St. Louis Wing Week Returns April 8-15, 2024

Izakaya Ren

My best advice is not only to take Kim at his word that he wants you to try something different, but to engage him and the rest of the staff in conversation and see what transpires. On my final visit, sitting at the bar, I ordered the tako wasabi and the fried saba (mackerel). While I ate the octopus, one of the sushi chefs asked if I'd ordered the saba. Visibly excited, he said, "Because we're not busy, I'll make you the special version." Click here to continue reading Ian Froeb's review of Izakaya Ren. Photos by Jennifer Silverberg.
Izakaya Ren
2948 Dougherty Ferry Road
Valley Park
636-825-3737
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Inside Izakaya Ren.
Inside Izakaya Ren.
General Manager, and the owner's son, Jay Kim making a sushi roll at Izakaya Ren.
General Manager, and the owner's son, Jay Kim making a sushi roll at Izakaya Ren.
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Inside Izakaya Ren.
Inside Izakaya Ren.
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Inside Izakaya Ren.
Inside Izakaya Ren.
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The Kalbi (beef short rib) bento box comes with two pieces of gyoza, four pieces califronia roll, potato salad, sunomono (cucumber salad) and house salad.
The Kalbi (beef short rib) bento box comes with two pieces of gyoza, four pieces califronia roll, potato salad, sunomono (cucumber salad) and house salad.
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The Kalbi (beef short rib) bento box comes with two pieces of gyoza, four pieces califronia roll, potato salad, sunomono (cucumber salad) and house salad.
The Kalbi (beef short rib) bento box comes with two pieces of gyoza, four pieces califronia roll, potato salad, sunomono (cucumber salad) and house salad.
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Yaki Ika (grilled squid).
Yaki Ika (grilled squid).
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Yaki Ika (grilled squid).
Yaki Ika (grilled squid).
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Saba Fry (Fried Mackerel).
Saba Fry (Fried Mackerel).
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Saba Fry (Fried Mackerel).
Saba Fry (Fried Mackerel).
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Bulgogi Wrap.
Bulgogi Wrap.
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Agedashi Tofu (fried tofu).
Agedashi Tofu (fried tofu).
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Agedashi Tofu (fried tofu).
Agedashi Tofu (fried tofu).
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Sashimi of octopus, tuna and salmon.
Sashimi of octopus, tuna and salmon.
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Rainbow roll is crab stick with cucumber topped with four kinds of fish and avocado.
Rainbow roll is crab stick with cucumber topped with four kinds of fish and avocado.
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The dragon roll is crabstick, tamago, cucumber, topped with avocado, eel, eel sauce and sesame seeds. Rainbow roll in background.
The dragon roll is crabstick, tamago, cucumber, topped with avocado, eel, eel sauce and sesame seeds. Rainbow roll in background.
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Baked salmon sushi is not a regular menu item, but available upon request for those who don't want raw fish.
Baked salmon sushi is not a regular menu item, but available upon request for those who don't want raw fish.
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The "Dynamite" is a baked seafood dish with shrimp, scallops, mushrooms, masago, yellow tail, kampachi, red snapper and salmon.
The "Dynamite" is a baked seafood dish with shrimp, scallops, mushrooms, masago, yellow tail, kampachi, red snapper and salmon.
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Izakaya Ren has been open in Valley Park for three months.
Izakaya Ren has been open in Valley Park for three months.
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General Manager (son to the owner) Jay Kim.
General Manager (son to the owner) Jay Kim.
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