Author Archives: exileosaka

Searching for Kampai-Man at Sake no Daimaru

　　　　　　　酒の大丸 @ 都島 by Matt Kaufman Inspired by the documentary, Searching For Sugarman, Shorinji Wes Osaka and I set out in the pouring rain to Sake no Daimaru in Miyakojima to find the legendary drinker who graced the cover of a book on Osaka dive bars that was published in 2003. We showed the bookContinue reading “Searching for Kampai-Man at Sake no Daimaru”

Tunnel Yokocho Nishi Kujo

by Matt Kaufman Tunnel Yokocho トネル横丁(tunnel alley) is home to six bars and restaurants, three on each side of a narrow passageway that runs through a building across the street from Nishi Kujo Station on the Loop Line. Tunnel Yokocho was named after the nearby Ajigawa Ito (aka Ajigawa Tunnel) which was completed in 1944.Continue reading “Tunnel Yokocho Nishi Kujo”

Haginochaya Triple Crown Part 2: Taishu Sakaba R&R

by Matt Kaufman Three excellent restaurants, located side by side to one another make barhopping a breeze in downtown Osaka. (OSAKA) I was drinking at Mabuhai with The British Record Collector Analog Attack. We were having a good time chatting with a few of the regulars, one of whom was Mr Yukio Patario, a prolificContinue reading “Haginochaya Triple Crown Part 2: Taishu Sakaba R&R”

Haginochaya Triple Crown. Part 1: Kokoya Sushi.

Haginochaya Triple Crown.Part 1: Kokoya Sushi. By Matt Kaufman. Three excellent restaurants, located side by side to one another make barhopping a breeze in downtown Osaka.(OSAKA) Haginochaya Station is not a place many people think of when it comes to fine dining but the area is home to several new restaurants that can compete withContinue reading “Haginochaya Triple Crown. Part 1: Kokoya Sushi.”

Watabe Saketen 渡部酒店＠Ashiharabashi

Watabe Saketen. I accidentally found this place after my wife made a wrong turn. Made a mental not of the name and looked it up when I got home. We got a very nice welcome. The owners and customers are Hanshin Tigers fans and they were playing rivals the Tokyo Giants with the score tiedContinue reading “Watabe Saketen 渡部酒店＠Ashiharabashi”

Sankaku Shokudo 三角食堂＠Kishinosato Tamade

by Matt Kaufman A short walk from Tamade Kishinosato Station on the Nankai Line, Sankaku Shokudo is a cozy little dive located in a triangle shaped building that has been serving locals for over 30 years. We got the oyakko domburi (¥550) and the niku itami (¥450). Definitely off the beaten path. Has yet toContinue reading “Sankaku Shokudo 三角食堂＠Kishinosato Tamade”

酒の穴 Sake no Ana (booze hole) in Shinsekai

I went to 酒の穴 Sake no Ana (booze hole) in Shinsekai. It’s located in a narrow street to the right of JUMBO pachinko. (You’ll see tourists lining up to go to the smaller Daruma). I thought the kushi katsu at Sake no Ana was much better than more famous places like Tengu and Daruma. UnlikeContinue reading “酒の穴 Sake no Ana (booze hole) in Shinsekai”