Visit date: Thursday, December 23, 2021, around 6:00 PM. Located along a narrow alley to the right immediately after exiting the ticket gate at Hankyu Ishibashi Hankaidaigaku-mae West Exit. Just a 1-minute walk, very close to the station. Peeking into the shop through the glass, it's quite small with only a counter seating for about 7 people, and it was already full with two salarymen when we arrived. My friend and I visited for the first time. Despite the small space, there are chairs for seating. More customers entered after us, and the place quickly became packed. It seems to be popular among locals. The staff is a one-man operation. The owner is calm and gentle. Upon entering, they make sure to thoroughly disinfect your hands with alcohol. We sat at the counter seats at the back and started by choosing drinks and appetizers. The appetizer changes daily and on this day it was simmered hijiki seaweed. [Items ordered this time] - Iichiko water split ¥400 x 2 - Kirin beer (medium bottle) ¥500 - Kureharu sake ¥500 x 2 - Appetizer ¥150 x 2 - Chicken liver skewers ¥420 - Chicken tenderloin tataki ¥420 - Yakitori (chicken skewers) ¥260 - Chicken neck meat ¥260 - Chicken heart ¥260 - Chicken skin ¥260 - Chicken tail meat ¥260 - Quail ¥260 - Chicken wing tips ¥320 Total: ¥5,320 (including tax) You typically order yakitori in sets of 2 skewers. They offer a variety of skewers, including "thick tofu," which I found to be unique. The prices are generally reasonable, and they have a decent selection of drinks. When ordering Iichiko water split, they asked if we wanted lemon, which was a nice touch. I was also impressed by the freshness of the liver and tenderloin. You can choose between a ginger soy sauce or sesame oil dip. There was no unpleasant smell, and everything was delicious. You can choose between salt or sauce for the yakitori. The owner carefully grills them over charcoal. The sauce has a light and savory flavor, making you want to eat more. The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy and welcoming. Although we didn't try it this time, they also offer chicken rice bowls, udon noodles, and grilled rice balls for dessert. Ishibashi has many yakitori restaurants for its size, but personally, I found "Yaoki" this time to be a delicious yakitori place that exceeded my expectations. Instagram @moritapan7 There is also a video available.

Well, surrounded by regular customers, I'm shy around people I don't know... But if I can get a beer, maybe I'll manage? Can I have a beer? Yes. The regular customers talked to me regardless, but wait, let me drink a bit more before you talk to me, and somehow, hot sake arrived. Is that okay? I like hot sake, so the owner said, "You wanted hot sake, didn't you?" Right on! We had a lot of fun conversations, and I think I'll come back tomorrow! It became one of my favorite places. Thank you very much!

The liver is incredibly delicious. Private reservations available from 5 to around 6 pm. Good for COVID-19 prevention.

The grilled chicken cartilage and meatballs are really delicious!!!!!!

Hidden gem discovered! Showa era nostalgic yakitori and sake bar in a back alley! "Yaoki" @ Osaka Ishibashi Weekend Ishibashi bar hopping. After leaving "Kura," we moved on to the second place. We decided to visit "Yaoki," which is located in the same back alley near Hankyu Ishibashi Station as "Kura." It is the closest to the station. We had a feeling that the food here must be delicious, so we bravely entered the restaurant. Inside, there is a main counter and a few seats along the wall. It has a vibe that makes you think it used to be a snack bar, but it was actually a takoyaki shop. The current owner's parents started it many years ago. Is it 40 years? How many years has it been? The counter is equipped with various condiments, showing that they take their food seriously. The menu can be checked on paper strips inside the restaurant and in a convenient pouch at your table. The grilled items (skewers) are listed as "two skewers per serving," but you can actually order just one skewer. Very convenient! The skewers are priced at ¥260 for 2 skewers, which is ¥130 for 1 skewer. A medium bottle of beer costs ¥450 for a toast, and there is a ¥150 per person appetizer option, including edamame, pickles, and a daily special dish (on this day, it was spinach and shimeji mushrooms in scrambled eggs). We ordered edamame and pickles. These two items are a must-order at izakayas and yakitori restaurants, and the portion size and price here are very reasonable. We tried negima (chicken and leek skewer) and liver skewers, each priced at ¥130 for 1 skewer. The skewers are prepared and grilled on a small grill in front of the customers. You can choose between sauce or salt for seasoning. The skewers are on the smaller side, which is great for those who want to try a variety of items. The grilling is done perfectly, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The plate is changed every time a new skewer is served, which is a nice touch. We also tried harami (skirt steak skewer), iichiko rock (shochu), and a draft beer. The food was not outstandingly delicious, but it was consistently tasty. The atmosphere of the restaurant was the highlight, and the second-generation owner was very friendly and provided excellent service. It was our first time there, but we felt very comfortable. It's a great place to enjoy a few skewers with a drink, read a book, or simply relax. It was a pleasant surprise and a great find! ★"Yaoki" on Tabelog Osaka, Ikeda City, Ishibashi 1-2-1 072-761-1811 17:00-24:00 Closed on Sundays and holidays

This was supposed to be a milestone review, but I'm not sure when that will happen, so I'll release it now. Despite its excellent location right by Ishibashi Station West Exit, this place still has zero reviews on Tabelog. The reason for that is probably because regular customers flood in early, occupying the few seats available (around 7 seats). It's like the Lager at Gate 8 situation. Moreover, it's hard to see inside from outside, so people passing by might think it's full and avoid it. However, it's not always full. I stumbled upon this place by chance when I parted ways with a friend in Ishibashi and decided to check out another place. Luckily, there was one seat available (though not the best seat). I hadn't been here for about 3 years, but this time I visited early and managed to find a seat. The atmosphere here is what sets it apart from other yakitori places in Ishibashi. The slightly spicy sauce pairs well with alcohol, making it a great spot for drinkers. For non-drinkers, they also have a good selection of rice dishes. The cozy atmosphere, filled with regular customers who are all good drinkers, makes the experience even better. The food is delicious, the prices are reasonable, but the real charm lies in the ambiance. In the competitive yakitori scene in Ishibashi, this place stands out for its atmosphere. Some people might not want to share this gem, but I don't mind. I don't have much faith in the influence of Tabelog reviews. Even if more customers come because of it, I'm sure I can still get a seat without much trouble. Why? That's the one thing I don't want to share (laughs).

Hankyu Ishibashi Station's west exit is a place where a shopping street spreads out and the atmosphere of the Showa era lingers. Just to the right along the tracks after exiting the ticket gate, there is a yakitori restaurant that also exudes a Showa-era charm. This small restaurant with a counter-centered layout is often full, but you can enjoy delicious yakitori here. The menu includes items like sausages, shishito peppers, and vegetables, but the focus is mainly on yakitori. The yakitori, made with slightly larger and tender chicken pieces, can be enjoyed with salt or sauce. They also offer the local sake "Goshun," making it a place where you can enjoy yourself even if you're alone.