yuk1602
Located near Osaka's Tsutenkaku in the Shinsekai area, there's an izakaya called "(Directly from the Fishing Port) Fisherman's Hut." This place specializes in kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and seafood. They are known for their great "senbero" (a drinking deal with cheap alcohol and snacks) and reasonably priced lunch menus, making it a popular spot. One highlight is the kushikatsu set, which includes five types of skewers along with a draft beer for just 500 yen (one coin), and it's very popular!
On a weekday afternoon, I decided to visit. As expected in the Shinsekai area, the nearby famous shops like Kushikatsu Daruma had long lines, while this place was quite empty. I could easily walk in without waiting. With all the seats available, the staff cheerfully told me, "Feel free to sit wherever you like!" The service was lively, which I appreciated.
For my order, I chose the recommended "kushikatsu set." The set and the lunch special both come without a cover charge, which is a nice touch for the price (as of April 2024).
The "kushikatsu set" (tax included: 550 yen) arrived about five minutes after ordering, along with a nicely chilled Suntory draft beer. Though it took a bit longer than expected, perhaps to coincide with the food, around three to four minutes later, I received my five pieces of kushikatsu. The skewers included famous varieties such as pork belly, red sausage, lotus root, and eggplant. They were well-fried and tender, offering a different texture from the usual crispy ones. However, the flavors of the batter and fillings felt somewhat lacking. Overall, they didn't stand out as particularly delicious, but they did encapsulate a bit of the Osaka spirit. It definitely gave me a taste of the local kushikatsu!
In the end, as long as it pairs well with beer, I'm fine with it! While the skewers weren't exactly something I'd rave about, they were good enough as a representation of Osaka's soul food. If you’re looking for really tasty kushikatsu, you might want to explore other options, but this lively place with energetic staff is a decent spot for enjoying drinks and food with friends.
In terms of ratings, it’s neither particularly good nor bad. I wouldn't highly recommend it, but it’s a nice place to casually try Osaka's famous kushikatsu. The draft beer and the five types of skewers in the "kushikatsu set" are worth a try! If you get the chance to visit, it's worth stopping by. [Tabelog rating: 3.02 (at the time of posting)]