Andy's Shin Hinomoto: An Izakaya with Two Names
Even after just a short time in Tokyo, foreign residents realize that the city is brimming with eateries that are hidden gems: unexpected places that surprise and delight, run by staff whose service goes above and beyond what is required.
One such place is the izakaya Shin Hinomoto, also known as Andy's. In its distinct location under the railway tracks in Yurakucho, Tokyo's bustling heart, the Japanese tavern attracts locals and tourists alike.
Businesspeople and sports fans, young and young at heart, regular patrons and passers-by are all brought together with the promise of sashimi and seafood specialities, not to mention a wide range of delicious local spirits.
A simple red lantern guides us to the entrance as we traverse the throngs of people on the narrow street. It's Friday night, and Andy's is packed with revelers toasting the end of the workweek. As we wait outside, trains rumble overhead on the Yamanote Line.
Central to the atmosphere is the man who has put his name to Shin Hinomoto: Andy. An Englishman who has been in Japan for much of his life, Andy married the granddaughter of Shin Hinomoto's founder and is now the third generation of the family running it with his extended family. He can always be found with a smile and friendly word--in both English and Japanese--to greet his guests.
His influence can also be felt in the aesthetics of the place. An English flag, posters, and sports memorabilia add a modern touch to the traditional setting.
While our neighboring patrons opt for the trademark massive jugs of draft beer, we opt for another of Andy's signature drinks: a grapefruit shochu sour served with fresh grapefruit for customized flavor enhancement.
This delicious thirst-buster is closely followed by a golden mountain of assorted tempura, piled high with shrimp, eggplant, pumpkin, mushrooms and seasonal fish. It's a popular order, along with sashimi and seafood, thanks to Andy's reputation for quality produce. Each morning, he makes the short trip to Tsukiji Market to pick the best fresh fish for that day's service and then makes his menu accordingly.
Soon, our filled-to the-brim plates are bare and, tempted by the appetizing dishes on tables to our right and left, we order more. Aside from Andy's famous dishes from the sea, there are salads, vegetables, meat croquettes, and the trademark gyoza served in a chicken wing.
Andy's is well-known for its convivial, friendly atmosphere, and it's not long before we get talking to those next to us--first, of course, to ask which food and drink options they recommend.
On the night of our visit, customers include a father and daughter from the UK visiting Japan on business, a group of Japanese salarymen holding a farewell party for a work colleague, Japanese and international club members hanging out, and a few friends socializing together.
Delicious food is enjoyed, glasses of beer and sake are clinked together and everyone relaxes in this casual, easy-going izakaya.
The price is easy on the wallet, too, with an array of shareable plates and reasonably priced options. Ordering is also a cinch, thanks to Japanese and English menus, and friendly, English-speaking staff who are always nearby to help with recommendations or explanations.
But, when the clock strikes midnight, our evening comes to a close; Andy needs an early start to get the best fish for his customers. As we leave Shin Hinomoto, a Yamanote Line train rumbles overhead and we rush to catch the next one, after a great evening in a very special place.
Andy's Shin Hinomoto
2-4-4 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006
Tel: 03-3214-8021
Opening hours: 5:00pm-11:30pm (Last order: 11:00pm)
Closed on Sundays
www.shin-hinomoto.com
This article was written by Louise Lawson.
*This article was posted on the Life in Tokyo website operated by the Tokyo International Communication Committee on October 23, 2017.