YFC Tour Series - Cool Izakaya

 

 

YFC Tour Series - Cool Izakaya.  Saying cool Izakaya is a bit redundant. Most Izakaya are pretty cool. If I had to pick my favorite type of restaurant, it would be at an Izakaya. One that's been around for many years and is part of the neighborhood. It'll have a warm and comfortable atmosphere, good food, cold beer, and good sake.  

 

What is an Izakaya? Google it with an image search and then Google "izakaya food" to see the wide variety of dishes. Essentially it is a pub where the focus is as much on the food as it is on the beer, shochu, or sake. A slow but steady flow of dishes is usually ordered throughout the night. Many times the chefs and kitchen are very visible aspects of the restaurant.

While not the greatest place for izakayas, Yokosuka has a few noteworthy ones.

Maido in Kanazawa Bunko

The place above had to close down (it wasn't technically in Yokosuka anyways) due to the building being torn down to make room for new construction. It was a real shame it had to close. But it epitomized the neighborhood izakaya. A family running the operation behind the counter. A yakitori grill. Some sake and shochu bottles on various shelves. A counter which has seen untold thousands of elbows and countless stories.  We had many get-togethers at Maido that we'll remember for a long time. They knew their sake and would pour them tall. The next day, some would not come to work at all.

But back to Yokosuka - and we'll start off at Ume no Yu.

Ume no Yu - 梅の湯

In no particular order, we'll start with Ume no Yu (Plum's hot bath). Ume no Yu starts out cool even before you get there because you'll head down a tiny alleyway, that many don't even know exist, to get there. Half way down the alley you'll see the noren hanging. Enter through a sliding Japanese style door before removing your shoes and take a seat at a table with your legs situated in a trench.  Inside you'll feel at home with the warm colors and friendly husband and wife team that run the place. You can order from the very complete English menu or just go for their 5000 Yen all you can drink and eat meal for 2 hours. Although it's not actually all you can eat, the dishes just keep coming and coming and by the end you will be full. Make reservations for this ahead of time. Just stop by the place at lunch and bring the restaurant reservation aid located on the Key Food Kanji page.

Banzai Honten

Banzai Honten is another side alley secret place. Wonderful atmosphere in an old "warehouse" setting where they serve up some of your Izakaya favorites in ways you may not have seen before. A few recommendations are the shrimp mayo and the black bean mochi ice cream. Partial English menu at the restaurant, but check the blog post on it for a complete translation.

Shiori Banzai

Next up is Shiori Banzai. It's the sister of Banzai Honten. As you might guess it's over near Shiori station. Situated in a building with an Edo style facade. There is only a small bar downstairs, but a few rooms upstairs where you'll feel like you are in someone's house perhaps. Very good attention to detail on the food here that is focused around innovative Okinawan style food. No English menu but a decent translation is on the main blog.  Unlike some of the other places, the upstairs will provide you with a private space for your family or guests. There are only two smaller rooms and a larger tatami mat room upstairs.  Some recommendations are the Goya Chanpuru and the taco rice.

Yancha House

Yancha House - Yep, another back alley place - and that is the pattern. Less atmosphere than the Banzai Chain and Ume no Yu, but it's still a neat place.  On the menu you may find more familiar dishes than you can at the other places. I've provided an English menu for you on the main blog page. The counter is a good place to sit to see the action in the kitchen. English menu.

Tori no Su

A long time local favorite is Tori no Su (Bird's Nest). Located on the second floor of a building not far from Mikasa mall and just off of Blue Street. They actually have a third floor too but if you can swing a seat near the second floor grill that might be best. A lot of izakaya favorites here. English menu.

Pink Pony Cafe

This is a late entry, but I'm adding the Pink Pony Cafe. Really nice interior (not fancy nice, but relaxed nice). Good, homemade food and friendly service.  You'll feel like a local. Just print out the menu and bring it with you.


Noteable mentions. Moaimo, Watamin-Chi, and Kuimonoya-wan. Moaimo is the closest to base on the corner of Blue Street and Hwy 16. Watamin-chi is a nice basement izakaya underneath Za-Watami. Kuimonoya is above the pachinko parlor on Blue Street. Although its food may not be that great, it makes up for it in atmosphere.

I know there are many more out there.  I've walked by some cool places that I have yet to visit. I hope you find your favorite.