neck with soy, ginger, and garlic, plus ice cream from Frozen Kuhsterd for dessert. Fans of Playground's soy-garlic fried chicken and seafood pancake will find those here as well, minus the karaoke soundtrack.
Drinks-wise, you'll find a fairly pedestrian selection of beers (Asahi, Sapporo, Hite, OB, Coors, Corona), with some available in baseball-shaped beer towers for the table. There's also a selection of soju cocktails in flavors like rosemary tonic, strawberry mint, and orange honey. Sports fans should also note the giant projection TV. Hours are currently 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sun-Wed, and 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. Thu-Sat.
—Allie Pape
· Ssisso [Official Site]