Most of the little bars and eateries featured on Tokyo Times are unknown treasures from the outside. All too often, it’s only possible to see if an establishment is worth drinking in when the door is slid open, meaning a quick, almost instinctive decision is necessary. But the interesting mix of bar and restaurant below was different, as with its door left open, it was easy to peek in and see that as far as such places go, it is pretty much perfect.
Fittingly, it’s run by an old fella who is gruff, and endearingly shy.
Plus decor-wise, it clearly hasn’t changed much since it first opened over half a century ago.
And for the half a dozen or so people who can fit inside, the menu is suitably simple and cheap.
The only downside is it closes a little on the early side, although with its exterior lights turned off, the cosy, lost in time feel is in many ways only accentuated.
Denton says
Oh man this is so cool. Even the TV show looks old! 🙂
Lee says
Quite a place, isn’t it? And yeah, got lucky with that. A drama he is clearly a fan of!
Gom says
Very cool. I would love to experience this some day.
Lee says
Can’t recommend it enough. Definitely something to aim for. Some of course are more enjoyable than others, but each and every one has something interesting or unique about it.
seth lim says
looks like chinese food
Lee says
Yeah, it was. His gyoza were especially good.
Bernat says
Tokyo Midnight Dinner 😉
Lee says
Yes, a sort of early opening version. Although this place is in Fukushima, so it’d have to be a spin-off series!
Dan Waldhoff says
Popular TV series features a similar place. Good food, good friends, simple advice and concludes each episode with a recipe. Shinya Shokudo in romaji is a brilliant small slice of Japanese life, as is this place.
Lee says
One of the reasons I like these kinds of places so much is for that very reason. A side of life you can easily miss otherwise.
Still haven’t got round to watching the programme. Something I need to correct.