Among izakaya chains that target standing customers, Hoteichan is a brave establishment that chose to go completely smoke-free—even in Ueno, a notorious “smokers’ paradise.” Sadly, the air under the Ueno tracks is so heavily polluted with smoke that the smell still leaks inside.
But the Asakusa branch is a whole different story. Here, you can enjoy dirt-cheap food and drinks in ultimate comfort.
Yes, Hoteichan Asakusa branch is the sanctuary for non-smoking standing bar lovers.
I don’t trust Japanese whisky. Sometimes it’s too sweet, or extraordinarily expensive for no apparent reason. It’s not so much refined as simply bland—it lacks guts and passion.
I trust traditional Scotch and Bourbon instead. I love Johnnie Walker Black Label and Jack Daniel’s.
I trust Izakaya Vampire because they use White Horse and Four Roses for their highballs. However, Vampire allows smoking inside, which is a bit too much for me. On the other hand, Hoteichan uses Dewar’s for its highballs, and the air at the Asakusa branch is very clean and completely smoke-free. Plus, their various appetizers are cheap and delicious.
I simply hope that this kind of smoke-free standing bar will prosper, and that smoky izakayas will perish forever.
Beverages
