Introducing Sanpachi Sakaba Yoidori

Hi, this is Gussan from Sarukuma!
Today I’m introducing Sanpachi Sakaba Yoidori, located in Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City.
This spot opened in December 2021.

For the first time in ages, I left my husband and kids at home and joined a girls’ night out. How long has it been? I couldn’t contain my excitement!
*Heads up: I went on a rare night off from the “bath time! dinner time!” parenting routine, so I’m not sure how useful this will be for parents in the trenches (haha).
Located on Sakaba-dori (Izakaya Street), the shop is on the first floor, so it’s easy to spot.The standout feature of Sanpachi Sakaba Yoidori is the self-serve all-you-can-drink at ¥380 for 30 minutes!
It was my first time experiencing a self-serve drink bar at an izakaya. What’s it going to be like?
Inside, there are table seats,
plus seats along the wall and at the counter.
Toward the back, there’s a raised tatami area (koagari) with four more table seats.
The staff kindly suggested, “The first floor might be a bit chilly,” so we chose the koagari table seats.
Self-serve all-you-can-drink at Sanpachi Sakaba Yoidori is ¥380 for 30 minutes.
The price is the same whether you drink alcohol or soft drinks. Extensions are automatic at ¥120 per 10 minutes — actually a better rate than the initial 30 minutes.
A dream come true for heavy drinkers!
The shop’s concept is to let university students and young people enjoy alcohol affordably and casually, so they stock a wide variety of drinks.
First, your otoshi (small starter dish) and a large mug arrive.
Grab that mug and head to the self-serve drinks corner!
Here’s the self-serve corner. Check out the lineup of shochu bottles displayed upside down.
Wait, how does this even work?! (laughs)
Sour cocktails — lemon, cassis, yuzu and more — come in 10 varieties.
Both red and white wine — pour them yourself!
And of course, beer is also self-serve. Drink to your heart’s content!Soft drinks — juices, teas and more — are all available too, so it’s fine to come along with kids.
Cocktail recipes are posted on the wall — mixing your own to find a favorite sounds like fun!

Sanpachi Sakaba Yoidori: Recommended Menu

Sanpachi Sakaba Yoidori’s signature dish is bone-in chicken. So many varieties — hard to choose!
It’s great that all sorts of dishes start from just ¥280.
You’ll also find Kumamoto specialty dishes, fried items, and rice dishes.
There are also seasonal limited-time menus and drinks not included in the all-you-can-drink option.
Now, what should I order?!
Here’s what we picked while chatting away with the girls♫
Sicilian-Style Caponata & Bone-in Chicken with Cheese ¥780
I picked the most unique bone-in chicken option — the tender meat pairs beautifully with the cheese. So good!
French Fries ¥380
Always a hit with kids. You can add mustard and ketchup to taste.
Potato Salad with Chicken Soboro ¥380
Potato salad topped with seasoned ground chicken — pretty unusual!
Ajillo with Baguette ¥680
It’s actually atsuage (thick fried tofu) and mentaiko (spicy cod roe) ajillo. Another rare combo!
Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Neck (Sesame) with Grated Daikon Ponzu ¥380
Whenever I see “sesame” (chicken neck) on a menu, I just have to order it.
Corn and Cream Cheese Tempura Fritters ¥420
Kids would love this combo — I want to recreate it at home.
Classic Izakaya-Style Fried Chicken Thigh (Karaage) ¥420
Teriyaki Chicken Meatball (Tsukune) with Soft-Boiled Egg ¥420
Karaage and teriyaki tsukune with egg — a perfect combo. Of course, both delicious!
Edamame ¥280
Chicken Skin with Ponzu ¥280
Chicken Liver Marinated in Tamari Soy Sauce ¥380
Honestly, I’d had so many drinks by this point that I don’t really remember tasting these (oops).

A girls’ night out with drinks was full of laughter and chatter — five hours flew by in a flash.
It’s nice to do this once in a while, right?! (laughs)
Thank you, hubby!!
Sanpachi Sakaba Yoidori serves both food and drinks at very reasonable prices, with great flavors to match.
Depending on the local situation, definitely give it a try when you can.

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information was current at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please check before visiting.