みかりんこ
It's been a while since my last post. I haven't stopped using Tabelog, so don't worry (laughs). I had been keeping an eye on Maruno-san for a while. By chance, I ended up drinking in Takadanobaba and I requested to go here for sure! Directions from the station: Once you exit JR Takadanobaba Station Waseda Exit, head left on Waseda Street (past Big Echo) for about 400m, then turn right at the first traffic light after passing Oozeki (supermarket), and it will be on your left a little further down. The small interior has the kitchen on the left, with space for about 2 people in front of it, the counter in front can fit about 4 people, and the back on the right can fit about 3 people standing. If you squeeze in tightly, you could probably fit around 9 people standing! It's a standing drinking place, but they provide hand towels and plates. There are no baskets for your belongings, but you can place them under the counter. Coats have hangers provided. It seems like the place is run by a husband and wife. The husband is in charge of the kitchen, and the wife is in charge of the floor. The wife has a lovely smile and provides friendly service, which I really appreciated. Payment can be settled later. Despite being such a small place, the restroom is surprisingly spacious (laughs) which is nice for women! The menu is surprisingly extensive, with the cheapest item being oden for 100 yen. Most items are around 300 yen, with the most expensive being Tom Yum Kung (ramen included) for 500 yen. They offer Japanese, Korean (Yangnyeom Pork for 300 yen), Thai (Tom Yum Kung), Chinese (Spicy Mapo Tofu for 300 yen), and Spanish (Assorted Ajillo for 300 yen) dishes. I wanted to order everything on the menu! The alcohol selection is limited, but they have a variety of sours. Tamaki Q Sandwich for 300 yen: It was a toast sandwich with egg and cucumber, not what I had imagined, but delicious nonetheless. Having bread on the menu at a bar always earns extra points in my book! The egg was perfectly seasoned, and there was plenty of mayonnaise. Since there were 3 of us, we didn't hesitate to order 2! Napolitan Spaghetti for 250 yen: It was a small plate, but it was filled with Vienna sausages, onions, and other ingredients! It was served hot right after ordering, with plenty of ketchup, giving it a nostalgic and delicious taste! Ham and Eggs for 300 yen: It was a generous portion and perfectly cooked. Katsudon Head for 300 yen: Served in a square skillet. The pork cutlet was thin, but everything tastes better when it's freshly made. Tako Wasabi for 200 yen: I thought it was octopus sashimi, but it turned out to be octopus with wasabi. The wasabi gave it a nice kick, making it a perfect snack. Negitoro Kitsune for 300 yen: Negitoro seasoned on top of fried tofu. I wanted to try making this at home after having it here. Hoppy Set for 350 yen/Beer for 300 yen: Hoppy is 250 yen outside, 150 yen inside. The glass is small, but the price is reasonable. And when I asked for a refill of shochu, they put a rubber band on the glass so we wouldn't get mixed up. This attention to detail was wonderful. The menu changes depending on the day, but from other reviews, it seems like they also offer my favorites like pizza and hamburger. I also wanted to try the curry and green pepper fried rice (about a small rice bowl's worth), so I will definitely be back! I wish there was a standing drinking place like this in my neighborhood~