Strawberries and champagne. I've been wanting to come here for a while, and the female bartender made it for me. She asked about my preferences and made it for me. There are quite a variety of alcohol types, so I want to try something different next time! The food pairing was cheese, thank you for the meal! 🍽️

Here is a bar in Gion where you can easily have a drink and be impressed by your company. It is a sophisticated bar run by Mr. Rei. There are many bars in Gion, but just knowing about this place makes you feel proud.

Andrey at Affinage on the second floor in Kyoto. I heard a rumor that Sato from Lebele in Akita used to work there, but he's no longer there. I was planning on trying a Manhattan, so it's a shame. The bar had a lovely female bartender working alone. It's a very popular place. Since it was late at night, I just had one drink... I couldn't decide what to order, but I ended up asking for a highball as a nightcap. It was made with Arran, which was nice. I also had some fruit as a snack as the night went on... I've found another bar that I'd like to visit again next time (*´艸｀)

Today was a solo trip to Kyoto izakayas. In the afternoon, visited two izakayas and a bar. For the evening, went to one more bar. Let's keep it short. Went to the counter seat at my favorite "André" bar. Ordered a Martini. A solid and beloved Martini. No other customers, so the knowledgeable bartender shared some information with me. Last week, Mouri-san came and had three rounds. Popular Mouri-san, even bartenders from Osaka came to support, it was a big family event. Customers even came from Tokyo, that's how popular Mouri-san is. Got some fruits as a complimentary dish. As a solo male, it's rare to get fruits, so it's nice. Let's have one more, the forbidden cocktail. Ordered a Havana Martini. Generous amount, suits my style. This will be the last drink for today. Along with the Havana Tea, got a set of chocolates. The previous one was high-class, but the latest version is also elegant. Haven't been able to visit the new WYM store or new bars yet. Time to restart solo trips to Ginza izakayas. Let's go to one more place since I got some information. Thank you so much! "André (AUTHENTIC STYLE BAR)" Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Higashiyama Ward, Hanamikoji Shimokoenmae Kamimonguchi, Hanae Kaikan Teikan 2F 20:00-03:00 (Sun, holidays until 01:00) Closed on Mondays.

The Gion district is full of unique bars with a work-related atmosphere, but this place has a different charm when it comes to private visits. The bartender is always stylish and cool, and the atmosphere is calm with just two groups of three customers each. It's a precious bar where you can trust them to make anything for you, and it's a blissful moment to quench your thirst as usual.

I went out to the street and visited a shop where they had interesting wines. I am a wine lover, but at this time of year, I usually don't go for Beaujolais... However, the shop owner recommended a bottle that caught my interest. As I listened to the story, I learned that it was made by a Japanese person locally, and you could taste the earth in it. Even though I've never actually tasted earth, I could understand what they meant. Despite being a Gamay, it didn't taste like juice... It was not to my usual taste, but I could sense its potential. I'm happy to find a shop that provides such enjoyment. Just like my previous experiences at Morlenji, every time I visit, I learn something new.

Dress-san seemed to be in good spirits. I heard that Mori-san will be standing behind the counter soon and he said he will also perfect the side dishes. I would like to try it even if it's just for one day, so I ended up ordering a Martini and others.

I visited the bar Andrei in Gion Shirakawa, Kyoto, which is about a 10-minute walk from Gion Shijo Station. The bar is located on the second floor after taking the elevator at Hanami Kaikan Teikan. There is a counter with 10 seats inside the bar, and you will be greeted by a friendly female bartender who has worked at famous establishments in Tokyo and Kyoto. The atmosphere is somewhat like a snack bar, and the size of the bar may influence the type of customers it attracts. I had a Branton on the rocks and a citrus cocktail, both of which were delicious. As a snack, they served watermelon which was refreshing. The bill came out to be around 3000 yen per person, which seems reasonable considering the location in Gion. As more regular customers started to arrive, I finished my drink and left the bar. I would like to visit again when I have the chance to enjoy a drink leisurely.

Today, I went on a solo trip to a Kyoto izakaya. After enjoying yudofu at "Kiko", I headed to a bar. Initially, I went to "Rocking Chair" but it was closed for the day. I didn't want to disturb Tsubokura-sensei's preparations before the competition, so I walked a bit and found "Andrei". I ordered a gin and tonic at the counter. It was delicious. There were no other customers. I mentioned to the beautiful bartender that I didn't have tickets for tomorrow's event (Kansai Bartender Association's competition) and she quickly arranged it over the phone! She also showed concern for my next bar visit. I ended the night with an herbal cocktail. It was a relaxing time. Kyoto's bars seem to have a lot to offer. Thank you for the hospitality!

2015/11 Revisited I discovered a nostalgic restaurant and got very excited. I needed to calm down, so I moved to this place. It's a charming shop that I have been casually visiting. The interior is quiet, marking the holiday atmosphere of Gion. I sat at the back and ordered a Molenje highball. The bartender mentioned an interesting option, so I decided to try it. The highball, Molenje's Toussaint, had a refreshing taste with a complex sweetness. I will definitely try it straight next time if I get the chance. (Added one image, updated date) 2014/12 Revisited I have been casually visiting this shop, where the owner, Rei, is a laid-back and sensitive person. We had a lively conversation about current events while enjoying the Monde Sangani. When I mentioned having a cold, Rei made me a hot ginger cocktail with a cinnamon stick. I also fulfilled a request from my friend, I-san, to upload hand images. (Added four images, updated date) 2014/6 Revisited I visited this shop along with the wine bar downstairs. The bartender, Rei, is a calm and friendly woman. We had a great conversation that day. I tried a vodka-based cassis-flavored cocktail with Amaretto-soaked loquats as a snack. Rei also made me an Apple Car with a longer shake than usual. We had a lively discussion about the famous sushi restaurant in Gion known for its Louis Vuitton display case. (Added two images, changed ratings, updated date) After enjoying Kyoto cuisine with a friend who visited from afar, we decided to have a drink. We had a hard time deciding but ended up choosing this place where we were once taken by a gentleman we met in Fushimi. We visited on a weekday, and the female bartender welcomed us. Since it was early, we were the only customers and took seats at the back of the counter. The bartender is well-known in the industry, according to the gentleman. We ordered a cocktail, and she made it saying, "You seem full and uncomfortable." She called it "Sormac-style," and it indeed made me feel refreshed. The authentic and luxurious atmosphere of the shop, along with the bartender's calm presence, provided a soothing experience. We enjoyed talking about gourmet food, comedy, and other trivial topics in a relaxed atmosphere. Once again, we left the shop in a good mood.

We visited this bar for drinks after dinner on the 5th day of our gourmet tour in Kyoto. Located on the 2nd floor of a building on Hanamikoji Street in Gion, slightly towards Sanjo. Surprisingly, it was right above Affinage, where we visited after dinner on the 2nd day. We originally planned to visit Calvados, famous for its Calvados, but unfortunately, it was closed for the day. Feeling a bit disappointed, we stumbled upon this bar. We called in advance this time and the lady on the phone confirmed that they had seats available. The bar had a calm and authentic atmosphere, with bright lighting. There were only 9 seats at the counter, and we chose to sit on the right side. The bartender, a pretty woman, served us our drinks. I started with a Gimlet cocktail, which was strong and refreshing. My partner had a hot cocktail with vodka, black tea, and hibiscus, which was delicious. We also enjoyed a Charm dish with toasted bread, cheese, and dried fruits. I then ordered a Martini, which was excellent, and my partner had another hot cocktail with ginger-infused whiskey and cinnamon. I tried a Gin and Campari cocktail, which was an original creation by the bartender. In the end, we were very satisfied with the drinks and the cozy atmosphere. The total bill came to 9510 yen, around 4750 yen per person. It was a bit pricey due to the location in Gion, but the quality and experience were worth it. We wouldn't have found this place without checking on Tabelog, and we were glad we did.

After finishing a drinking party with a client, I decided to rest my head and body before heading home. As I wandered around the Gion area, I remembered a bar that a friend had told me about recently. Although the location was somewhat uncertain, I managed to find it. It is located on the second floor of a building called Teikan, to the north of Gion Shijo. There is a flower shop on the right-hand side as you continue up Gion Shijo, and the entrance to the bar is somewhat like a snack bar. However, once you step inside, you are greeted by a chic space and a female bartender. I arrived at around 8:30 pm, which was relatively early, and there were no other customers. Light jazz music was playing in the background. The bartender, who runs the place by herself, was impeccably dressed, exuding a cool and stylish vibe. The interior of the bar only consists of a counter, with seating for about 8 to 10 people. I sat on a comfortable chair, facing the bartender. In front of me were rows of liquor bottles, probably around 200 different types. When I mentioned how impressive the selection was, the bartender said it was actually on the smaller side. It truly takes skill and creativity to curate such a vast collection of spirits and use them to craft new creations, akin to the world of artisans. The bar does not have a menu. While they have a variety of standard cocktails and spirits, even someone like me with limited knowledge could describe the flavor they wanted, and the bartender would suggest something suitable. If I agreed, she would make it right in front of me. The way she would drop a droplet of the cocktail on the back of her hand a few times to subtly check the taste was undeniably cool. After having two drinks, the bill came out to just over 3,000 yen. Considering the quality of the experience and the serene atmosphere, it was a very reasonable price for this area. The bar opened just last year, and I seem to be the first one writing a review, so it might not be widely known yet. I found a great place to relax quietly in this area. I will definitely be back in the future.

I was impressed by this amazing bar. The gin and tonic I had there was one of the best I've ever had. It was from San Luca in Kagurazaka. The taste was gentle and easy to drink, with a reduced amount of gin. The presentation with a lime wedge and a slice of lime was impressive, and the aroma of the lime was delightful. The smoked potato salad served as a snack was delicious, with just the right amount of smokiness. Next, I tried the Millstone from Morenge, which was sweet and tasty. I also noticed a variety of whisky bottles on the counter, offering a chance for new discoveries. I then ordered a sweet and easy-to-drink short cocktail, while chatting with the customer next to me. I don't remember much about the drink, but I was more impressed by how the customer next to me made a Red Eye cocktail. I felt like trying a Martini after reading a book in the bar, and it was surprisingly easy to drink. The bartender was kind and gentle, not pushing the flavors too strongly. Finally, I indulged in the expensive but delicious Bowmore 12-year-old single malt whisky from an old malt cask. It had a light smoky flavor that was enjoyable, even for those who don't usually like Islay whisky. It was a drink to savor and enjoy slowly. It was a happy and fulfilling time, and I rated the drinks 4.5, but it could easily be a 5.

Title as it is, the owner is probably the most famous female bartender in Kyoto. Four years ago in June, she finally opened her own business. There were probably many fans eagerly awaiting this moment, as the congratulatory flowers for the grand opening were quite extravagant (probably for the anniversary as well). It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that congratulatory gifts arrived from almost all the famous bars in Kyoto... She has been active in Gion, Pontocho, and even in Tokyo before. (I think she was also at a hotel somewhere...) Among the bartenders in Kyoto, in terms of name recognition and attracting customers, this person is undoubtedly at the top. Regardless of gender, she is respected and feared by young bartenders, but she is beloved by customers for her smile and charm. It feels more like an introduction of her rather than the introduction of the bar. Well, the customers who come to chat with her and have a good time far outnumber those who come to drink fancy cocktails or whiskey. So you can probably imagine the atmosphere. However, she exudes a strong sense of responsibility and pride in her work. Her contribution to the social recognition and elevation of the status of bartenders in Kyoto is significant. The atmosphere of the bar, which has only a counter, changes significantly depending on the clientele at the time. Sometimes it feels like a snack bar... and at other times, it feels like a strict, authentic bar with traditional bartenders. She is able to handle both, which shows her skill. It's not a bar that serves incredibly delicious cocktails or whiskey, but the classic cocktails are decent. I usually order beer or wine here, but the Gimlet and Gin and Tonic were delicious. She is very kind to bar beginners, so while it may take courage to open the door in the location of Gion, it is also suitable for those who want to study bars. Knowing her will give you something to talk about when visiting other bars in Kyoto.

When I thought about what I expect from a bar, I realized that the atmosphere, comfort, bartender, cocktail taste, and location are important, with the variety of malt and other drinks being somewhat important too. Andrei's bar seems to cater to local adult bar lovers rather than focusing on having female bartenders. Located on the north side of Gion, it can be a bit intimidating to enter, but once inside, Reina's smile puts you at ease. The atmosphere is definitely adult-oriented, and without some experience, it can be a bit nerve-wracking at first, but Reina is a very fun person with a lively Kansai spirit. Of course, there is also a focus on the cocktails, as when I ordered a Gin Fizz, I was asked if I had a preference for the type of gin. I opted to leave it up to them. It was the first time I had been asked about the type of gin, and since I'm not at that level, I was a bit unsure. However, Reina's interesting conversation and extensive knowledge of the industry gave the bar a great sense of dignity and stability, making me feel more comfortable and stay longer. It would be cool to become a regular at a place like this. Thank you for the wonderful experience.