Roppongi
Run by young married entrepreneurs, Roppongi is a chic but comfortable bar with music catered to guests. Table charge is ¥300, draft beer is ¥500 and cocktails begin at ¥650. New favorites include chicken liver pâté, beef stroganoff, and the owner's best, Chocobanana Milk which uses Godiva whiskey. Located just off IchibanchÅ Street, between the Iyotetsu Travel Agency and the Iyotetsu Taxi Hub.
Sala Sol
And "late" really means late at this popular, seedy watering hole, where expats and natives have been known to drink and dance until daybreak. Nabe, who speaks Japanese British English, is a kind and friendly host who will be happy to spin your favorite song. However, be aware that of the 4 beers listed on tap, only Lowenbrau is ever available on draft. Football games are screened here, albeit often with cheesy pop music drowning out the audio.
Junk Field Sports & Cafe Bar
While you watch the game on one of the 3 large flat screens, you can order individual dishes and a drink or two, or one of their courses, which will run you ¥2800 to ¥4000. Heading south from IchibanchÅ, this is down the one-way, side street on the right of ÅkaidÅ, and on the second floor of the building on your left after you cross NibanchÅ street.
Gallé
A small European-style cafe by Dogo Onsen, Gallé sells sweet Japanese breakfasts, thick cut honey toast, yogurt, and fruit, either a la carté or as breakfast sets for ¥550 to ¥800. Their coffee may seem a little pricey at first, starting at Â¥450, but the care and quality they put into their brew makes it well worth the extra yen per cup.
Flankey Kobayashi
A cozy standing bar popular due to its cheap fare and the friendliest English-speaking football-loving Japanese staff on the block. Draft beer and shiranami shÅchÅ« potato based alcohol are ¥300, Smirnoff Ice, yakisoba and chijimi are ¥350 and edamame green beans are ¥200. Located south of Moral Monkey bicycle parking lot on the right-side corner.
Yamiichi Johnny
If youâre in the mood for assorted cow and pig parts, this Kansai-style horumon semi-standing bar will be right up your alley. Try the tongue for ¥800, a diaphragm for ¥850 or, their specialty, raw liver for ¥580 warm it up yourself for an extra ¥20. Wash it all down with Mr. Ishiiâs signature Johnny shÅchÅ«, a highball ¥500 or draft beer ¥380.
The drinking district is fairly well-concentrated; the streets around the Okaido Arcade are the place to begin a bar crawl.
DÅgo Brewery
Local breweries are a rare find in Japan, so it's no surprise that locals take so much pride in Minakuchi ShuzÅ. At the end of your complimentary tour of the tiny facility, and after you've tasted each of their signature brands — the crisp SÅseki Stout, hardy Madonna Alt and mild Botchan Kölsch — you can try asking the manager what the secret is to the smooth, clean taste, but you won't get much of an answer. It could be the use of DÅgo's sacred waters or the meticulous hopps roasting technique. Beer is brewed in the spring and summer, while shÅchÅ« is made in the fall and winter.
New York Elephant (N.Y.E.)
Billiards, darts, and typical Japanese bar fare. It's located on the left rear of Mitsukoshi department store.