The Japanese word izakaya (居酒屋) is made up of three kanji with the meaning, in order, “stay-drink-place.” A spot to grab a drink, settle in, and get comfortable.

An izakaya (居酒屋) (Japanese: [izakaja]) is a type of informal Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks. Izakaya are casual places for after-work drinking, similar to a pub, a Spanish tapas bar, or an American saloon or tavern.

Yakitori is made of bite-sized pieces of meat (usually chicken) served on a bamboo skewer. We decided to up-the-ante and try it with a few of our favorite proteins, such as chicken thigh, whole squid, and king trumpet mushroom. 'Izakaya' is a type of informal Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks.

Izakaya are sometimes called Akachochin (lantern made of red papers), because these paper lanterns are traditionally found in front of an izakaya and often used as the signs for cheap drinking and eating. The izakaya or akachochin may be considered the Japanese counterpart of the English pub.