taishu sakaba beetle

Sometimes plan A & plan B go out the window and you just need to go into a place without any research or social media hints...

That was the case for us on Saturday.

The two places we had in mind for dinner were packed and only people with reservations were being accepted.

Right across the street from plan B, I noticed an izakaya (bar) with the sign "Beetle" on their noren (entrance curtain).

The windows were purposely frosted, so you cannot see inside.

I told Satoshi, "we're eating here"...he kept saying, "are you sure?!" because it was "his" type of place to eat and not really "mine".

But, when you are nearing "hangry"...anything flies...

When we entered, we were surprised with how packed the place was.

We were also surprised at how huge the place was, with 3 wrap around counters...many people eating in groups, others eating alone.

It was noisy, a little smoky...

We didn't know "the drill"...so it took a bit getting used to.

I ordered this...ume syrup...70 milliliters of shochu (sweet potato liquor)...bottle of fizzy water.

You can add the amount of syrup you wish and the amount of fizzy water.

The syrup and fizzy water turned out to be enough for two drinks...

Sashimi assortment (maguro (tuna), hamachi (yellow tail tuna), tai? (snapper))

These were pre-sliced, so it came out right away...still quite fresh.

Grilled eggplant...delicious with the katsuobushi (bonito shavings), a little shoyu (soy sauce) and a dab of grated ginger.

Beef harami (skirt steak) grilled perfectly!

Chicken tsukune (meatball) delicious with green onions & renkon (lotus root) mixed with the minced chicken.

Made in house chips.

Oden...you can choose what items, we chose daikon (long radish), atsuage (fried tofu) & shirataki (konjack, devil's tongue jelly noodles)

Salmon harasu (belly)...the skin was so crispy! with grated daikon this was delicious too.

Skewered tomato...loved this too.

It was a bit too loud for us, but we enjoyed the food.

The woman next to us ordered a large beer and the beer mug it came in, surprised all of us (even her), it was like a little bucket!

We also liked that this shop does not do the amuse bouche thing (things you pay for but do not order)...

We'll be back.

Taishu Sakaba Beetle
7-4-3 Nishi Kamata
Ota, Tokyo
Phone: 03.6428.7375
Hours: Mondays-Fridays 16:00-25:00, Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays 14:00-25:00
*cash only