7 Great Bars in Nagoya

MyBar is a busy pub in the Sakae district, across the road from Nagoya TV Tower. Famous for its open-mike acts, MyBar provides the stage, microphone and guitar, so from time to time you can get to hear some interesting talent. Sports fans will be happy to learn that they can catch the action on MyBar’s 47" plasma TV and the bar gets quite busy on big game nights. The menu focuses on western favourites like buffalo wings, nachos, chicken satays, chili con carne, and burgers. Sunday is a big pizza day at MyBar with many choices starting from 500 yen. Check out their extensive ‘Wild Martini’ list. English, Spanish and Portuguese-speaking staff.

ID Café, the most popular and biggest nightclub in Nagoya, features an incredible 6 different dancefloors, each one playing different kinds of dance tunes and themes. Whether you like hard house and techno, more ambient sounds or live bands, ID plays them all and it’s a great place to mingle with foreign and Japanese guests. ID Café has a fantastic sound system and interior with many choices of cocktails. There is usually an entry fee but you receive some drinks tokens in return.

The Elephant’s Nest is a second-floor English pub serving traditional-style pub food. Facilities include darts and large-screen TVs showing all major sports. You can order draught Kilkenny and Guinness and Happy Hour runs from 5.30pm until 7pm. The pub is located a five-minute walk from Fushimi Station and is home away from home for many Nagoya-based expats so expect a warm welcome.

Shooters is one of the most popular sports bars and restaurants in Nagoya. Serving American and international food and drinks, Shooters offers free pool nights on Tuesdays as well as a weekly pool tournament and live music on Sunday nights. Other pub games include darts and foosball (table football). Many residents hang out at Shooters to cheer on their favourite teams together, especially during major tournaments. The food selection features American burgers, steaks and BBQ ribs, Mexican tacos, enchiladas, nachos and quesadillas, a variety of sandwiches, pizza and pasta as well as homemade desserts.

59's is a lovely bar and restaurant decorated in 1950’s American-diner style with staff members wearing cowboy hats. This small and casual bar is a popular spot for a casual dinner over a few beers in downtown Nagoya. The menu consists of a variety of pasta and rice dishes, crispy fried chicken, spicy wedge fries, Mexican taco salad, beef burgers and bruschetta. The beer department is full of interesting international brands from Asahi to Guinness. 59’s offers a large-screen TVs and an electronic games machine. Major credit cards accepted.

Blue Note Nagoya is related to the famous Greenwich Village-based jazz club Blue Note. Blue Note Nagoya has filled the need of jazz and soul music in the Nagoya area in serious style. It has welcomed many professionals of all ages on its stage including Roots (a Philadelphia-based alternative rap group), Toots Thielemans (the world-famous harmonica player), the Steve Hackett Acoustic Trio and Manhattan Transfer, to name just a few. This club serves amazing delicacies and features an interesting wine list. Prices are on the steep side.