Aburiya Raku's Patio Expansion Hits a Snag

Aburiya Raku's plans to expand their famed, but compact, 48-seat restaurant have hit an early road bump. The Spring Valley Town Advisory Board voted unanimously to recommend denial for Raku's plan to add a 700-square-foot covered patio on the vacant plot of land next door.

Citing issues over the distance from the new space to the apartment complex across the street and repeatedly citing the possibility of cars jumping the curb and driving into the patio, they voted their disapproval for the current blueprints.

Neither the board nor Raku's representative at the meeting referenced the izakaya's national renown and none of the board's five members were familiar with the restaurant.

The current plans called for adding eight tables and 28 new seats to the frequently fully-booked location. A six foot hedge made with plants like bamboo would guard the privacy of diners and a canvas roof would rest 10 feet above the patio.

The board called for a new round of design proposals, including the possibility of adding bollards close to the curb. If Raku decides to push forward with a new proposal, they face the more sophisticated Clark County Planning Commission next month.