Favorite Izakaya

[Jazz]

Share your fav izakaya or name and location of good ones...

Poko a Poko (ぽこ　あ　ぽこ) in Mashiki Ginowan is one of my favorites. Take a right at the light past the Ginowan Police station, it's a couple blocks down on the left, across the street from the Flamingo karaoke joint. Food is half price before 7. Drinks and food are great, especially the kaisen sarada (sashimi salad) and Ika geso (fried squid tentacles). If you like awamori they have agreat list but the best is the cheapest in my opinion and that's the Poko a Poko original awamori. But the best part is the atmosphere. You sit on bamboo sofas and lay back against couch cushions like you're chillin at home. Music is usually R&B. The wait staff wears these warmly inviting robes, which adds to an all around relaxed, comfy, and unique environment. The place is covered in bamboo, very nice........... enjoy. BTW, I recommend a week night or going at 6 right when they open. Friday - Sunday nights are jam packed

[P_chan]

Pi-Chiku Pa-Chiku

It was formerly an anzuya, but they changed the name. Still basically the same. Nice drinking plan of 900 yen for two hours. The food isn't bad either. Chicken nanban is the best thing there IMO. It's in Ginowan on 330 just past the city hall. If you were going up the hill on 330, it would be on your right hand side soon after you pass the city hall. It's on the top floor, bottom floor is a clothes store I believe.

[billhilly]

Kanmura. Little place. Pipeline to Urasoe. Turn left at Jagaimo (Bento shop) 100m on left. Big red lantern. Mostly local older men and women. Beer and awamori only. Only problem, closes at 12. Til then, the food never stops. Homemade Oki chow. Mostly service too. Great friendly atmosphere. Very little english. Bar seats 6 and 3 floor tables. Last night was great.

[Jazz]

Thanks Billhilly, was hoping you'd re-post that. I'll have to check that place. So, from the way you make it sound, you only pay for drinks and they keep bringing food out if you're still ordering drinks. Is that right?

[mikersoft]

I didn't frequent many izakayas in my six years there ('89-'95), but I had some fond memories of Tsubo Hachi. :thumbup1: That was the place where I first tried sushi at the age of 19. I returned countless times over the years for good food & beer.

I also remember a cool place in Naha called Beer Dome. It was an all inclusive (food & booze) restaurant for one price. I had a few great evenings there too.

-Mike

[EpicTrainwreck]

I'm all about Shinsengumi if I'm with a mixed group of men and women, American & Japanese. Izakaya on one side, karaoke box on the other... makes for drunken singy good times when the group breaks in to after-after party mode. And the food is good.

[Isaak Brodsky]

Ryukyuchina, many, many thanks for the excellent and informative description. I'm gonna check that place out, just right down the street from apartment.

The place I like to go is Don Jaku in Chatan, just down the street from ETWS. The sushi rolls are fabulous and the suds supremely icy.

[proudtobnotpc]

sorry folks can"t decide love them all

[Cerebus]

紫　むらさき　murasaki!
They have bingo:thumbup:
and some cool prizes.

[Sif: wife of Thor]

I like too many to name just one....

[Jazz]

Which direction from ETWS is Don Jaku, IB? I live right in that neighborhood now.

Sounds like I used to live in your neighborhood, when I used to frequent Poko a Poko. BTW, it's been a couple months since I've been. Don't expect it changed though as it s pretty popular with the locals........

[thistle]

I like Poco a Poco too. It is just as you described it.

They have opened one in Chatan now too - just a little further south of
Obligato's! Maybe one block down.

[Jazz]

Thanks thistle, Is the Chatan branch the same?

[Isaak Brodsky]

Which direction from ETWS is Don Jaku, IB? I live right in that neighborhood now.

Sounds like I used to live in your neighborhood, when I used to frequent Poko a Poko. BTW, it's been a couple months since I've been. Don't expect it changed though as it s pretty popular with the locals........

Just go south along that road towards Hambe Town Mall about one-hundred meters or so. Don Jaku is on the same side of the street as ETWS. It is right next door to a really famous sushi house (white building).

Cheers, ib

[thistle]

Thanks thistle, Is the Chatan branch the same?

Um., I think so! The signboard certainly looks to be of the same design.
But I can't guarantee it.

[Tanimaga]

Nobody mentioned Hinoe? One of the best atmospheres around!

[Jazz]

Thanks IB, I know exactly where that is.
Tanimaga, where's Hinoe? sounds familiar...

[Tanimaga]

If you pass Foster commisary gate coming from Kadena, make the first right onto the road that heads towards the Ginowan convention center. A little ways down the road, you will see a small grocery store on the left, and a "mystery street" which runs parallel to the main street. Once you see the grocery store, get onto the small road, and it is just a few meters on the left. It has a large parking spot just next to it with attendants who will show you where to park. Sometimes, (alot of the time) the lot will be full, and they will tell you where the overflow lot is around the corner.

[Tony Stacks]

I don't know the name of it but it's in Hamby, Chatan next to the Shishimaru Grill and across the street from the 4 seasons.

[DoctorP]

Um., I think so! The signboard certainly looks to be of the same design.
But I can't guarantee it.

Isn't that the one on the 2nd floor of the game center? Used to be Boston Club right?

[billhilly]

Thanks Billhilly, was hoping you'd re-post that. I'll have to check that place. So, from the way you make it sound, you only pay for drinks and they keep bringing food out if you're still ordering drinks. Is that right?

A keep bottle (Zampa) runs around yen 2500. If Mama, and she usually is, is cooking she always makes too much for the early orders. So, she keeps adding to the pan and passes it on to me. If you have a specific order, she'll charge you...but not too much. Her family has a farm, so the veggies are super fresh. I've had some strange chow there before. Some of the things the fishermen bring in.....just don't ask what it is til after you try it.
Other than that, come back and your keep is only yen 500 for ice/water service. After a couple of visits, and everyone gets to know you, you will have a second home....without dishes and laundry to do.

[Jazz]

I finally went to the new Poco a Poco last night in Chatan above the arcade on 58. It used to be the Boston Club. The new Poco a Poco is actually 100% better than their Ginowan location in my opinion. It's clean and beautifully decorated (not that the Ginowan location isn't), and as I was pointing out to my friend had nice walls. How often do you see nice walls in Okinawan establishments? I felt like I was in like some nice new joint in the states.

Other than the inviting atmosphere and lovely waitresses, the food was also awesome! The Gyoza was filled with fresh garlic and herbs and the "yaki oni chizu" sort of thing (only mixed with potatoes) was almost like a Japanese Pieroghi (sp?), it was awesome. The garlic chahan (fried rice) was also good........

[P_chan]

where is the ginowan location at?

[Jazz]

You take a right at the intersection just past the Ginowan police station on 58. It's a block down on the left, across the street from the Flamingo Karaoke place......

[P_chan]

You take a right at the intersection just past the Ginowan police station on 58. It's a block down on the right, across the street from the Flamingo Karaoke place......

Did there use to be a anzuya in that same area? Because I used to go to that anzuya on the second floor of that building. It's not an anzuya anymore, I believe it's called pichku pachuku (think I spelled that wrong).

[Jazz]

If you're talking about the one a couple buildings before you get to the Flamingo, I'm not sure on the name but I think there may be a picture of like a bowl of Ramen or something on the sign. If that's the one, they're alright but Poco a Poco is the place to be.......

[Jazz]

Sorry I said right side earlier, it's on the left.....

[socalheart]

What's the name of the izakaya with the giant clay pots/vases outside in Ginowan supposedly near a conbi that is on the convention center road off Hwy 58? We're going there for NYE.

[Richard Burns]

I like izakaya Sato.

[gtlm2000]

Poco a poco is good izakaya. Foods are very nice.

[Rossi46]

jon jon's! the food is terribad, but I like the beer options, the price and the location/balcony.

[gtlm2000]

jon jon's! the food is terribad, but I like the beer options, the price and the location/balcony.

jon jon's is good place, but I don't think it's izakaya.
It's buffet style restaurant.

[gtlm2000]

I also used to go to Murasaki with my family.
Hounen mansaku was also good.

[Courtney]

Tengu (sp?) FTMFW!!!!
Walking distance from the house. Always packed w/ great people, who I would now call friends (in that weird, I dont understand your language, you dont understand mine, but we have love anyway, sorta way!)
Food is SUPER yummy and 190Yen Orion draft (and free beer coupons) is always a +

[kintama]

I did the Hounen Mansaku world tour on Okinawa. I think they had 33 of them. Too bad they're all closed. I think they still have one in Ishigaki that's open. Me thinks the rest of them closed. I loved the Rocky Raccoon out front.

I also used to go to Murasaki with my family.
Hounen mansaku was also good.

[Blues]

toraji, because I meet JU members there and its close :D

[kintama]

My favorite Izakayas are the ones that no gaijin go to.

[Courtney]

My favorite Izakayas are the ones that no gaijin go to.

Even though I bring in a little gaijin style to Tengu, I like it because we are always the ONLY gaijin in the whole place.:thumbup:

[gtlm2000]

Tengu (sp?) FTMFW!!!!
Walking distance from the house. Always packed w/ great people, who I would now call friends (in that weird, I dont understand your language, you dont understand mine, but we have love anyway, sorta way!)
Food is SUPER yummy and 190Yen Orion draft (and free beer coupons) is always a +


Is it only in Uruma city?

[gtlm2000]

I did the Hounen Mansaku world tour on Okinawa. I think they had 33 of them. Too bad they're all closed. I think they still have one in Ishigaki that's open. Me thinks the rest of them closed. I loved the Rocky Raccoon out front.

Do you know when they closed? I don't remember it.

[dk]

toraji, because I meet JU members there and its close :D

Yeah, Toraji for the win. :thumbup1:

[Mizzes V]

Yeah, Toraji for the win. :thumbup1:

I've been now in 3 Izakayas now and TORAJI FTMFW :first:

But I hate thinking of Toraji, makes me wanna go and eat :( I eat a lot when I go there..FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :crying:

[gtlm2000]

Mizzes, I think poco a poco was good, right? They have a lot of good foods.

[dk]

I've been now in 3 Izakayas now and TORAJI FTMFW :first:

But I hate thinking of Toraji, makes me wanna go and eat :( I eat a lot when I go there..FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :crying:

There's one izakaya near Doug's house that is WAYYYY better than Toraji, but it's too far away. I should move up there so that I can eat there every weekend. Soooooo good.

[gtlm2000]

There's one izakaya near Doug's house that is WAYYYY better than Toraji, but it's too far away. I should move up there so that I can eat there every weekend. Soooooo good.

Do you remember name of izakaya which is near Doug's house?

[Mizzes V]

Mizzes, I think poco a poco was good, right? They have a lot of good foods.
It was good GT but I like Toraji's food better...Its not so greasy as it was in Poco a Poco.



There's one izakaya near Doug's house that is WAYYYY better than Toraji, but it's too far away. I should move up there so that I can eat there every weekend. Soooooo good.

Well PM directions :thumbup1: I live up his way...I am seriously thinking on going tomorrow..Many times we get lazy of going to Toraji for the distance so one near our way would be perfect :thumbup:

[dk]

Do you remember name of izakaya which is near Doug's house?

Nope. :thumbup:

[Courtney]

There's one izakaya near Doug's house that is WAYYYY better than Toraji, but it's too far away. I should move up there so that I can eat there every weekend. Soooooo good.

are you talking about Tengu? I rember him saying they go there alot (even though we go there alot, and have never seen them/him...lol

[dk]

It was good GT but I like Toraji's food better...Its not so greasy as it was in Poco a Poco.

Well PM directions :thumbup1: I live up his way...I am seriously thinking on going tomorrow..Many times we get lazy of going to Toraji for the distance so one near our way would be perfect :thumbup:

Ask Doug when he gets back. Or, maybe we can meet up there and I'll crash at Doug's house or something.

[Courtney]

Is it only in Uruma city?

From what I know, there is another one. But I have no idea where...lol

[Courtney]

Ask Doug when he gets back. Or, maybe we can meet up there and I'll crash at Doug's house or something.

Sounds like a PLAN!
We (Alana and I) can meet you up there w/ever you want! :D

[dk]

are you talking about Tengu? I rember him saying they go there alot (even though we go there alot, and have never seen them/him...lol

I really have no idea. I don't think I even asked what the name was.

[dk]

Sounds like a PLAN!
We (Alana and I) can meet you up there w/ever you want! :D

Only on my terms. :thumbup1:

j/k j/k

Sure, that sounds fun.

[Courtney]

Only on my terms. :thumbup1:

j/k j/k

Sure, that sounds fun.

your a brat!

[Mizzes V]

Ask Doug when he gets back. Or, maybe we can meet up there and I'll crash at Doug's house or something.

Mh, sounds good to me, I'll send him a message, he is supposed to be back soon If I remember correctly :scratchchin:

[dk]

Mh, sounds good to me, I'll send him a message, he is supposed to be back soon If I remember correctly :scratchchin:

Yeah, he said Friday. Thank Gawd. I'm so ronery.

http://www.randomfunnypicture.com/pictures/soronery.jpg

[Mizzes V]

Yeah, he said Friday. Thank Gawd. I'm so ronery.

http://www.randomfunnypicture.com/pictures/soronery.jpg

Awww :crying: poor thing..Its almost FRIDAY :first:

[dk]

I may be going out with my wife and her friends this Friday.... but maybe I will catch up with you guys later. I think my wife has plans for me. :(

Or maybe we can all do something Saturday.

As of tonight, I have nothing due in my class for a week, and I may try to push even further ahead this week if the next reading material isn't so bad.

[Courtney]

I may be going out with my wife and her friends this Friday.... but maybe I will catch up with you guys later. I think my wife has plans for me. :(

Or maybe we can all do something Saturday.

As of tonight, I have nothing due in my class for a week, and I may try to push even further ahead this week if the next reading material isn't so bad.

ok, just let me/us know! Facebook me ;) (ohh..sounds kinda naughty huh?! lol)

[Mizzes V]

I may be going out with my wife and her friends this Friday.... but maybe I will catch up with you guys later. I think my wife has plans for me. :(

Or maybe we can all do something Saturday.

As of tonight, I have nothing due in my class for a week, and I may try to push even further ahead this week if the next reading material isn't so bad.

I said Friday because Doug arrives Friday, meaning you should be HAPPY :first: ..

Besides Doug will need his rest, still if you want ask him how he feels for Saturday and let us know. I will still pm him though..

[dk]

ok, just let me/us know! Facebook me ;) (ohh..sounds kinda naughty huh?! lol)

Facial. lol. Ok, will let you know.

[dk]

I said Friday because Doug arrives Friday, meaning you should be HAPPY :first: ..

Besides Doug will need his rest, still if you want ask him how he feels for Saturday and let us know. I will still pm him though..:smile4:

Oh, yeah, I'm not even thinking... (brain dead from tonight)

Yeah, maybe Saturday, or maybe the weekend after. Or I can maybe meet up with you guys on Saturday. We'll see. I may be tired from Friday.

[Courtney]

oh yeah baby, you just got groaned again by Courtney...your on a roll! ;)

[Courtney]

BTW, tahts what coffee is for! So you can stay up and party all weekend! (especally if it's w/ us JU girls!)

[socalheart]

I like Toraji now, even if only for its fried cheese and onion rings. :thumbup1:
However, Daikokudou (on the Ginowan bypass road just after the Hwy 58 split) is pretty great also. :D

[Mizzes V]

Oh, yeah, I'm not even thinking... (brain dead from tonight)

Yeah, maybe Saturday, or maybe the weekend after. Or I can maybe meet up with you guys on Saturday. We'll see. I may be tired from Friday.

We still plan on going, we wanted to go this Sunday but we were way too tired as I told you, I am still gonna ask Doug for directions and we'll keep you updated..:star:

FOOD!!!!

[socalheart]

I think my wife has plans for me. :(

Uhm :scratchchin: This is usually a good thing :-| typically involving sex and stuff. :thumbup:

[acousticlinux]

I am a fan of Toraji, but I may have to give the one nearer here this weekend. I have heard there are a lot near Camp Courtney which isn't to far.

[acousticlinux]

Definitely going out to a Izakaya this weekend as long as I pass my cert test.

[dk]

Uhm :scratchchin: This is usually a good thing :-| typically involving sex and stuff. :thumbup:

Not in this household... lol

[Mizzes V]

Definitely going out to a Izakaya this weekend as long as I pass my cert test.

:smile4:
And if you dont, I will go alone...

FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jazz]

It's the first one, option A..

http://maps.google.co.jp/maps?hl=ja&lr=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=%E3%81%B0%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A6%E3%82%93+%E6%B2%96%E 7%B8%84&fb=1&gl=jp&hq=%E3%81%B0%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A6%E3%82%93&hnear=%E6%B2%96%E7%B8%84&ei=CiV-S8CKGZCgkQWdnZGMAQ&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CBAQtgMwAA

[Mizzes V]

It's the first one, option A..

http://maps.google.co.jp/maps?hl=ja&lr=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=%E3%81%B0%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A6%E3%82%93+%E6%B2%96%E 7%B8%84&fb=1&gl=jp&hq=%E3%81%B0%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A6%E3%82%93&hnear=%E6%B2%96%E7%B8%84&ei=CiV-S8CKGZCgkQWdnZGMAQ&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CBAQtgMwAA


Stop this abomination..I AM HUNGRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYY!

[gtlm2000]

I eat a lot of foods in izakaya. Drink is next....

[kintama]

Do you know when they closed? I don't remember it.

Mid 1990's? They still have one open in Ishigaki me thinks.

[SmartBomb]

My favorite Izakaya is the one off 23, with the bright orange dot that reminds me of Halloween. Not sure what it's called.

[billhilly]

I found a new one. I went there a couple of times. It is a small place. Been open about 3 months now. Staff is friendly...only 4 people. Usually, me and mine are the only patrons. Owner is from the mainland, but loves Okinawa (obviousy..he lives here) Price is OK and the spare ribs are delicious. Seating is bar counter and tables (bench style like McDs). I'll try to explain directions. It is in Urasoe city. If you can find the Tedako Bowling center....it is appx 3 blocks up on the right going toward the McDs. The name slips me, but it is in romanji. I'll find the card and scan it. The map is small, but a taxi driver would know the area.

[Alana]

Tengu (sp?) FTMFW!!!!
Walking distance from the house. Always packed w/ great people, who I would now call friends (in that weird, I dont understand your language, you dont understand mine, but we have love anyway, sorta way!)
Food is SUPER yummy and 190Yen Orion draft (and free beer coupons) is always a +

what she said.

cheep beer, and one time they had oysters that were FTMFW! prolly some of the best raw oysters i've ever had, the presentation and little toppings made it incredible.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/alanabanana/photo.jpg

plus the staff is awesome, everyone seems to really welcome us there. and between the two of us, food and epic drinking we spend less than 5000¥

[gtlm2000]

what she said.

cheep beer, and one time they had oysters that were FTMFW! prolly some of the best raw oysters i've ever had, the presentation and little toppings made it incredible.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/alanabanana/photo.jpg

plus the staff is awesome, everyone seems to really welcome us there. and between the two of us, food and epic drinking we spend less than 5000¥

It looks good. Please take me there in next time :)

[DougP]

It looks good. Please take me there in next time :)

I'll stop by if you go, its close to my house. :)

[Mizzes V]

I am so hungry!!

[DougP]

I am so hungry!!

Big thanks to you and Acoustic for bringing over that tapatio. :thumbup:

[Mizzes V]

Big thanks to you and Acoustic for bringing over that tapatio. :thumbup:

No problem :), is the misses happy?

[DougP]

No problem :), is the misses happy?

Aside from the prego-sickness, yes. :)

[uriel]

Toraji is tasty.

[gtlm2000]

Does Toraji have many kind of foods?

[uriel]

they have a pretty big selection of food. i like it.

[gtlm2000]

I always order any deep fried foods and Fried rice at Izakaya :D