I missed dinner, so I went to Tavern Simpson. The charm was melon. I switched from beer to whiskey soda, accompanied by garlic stir-fried squid and broccoli. I filled my stomach with a hamburger. All the dishes were delicious and did not disappoint. The service was friendly and not pretentious, with a good old-fashioned bar feel. The jazz BGM created a relaxed atmosphere. It felt nostalgic. There are both counter and table seats, making it a great place for individuals or groups of two, three, or four.

It has been over 20 years since I first visited this restaurant. Recently, I only visit once a year or so, but the deliciousness and the master's hospitality are still the same as before! This time, I visited after a meal, but just looking at the menu made me crave for something to eat... I was torn between pasta, pizza, and tonkatsu, all of which I remember being delicious, but I ended up choosing the pork cutlet sandwich and cream croquette. Both dishes were amazing in terms of sauce seasoning, texture, compatibility with the accompaniments, and overall impact. I highly recommend both of these menu items! Next time, I will visit as my first stop.

Dining bar in front of Kyoto City Hall that I was interested in. Is it a gastropub...? The master is cool and the staff is refreshing. Melon as a complimentary dish. The best. - Gin and tonic - Croque-monsieur The hot dishes that were cooked slowly were amazing, penetrating into my every fiber. Delicious! All the customers were relaxing and enjoying themselves. I will visit again slowly at the counter for one person...

There were live oysters here, and it seems like the day I went was the opening day! Everything I ordered here is delicious on average, and the atmosphere is very calm and cozy.

After dining at an izakaya in Kawaramachi with a friend, we were looking for a bar where we could listen to jazz and blues on vinyl records, and we found one! It was a lovely bar with a comfortable, mature atmosphere. We were surprised by how spacious it was! Being a dining bar, they had a wide variety of menu options that amazed us. We couldn't resist trying the beef cutlet sandwich for 1,500 yen, and we were both very satisfied! The owner mentioned that they had been struggling since April due to the pandemic, but it seemed like they had many regular customers who were enjoying their meals and chatting happily. It has become a place we definitely want to visit again!

I saw a sign outside that said they serve oysters at a high-end adult restaurant with an older clientele. The prices are also on the higher side, so be prepared if you're planning to dine there as an adult.

After having a meal, I always feel like going to a bar. My companion always gets annoyed because we can drink good alcohol in the hotel room. However, since it was my first time in Kyoto in a while, I couldn't resist going into a bar. It was just like old times. The bartender had aged a bit, but everyone else seemed to be over 70 years old. Yet, they were all working diligently. I ordered a whiskey I had never seen before and had a drink while exchanging a few words with the bartender, reminiscing about my first visit 30 years ago. The next day, my companion surprisingly praised the bar. They really liked how the staff were still working happily even as they got older. They are already looking forward to going back next year.

The atmosphere is sophisticated. The food is excellent. Better for three people. It has remained unchanged for years.

Having settled in this area for almost 20 years, I find myself welcoming both returning visitors and newcomers alike. When it comes to deciding where to go in my hometown of Kyoto, there are plenty of hidden gems that may not be listed on popular review sites like Tabelog. While I hesitate to share the name of the first place I have in mind, it's not your typical authentic bar - more like a dining bar where you can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes and drinks. The quality of the food and drinks here is exceptional, even though it may not fit the typical dining bar mold. I'm hesitant to reveal too much, but I feel like sharing this hidden gem with fellow Kyoto locals. Visitors from out of town may not fully appreciate it.

I went to what I thought was a bar, but was disappointed when a plastic bag with a wet towel came out, but it turned out to be a Western-style restaurant. The interior of the restaurant also had a bar counter like a Western-style restaurant. The food was also like a Western-style restaurant. I had a cold spinach and soy milk soup, tongue stew, and omelette, and they were all delicious. The tongue stew was more like a stewed tongue as the main dish. It was quite thick and tender and very tasty. The sauce was so good that I wanted to dip bread in it. I remember the tongue stew was 1300 yen, the cold spinach and soy milk soup was 800 yen, and the omelette was 500 yen. The portions were generous, and the prices for dinner were reasonable. Although it was a Western-style restaurant, the alcohol was strong, which surprised me. I ordered a gin and tonic and a highball, and both were strong. If you prefer weaker drinks, it might be better to order cocktails with less alcohol. Also, there were two middle-aged staff members, and although it would be normal for a bar, it felt more like a restaurant like Ristorante Paradiso. They were very kind and had a gentle atmosphere. It was impressive to see them chatting happily with regular customers. I will definitely go back to try different dishes next time.

Second visit. Despite being a bar, you can also enjoy a delicious meal, so this is my first stop. Cheers with a beer! The raw oysters and fried oysters were delicious. A friend recommended the omelette, which was fluffy and creamy. And it's so affordable! It quickly filled up on a Saturday, so it might be a good idea to make a reservation. It has an adult atmosphere, perfect for a quiet drink. The food menu is also extensive, making it great for a date night. I definitely want to visit again. Maybe next time I'll aim for a seat at the counter!

I didn't know that Yuming used to visit this shop every time she came to Kyoto. It's my first visit, as I was taken here by a regular customer. The shop values its regular customers, as they have declined requests for interviews. The customers and staff are mostly elderly, creating an elegant atmosphere. It's like a bar that serves Western cuisine, with a counter that gives off a bar-like vibe. The food is of high quality, with a wide variety of menu options that are delicious. The place is almost always full of regular customers, many of whom seem to have their own bottles kept here. I'm happy to have discovered such a wonderful place. The beef stew and crab cream croquettes are exceptional. The staff's efficient service also exudes elegance.

While enjoying a gin and tonic, I was served vinegar pork as an appetizer. It was crispy fried with a delicious sauce. The hamburger was topped with a fried egg and served with white rice. The generous demiglace sauce had just the right seasoning, making the rice very enjoyable. This is a great place when you want to eat rice and drink alcohol. The calm atmosphere is also nice, and I think I would frequent this place if it were nearby. I want to try other menu items as well. I want to go back again.

I discovered this shop through a book by Kazuhiko Ota. It's called Sanjo. I had been wanting to try it, but it always seemed full so I ended up going down the stairs without entering a few times. When I finally mustered up the courage to open the door and go inside, I found a very stylish interior. There were lovely older gentlemen working behind the counter. It's more of a dining bar than just a bar. The food selection was great. I ordered a gin and tonic. Even though I'm old enough, ordering a gin and tonic instead of beer in a place like this somehow feels more adult. The appetizer was delicious, even though I wasn't quite sure what it was. It had a Western flair. I ordered the duck, and each piece was incredibly delicious. It felt really nice to sip on my gin and tonic while the regulars relaxed around me. I got a refill on my drink and some vegetable sticks. Celery is surprisingly delicious. Genius. I never appreciated the taste of these vegetables when I was younger. Cucumbers and carrots are geniuses too! I felt so good and was ready for the next course. I hope I can become a regular at this place and take it easy.

Category: Favorite Izakaya (Kansai) Today's solo izakaya trip is in Kyoto. It's just a day trip, so let's have a quick drink before catching the Shinkansen. I head to "Tavern Simpson" near Kyoto City Hall Station. I sit at the counter and start with a gin and tonic. It's a refreshing drink after a long day. There are about three other customers already seated. The bartender and the customers seem to be on the older side. I enjoy some appetizers while casually looking at the back bar. There's nothing too unusual, just a solid selection. Next, I order a whisky. How about a Caol Ila, neat, with a chaser? The comforting aroma is delightful. I was feeling a bit peckish after an early lunch, so I also order a beef cutlet sandwich. It's quite a generous portion. Kyoto might just be the city of meat. Well, let's have a few more drinks in Kyoto. Thank you for the meal! "Tavern Simpson" Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kawaramachi-dori, Gojo-sagaru, 2F, 17:00-24:00, Closed on Thursdays

Nara and Kyoto food tour, Day 3, first drink. What is a tavern? "Tavern" comes from the Latin word "taberna" = a pub, so it serves both alcohol and food. It's not like a bar in Japan where you just have light snacks, but proper meals. You can come for drinks and end up having a proper meal before going home, or come for a meal and have a few drinks. It's perfect for someone like me who wants to have a little drink but also enjoy a delicious meal. This particular place was recommended in a book by Ohta Kazuhiko, and I was drawn to its relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. It's conveniently located near my hotel, so I saved it for the last night of my trip. I had a feast at Menami, enjoyed a highball at Kyoto Sanboa, and had a beer and snacks at Kyogoku Stand before ending the night at this tavern. The black and white dog on the sign led me upstairs to the elegant entrance. Inside, there were counter seats on the right, tables on the left, and sofa seats in the back. The mature clientele, mostly regulars, exchanged light greetings, creating an enviable atmosphere. The menu was impressive, with dishes like bonito sashimi, tandoori pork, crab cream croquette, hamburger steak, prosciutto and arugula pizza, and beef cutlet sandwich, all at reasonable prices. The dishes were of high quality and generous portions, making it a perfect place for a satisfying meal. With a kitchen specializing in Western cuisine, the food, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks were all reasonably priced. This is a place I definitely want to revisit when I'm in Kyoto, no matter what it takes.

The other day, when I visited for the first time in months, the place was closed! It wasn't even a regular holiday... Could it be that they have closed down? Just recently, I saw a bar closing down, and while I wasn't surprised in that case, I couldn't help but think, "Could it be that even Tabern Simpson has closed down...?" In an industry with such ups and downs, despite the stable popularity it once had... Maybe it's because of the owner's health or something...? But then, I saw a notice of temporary closure posted. I was truly relieved. I will visit again. The first time I visited was about 24 years ago. After eating and drinking at a chain izakaya, I decided to stretch myself and visit this place. Yes, from my perspective at the time, it was a place with a very adult atmosphere. I used to visit about once or twice a year after that... Then, after getting into malt whiskies, I started to think that a bar with a great selection of malts equals a good bar, and naturally, I started to visit those kinds of bars. And now, in my mid-40s, I have lost interest in trendy bars, but on the other hand, I have become strangely attracted to Tabern Simpson. Maybe I am finally starting to understand its appeal little by little. It's not a quiet bar by any means, but for some reason, it feels comfortable. I feel that it's a place where adults enjoy themselves in a lively manner without being loud like at "K6" nowadays. You don't see many young couples, people from other prefectures, or those who seem to be doing it for the sake of their food blog. The age range of the customers is generally proportional to the age of the owner, and this place is no exception. Truly a place for adults. And you can eat proper food here. Looking back, the owner treated me very politely when I was a cheeky and know-it-all young man in my twenties. If it were "Samboar," I would have definitely been dismissed with a "Kid, you're 20 years too early." I am grateful that they are still in business. If only they would stay open a little later... Please continue to be a good adult bar in the future.

On this day, I casually strolled into Sanjo and decided to check out "Tavern Simpson," a place I had been curious about. It seemed a bit intimidating to enter, but I gathered my courage and headed to the second floor. Inside, the atmosphere was really nice. Cool adults were enjoying their drinks in a stylish setting. The staff seemed busy and didn't notice us at first, but one of the customers said, "Hey, we have some customers here." We were then seated at the counter. I started with a gin and tonic, followed by an Ezra soda. We also ordered some cheese and anchovy canapés, and then continued to order more drinks to quench our thirst. Overall, the atmosphere was great. As the name suggests, "Tavern," it felt like a place for adults to relax. There were some rowdy customers too (laughs), but it was lively without being too noisy. The food selection was good, making it a convenient place for both solo and group visits.

Before the bubble era, I was not of the age to enter bars, but it feels nostalgic and warm, with a scent of the time before the 80s. When I visited Portugal about 20 years ago, it had a similar atmosphere. It felt like a crowded bar in Kyoto. I ordered a gin and tonic, and the veteran bartender made it for me. The atmosphere was not calm, but it reminded me of a bar with a veteran bartender in Kamakura, Spain, or Portugal. This kind of atmosphere seems to have disappeared now, but it was a unique experience.