I visited the restaurant around 9:30 PM on Thursday without a reservation. There were 2 groups of customers at the counter when I arrived. We sat at a table and ordered a total of 8 cocktails, all of which were excellent. There is no cocktail menu, but you can communicate your preferences to the staff. The service was polite and fantastic. I highly recommend this place for those who want to enjoy a drink in a calm atmosphere. I would love to visit again when drinking in Kyoto.

I used this place as my second stop during my trip to Kyoto. For my first drink, I wanted something not too sweet, so I ordered a milk-based drink and left it to the bartender's choice since I didn't have dessert at the first place. It turned out to be an Amaretto Milk, which was delicious as always. For my second drink, I wanted to try something different, so I ordered a drink made with cherry blossoms and sake. It was incredibly delicious, so I ended up ordering another one. All the drinks were amazing. Ordering with specific preferences and then leaving it to the bartender's choice is a great way to discover unique and special drinks that you wouldn't have tried otherwise. I had 3 drinks and some nuts, and it came to around 3500 yen including the cover charge, which I think is a great deal. While there are other good bars in Kyoto, many of them are more expensive, so this place is a good option for those who want to enjoy delicious drinks without worrying too much about the price. The atmosphere was just right, not too quiet or too loud. I will definitely visit this place every time I go to Kyoto.

I found a bar in Kyoto where you can eat haggis. I used to be able to have it at K6 before, but it seems like it's not on the menu anymore. I didn't know at all, but this place is a famous old restaurant. It's still a time of COVID, so there are few people on weekday nights. There are relatively many regular customers from the medical and pharmaceutical fields. So even though the cost performance is good, the unit price tends to be high. Everything was delicious. The cocktails made according to my preferences were also spot on. However... I like bourbon, so I chose a Manhattan for the last drink, but I was a bit disappointed that Scotch was used. I should have discussed the brand properly in advance.

On the way from Kiyamachi Street to Pontocho, there is a three-story building with Zundoya on the first floor (it used to be a liquor store affiliated with the first floor). Inside, the chic wood-grain interior features a main counter and several tables lined up. I always just ask for the "recommended" or "lighter" option... but I am always surprised by the deliciousness of the different cocktails each time! There are several famous bars in Kyoto, but this place is definitely recommended! ✨

Gin & Tonic ASCII Gug 1400 yen, Raisin Butter 800 yen, Whisky Live Paris 2018 Komagatake, half portions of both. Total 7950 yen. The Gin & Tonic is on the sweeter side with a crisp bitterness in the aftertaste. Delicious. Seems perfect for summer. The ASCII Gug is probably from Islay, bottled by a private bottler. It has a strong sweetness with a hint of smokiness in the middle. The lingering finish is pleasant. My favorite this year. The Whisky Live one, although it has been aged longer than the ASCII Gug, I remember it being a bit rough. It's aged in a sherry cask, so it has a nice aroma. Komagatake, I think the red one is a single cask. It initially felt light, but the aftertaste lingers. I can't remember what the green one tasted like, but I think it had a strong aroma. The ASCII Gug was the best. They recommended it as having a less sweet taste than Caol Ila, so maybe I'll try Caol Ila next time, it's been a while. It's been a while since I visited Cordon Noir. The grandeur of the bar is as impressive as ever. I love the bars here, as well as K's and Fellow Fellow. Talisker is also amazing, but I still prefer the simplicity. I really love K's.

On this day, I explored Kyoto with my wife. We came to this bar located in a corner of the Sanjo shopping street in Kyoto. It is on the 3rd floor of a mixed-use building. My wife was tired from drinking for consecutive days, so I had to come here alone. It was convenient as it was near our hotel. When I got off the elevator on the 3rd floor, I saw the door wide open, which made it easy to see inside. I entered the shop and was told to sit wherever I liked as a solo customer. There was a long counter extending to the back on the left side, and several tables on the right side. Initially, I sat at the front of the counter, but was encouraged to sit in the middle. The shop is run by 3 people, 2 men and 1 woman. The atmosphere inside is a mix of a solid back bar, dim lighting, and a somewhat casual vibe with a slightly noisy crowd. The BGM was Western pop music. I was only given the drink menu, but since I was full, I decided to have the following cocktails that day: - Gimlet - Martini The bartender, who seemed to be the manager, made them for me. The Gimlet had a strong attack and was quite delicious. The Martini was dry and packed a punch. I finished with these two drinks, totaling 3400 yen. Each drink was around 1500-1800 yen. A regular customer who came later was talking loudly, so I think it's a casual bar where you don't need to be too formal. Thank you for the meal! (As of November 2019, rated 3.36 points)

It's a relaxed and enjoyable authentic bar. The bartender seemed to have a kind and welcoming personality, making us feel well taken care of. The cocktails were delicious as well. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

It's a pretty spacious bar that occupies one floor of a building. It has a nice authentic feel, and quite a few customers are inside. There are also around 1000 bottles displayed. There is a space in the corridor with novelty items, including ashtrays with the bar's name on them. For my first drink, I had a gin and tonic. It seemed to be based on Bombay, but it had a clean taste that wasn't too Bombay-like. By the way, aren't there a lot of bars in Kyoto that use Bombay as the base for their gin and tonics? Suddenly, I was approached by a regular customer from my favorite second bar in Hirakata. I never expected to see him here. For my second drink, I had a martini. This bar serves olives on the side, which is unusual. The service was attentive and the staff maintained a good balance of friendliness and professionalism. They even saw me off to the elevator. I think this place deserves more recognition. The bill came to 2700 yen.

It's a BAR with a great location near the station, open late at night, and very convenient to use. Just cross the Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, turn left to the south, pass by Min Min, and you'll find the entrance to Pontocho. Go up to the 3rd floor of the building, and you'll find a sophisticated adult BAR. There are many bottles lined up behind the spacious counter. I ordered Macallan, a whiskey I know, and my friend ordered a cocktail with no preference for Western spirits and vodka. As I looked at the menu, I found that the food was also substantial. I spotted a dish called corned beef and potato stir-fry, which I used to eat a lot during my student days, so I ordered it. I'm not particularly knowledgeable about whiskey or cocktails, so I consulted the bartender. She was very friendly and we had a pleasant time chatting while enjoying our drinks. The location is great, and although it's usually crowded, it was quiet on Sunday night, which was nice. Thank you for a wonderful time.

In March 2015, I headed south from Sanjo Kiyamachi and turned left into the first building on the third floor. This is an authentic bar run by a major liquor store that has a wide presence in Kyoto. Upon entering the establishment, you are greeted by a spacious and sophisticated adult atmosphere. The long counter made of seasoned wood exudes a sense of authenticity, with several tables lined up behind it. The impressive number of bottles at the back bar catches your eye. The atmosphere is both authentic and not overly formal, with a good number of seats at the counter alone. The two bartenders are polite and friendly. The recommended drinks are gin and tonic, with Bombay Sapphire offering a unique aroma and taste. The second drink, a malt from Fettercairn, has a medium thickness with flavors of honey and sherry. The salmon pate on the side menu is subtle in flavor. The atmosphere inside is a mix of lively groups and a quiet environment where you can enjoy your drink. The ambiance is chic yet casual, and the bartenders are friendly and accommodating. Even if you are not used to bars, you will feel comfortable here, and for seasoned bar-goers, there are many discoveries to be made. Today, the total cost for two drinks, one food item, cover charge, and tax was around 3800 yen. This bar offers a high level of authenticity in Kyoto, providing a sense of comfort rather than standout moments. It is conveniently located in Sanjo Kiyamachi and open until 3 am. The ample seating and easy accessibility make it a charming place to visit.

I wanted to go to a nice bar with a good atmosphere. Since my partner likes bourbon, I chose this place where there seemed to be rare drinks. Unfortunately, they seemed to have missed my order for a highball, but they didn't say anything about it. Instead, they recommended me a rare beer, even though I usually prefer beer. The atmosphere was great, the space was lovely, and I had a relaxing time drinking and enjoying myself. I would definitely like to visit again when I go to Kyoto.

Mitsuboshi and Pontocho. You can find a wide selection of whiskey and receive service from knowledgeable and skilled staff. I had Ichiro's Malt Red Leaf, Springbank 15y, and Kilchoman Original on the rocks. There are several calm establishments in Mitsuboshi Kiyamachi and Pontocho, but this one stands out for its wide range of options and pleasant atmosphere. They are open until 3 am, so you can enjoy it even as the night goes on.

One of the top authentic bars in Kyoto. This place also serves as an antenna shop that the owner's liquor store cherishes. The current chief bartender is probably the 3rd or 4th generation. Despite not undergoing major renovations, the atmosphere has changed significantly with each new chief. The impressive back bar and probably the longest single-piece counter in Kyoto all show a dedication to authenticity. The selection of drinks will satisfy malt maniacs and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The malt selection has increased even more with the current chief. They have a substantial collection of Cadenhead's black label bottles, which is quite rare. The rum selection has also expanded significantly. Despite not having a kitchen or dedicated staff, the food menu is surprisingly extensive. You can even try haggis here. This bar does not fall short in quality compared to "K6" and maintains a true adult bar atmosphere. It is not suitable for rowdy crowds or loud behavior. However, the welcoming atmosphere is evident once you visit, regardless of age or background. The prices are surprisingly reasonable, and you might even feel like they could charge more. The cover charge has decreased from 1000 yen to 500 yen. While the presence of famous actors and celebrities was common in the past, it seems less frequent now. Looking at the lack of reviews for places like "Cordon Noir" or "NOILLY'S C&S" on food review websites, bar rankings may not always be reliable. The original chief (when the bar was called "THE MAIN BAR") was a respected figure in the Kyoto bartending scene and was involved in the design of the bar. This is a truly authentic and traditional bar.

I think this is one of the top authentic bars in Kyoto. The owner is a liquor wholesaler, so the variety of alcohol is impressive. The number of bottles lined up behind the bar counter is always a sight to behold. The bar seems to be a long-established one, as even the color of the counter's wood adds a nice touch. The lighting is pleasantly dim, and the music, mainly quiet jazz, is played at a volume that doesn't interfere with conversation. Every detail is well thought out. I've been dropping by for about 4 years now, and the manager remembered my face by the second visit. He is truly a good person, and he runs the place efficiently.

The restaurant is located on the third floor of a building, so it may be intimidating for first-time visitors, but it is a great place, so please have the courage to go up. The stand sign in front of the elevator on the first floor lists recommended Scotch names. Normally, such signs display cocktail or food menu names that appeal to women, but the emphasis on Scotch here shows the restaurant's commitment. The bar counter is made of a long piece of wood that makes you wonder how they got it in the building, and the cozy lighting and jazz music create a nice atmosphere. The chief bartender and other staff are young but prioritize an authentic atmosphere and provide pleasant service. It is a great place for a date, but also comfortable for solo drinkers, and they have table seating for groups as well. 【Drinks】As mentioned earlier, the restaurant's focus is on Scotch, with a wide variety and selection available. They also offer other options like bourbon, rum, and frozen gin and vodka shots. While they don't have a drink menu, if you specify a specific name or image of the drink you want, they will serve it accordingly. Some may worry about prices, but they are quite affordable compared to other authentic bars. 【Food Menu】The top recommendation is the haggis. It is carefully prepared without any odor, and when paired with mashed potatoes and bread, it is a satisfying meal. They also have haggis pizza, which is also recommended. Other options include Kyoto rice crackers and a generous portion of beef jerky, which are delicious as well.

The staff are all young, which was a bit surprising. The shop located on the 3rd floor of a building has a slightly historical feel. The counter is wide, and the layout of the floor gives off a lounge-like vibe. The back bar is quite impressive with a long row of bottles. Although the depth of the shelves is not that deep, so it's hard to tell if there are actually a lot of bottles. It's quite famous, but not as well-known as K6, which is a bit disappointing. The atmosphere inside the shop is not too crowded or too childish, just right. The spacious interior might not be ideal for relaxing alone, but it's great for a date or hanging out with colleagues after work over whiskey or cocktails. They also seem to have a good selection of bottles like malt and rum. I would like to review the cocktails, but I haven't tried them yet, maybe next time.