Kaede

Taking a seat at the counter, starting with signature dishes such as the stewed beef offal (gyu motsu nikomi) or seared premium tongue sashimi (aburi jo-tan sashi) sets an easy, comfortable rhythm for the meal. At Taishu Sakaba Kaede, rich cuts paired with punchy condiments feature prominently, including seared beef skirt steak (aburi gyu harami) seasoned with ponzu or green chili soy sauce, and pork jowl skewers coated in a fragrant green chili glaze (tontoro aotogarashi-dare kushi). Fluffy chive omelet (Kaede no nira-tama) and comforting homemade shumai make dependable accompaniments that keep your first drink flowing.

The tavern's nostalgic shitamachi mood is amplified by the extensive drink selection, which feels like scanning a wall covered in paper menu slips. Classic white and black Hoppy and traditional Hoys highballs share the lineup with classic downtown mixers, ranging from budowari and Baisu sour to Sumomo Skat plum soda mixers. Options also extend to less common tea-based mixed drinks such as "Uguisu"—a combination of soymilk and matcha highballs—and mekabu seaweed tea shochu cocktails, making deciding on the next round an enjoyable part of the experience.

For groups gathered around a table, centering the spread on domestic Kuroge Wagyu motsunabe (ordered for two or more) and finishing with additions of pork belly, Chinese noodles, or a zosui rice-and-egg set makes for a thoroughly satisfying option. Whether stopping by solo for a quick drink or settling in for an evening sharing dishes with close friends, the lively space invites you to enjoy round after round at ease.