Real American
Z Bar, Amerikamura
Another new bar in Amerikamura? So what could
possibly be different about this one? Well, quite a few things actually.
Get beyond the scary Grateful Dead Night adverts and you'll find
a den of good food, sexy cocktails and lots of vibe.
Situated a stone's throw from Shinsaibashi station,
step into the second floor establishment and a relaxing aura of
red lighting greets you.
Personalised graffiti-style paintings around the
bar create a hip vibe. On first impression, this is a great chill
place. Matching red stools and even a comfortable sofa area make
it perfect for just a quiet drink but will suit if you are with
a more raucous crowd. However, owner Martin Michael explains this
wasn't his only vision.
“I wanted to have an area for live music.
We have a very relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy music too”.
There's no denying that Michael is mad about music.
Wednesday evenings are dedicated to the Grateful Dead and it's an
opportunity to catch up on some of their best live tracks between
8pm and midnight. Best of all its free, like most events here.
Boasting a huge sound system, the bar is suitable
for any live performance, DJ sets and private parties. Michael says
“event nights are exceptional. We are having regular university
parties here and we're hoping to start a special ladies night very
soon”. Saturday nights have seen up-and-coming Japanese artist
Zoey hit the stage with her alternative sounds, entertaining 200
people in this intimate gig atmosphere. Other acts have also included
a variety of reggae, j-pop and j-rock with more of the same expected
in the future.
The food and drinks won't discourage the punters
either. Bringing beverages into the 21st century, Z bar offers a
range of their own concoctions including the rather inviting Sex
selection. Choose from Sex On The Beach, Sex In The Jungle or Sex
In The Car, to name just a few. Other tempting options are Fudgy
Fruit and Tropical Genki No 1 (and No 2) to spice up your evening.
Of the innovative drinks, Michael recommends the
Z-Bar, which will delight any cream fanatic. Made with drambruie
cream, butter and scotch, yoghurt, cookies and cream, baileys and
milk, you'll have to decide whether it's a cocktail or a dessert!
If the fancy (or sweet) stuff isn't your cup of
tea then check out the huge range of spirits on offer. All spirit-based
drinks cost between ¥500 and ¥700 yen and a huge triple-shot
liquor will set you back only ¥900. For the beer drinkers amongst
us, a happy hour of draft beer between 6-8pm every night will keep
you, well, happy.
As for the food, you can get anything from the
popular hamburgers, delicious Buffalo wings or even a spicy Jamaican
Jerk Chicken to satisfy your hunger. All dishes are under ¥1000
yen and are niftily presented.
The final word? “It's in a good spot, it's
cheap and we have amazing food”. That can't be denied. With
big plans in the pipeline, a steady stream of more DJ performances
and live shows, it will certainly help bring more music to Osaka.
The future looks promising for Z Bar. You might even get taste for
the Grateful Dead.
Z Bar
Nori Bldg 2F, 2-1-18 Nishi Shinsaibashi Chuo-Ku, Osaka, 542-0086
Open: Everyday, 6pm-late.
Getting there: Take exit 7 at Midosuji Shinsaibashi stn, and walk
down the road between OPA and Hotel Nikko. Keep walking until you
get to the junction with Sun Village. Cross over, walk straight
and Z Bar is on your left.
Email: ZbarOsaka@aol.com
Tel: 06-6214-5120
Text & Photos: Naheen Madarbakus
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