Entertainment in Hokkaidō
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Yasai Bar Miruya
Tiny and cheerful, with veggie-inspired specials often paired with local sakes or shōchūs (distilled spirits). The sweet, energetic hostess proudly produces a well-thumbed Japanese-English dictionary and will pass it around for anyone to share - but plan on practicing your Japanese. Get off the tram at Uoichiba-dōri and continue for two blocks, looking on the right for the pastel yellow sign. If you reach the next tram stop you've gone too far.
reviewed
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A
500 Bar
Pronounced 'gohyakubaa' this place is usually packed even on weekdays with a mix of foreign and local clientele. Every drink on the menu is ¥500, hence the name, and you can order food as well. This is one of the franchise's several locations in Sapporo, right across the street from the Susukino subway station's Nanboku line.
reviewed
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Hall Stairs Espresso Bar
With matte-black paint and chain link fencing, this place feels more like an avant-garde theatre production than a place to sip a cup of joe. This smoke-filled place is about as unique as they come. Service with a snarl fits right in with the lip piercings, tattoos and day-glo hair.
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King Xmhu
This mammoth institution is a Susukino landmark, known for its elaborate concrete face (King Xmhu, one presumes) sculpted outside the entrance. Inside, revellers dance and drink on three floors of neon and strobe. Para-para (day-glo makeup and crazy outfits) is just the beginning.
reviewed
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Night Stage SHU
An Okama Bar (all-male dance review) that's about as extravagant as they come. Not just for the gay and lesbian crowd, SHU is 100% chorus-line-style Japanese showbiz. A dinner and show set and an all-you-can-drink (three people or more only) discount are attractive options.
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Gagyū Lounge
In the Hakodate Kokusai Hotel. If you're dying for a view (and it's definitely a view to die for), this is the place to sip a late-night something, but plan on paying premium yen for that cocktail. Dress to impress to avoid a frosty reception.
reviewed
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Blues Alley
A night here can be hit or miss depending on what's happening elsewhere, but it's a good place to relax and perhaps play a game or two on the full-sized pool table...not to be confused with its famous American jazz club namesake.
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Sabou Hishii
Antique store, coffee shop and dessert café by day, quiet bar by night. In an old ivy-covered kura (storage room) with lots of atmosphere. No English menu.
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B
Sky J
There is some truth to the observation that cocktails seem to taste better when consumed at great heights. Here on the 35th floor of the JR Tower, the views of the Sapporo skyline twinkle to the tune of live piano and jazz music, not to mention the muted whispers of sophisticated patrons dressed to the nines.
reviewed
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C
Otaru Sōko No 1
Also housed in a converted warehouse, Sōku No 1 offers a nice selection of microbrewed drafts, plus German culinary fare to complement its Bavarian decor. Meat and potatoes are a big hit, but you're free to choose something a little more heart-healthy. There is live music here occasionally to provide some background accompaniment to your meal. An 'Otaru Beer' sign marks the brewery, which is along the banks of the canal.
reviewed
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D
Den
This is a highly recommended Australian-run international bar where you can have some drinks, meet some peeps and party the night away. The owner is a long-time resident of Hokkaidō and can give you some tips about the island. The bar is on the 5th floor, but a large English sign on the street marks the entrance.
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Brick
A towering brick building smack in the middle of Hirafu proper, this character-laden spot is perfect for pub grub, a frosty pint or an expertly mixed cocktail. Early on in the evening, the Brick mostly caters to the burger and beer crowd, but things get much livelier later on when the DJ starts spinning and the hard alcohol starts to empty from the shelves.
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E
Booty
There's always plenty of booty at this discotheque and lounge bar, which serves up Western-style fast food alongside urban beats. The rotating schedule incorporates the best in hip-hop, R&B and reggae, which attracts a young and clubby crowd.
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F
alife
This well-heeled club brings a bit of the Tokyo high life to the far north. Although the thermometer might be dropping outside, it's always hot and heavy in this cavernous joint, so dress to impress!
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Abashiri Bīru-kan
A famous Hokkaidō microbrewery with various flavours on tap, the Abashiri Beer Hall offers refreshing taster sets that are the perfect accompaniment to yaki-niku (grilled meat) courses. There is no English, but the mouth-watering picture menu makes things easy.
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G
500 Bar
Usually packed, even on weekdays, with a mix of foreign and local clientele, every drink on the menu here is ¥500, hence the name (pronounced 'gohyakubaa'). This is one of the franchise's several locations in Sapporo, right across the street from the Susukino subway station's Nanboku line.
reviewed
