Otake

Opening punctually at 3:00 in the afternoon, Otake is an easy-going taishu sakaba (neighbourhood tavern) where diners can settle in without ceremony. The dining floor offers counter stools alongside shared tables, equally well suited to a solo drink or an unhurried spread of small plates shared between companions.

A customary start here is the signature Shitamachi highball. Poured without ice in traditional neighbourhood fashion, it stays robust and undiluted from first sip to last. Bottled Sapporo Lager Beer (the red star label) is on hand alongside draft beer and refreshing ume-hai shochu mixers, giving plenty of room to match your mood.

Hearty Simmered Offal and Skewered Meats

A fixture beside any drink, the house nikomi is deeply infused with savoury flavour without turning heavy. Tender stewed offal comes simmered alongside fluffy potatoes and tofu, making for a soothing, deeply warming bowl. The motusyaki skewers are skewered generously: cuts like kashira (temple), pork tongue, shiro (intestine), and liver arrive from the grill with a distinct charcoal sear, offered with salt or tare glaze.

Fresh Cold Plates and Pub Sides

Between rounds of hot skewers, the cold offal dishes make crisp pairings. Tongue sashimi, kobukuro (uterus), and gatsu (pork stomach) have a distinct snap, served cool with aromatic garnishes. Daily vegetable ohitashi, tart pickled cucumber with plum, and liver and leek stir-fry round out the offering, keeping things varied across multiple drinks.

The pub operates strictly on a walk-in, cash-only basis. Skewers can also be ordered for takeaway, making it simple to pick up an extra batch for home on your way out.