Ueno is mostly filled with the type of bar where people drink while they stand or ‘tachinomi-ya’ as locals would call it. The area has lots of bars, pubs, and izakaya as there are office workers drinking after work. However, you can also have a taste of the food culture of the people at these bars which is why we’re highlighting the best ones to visit. These bars, based on their atmosphere, service, menu diversity and inclusion, price, theme and overall atmosphere have been ranked as the 5 best bars in Ueno in 2019.
EST!
This particular bar has been around since the ’70s. The bar’s owner, a man over 80 sure knows how to whip up a mean cocktail now and then. EST! has a pretty great selection of Japanese Sake courtesy of Watanabe, the bar owner. This bar receives a constant appraisal for its tasty drinks, great service, food choices, and ambient atmosphere. The bar is mostly packed with locals but reservations are still possible and with a budget of 5,000 yen you can have a swell day/night.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/PPxae6iyJ7EfHxUd8
Hour: N/A
Kinojiya
This bar has variety of food and beverage. Kinojiya has the concept of offering traditional soba meals with a platter of hon wasabi on the side. This bar is rich with cultural heritage, Japanese themes and great meals. This place has a fine selection of about ten types of wines and each glass is priced at about 400 Yen. Also, the tableware used in this restaurant is Japanese made, hence you can feel the culture as you eat and drink.
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Map: https://goo.gl/maps/uPovmG6SK1HijknDA
Hour: 10:00-23:30
Cocktail Works
For individuals who prefer modern themed bars and restaurants, Cocktail Works should be the first pick. Their cocktail are really unique so it worth trying it! There are both modern Japanese and traditional meals. The food looks delicious and the setting is overall calming.
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Map: https://goo.gl/maps/7PQd7jSsJHWiihBcA
Hour: 17:00-3:00
The Warrior Celt
This particular bar is highly rated. Experience the cultural entertainment in the form of a live band while you dig into your delicious meals and wash it down with a tasty drink. This Irish bar offers a fusion of Japanese and Irish cuisines, featuring cider and imported beer as well. The bar is frequented by people of diverse nationalities and not just Japanese.
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Map: https://g.page/WarriorCeltPub?share
Hour: 17:00-5:00
Shot Bar Al
This bar is more casual than others. The atmosphere here is cozy, the crowd is warm and the bar offers great service. From cocktails to beer, vodka to cider you can find all you might want to drink at Shot Bar Al. The food here is recommended as the menu is a bit inclusive to suit individuals of different tastes.
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Map: https://goo.gl/maps/3FE6KhvDuCf1A4PQ7
Hour: 19:00-5:00
Based on logistics, service quality, food, drinks, and crowd energy, these bars have risen to become the best in Ueno for 2019.