Osaka Bob FAMILY

Manabu

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

[Contents]

■Osaka’s two major hubs: Kita & Minami

images of Osaka’s two major downtown areas, Osaka Station area Kita and the neon billboard lined Dotonbori canal in 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

boardwalk in Osaka’s busy downtown Dotonbori Minami neighborhood

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.

backstreets of Namba lined with bars and restaurants

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!

Torame Yokocho, popular restaurant food hall in Ura-Namba Osaka

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!

inside Torame Yokocho, popular restaurant food hall in Ura-Namba Osaka
sushi from Torame Yokocho in Osaka’s Ura-namba
okonomiyaki and yakisoba on a hot grill in Torame Yokocho in Ura-Namba Osaka

Location: 2-3-15 Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Telephone: 050-5596-6501
Hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–12am (kitchen closes at 11:30pm)
Sat 12pm–12am (kitchen closes at 11:30pm)
Sun & holidays 12pm–11pm (kitchen closes at 10:30pm)
Closed: irregular holidays, varies by establishment
Menus available in: English, Chinese, Korean
More details

2. Sai showcases an amazing selection of sake

bar in Ura-Namba

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.

selection of sake and accompanying dishes in Osaka bar
selection of foods at bar in Ura-Namba, Osaka

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.

Location: 14-2 Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Telephone: 06-6631-3151
Hours: Mon–Sat 5–11pm (kitchen closes at 10:30)
open Sundays
Closed: open year-round except New Year holidays
More details

3. Everything’s delicious at Sumiyakishoten Yō

yakitori bar in Ura-Namba, Osaka

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!

interior of bar in Ura-Namba, Osaka featuring natural woodwork
yakitori plated at a bar in Ura-Namba, Osaka

Location: Hannan Bldg. 1FL,14-25 Namba Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Telephone: 06-6647-8988
Hours: 12pmish–2:30am (kitchen closes at 1:30, bar closes at 2:00)
Closed: open year-round
More details

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

Mr. Kanso bar in Ura-Namba, Osaka

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.

selection of canned foods at specialty bar, Mr. Kanso near Namba, Osaka
selection of drinks at specialty bar, Mr. Kanso near Namba, Osaka

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.

Location: Canal Terrace Horie 2 FL, 1-5-26 Minami Horie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
Telephone: 06-6536-1333
Hours: Sun–Thurs 17:00–2:00, Fri–Sat 17:00–5:00
Closed: Open year-round (except New Year holidays)
More details

■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.

alleys lined with lanterns and bars in Ura-Namba, Osaka

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

▼Read more
Night Out in Osaka?
Head Straight to Tenma!!!

Osaka Bob FAMILY

Manabu

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