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LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- With minimal advertising or promotion, Yuzu owner Dave Bumba is a little surprised at the buzz behind the restaurant's upcoming "Bobsterfest Bar Crawl." As it turns out, Cleveland has a lot of Bob's Burgers fanatics.

The globally-inspired eatery quietly landed in Lakewood mere months ago, and now they're bartering your old beanie babies for booze one night and throwing a dog prom the next. Since opening in May, Yuzu has started hosting some of the most offbeat events in town.

"So many places take themselves a little too seriously," says Bumba. "We wanted to inject some fun back into bars and restaurants."

That's why it's so likeable. It's a casual joint with a bit of understated polish where you can kick back and sip an "American Psycho" cocktail. For the unacquainted, that's garlic-infused Reyka vodka, dry vermouth, truffle oil and olive.

So why, on a Tuesday night, are people downing "3 a.m. Snap Stories" (yes, this Snapchat-themed cocktail does involve tequila) while someone belts out "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Disney's "Mulan"? And why is there occasionally a giant Pikachu walking around here?

This is the place you'll find an all-Nickelodeon trivia night that inevitably leads to a drunken debate about whether Stoop Kid from "Hey Arnold" ever leaves the stoop or if Doug Funnie ever really ends up with Patti Mayonnaise. (We'll add that it would be a missed opportunity if Yuzu doesn't add the "Kenan and Kel" beverage of choice, orange soda, to part of their cocktail program soon.)

"A lot of this has a cult following, so people are looking for a venue to celebrate their favorite things together," notes Bumba.

On the horizon is a dinosaur bar crawl complete with prizes for the best Jurassic costumes. "Crazy cat lady night" invites you to bring your feline to the patio - excuse us, catio - for cats-only sushi. A "Saved by the Bell" toga party serves up $2 Bayside Bombs. "Brunch with Pikachu" is a family-friendly event with plenty of photo opportunities and no app necessary.

While it's not every day you'll see cats on leashes at Yuzu's patio, they do cater to the K9 crowd. Yes, when your pup's had a long day at "the office," they can come crack open a dog beer here. Relax - it's a mixture of salt-free chicken stock and molasses. They also have a designated dog menu with a "biscuit flight" and tenderloin.

When it comes to human food, Yuzu's fare ranges from street-style snacks to eclectic bowls served until 2 a.m.

"We skew heavy on the Asian cuisine, but we have representation from around the world like, Brazil and Italy," says Bumba. "It gives us liberty to play around with the seasons."

The Last Call Bento Box includes fries, sake-soaked fried chicken (or cauliflower for a vegetarian version), dessert and a cream ale. Wings are served with either sweet hoison or spicy Korean sauce. Locally-sourced skewered meats come in styles like tandoori chicken or rich pork belly paired with sweet potatoes.

Bowls layered with short grain white rice make up a hearty portion of the menu. Korean beef with ginger and sriracha adds a little fire, while an Indian bowl is filled with chickpea, coconut and curry. A Thai beef bowl combines peanut butter and peanut sauce, and a colorful Moroccan-inspired dish brings together avocado, egg and shakshuka salsa.

Ramen made with Ohio City Pasta rounds out the offerings in both pork fat chicken stock and veggie varieties.

"It's a tight menu of hits," says Bumba. "It's not like a Netflix-style menu, where you're overwhelmed with choices."

Yuzu

13603 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107

440-799-8343