Hyperlocal Tokyo

This izakaya feels like it's frozen in time, straight out of the Showa era. It's not a fancy, clean place like the first picture I posted, so don't go in with high expectations. Just lower your expectations, embrace the Showa atmosphere, and you'll find everything delicious! The prices are great, with yakitori starting at 180 yen for two skewers, and ice-cold large bottles of beer for 580 yen. Their signature simmered dish was absolutely delicious! I had the mixed motsuyaki (grilled offal) with the recommended sauce, and it was so flavorful that I polished it off with a ton of beer. 😋 I sat at the L-shaped counter, but the place is so small that you inevitably bump into people's backs when they walk by. 😅😅

If you're talking about drinking spots under the guarder of Ameya-Yokocho in Ueno, it has to be "President." I've been to their branches a few times, but this was my first visit to the main store. This time, a friend from my hometown came to Tokyo, so I chose this as the first place to take them. We were lucky to get a seat at the counter in the back for three people without waiting. We started with a draft beer and toasted. We ordered the President's special stew (motsu-ni-kome), a skewer assortment, and kimchi. The stew was consistently delicious, and we enjoyed it with a sprinkle of seven-spice powder. The seasoning was great, and the draft beer went down smoothly. We shared the skewer assortment, which was grilled with salt, and enjoyed it together. The dishes were reasonably priced, starting at 280 yen each. As expected, President is a reliable choice. #President #PresidentMainStore #UenoPresident #MotsuyakiPresident #MotsuyakiPresident #UenoPresidentMainStore #UenoGourmet #UenoLunch #UenoDinner #UenoIzakaya #UenoSakeBar #UenoAmeyaYokocho #AmeyaYokocho #AmeyaYokochoGourmet #AmeyaYokochoFoodTour #AmeyaYokochoDrinking #KuboYuFoodTourReview #KuboYu

A quintessential "Showa-era drinking establishment" as you might imagine. However, it seems they have a smoking section.

Tokyo, Ueno: Motsusho Daidojo (President of Motsu Yakitori) I went to Ueno for drinks. I heard that I had to go to this place when I went to Ueno. I checked every time I passed by. I went in when it was empty. I wanted to try a lot of different things, but I ended up having skewers, motsu-ni (stewed offal), and a few other things (I forget when I'm drinking). The sake was strong and the more I drank, the more skewers I wanted to try. I'll definitely go back again. I saw some people saying that they prefer the branch, so I might try that one too. As a side note, the person next to me ordered kusaya (a fermented fish dish) and it was definitely smelly... lol. #UenoDrinking #UenoMotsusho #UenoLunchDrinking #UenoSenbero #MotsushoDaidojo

This place is the epitome of Ameya-Yokocho's one-cup drinking scene, offering a truly authentic experience. The staff is incredibly blunt, taking orders with lightning speed and serving up dishes with a nonchalant efficiency that's both impressive and hilarious. Despite the chaotic atmosphere, the food is surprisingly delicious, and the customers seem completely unfazed by the frenzy. It's a truly unique establishment. I was curious about the kusaya (fermented fish) and ordered some, which filled the entire place with a pungent aroma, but no one seemed to mind. Everything on the menu is tasty, and I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys offal. If you're looking for a pristine dining experience, this is not the place for you. There's no restroom, so you'll have to use the one at their branch, which is surprisingly clean. The contrast is quite striking, but I prefer this location. I love the energy here, where you can easily strike up a conversation with a tipsy neighbor and then head out. It's a truly enjoyable experience. Of course, they only accept cash.