The restaurant is dark and hard to see, but maybe that's part of the fun? I can't drink alcohol so it's hard to rate the bar, but I really like their katsu sandwich! They fry the cutlets right there, but I think even the staff can't see well in the dark interior.

Cheap! Delicious! Cozy! Located in one of Kyoto's top deep spots filled with bars, the wooden dining street "Yotomikai Hall" is a must-visit. This time, I visited the sister store of "Tonkatsu Shimizu," famous for its "thick tonkatsu sandwich." In Osaka, there is a popular 5-centimeter-wide katsudon called "Chiyomatsu," made by a former sumo wrestler, and its affiliated katsusando specialty store, "Katsusando Chiyomatsu." When it comes to thick tonkatsu sandwiches in Kyoto, "Tonkatsu Shimizu" is the place to go! The interior of the store is filled with messages (graffiti?) written all over the walls, giving it a unique atmosphere. The signature menu item, the "Tonkatsu Sandwich" (1700 yen), allows you to choose between pork fillet or loin, and it is fried slowly to achieve a thickness of about 4 centimeters. While waiting, you can enjoy the daily appetizer (on this day, it was pork belly cartilage simmered). The highly anticipated katsusando is impressive! It's incredibly thick and juicy. It was more than satisfying to eat!

Wow, it was my first time having a drink at the restaurant. I visited for the first time and had a surprisingly fun time with common topics. It was a good time with good food. Thank you for the meal. I will visit again. The potato salad was delicious. It was just to my taste. ☺︎ ☺︎

Four unique personalities gather at Yotomikan Hall, "Shokudo Shimizu." On this day, I was wandering around the Shijo area. I remembered that the head office of "Tonkatsu Bar Shimizu" was nearby, so I headed to Yotomikan Hall. It's like an old-fashioned alley with eateries, and there are some unique shops lined up. Among them, the most distinctive one is the restaurant I was looking for, "Shokudo Shimizu." Just like "Tonkatsu Bar Shimizu," the walls are covered in graffiti. The interior with only a counter feels more like a bar than a restaurant. The master is not very communicative, maybe due to a mental illness, but I try to strike up a conversation. If you're not good with such people, please be aware. The counter is lined with homemade gin, rum, and chu-hai, along with bottled homemade liquor. The gin infused with spices is tempting. The homemade chu-hai with rock salt and lemon enhances the sweetness. Surprisingly, the homemade gin with coriander is easy to drink. The refreshing aroma of coriander is nice. The appetizer is a plate of pickled vegetables. Eggplant, cucumber, red core radish, and shishito peppers. A surprisingly substantial appetizer. The Tonkatsu Sandwich for 1500 yen is the main dish I came for this time. I ordered it when I entered and waited patiently for the perfectly cooked slightly pink tonkatsu. It's incredibly thick yet incredibly tender. It's no wonder it takes so long to prepare. The mustard is a nice touch. I finished it in no time. Other menu items can be found on the Tabelog reviewer page. If you're looking for a date spot, check out this place! Blog: Mach's Recommended Meals Blog (English translation) Facebook Page: Recommended Meals in Mach Instagram: #Mach'sRecommendedMeals

On this day, I went to a deep zone with a cute junior girl. The restaurant we wanted to go to was full, so we ended up at another place. It was small and cramped, but the cozy atmosphere made it popular. The only drink available was lemon water, with alcohol options being infused with herbs and spices. We ordered recommended dishes such as blue cheese and asparagus terrine, pork teki, beef red wine stew, curry udon, and some hormone dishes. The food was on the heavy side, but my companion enjoyed it. Personally, I really liked the blue cheese and asparagus terrine. Overall, we had a great time chatting with the people next to us and even discussing love advice. It's a place where you can easily strike up conversations with strangers and have a good time, making it a spot I might visit alone too.

Counter-style izakaya located in Kawaramachi, Kyoto. This was our fourth stop on the second day of our trip in Kyoto. It's tucked away in a narrow alley of drinking establishments, so we might not have found it if we hadn't done some research! I was a bit indecisive about what to drink, but ended up toasting with a homemade rock salt and lemon chu-hai that was delicious and easy to drink. We also ordered their famous tonkatsu sandwich, which was served with a delicious salad as a side. The salad had a hint of cumin that made it surprisingly tasty. The tonkatsu sandwich was thick but still easy to bite into, with a crispy and juicy texture. It took a bit of time to cook, but it was definitely worth the wait. The owner seemed to have visited various restaurants in Tokyo, so we had a great time chatting about different places. After this, we headed back to Osaka from Kyoto.

Suspicious eclectic building with a lone shining sign. Have the courage to open the sliding door and you'll find a very narrow bar counter with customers and graffiti everywhere! But once you sit down, it's a surprisingly cozy space. They serve marinated drinks, sandwiches, and hormone dishes, but the best part is the master's casual and soothing service.

I had a great time with the master and other customers, we got along well and they took us to a second place. The master is a classmate of Nobu-san. 😂😂

I came to the wine bar I was looking for, but once again it was temporarily closed... seems like I have no luck with this place... so I decided to change my mood and switch to another restaurant! One of the three major deep spots in Kyoto is Shitomi Kaikan. Located at the back is a restaurant called Shimizu. It seems to be a branch of Tonkatsu Shimizu. Just like the other shops in Shitomi Kaikan, this place is also very narrow with the back and door tightly pressed. If the counter seats are full, it feels like it would be hard to breathe haha. The walls are covered with graffiti. The owner is a young man with good conversation skills. Even a solo female diner can have a fun time here. I had some appetizers and steamed pork, which were tender and full of flavor, very delicious. The vegetables were fresh and juicy. Kyoto is known for being more expensive compared to Osaka, but this place is very reasonable. The regular customers were friendly, and I had a great time without feeling out of place. I would love to come back here again! Thank you for the meal! (╹◡╹)♡

Located just after leaving the Yotsumeya Hall, this place is right nearby. It seemed to have just opened as the enthusiastic voice replied "We're open!" when asked. Run by a young master, this bar is full of graffiti and has a friendly atmosphere. It's actually affiliated with "Tonkatsu Shimizu" so the vibe makes sense. The master, who loves carbonation, shared some carbonation anecdotes as we enjoyed our drinks. I was too full to order any food this time, but looking at other reviewers' posts, the food looks delicious! Oh, I just realized, this is actually a "dining hall" ^ ^; I'll definitely come back to try out various dishes next time. A fun and welcoming place that even first-time visitors can easily enjoy. Oh, I forgot to leave some graffiti, so I'll have to come back for that too!

I had my first experience at the rumored deep spot in Kyoto, Yotomikai-kan. It felt like a mix between the underground street in Umeda and the Taste Garden in Osaka. The narrow alleys were filled with small bars crowded together. As someone from a downtown background, this cozy feeling strangely suited me. I thought about getting drunk and staying here until morning... While being guided by my friend, we went to a restaurant called Shimizu at the back. We ordered their original sake and ended up chatting with the owner, Mr. Shimizu, who was inside the counter. Before we knew it, the place was full of regular customers. As the night in Kyoto slowly deepened, we ordered the grilled squid ink udon. Mr. Shimizu mentioned that it was his first time making it, but honestly... it was not good. Maybe it's because the person usually cooking wasn't there? It wasn't delicious, but it was an interesting experience. Thank you very much~

I have been wanting to visit this place for a while, but every time I tried, it was either closed or the opening hours were delayed. Finally, I managed to visit and was disappointed to find out that the gyoza I wanted to try was not available. The staff member at the restaurant didn't seem like a typical rugby player, but he was very friendly and we had a great time chatting with him and the regular customers. The graffiti on the walls added to the fun atmosphere. Even though we were already quite full, the appetizers were satisfying, and we ended up ordering the rolled omelette, which was delicious. I still want to try the gyoza, so I will definitely be back!

I have visited Kyoto several times in December and have been drinking at various places, but I have never tried drinking at one of the venues in Kyoto. So this time, I decided to go somewhere new. After leaving Izakaya Shizuka, I headed to Yotsu Kaikan that I had my eye on. I found the lantern I was looking for in a narrow alley with shops on both sides. However, there was a lantern in the middle of the alley, and I couldn't tell which side was Shimizu's shop. I ended up asking another person in the alley which side was Shimizu's shop, how rude of me! When I opened the sliding door, there was an L-shaped counter right in front of me, and it's a small shop that can fit about 7 people. As I sat at the counter, I felt the warmth right away and my glasses fogged up, but I ordered a beer first, which was a bit of a high-end brand. The appetizer was a chocolate-flavored dish, which I think was gluten, and it had a delicious bitterness. There was a menu on the wall, but it was unreadable because it was black with pink letters, so the master lent me a flashlight. He mentioned that he will be opening a tonkatsu restaurant soon, so the menu is currently reduced. While chatting with the master, I ordered oden, which was delicious, especially the sausage with spicy seasoning. I ended up having a great conversation with two ladies next to me, and we talked about various bars and even Lid Drinking District. Overall, Yotsu Kaikan was a cozy and enjoyable place with delicious food and a good atmosphere. I only visited one shop this time, but I would like to try other shops in Yotsu Kaikan next time, maybe even the tempura shop. It was a fun experience, and I look forward to visiting again.

Hankyu Kyoto Line, Karasuma Station, heading east from Daimaru Kyoto to the fourth stop. Turn right at the corner of So Yoshimoto, walk north on Shijo and Tomikoji streets. A hidden gem that I love (laughs), this is Shitomikai Building. With a history of over half a century, built over 50 years ago, the exterior exudes a retro apartment vibe, reminiscent of the Showa era. The narrow and dimly lit passageway might make you wonder if it's safe to enter and if you can find your way back. At the end of this passage lies Shiodo Dining, run by a very friendly and smiling master, a bar and dumpling restaurant. I heard that the dumplings here are delicious, and the drinks too, so I decided to visit. The interior has only counter seats. There are about ten shops in Shitomikai Building, all small with only counter seats. The L-shaped counter is lined with the master's homemade shochu, with flavors like grapefruit, black tea, and summer mandarin - not just catering to my taste. The acidity and refreshing taste are delicious. The Kirin Brau Meister for 600 yen is a must-have first drink. After a day of exploring Kyoto and walking around a lot, a cold beer is just what you need. The Oden for 100 yen each, with a hint of spiciness as the master describes it, maintains the traditional flavor of Oden while adding a subtle twist. The radish and konjac are well-cooked and soaked in delicious broth. The Chicken Tataki for 200 yen is marinated in the Oden broth and served rare, which is surprisingly delicious. The Liver Pate for 500 yen is presented beautifully on a plate, with a light and tasty baguette. The pate, without any particular feature, is delicious and disappears quickly. The Homemade Ham for 500 yen is sliced beautifully, and despite appearing fatty, it is surprisingly tasty. The Smoked Oysters for 500 yen (with bread) are a world apart from the Azabu bar I had before. They are incredibly delicious, with the oyster's umami spreading in the mouth, making it a memorable experience. The side dishes range from 300 yen, and I tried the Kyoto-style Inari Sushi, which was delicious with plenty of tofu and broth. Unfortunately, the Shiodo Gyoza for 500 yen was sold out that day. I was so disappointed. The plump wingspan dumplings looked so good. The homemade shochu is delicious, and I enjoyed it on the rocks. The refreshing aftertaste of the black tea and summer mandarin shochu was delightful. I had various drinks, but this is a bar after all, so the focus is on the drinks. The School Wars connection is interesting, and the collaboration with the OBs from the Kyoto Fushimi Industrial High School rugby team adds another layer of enjoyment to the experience. I would definitely like to go back and try the gyoza.

Next, I went to the restaurant "Shokudo Shimizu" located in the Yotsutomi Kaikan. I decided to change things up and ordered a Kirin Brau Meister beer. It was my first time trying it, and it had a strong aroma and a rich flavor. It was delicious! This beer is meant to be savored slowly. I really enjoyed it. Not only the beer, but the customers at the restaurant were also quite unique. There was a gentleman celebrating his 80th birthday, drinking and chatting energetically. I hope to be just as lively when I reach that age and enjoy a drink and conversation. The master of the restaurant was very friendly, making it a great place to visit. They served a delicious appetizer, which was a great accompaniment to the beer. The menu for the day had various interesting options. Although they don't serve rice dishes, the unique menu items caught my attention. I was particularly interested in the grilled squid and beef belly curry spaghetti, but I decided to try their signature dish, the Shimizu-style hot dog. It was the best sausage I've ever had, with a thick meaty texture and flavorful spices. I could easily have a few more beers with just this dish. I doubt I could find such a delicious hot dog even in Germany. I definitely want to come back here. It was a fun and enjoyable restaurant experience. Thank you for the meal. The restaurants in Yotsutomi Kaikan have a friendly and neighborly atmosphere. People recommend other places to visit and give advice on where to go next. It feels like coming back home rather than just wanting to visit again. I can't wait to return.

Four Tomi Kaikan debut! We decided to visit this place on a whim, as it seemed like a good day to do so. Located on the north side of Kyoto Station, this spot is a deep spot alongside the Lid dining area. About a month ago, I decided to visit Four Tomi for the first time with a colleague from the same company who had also recently visited. At Four Tomi Kaikan, there are about 5-6 unique shops with only counter seats gathered together. There are many interesting shops that caught my eye. Now, after much deliberation and with the recommendation of my colleague, we decided to make our way to "Shimizu" located at the back of Four Tomi Kaikan. The restaurant was bustling with a diverse clientele, including regulars of all ages and genders. The counter can accommodate about 7 people at max, making it one of the larger capacity spots in Four Tomi Kaikan. The cozy atmosphere and the friendly master, who used to be a rugby player, made it easy for even first-time visitors to feel at home. We ordered the following items for our Four Tomi Kaikan debut: - Shimizu Gyoza - Uji tea soba (medium size) - Shimizu-style hot dog Gyoza is a specialty dish, with many options that pair well with alcohol. The gyoza had a unique and original taste, different from gyoza found in other restaurants. According to the regulars, the filling of the gyoza keeps evolving. Although it was hard to pinpoint, I found it quite delicious. The medium-sized Uji tea soba was quite filling. They also had a good selection of alcohol, including homemade fruit-infused drinks. The master and regulars were very friendly and engaging, making the experience at this restaurant enjoyable. It's a good spot for a Four Tomi debut, don't you think?

Visited around 20:10 on March 18, 2014. It was my first visit to the Yotomikai Hall that I had been curious about. A memorable debut at Yotomikai Hall! There was one customer before me and four customers after me. The age range of the customers was from late 20s to around 40, relatively young. The oldest customer seemed to be an older gentleman. Including myself, the ratio of men to women was exactly 1:1. Surprisingly, there were quite a few female customers, which may be because the master who runs the shop is young and refreshing. - Location: As the name suggests, it is located on the northeast corner of Shijo Tomikoji, heading north along Tomikoji Street. It is easy to find as it is along Tomikoji Street. - Items we tried: - Satsuma-age (fried fish cake): 4 pieces. It might have been even better if it was served warm. - Kizushi (mackerel sushi): 600 yen. A rare dish of mackerel that can also be enjoyed as sashimi. The vinegar was light and the salt was restrained. Quite delicious. Surprisingly, it paired well with citrus-based sake, which was unexpected. - Oden assortment (thick fried tofu, daikon radish, egg, konjac): The daikon radish was particularly good. It was well stewed and had a beautiful shape. When asked, it turned out that the master also had experience working at a Japanese restaurant. - Teriyaki-style chicken thigh: A generous portion of chicken thigh was served. As it was my first stop of the night and I was hungry, they served a hearty main dish. The outside was grilled crispy and fragrant, and the seasoning was slightly sweet teriyaki-style, which was also quite tasty. - We had 3 drinks, including pink grapefruit sake, mandarin gin and tonic, and a draft beer. The total bill was 4,500 yen. - Overall impression: - The food and drinks were quite good. - There are many regular customers, but both the staff and customers have a welcoming atmosphere, making it a comfortable place to be. - In terms of pricing, if you have a substantial meal and drinks, it may not feel very cheap, so it might be better to use it as a second or third stop for some light eating and drinking. In any case, it is an interesting and cozy place, so I would like to find an opportunity to visit again. - Other information about the restaurant: - According to another reviewer, the owner used to play rugby at a certain high school in Fushimi, which also served as a model for the drama "School Wars." - The current master, who took over the shop from the owner about a year ago, is the second generation, Nobumura Yukio. He is probably around 30 years old. Originally from Hiroshima, his family was involved in oyster farming. He came to Kyoto about 5 years ago and has since gained experience working at Japanese restaurants. This experience was evident in the dishes served. - The restaurant is open every day except for the third Sunday of each month when the entire Yotomikai Hall is closed.