Tachinomi Otokoya (立呑おとこや）in Kanayama, Nagoya, Japan.

You are finished at work, and you are looking for a place to eat and drink.  However, you do not want to spend money.  I found the perfect place for you near Kanayama Station in Nagoya, Japan.  You have to go to Tachinomi Otokoya （立呑おとこや) that is located underneath the tracks of the JR Chuo Line.  Just look for the following signs and you are at the right place.

Here is a short video tour of the bar.  Click on the link below.

Tachinomi Otokoya (立呑おとこや）

When you enter the bar, one thing will certainly surprise: no chairs, bar stools, or tables.  This a classic example of a standing bar.  This ubiquitous bar that can be found near many train stations in Japan.  Standing bars are targeting salarymen (business men and women) to have a drink and eat some food before going home for the night.  If you are looking to save money and still looking for a fun time, these places are great.

Be forewarned, some knowledge of Japanese will be really helpful when going to these bars.  The menus are writing in Japanese.

Beer and alcohol at standing bars are usually cheap.  A draft beer will be around 300 yen.  Shochu (think Japanese vodka) is around 250 to 350 yen.  Food is, also, affordable.  The reason why I love this bar is that a large part of the menu changes everyday.  The daily specials is written on a whiteboard.  The regular menu is written on wooden blocks that are placed over the bar.

The Daily Specials

The food at this particular standing bar is outstanding.  Here are some things that I ate last week Friday when I went there with a friend.

鯛刺身(sea bream sashimi) with みそ串カツ (deep-fried skewered pork dipped in a red miso sauce)

焼きレバー（grilled skewered chicken liver)

揚げ出し茄子（deep-fried eggplant)

手羽先スモーク(smoked chicken wings)

カレー風味ビーフン (curry flavored fried rice noodles)