Osaka’s Best Drinking Spots—The Bars and Izakaya of Ura-Namba!

■Osaka’s two major hubs: Kita & Minami

Osaka has two main downtown areas, affectionately known as Kita (north) and Minami (south).
For Osakans Kita means the area around surrounding Osaka and Umeda Stations. Minami means the areas of Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, and Namba. Whether it’s your first time in the city, or you’ve been to Osaka many times, this is an area you’ll definitely want to visit.
While both areas are busy urban centers, Kita has a more stylish modern city feel. If you’re looking for lively nightlife and entertainment, Minami is for you. This is where the phrase kuidaore (eating till you’re broke) came from and it lives up to its reputation amongst foodies.

■The epicenter of sightseeing in Osaka, the glowing streets of Namba

Minami is loaded with popular tourist destinations. It’s bright during the daytime and simply glows at night. During the pandemic a lot of establishments suffered due to the slump in business and some outright closed. Some cleverly shortened their business hours or focussed on take-out menus to weather the storm. Finally, this neighborhood is coming back to life with the return of travelers from all over the world. Minami has reclaimed its title as the busiest place in the city.
Another great thing about Minami is the train network. With Kintetsu, Hanshin, Nankai, and JR lines converging in Namba, it is so easy to go anywhere. These train lines can take you north, south, east or west and connect many parts of Kansai. Plus it’s a shopping mecca with department stores and 24 hour supermarkets. Known for its longstanding entertainment industry and comedy powerhouses, Minami is the heart of fun energy in the city.

■Osaka’s foodie haven, Ura-Namba

While the Namba area did visibly struggle over the past few years, the backstreets of Namba found new life just before the pandemic started. The area east of Nankai Namba Station is filled with unique bars and restaurants run by young cooks with lots of spirit.

Many of these spots managed to hold on through the pandemic and are ready to welcome back customers. Here are 4 recommendations for the best izakaya Ura-Namba has to offer.

1. Torame Yokocho serves take-out, bar-hopping, and a chance to meet someone new!

When you visit Ura-Namba this is the first place you should go. It’s just off of the main street and is noticeable with its bright lanterns and giant torii gate. Because there are a variety of food stands inside, you can order whatever you like from the 8 different establishments including seafood, yakiniku (grilled meat), kushikatsu (fried skewers), teppanyaki (food cooked on hot steel plate), and Italian. You can hop from one to the next, or if you sit down at one of the stands, you’re welcome to order food from another one of the establishments as well. It’s full of well-known restaurants and famous Osaka specialties. So if you don’t know where to go, or you want to try many different kinds of food without moving from place to place, definitely come here!

2. Sai showcases an amazing selection of sake

Inside the vinyl curtain a wall of chilled sake stands at the ready. The impressive selection of classic favorites and rare bottles will win over any sake lover. And the owner can give you custom recommendations.

The lineup of appetizers is ready to impress too, and everything goes so well with sake. Plus it’s all reasonably priced. Sake is served in wine glasses at this standing only bar. The comfortable atmosphere will make you feel at home, even if you’re out drinking alone.

3. Everything’s delicious at Sumiyakishoten Yō

This long-standing yakitori restaurant has been buzzing for years, well before the neighborhood became popular. Natural wood interior, and the handful of counter seats and cozy tables give the restaurant a nice ambiance. Each table has a pair of maracas to call the waitstaff’s attention, adding to the playful atmosphere. And the menu of over 90 items, mainly charcoal grilled dishes also includes seafood, fried dishes and all sorts of izakaya favorites. You’re certain to find something you’ll love!

4. mr. kanso greets you with canned food, light drinks, and a gorgeous night view

My final recommendation is a short walk from Ura-Namba, located on the far side of Dotonbori at Minatomachi Riverplace. This mr. kanso location has an amazing view of the evening scenery in Minami. When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by approximately 300 kinds of canned food. You won’t believe your eyes when you see some of the more unusual canned items.

I was shocked when I found out they have Osaka’s very own takoyaki in a can! Grab what you want from the display and pay at the register. The drinks are affordable so it’s a great destination when you want to grab just one more drink.

■Celebrate your night with the friendly vibes of Minami

You’ll notice when you go bar-hopping in Minami, that the area gives off eclectic vibes. While there are standing pubs beloved by Osaka’s businessmen, there are also trendy bars, izakayas, and all matter of unique restaurants. The styles and themes are all over the place! People come here from all over to seek out the eclectic that Minami does so well.

And another thing, if you don’t know what to order, ask the waitstaff for a recommendation “osusume wa?” Osaka people are friendly so bartenders and other customers are sure to have something special to recommend off the menu. Have fun while you’re out drinking and strike up a conversation! That’s the Osaka way!
Visit lots of different places in Osaka and enjoy your night out!

▶Tips on a night out in Osaka How to tachinomi

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