Best Bars in Osaka A Tourists Guide

Osaka, known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene, offers a plethora of bars that cater to various tastes and preferences. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, a craft beer aficionado, or someone looking for a unique drinking experience, Osaka has something for everyone.

Cocktail Bars with Unique Experiences

Bar Shiki

Located in the heart of Osaka, Bar Shiki is renowned for its creative mixology and relaxing atmosphere. The bar, run by Nakaichi-san, focuses on crafting cocktails on the fly based on customers' descriptions. With no menu, the experience is highly personalized and innovative. Nakaichi-san can converse in both English and Japanese, making it a welcoming spot for international visitors.

Nayuta

Nayuta offers a more chill and laid-back atmosphere compared to the typical classy vibe of many Japanese cocktail bars. The bar is known for its cramped but cozy setting, where patrons can engage in lively conversations. A standout recommendation is the bloody mary gazpacho, though its availability depends on tomato season.

Bar Hollow

Similar to Nayuta and Bar Shiki, Bar Hollow provides a super chill atmosphere with a focus on innovative cocktails. There is no menu, allowing the bartenders to experiment and create unique drinks based on customer preferences.

Kirip Truman

For a science-based cocktail experience, Kirip Truman is a must-visit. The bar uses the molecular structure of ingredients to pair similar flavors, offering a truly innovative and cool experience.

Specialty Bars

Ista Coffee Elements

This bar specializes in coffee cocktails, with an award-winning barista who has also won the Japan World Class competition. If you're a coffee lover, Ista Coffee Elements is a place you won't want to miss.

Bible Club

Inspired by its partner bar in Portland, Bible Club offers the closest experience to an American-style prohibition cocktail bar in Japan. It's a great spot for those looking for a classic, yet unique, cocktail experience.

Craft Beer and Other Specialty Bars

Craftroom

Hidden in the basement of a mall, Craftroom is a tiny bar that offers excellent twists on classic cocktails. Its small size and hidden location make it a gem for those willing to explore.

Craft Beer Works Kamikaze

Located near Nishi-Ohashi Station, Craft Beer Works Kamikaze is a great spot for craft beer enthusiasts. With no cover charge and over 20 beers on tap, it's an ideal place for both solo and group travelers.

Foreigner-Friendly Bars

Cinquecento

Cinquecento is a vibrant martini bar that's packed every night of the week. All drinks are priced at ¥500, making it an excellent spot for travelers to mingle and enjoy an exciting night out. The bar is known for its wide selection of booze and friendly bartenders who can make any drink you desire.

TNT Craft Beer Pub

TNT Craft Beer Pub offers an intimate neighborhood vibe with a massive selection of craft brews. The American-owned pub features a blend of Japanese and American hospitality, with a menu that includes dishes like gyoza and grilled cheese sandwiches. Regular events such as open mic and trivia nights make it a lively spot.

PC and Retro Bar Space Station

For gamers and drinkers alike, PC and Retro Bar Space Station is a unique hangout. Patrons can play PC and retro video games while enjoying cocktails with names like Gin Sonic. The bar is free to enter, and drinks are as cheap as ¥500.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Higashi-Shinsaibashi

This area comes alive at night with neon signs and a plethora of restaurants and bars. It's a bit more spacious than other areas, offering a wide range of specialty bars. Simply typing "bar" into Google Maps will reveal over fifty potential bars in the vicinity.

Kitahorie

Located on the west side of Osaka city, Kitahorie is a quieter neighborhood known for its clothing stores and cafes. The nightlife here is more spaced out but still offers a walkable distance between bars and restaurants. It's a great area to explore for a more laid-back night out.

Additional Recommendations

Bar Moonwalk

Known for its vibrant atmosphere and budget-friendly drinks, Bar Moonwalk is a favorite among locals and tourists. The bar combines retro elements with a touch of space exploration, offering a wide range of cocktails and shots at affordable prices.

Rock Bar Cherry Bomb

If you're looking for a spot with rock music, craft beers, and great deals on tacos, Rock Bar Cherry Bomb is the place to go. Open until 3:00 a.m. or 5:00 a.m. depending on the day, it's a fun place to meet locals and enjoy a late-night drink.

Maps and Guides

For a more detailed guide and to find the exact locations of these bars, you can use the map provided by Osaka Insider, which includes many of the recommended bars and their addresses. This will help you navigate the city's nightlife scene more easily and ensure you don't miss out on any of the best spots.