Ichitaro

Scanning the slips of paper lining the wall to choose the evening's first few bites is part of the unfussy appeal of a traditional taishu sakaba. Located in Shinagawa Ward's Koyama neighborhood, Ichitaro offers an unpretentious, old-school atmosphere where diners can unwind over reasonably priced small dishes and a quiet drink.

The menu features robust meat options like fragrant pork liver stamina-yaki, salted pork tongue, and pork stir-fried with green bell peppers and miso. For seafood, whole grilled herring, atka mackerel, and saikyo-pickled mackerel grilled over heat are savory standouts. Pairing them with vegetable potato salad, chilled tofu, or grilled deep-fried tofu sets an easy, personalized drinking pace.

Drinks stay straightforward, featuring draft beer, highballs, Hoppy, lemon sours, tea highballs, and Denki Bran. Whether dropping in solo at the counter or settling into a table for an extended chat, rounding off the night with curry rice or curry udon is classic Ichitaro fashion.