Head to a bar with a great atmosphere in Fukushima City! 10 picks where you can enjoy grown-up time with an excellent drink

Photograph:ベジータショパン

Retro Bar Mokubakan is a popular bar about a 3-minute walk from the east exit of Fukushima Station, known for its interior that reflects the shop's long history and its stately counter.

The staff's efficient, no wasted movements also leave an impression, and the quick pace at which drinks are served is said to add to the Manzoku level.

Photograph:牛丼仮面

Some say this place has no cover charge, so it is easy to order without hesitation.

The photo shows a "Bloody Mary." It is a drink you can enjoy for the fresh tang of tomato and the clean kick of vodka, and it is served with Tabasco and salt so you can finish it to your taste.

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They offer a wide range of drinks, including cocktails and whiskey, and the menu also lists the color and approximate alcohol strength.

The food selection is also extensive. The rich taste of the cheese and the savory flavor of the beef jerky are said to bring out the character of the alcohol.

Photograph:yamani028

Located right by Fukushima Station, Mariage offers a quiet and luxurious space inside.

There is a spacious layout with both counter and table seating. Reviews also said it is a bar where you can relax and enjoy conversation.

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The wine selection is extensive, with more than 150 varieties from 19 countries across the five continents, centered on France.

The “ADEGA DE MONÇÃO” in the photo is said to have a well-balanced taste with fresh acidity and mild tannins. Another nice point is that the owner sommelier will suggest one to match your preferences.

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They also seem to have not only wine but a full food menu. The photo shows the "tiramisu" made with mascarpone.

The smooth texture layers with the slightly bitter coffee flavor, and it is also said to pair well with wine.

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An 11-minute walk from Fukushima Station, Yellow Beer Works Bunkadori Ten is a craft beer bar specializing in IPA. The interior has a bright and pop feel.

The 1st floor is standing bar style, while the 2nd floor has seated tables. You can choose based on your mood.

Photograph:大峯光宏

"Soda Soda Lassi Sour" is a craft beer with a refreshing tang and gentle sweetness. It has a mellow quality like yogurt, along with a light fizzy feel.

You can enjoy it almost like a dessert, but it also has a faint beer-like bitterness, making for an interesting flavor.

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The photo shows sake onigiri (salmon rice ball) and a small craft beer. The onigiri is said to be gently shaped, with just the right amount of salt. The rich flavor of the salmon spreads through the rice and pairs well with the refreshing beer.

They also offer light snacks such as oden (Japanese fish cake stew), and another plus is that you can casually order from just one drink.

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Rekaruto Kurabu is a bar about a 7-minute walk from Fukushima Station. Wrapped in soft lighting, the interior is said to have an authentic atmosphere.

Guests say the staff strike a comfortable balance, making it easy to relax with a drink while enjoying conversation.

Photograph:まさるセグラ

The martini is a classic cocktail with a grown-up feel. It is said to have a sharp taste with a delicate aroma that opens up in the glass.

Because you can share the kind of drink you have in mind and get a recommendation, even first-time bar visitors can relax and enjoy themselves.

Photograph:まさるセグラ

The food menu is popular too. The photo shows the Margherita pizza. It is said to come out crisp and fragrant from the oven, with a light crispy crust.

The rich tang of the tomato sauce layers with the just-right saltiness of the cheese, making it a great match for alcohol.

Photograph:risamic

Fukushima Kakuuchi Kora is a kakuuchi (standing bar attached to a liquor store) bar about a 9-minute walk from Fukushima Station. Though the space is compact, it has a polished atmosphere.

You can enjoy not only standing drinks but also sit down and relax. They also stock some rare labels, and the owner's knowledge and cheerful service are said to make the experience all the more pleasant.

Photograph:risamic

The photo shows a tasting flight of three kinds of Japanese sake. You can choose the labels you like, and the price changes depending on the sake you select. It seems you can enjoy comparing the differences in aroma, sweetness, and finish of each one.

The style here is to reset your palate with water from Fukushima and enjoy the drinks with the tartness of umeboshi (pickled plum) as an accent.

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They also offer snacks like nama bacon (fresh bacon) and the "assortment of eight kinds of cube cheese."

The nama bacon has a moist texture, and its saltiness brings out the umami of the Japanese sake. Each cheese has a different flavor, and they recommend enjoying the pairing with Japanese sake.

Photograph:お職の花魁

Bar Furukawa is about a 13-minute walk from Fukushima Station, in a spot a little away from the busy downtown area.

The bar has counter seating only, creating a space where guests can feel close to the master. Away from the noise and crowds, it is a place people choose for nights when they want to drink at a relaxed pace.

Photograph:まさるセグラ

The master is said to have a good eye for sake (Japanese alcohol), and to handle every step with care, from choosing the labels to serving them.

The whiskey lets you enjoy everything from how the aroma opens up to how long the finish lasts. Some say that even during a short visit, they could still feel the quality of the place.

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At this restaurant, you can also ask about drinks that are not on the menu. If you share your taste preferences and the mood you want, they will suggest a drink that suits it.

Many regulars also seem to appreciate the consistently good taste.

Photograph:ベジータショパン

Bar Avenir is a 9-minute walk from Fukushima Station. Take the elevator up to the third floor, and you will find an open space with a view of the street over the counter.

The dim lighting feels comfortable, creating a calm and grown-up atmosphere. It is a cozy bar where you can relax and be yourself.

Photograph:まさるセグラ

One reason for its popularity is that you can enjoy original touches here. The photo shows the rum-based short cocktail “Daiquiri,” made with homemade syrup from yuzu (Japanese citrus) grown on Shinobuyama in Fukushima.

The citrus aroma rises nicely, with a well-balanced mix of sweetness and acidity, they say.

Photograph:ベジータショパン

"Blue Moon" is a delicate cocktail made with crushed ice. The carefully shaken ice settles beautifully in the glass, making it a visually stunning drink.

Reviews say it has a smooth mouthfeel and an elegant finish.

Photograph:ベジータショパン

Bar Kuroneko is a 5-minute walk from Fukushima Station. This shot bar is mainly standing room only, so it has an easygoing atmosphere that makes it simple to drop in.

One of its features is its wide range of customers, from students to working adults. Depending on the timing, you may also be able to sit and have a drink.

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They offer about 50 kinds of Japanese sake sourced from both within Fukushima Prefecture and beyond.

The 1.8-liter bottles lined up in the refrigerator have colored tags attached, making prices easy to see at a glance. The staff also give careful explanations, and it seems conversations about Japanese sake often get lively.

Photograph:ベジータショパン

The photo shows the popular "oden (Japanese hot pot) 3 kinds." You can enjoy ingredients such as daikon radish and egg, each soaked with the good flavor of the dashi broth. The ingredients seem to change depending on the day.

The menu focuses mainly on light food, making this a good spot for a second stop.

Photograph:yamani028

Tsugaru Bakushu offers a wide selection of craft beers from the Tohoku and Kanto regions.

The interior has just the right level of lighting and a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind. At the counter seats, you can also enjoy chatting with the owner. There are table seats as well, making it easy to use for groups.

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They also carry a wide range of labels from nearby breweries. The selection runs from refreshing styles to rich full-bodied pours, so you can also enjoy comparing different drinks.

Kara-age is a popular food item. Its juicy texture and bold seasoning pair well with beer and make the drinks go down even more smoothly.

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Inside, there is a refrigerator lined with a wide variety of bottled beers. You can either enjoy any label that catches your eye right there on the spot or take it home.

There was a review saying it was fun because you could enjoy the unique character of (Each) brewery.

Photograph:まさるセグラ

Mazzy Noir, a basement bar within walking distance of Fukushima Station.

Inside, the light of real candles flickers, creating a dreamlike space. The interior apparently feels like a tavern in Europe. They also sometimes have live piano performances.

Photograph:まさるセグラ

Many people have high praise for the master's selections and impressive memory.

They say he picks wines with character even at easy on the wallet price points. Whisky may be served in large glasses, letting you take your time and enjoy the aroma and flavor.

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The photo shows the "Crepes Suzette." They perform a flambé right in front of you, so you can also enjoy the moment the aroma rises.

The refreshing orange flavor layers with a slight bitterness, and the sweetness is said to be restrained. Another nice touch is the pairing suggestions from the staff.