Want to Start Drinking Early? Local Izakaya in a Friendly Shitamachi Neighborhood

“Izakaya Macchan” is an izakaya tavern popular among locals.

Want to start drinking early? This is the place! Izakaya Macchan opens its doors at 15:00.

I’ve recommended this little spot to some of my friends. By the end of the evening, every single one of them was in love with Macchan!

The cozy interior restaurant has several tables by the entrance and a bar counter in the back. From the counter, you can see a pair of chefs (looks like the master and an apprentice) preparing the food.

The hand-written menus on the wall give out a friendly vibe.

Yebisu beer and asazuke pickled cucumber to start. Cheers!

The perfect hors-d’oeuvre for a hot summer day. So refreshing!

Next up, sashimi of kampachi (great amberjack) as recommended by the Taisho (master).

The crunchy firm texture proves that it’s fresh!
The taste of the sashimi not only depends on the fish itself, but also how it is cut and prepared by the chef.

The sashimi prepared by the Taisho here are all very tasty!

The sashimi is followed by Shirasu Omuretsu (omelet with fried young sardine).

The freshly made omelet is nice and fluffy. And don’t underestimate the tiny little shirasu. These tiny babies add that extra something to make the omelet special. You don’t want to miss out on this delicious omelet!

Here comes Aji Fry! This BIG fried horse mackerel is a super popular menu.

The freshly fried mackerel is sizzling on the plate!

I’ve never had such a big aji fry anywhere else.

It makes the crispy sound when you bite into it, but is extremely fluffy on the inside!

I have a particular way of eating this dish. The first bite, I simply eat it with soy sauce. Then, I take another bite with soy sauce and mayo.

It’s soo delicious!!

Once in a while, I get an irresistible craving for this Aji Fry.

I keep forgetting that it’s still early! How many drinks have I had already?

Now, time to order en extra side dish!

Clams steamed in sake, is my choice!

The clam soup broth is sooo tasty!
A perfect dish to have with sake

I’m quite full but want one last dish! Hmm. What should I get..?
The Taisho sees how indecisive I am, and suggests I order Gyoza dumplings, his personal favorite.

I followed his advice!

As I take a bite, the meat juice spreads through my mouth.

Can’t go wrong with Taisho’s recommendation!

My friend and I drank and ate for three hours! And the bill came to ￥6,000 all together.

I doubt there are that many places that offer this quality dinner for such a reasonable price!

Everything on the menu is delicious. So take a chance and order something you normally wouldn’t!

It’s a great place to go if you feel like starting at an early hour.
I suggest you make a reservation beforehand, as it is a very popular restaurant.

Enjoy the great food in the friendly Shitamachi atmosphere.
I guarantee you will have a wonderful time!

writer：Tanna