Ever since my first trip to Japan back in 1999, I've been on the lookout for bars like this.
In a way it reminds me of the local, neighborhood bars in Chicago. Charismatic bar keep, regulars, intimate.
Nestled in the bosom of an anonymous building outside of the JR Ibaraki station, SAKABAR popped up on my phone as place to grab some post day trip drinks.
I must have walked by this place dozens of times over the last couple of trips to Japan but had no idea it was here. In fact, once I realized it was here, I still couldn't find it.
We went right around opening time only to find it dark and locked. I asked the store owner next door when they opened and the guy plainly stated its random. The owner seems to be on his own time - which I can appreciate.
After killing some time at another watering hole (no pictures... pretty simple place), we made our way back to see if the owner came to work yet or not.
Fortunately he did - and I found my little slice of heaven in Ibaraki...
Ice blocks hand chipped to fit the glass. Perfect.
By this time Yuki and her mom had left. I moved up to sit up at the bar and enjoyed my drink with nothing but jazz in my ears. The barkeep wasn't interested in conversation - neither was I. Perfect.
Eventually the regulars started to come in. I gathered they all worked for the same company - this was confirmed when the boss showed up and admonished his team for already being three rounds deep. All in all they had a good time, I had a good time, everyone was happy.
And one more... night cap.
Nice Laphroaig
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