Temaki Bar serves fresh hand rolls and sake in Encinitas

North County residents should consider Temaki Bar in downtown Encinitas for their next happy hour or date spot for sushi and sake.

• Even outsiders should make the trip and follow it up with a scoop at Gelato 101 and sunset at the Moonlight Beach overlook.

Dig in: The spicy tuna crispy rice starter, served with chili garlic and citrus ponzu sauce, is a menu highlight.

• Yes, but: The curated hand roll sets with chilled, fresh fish over warm rice are the stars at this small sushi bar.
• Dre's Pop N' Rock Hand Roll (Pop Rocks, bang-bang shrimp and mango) is $5 during happy hour (3-5pm Monday-Thursday) and pairs well with a $5 sake carafe.

The April special menu features sweet-and-spicy wings, the Poison Ivy cut roll (tuna, avocado, cucumber, serrano, asparagus and other toppings) and the Shellder hand roll (bay scallops, furikake, lemon, crispy onions and truffle oil).

The vibe: A few blocks from the ocean, sit chef-side at the chic-yet-casual space decorated by bold and colorful graffiti art.

• The menu is small but intentional with a focus on fresh hand rolls and sake.
• The rolls are served one at a time and meant to be eaten immediately, which isn't hard.
• Tiny hands hold your chopsticks on the table.

If you go: Order sake bombs and a few rolls.

• It's open 11am-9pm Monday-Thursday and 11am-11pm Friday-Saturday.