The sugary scent of batter caramelizing on a hot press wafts half a block up and down 16th Street where it crosses Larimer Street. Follow your nose to the cheery Ichigo Matcha tea kiosk and prepare yourself to utter the words “fish” and “waffle” in the same sentence, because that beckoning aroma is a warm waffle shaped like a sea bream—complete with fins, scales, eyes, and a wide-open mouth. Its hollow, chocolate-lined body is where soft-serve ice cream (matcha, strawberry, or the all-but-mandatory swirl of both) goes.

You can also call the waffle taiyaki, as it’s been known in Japan for more than 100 years, if you prefer, but don’t walk away before owner Emma Lkhagvajav bedazzles your frozen treat with Pocky sticks (think crunchy, chocolate-dipped chopsticks) and a colorful cookie. Ichigo also specializes in iced matcha and fruit lattes and fizzy, creamy, frothy smoothies (with or without popping boba pearls), adding ample options for chilling out on a hot summer day. But if you’re looking to haul in a different kind of catch, try a trio of mini taiyaki filled with gooey cheese, molten Nutella, or surprisingly savory red bean paste.

5280 July 2025
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