Getting grilled by your boss makes for a pretty bad day. Getting grilled snacks and cocktails by Robata Bar in Santa Monica makes for a pretty great night. Sidle up to a whimsical Japanese Harajuku girl peering out at you from the poster-sized pictures on the wall and your fiery frustrations go up in smoke!IDG, the restaurant geniuses behind Katana, Sushi Roku, Boa and Luckyfish are responsible for the buzzing atmosphere of a 20-40 something after-work crowd, energetic music and friendly staff. Every night from 5-7pm the “Red Sun Happy Hour” boasts a selection of nibbles off the Robata Bar, a “Japanese Tapas” style of grilled food.For $5 you can choose up to 3 different skewers such as the glazed grilled salmon or shrimp, all served with a trio of dipping sauces. For something a little more adventurous try the Tomato or Asparagi Maki—cherry tomatoes or asparagus wrapped in bacon or enjoy a martini glass filled with spicy Popcorn Rock Shrimp Ceviche. Save your appetite for the “Hanabi”—Yellowtail or Spicy Tuna served atop crispy rice patties. Wash the fire down with a cold beer or sake, or the Robata Fusion Cocktail made with fruit, Sake and Vodka, all at just $5.If Happy Hour turns into “date night,” sip the romantic Kyoto Rose Martini made with Belvedere Vodka and White Tea Bulgarian roses for $12. Sushi is available from Sushi Roku next door, as well as their extensive Robata Yaki menu featuring the always popular grilled meats like the Tebasaki (Chicken Wings) or vegetables like the sweet Tomorokoshi (corn) all ranging from around $3-15. Sake “flights” include a taste of Daiginjo, Ginjo and Jumai for $16. Finish the evening with something sweet. Green Tea Mochi always makes mouths happy with its chewy powdered sugar outside and ice cream inside. Take your daily grill gripes and throw them on the fire, cause getting grilled never felt so hot!