Our first stop is Tokudasaketen, from the Kyobashi area of Osaka, a veritable bar-hopper’s paradise. With six locations in Umeda alone, this drinking spot is well-known to local alcohol aficionados.

I recommend the sashimi raw fish platter. The fish is fresh, and the portions are large, and it all comes at a fantastic price! The manager, Asami, even said, “It’s actually a problem when too many people order it.” They’re willing to sacrifice profits just to serve this popular menu item!

Along with raw fish, another specialty of the bar is the Kyobashi tamagoyaki rolled omelet. Apparently, half of their customers order this classic Japanese dish. It’s one of my favorites too.

A fluffy omelet filled with red ginger, green onion, and crumbled bits of fried tempura (called tenkasu), sitting on a bed of shredded cabbage. The red ginger adds a strong kick to this undeniably delicious dish. It also pairs perfectly with a drink. So yummy!

Tokudasaketen has a large selection of sake, but today I ordered a highball made with beer, called a “beer ball,” which is a recent fad. The manager recommended it.
Now that I’ve tried it, I can say there’s a good reason this is all the rage! Even if you don’t like beer, this has a light, refreshing taste, and it gives you a nice buzz. I could gulp a ton of it down without a second thought.

We’re not done yet! On to the next spot: HIRUSAKABA KOMICHI. If you want to drink a ton by yourself for a great deal, this is the place to be.
Two drinks and a side dish are only 1,200 yen with the amazingly generous “Getting Tipsy” set. You can choose different drinks and entrees every time, so you’ll never get bored!

Today, I ordered the fried katsu skewers. The three skewers I got were chicken, fish, and Japanese quail.
Besides the sets, there are tons of different skewers you can order individually from the menu! Pork, ham, and cheese are the most popular. There are even wild options like takoyaki!

Hinata, a staff member, says the udon gyoza dumplings and the Komichi meatballs (both 390 yen w/tax) are the most popular menu items. Udon gyoza dumplings originate in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, and are a delicacy there. Unlike other dumplings, the filling is not wrapped with dough, but instead thick udon noodles are mixed in with the filling. It's a very simple dish to make at home. The Komichi meatballs are made of chicken flavored with garlic. Top them with spicy mustard for an extra punch. I definitely want to try both next time I come!

Apparently, they used to get mainly male customers, but lately, the number of women coming to the shop has increased. The staff here are all really kind, so women can relax even if they come alone.

All right then, now that things are starting to get fun, don't you want to indulge with some sake? I sure do.
YAMANAKA SAKE-NO-MISE is an iconic sake bar. The concept is "discovering the most delicious sake for you." They have a truly impressive array of sake on offer, and you can compare three types of sake at once with the sampler set. This set is only available at the EKI MARCHE OSAKA location!

There were tons of food options, too, so it was hard to decide. The manager, Hirase, recommended the raw whale sashimi, so I got it. It was brilliant! It goes perfectly with sake. You really won't want to miss this dish.
They get fresh seafood every day, so what's available changes all the time. Not only will you find the perfect sake for you, but maybe the perfect side dish, too.

The sake dispensers are a must-try at YAMANAKA SAKE-NO-MISE. The large black dispensers lined up at the front of the store allow you to choose from dozens of different types of sake. If you like it, you can always buy some more. It's tons of fun to find the sake you like.

I had a lot to drink at the first three restaurants, but out of the blue, I found another place that caught my attention! This is Stand Chu-hi 35, a casual, standing-style bar that feels inviting, even alone.

They specialize in chu-hi cocktails, which combine Japanese shochu liquor with flavored syrup and soda. This bar exclusively uses Takara Jun 35 Shochu. Seeing chu-hai served in glasses with that logo makes me feel nostalgic.
This time, I ordered the Okinawan salt and lemon. This drink is made with lemons soaked in salt produced on Hamahiga Island in Okinawa using traditional salt manufacturing methods. It goes down smoothly but has an extra punch. I never want to stop drinking it!

Their twist on a classic Japanese bar food, offal stew, is spiced with cumin. The gentle spice pairs perfectly with the alcohol, a delicious match made in heaven.
The head chef, Tsuyoshi, used to work as an Italian cuisine chef. It may seem unexpected for the casual atmosphere of a standing bar, but they’re very particular about their food. To really enjoy your drink, your side dish has to be great, too! No wonder there are so many repeat customers.

Our last stop is Tonarino Jack & Matilda, which has affiliated restaurants in the Tenma and Fukushima areas of Osaka, as well as other popular drinking destinations. Its colorful noren curtain and stylish menu, not to mention the standing bar, are popular with women.

Every time I come here, I always order the rare wagyu beef shabu-shabu and the flavorful shrimp and mayo. The quality of the ingredients, as well as the ingenious seasoning, are sure to delight anyone! Grab a drink and enjoy the delectable bites on offer! Satisfaction guaranteed!

Waki, the manager, explained, "We don't have the same menu items as most other bars. We thought of everything from the ground up. The shrimp and mayo was especially carefully thought out. We even roast the cashew nuts used as a topping in-store." These really are special dishes you can only get here.

After a night of drinking, don't forget dessert!
The refreshing, gentle sweetness of sake-flavored ice cream is the perfect late-night treat. Apparently, they "tried numerous types of sake to find the perfect fit for the ice cream." Their effort certainly paid off. This is super yummy!

Final thoughts

There are tons of bars you can enjoy even alone at BARCHICA in Lucua Osaka and EKI MARCHE OSAKA! You'll find popular restaurants from all over the region all gathered in one place, making this the ideal spot to bar-hop. I went home flushed and excited to come back someday after work. If you've never tried drinking alone, please give it a shot.

Editor: Kotsu Shimbunsha
Writer: Hachiyo

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*Information was current as of February 15, 2023. As some details may have changed, please check current information before visiting these locations.

*Information was current as of February 15, 2023. As some details may have changed, please check current information before visiting these locations.