TORITSUKARE OTOKO

Spanish Tapas, Wine, and a Community Hub
[updated October 2020]

There are many ancient highways in Japan where merchants would set up rest stops for weary travelers. In Koenji there is a great tachi-nomiya or standing bar tucked away on a small side street next to Koenji Street and the Chuo line tracks toward Asagaya. Toritsukare Otoko, a Spanish Tapas and Wine bar, is a hub to meet local artists, photographers, musicians, shop owners and other travelers. It’s both a Japanese and International crowd and Ichi-san, the owner, is happy to help out travelers with advice and a friendly respite from the city. Toritsukare Otoko in a short year from opening had already become a fixture in the community.

The atmosphere is intimate, encouraging people to interact freely with other customers. There is a large window with an attached counter space connecting customers to Koenji’s vibrant street life, great for people watching. Many times the party spills out into the street and customers mingle with passersby and customers from nearby shops. The food is a mixture of Japanese and Spanish ingredients, high quality and savory. Menu items include lamb, gazpacho, vegetable dishes, Spanish omelette, sheep milk and blue cheeses, homemade liver pate, cured ham, fish, pork, chicken and lamb dishes and other assorted sundries. Ichi-san also makes freshly baked bread every day! Prices are more than reasonable and portions are tapas size. There are some vegan dishes on the menu. Drinks include wine, beer, sangria, grappa, whisky highball, sparkling water and soft drinks. It’s a great place to start or end your night.

ACCESS