Minami · Osaka
With NICK YEAH!
A 500 yen martini bar which has a round counter with the bartenders in the center. It makes a great starting point for the evening. Good for meeting new people and finding out more about local events. Weekends have a good mix of Japanese and foreign customers. Friday and Saturday are the best. Don't be shy and ask where to go next.
A small, dark, smoky karaoke bar. Not fancy, but the owner and staff are cool and it gets pretty wild sometimes. Best to go later at night. Can be hit or miss based on the day and timing, but has a cult following with some crazy locals. Make it your last stop.
A very cozy rock bar owned by 3 American guys. It has good music & craft beer. Taco Tuesday is always fun because of the 200 yen (Tex-Mex) tacos and tequila. Almost only foreign tourists these days, but also some Japanese people and locals who like the owners / rock music.
A Japanese snack bar owned by a woman named Fakumi. She speaks perfect English, but her typical customers are wealthy Japanese businessmen. The secret price for foreign guests is 3000 yen for all-you-can-drink from a limited menu and karaoke. You'll need a reservation for a big group. Normal Japanese customers usually pay over 10000 each per hour. A can't miss experience if you want to see a Japanese hostess bar.
A smoke-free karaoke bar that attracts a lot of younger tourists. Very few locals, but the ones that do go have been in Japan for ages. Mostly tourists these days so it can be good if you're looking to meet other travellers and escape Japan for a night. This is not meant to be an authentic Japanese experience; this is silly-fun escapism for us ex-pats living over here.
The owner is an Irishman named Mick. Great place for watching sports and having traditional pub grub like fish and chips or burgers. There are two floors and the top floor also has karaoke set up. Good for groups who want to sing together.
A big underground basement bar with sofas and art everywhere. Almost only Japanese customers, but some staff can speak English and is a foreigner-friendly spot. Massive food menu, but basic drink menu. Great for small groups looking to chat and relax.
Small music focused bar. The owner, Masashi, is usually three sheets to the wind, but a cool guy. Usually says whatever comes to mind which can really be out there sometimes. Shockingly recently featured in Lonely Planet. Historically few tourists, usually long-term expats. A very relaxing spot that has been getting more visitors recently.
This is a high energy Aussie pub that always has either sports or lively music playing. The owner, Andy, has created a lot of his own products in Japan from meat pies to chicken salt. Very Aussie, so make sure to bring your sense of humor and ditch your ego. Or as Andy would say, “Shut up and drink!”
A video game bar with many retro consoles as well as modern games. Lots of unique cocktails. The owner, Matt, is usually delighted to show people around town and has countless recommendations for small interesting bars and local events. Maybe even more than me!
The owner of L&L opened this stop with a good friend many years ago. They named it after their kids whose names start with 'L'. This is a great place to relax for a long time because in addition to a wide range of drink options, they have great Mediterranean food and shisha. Downstairs is RoR, Osaka's best English-friendly standup comedy venue.
A board game pub / cafe with loads of games, drinks and a rotating food menu. The two owners are really funny guys. One from Ireland and one from Australia. Always a fun stop in the evening or afternoon.
Japanese-owned cocktail bar with a fixed menu. Flair bartending and shows happen periodically throughout the night.
Japanese / American cocktail bar. The owner, Deuce, is from Chicago and used to do tours in Osaka. Higher prices in exchange for higher quality ingredients and good conversation. Very modern and stylish. The best espresso martini in the city.
Japanese-owned and run cocktail bar. The owner, Hiro, makes most of his own liqueurs, bitters and dried fruits. Very difficult to find without a map. The owner is great at making drinks and not great at making conversation. Some of Osaka's best bartenders worked under this strict master. Tell Hiro what you like; he'll make you something great. Just don't break any glasses
Bible Club is an all encompassing pre prohibition era American experience. The cocktails are very thoughtfully built and garnished to perfection. Bible Club Osaka is a sister bar to the famous prohibition era Bible Club Bar in Portland, Oregon USA.
The owner has cheated lots of his business partners and customers in the past. He'll ask if you want a “free” shot and then charge you for it and other dishonest practices. Two of his bars have had mysterious “accidents” in the past.
Every bar owner went to this club when it first opened because it suddenly was “the best bar in Osaka” according to Trip Advisor. Chinese-owned scam bar that paid for reviews. They often ask customers if they want a glass of champagne, then quietly set the bottle in front of them and charge them for the whole bottle.
Some people just want to see the world burn. That's every customer at Heaven. Heaven opens at midnight and then every other club in the city pours its dregs into it when they want to close. If you are looking for proof that drugs and violence exist in Japan, go to Heaven at 5AM. If you wear slip-on shoes, they'll be peeled off of your feet by the sticky floors.
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