It's called a sushi "bar" for a reason -- a place where people gather to socialize, drink, and have a good time. Unfortunately, too many sushi bars in California focus more on presentation than salutation. So imagine my surprise when I walked into Hama Sushi for the first time and was greeted with a chorus of "HEEEEEYYYYY!" from the six jolly chefs behind the bar (along with a few well-juiced regulars). Because at Hama Sushi everybody's a somebody, and it's only a matter of time before you too are cheering newcomers and buying those madcap chefs another round of Sapporos. Located in Venice at the town's only roundabout, the restaurant is usually packed each night with regulars, so expect to wait a bit before diving into Hama's melt-in-your-mouth (literally) yellowtail, albacore, unagi, and specialty rolls. Standard Japanese hot plates such as chicken teriyaki and grilled Chilean sea bass are available as well (the grilled marinated squid is excellent), along with a wide selection of premium chilled sake. If it's your first visit, pass on the outside patio dining area and request a stool at the sushi bar to get the full Hama effect. Tip: Stay long enough to close the place down and you'll be in for a singing surprise.