Renkonya

Step past the noren near Hasune Station, and you are welcomed into the unpretentious rhythm of a neighbourhood drinking spot. The menu features an enticing array of breaded and deep-fried kushiage skewers, leading with lotus root—a play on the local neighbourhood and the tavern's name—alongside red pickled ginger, sweet potato, quail eggs, and classic red cocktail sausages. Highlights like Hiroshima-style cabbage skewers and crisp minced chicken tsukune cutlets make it easy to sample a wide assortment of approachable bites a skewer or two at a time.

Between skewers, a broad selection of quick dishes and hot stir-fries keeps the table lively. Simmered beef offal motsuni and flavour-steeped ball konnyaku skewers are house staples, flanked by consistently popular dishes like the mentaiko rolled omelette, stamina-style grilled aubergine, and squid chijimi pancakes. Paired with a cold beer or a glass of Hoppy, grazing through these companionable plates makes for a relaxed evening.

For a hearty finish, the kitchen turns out substantial dishes such as house-special fried rice, katsudon pork cutlet bowls, conger eel and vegetable tendon, and fried yakisoba noodles. With both counter stools and dining tables, the layout accommodates solo diners stopping by for a swift post-work drink just as smoothly as small groups gathering for the evening. Opening from 3:00 in the afternoon every day except Thursday, it also offers a dependable perch for an unhurried early drink.