Yokobachi

Yokobachi occupies a renovated traditional townhouse in Kumamoto, and the preserved structure, exposed beams, worn wooden floors, and sliding doors, gives the izakaya a character that newer places cannot replicate. The menu moves across grilled dishes, sashimi, and local Kumamoto specialties including basashi (raw horse), karashi renkon (lotus root stuffed with mustard miso), and regional shochu. The atmosphere suits a long evening with a group, ordering steadily while the room fills around you. Book ahead on weekends.