The Izakaya Experience

An izakaya is often a boisterous place in Japan. Groups of friends or co-workers gather here to share small plates and hoist mugs of ice-cold beer or together. The typical menu at an izakaya will have dozens if not hundreds of entries. Part of the fun is covering your table with small plates and trying a wide variety of dishes.

The mood at an izakaya is always informal. Prices are typically affordable too. The establishments are often marked by a big red paper lantern hanging outside the front door. Many izakaya have tatami-mat floors, and customers sit on zabuton cushions around a low-slung table. At times, the table will have a deep well underneath where you can put your feet; other times, you’ll sit in a folded-leg position while you dine.

When you visit an izakaya, remember that you’ll be ordering food throughout the meal, not all at once, and you should be prepared to share everything with your table mates. Servers are typically flagged down with a shout or a wave of the hand. The general atmosphere is one of raucous conviviality, which is why izakaya are so fun when you are with good friends.

Because everything is shared at an izakaya, the bill is often shared too. If you’re not a drinker, this might feel unfair, but most parties try to factor in who hoists the most frosted mugs and make those folks pay more.

The main thing to remember when visiting an izakaya is to loosen up and have fun. And don’t forget to try something on the menu you’ve never tried before. That’s part of the izakaya experience.