Jay’s Bar is more than a neighborhood hangout — it’s a dream brought to life, and a legacy carried forward.
For over a decade, my late husband Jason and I ran My Ramen Bar in Little Tokyo, where he poured his heart into every dish as chef and owner. Jason had a truly unique background — half Japanese, born and raised here in Los Feliz, with family roots in South Africa on his father’s side. His life and cooking were shaped by this rich mix of cultures, and so was his vision for Jay’s Bar.
During the challenges of COVID, Jason took over Jay’s Bar and began shaping it into the casual, welcoming spot he always imagined — a place where neighbors could gather over great food, craft drinks, and conversation. My own family history, on my mother’s side, goes back over 180 years in sake brewing in Japan, so together we envisioned a menu that blended Japanese pub fare, American comfort food, and a curated sake selection — a true neighborhood tapas bar.
Just five days after reopening Jay’s Bar, Jason passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. In that moment, I found myself not only raising our three children, but also carrying forward the dream we built together.
Today, every dish, every pour, and every smile at Jay’s Bar is in honor of Jason’s spirit. This is more than a bar — it’s a place where neighbors meet, eat, and raise a glass to friendship, community, and the people we love.
