Masaken bar

The takoyaki at Masaken bar comes in portions of 8, 12, 16 or 20 pieces. Choose from aonori seaweed, bonito flakes, mayonnaise, sauce or salt to season them to your taste. Some customers say the takoyaki, made to order, made a particular impression; their comments convey the appeal of stopping by late at night for a fresh batch.

For a smaller bite, there is takosen, with 3 pieces, and sōsu mayo sen: a rice cracker for takosen topped with tempura scraps, sauce and mayonnaise. Other options include pork soup, fried potatoes and pasta, with a choice of meat sauce or peperoncino. Drinks range from Kakubin highballs and draft beer to shochu highballs with flavours such as lemon, lime and yuzu. Non-alcoholic choices include jasmine tea and shiso cola.

Customers describe a mix of ways to spend an evening here: a quiet drink alone at the counter or time with friends in a booth. There are also darts, for those who want to add a game to their food and drinks. The bar is open daily from 21:30 until 5 the following morning—a spot to keep in mind for takoyaki and a drink after dark.