Minami · Osaka
With NICK YEAH!
A 500 yen martini bar with a round counter and bartenders in the center. A great starting point for the evening — good for meeting new people and finding out about local events. Weekends mix Japanese and foreign customers well; Friday and Saturday are best. Don't be shy, 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 late at night. Can be hit or miss depending on the day, but has a cult following with some crazy locals. Make it your last stop.
A very cozy rock bar owned by 3 American guys, with good music and craft beer. Taco Tuesday means 200 yen Tex-Mex tacos and tequila. Mostly foreign tourists these days, plus some locals who like the owners and the rock music.
A Japanese snack bar owned by a woman named Fakumi, who speaks perfect English — though her typical customers are wealthy Japanese businessmen. The visitor price is 3,000 yen for all-you-can-drink from a limited menu plus karaoke (reserve ahead for big groups). A can't-miss look at a real Japanese hostess bar.
A smoke-free karaoke bar that attracts a lot of younger tourists. Very few locals aside from long-timers. Good if you're looking to meet other travellers and escape Japan for a night — silly-fun expat escapism, not meant to be an authentic experience.
Owned by an Irishman named Mick. Great for watching sports and traditional pub grub like fish and chips or burgers. Two floors, with karaoke set up on top — good for groups who want to sing together.
A big underground basement bar with sofas and art everywhere. Almost all Japanese customers, but some English-speaking, foreigner-friendly staff. Massive food menu, basic drink menu. Great for small groups looking to chat and relax.
A small, music-focused bar. The owner, Masashi, is usually three sheets to the wind but a cool guy who says whatever comes to mind. Recently featured in Lonely Planet after years of mostly long-term expats — a relaxing spot getting more visitors these days.
A high-energy Aussie pub always playing sports or lively music. The owner, Andy, has created his own products in Japan, from meat pies to chicken salt. Bring your sense of humor and ditch your ego — or as Andy would say, “Shut up and drink!”
A video game bar with retro consoles alongside modern ones, and lots of unique cocktails. The owner, Matt, loves showing people around town and has countless recommendations for small bars and local events — maybe even more than me!
Opened by the owner and a good friend, named after their kids whose names start with ‘L.’ A great place to settle in for a while — wide drink selection, great Mediterranean food, and shisha. Downstairs is RoR, Osaka's best English-friendly stand-up comedy venue.
A board game pub/cafe with loads of games, drinks, and a rotating food menu. The two owners — one from Ireland, one from Australia — are genuinely funny guys. Always a fun stop, evening or afternoon.
A Japanese-owned cocktail bar with a fixed menu. Flair bartending and shows happen periodically through the night.
A Japanese/American cocktail bar. The owner, Deuce, is from Chicago and used to run tours in Osaka himself. Higher prices for higher-quality ingredients and good conversation — modern, stylish, and home to the best espresso martini in the city.
A 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. Great at making drinks, not so great at making conversation — some of Osaka's best bartenders trained under this strict master. Tell Hiro what you like and he'll make you something great. Just don't break any glasses.
An all-encompassing pre-Prohibition-era American experience. Cocktails are thoughtfully built and garnished to perfection. Bible Club Osaka is a sister bar to the famous Prohibition-era Bible Club in Portland, Oregon.
The owner has cheated business partners and customers in the past — offering a “free” shot, then charging for it, among other dishonest practices. Two of his bars have had mysterious “accidents.”
Every bar owner went here when it first opened, since it was suddenly “the best bar in Osaka” according to Trip Advisor. A Chinese-owned scam bar that paid for reviews — they'll ask if you want a glass of champagne, then quietly set the bottle down and charge for the whole thing.
Opens at midnight, and every other club in the city pours its dregs into it when they close. If you're looking for proof that drugs and violence exist in Japan, go at 5AM. Wear anything but slip-on shoes — the floors will take them off your feet.
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