Introduction
Shinjuku is a city that never sleeps, and Shinjuku Sanchome is one of its most lively neighborhoods for food and nightlife.
In this article, we visit “Shinjuku Sanchome Tachinomi Arigatou,” a cozy izakaya located along Meiji Street, known for its comforting home-style dishes and late-night operation until 5am.
With affordable prices and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for locals looking for a relaxed place to drink and eat.
A Branch of the Long-Established Izakaya “Donjaka”
“Tachinomi Arigatou” is a branch of the long-running izakaya Donjaka, whose main store is also located in Shinjuku Sanchome.
The Donjaka group operates a total of five related establishments, including locations such as Dora and Suehiro-dori.
Despite its casual appearance, this izakaya becomes lively on weekend nights, with even the outdoor terrace seats often fully occupied.
Although it may look a little intimidating from the outside, once inside, friendly staff greet guests with warmth and energy.
On this visit, we stopped by for the first time after 9:00 p.m. on a weekend.
Interior and Atmosphere
Although the word “tachinomi” usually means standing bar, the interior is actually equipped with proper seating.
There are approximately 20 seats, and during our visit, no one was standing to drink.
Inside, large shared plates of food line the counter, creating a nostalgic, old-fashioned downtown atmosphere that feels rare in modern Shinjuku.
Menu and Pricing
The food menu mainly consists of dishes priced under 500 yen, making it possible to enjoy a casual “sembello” (drinking and eating for around 1,000 yen).
Selected Menu Items
- Slow-simmered beef stew – 400 yen
- Beef stew with egg – 500 yen
- Beef stew with tofu – 500 yen
- Beef stew with egg and tofu – 600 yen
- Grilled stingray fin – 450 yen
- Sizzling stir-fried vegetables – 600 yen
- Liver cutlet – 400 yen
- Japanese omelet – 400 yen
- Omelet (mentaiko / cheese / natto) – 550 yen
- Yakitori (negima, chicken tail) – 320 yen
- Yakitori cartilage meatball – 500 yen
- Grilled rice balls (2 pieces) – 400 yen
Drinks include draft beer (600 yen), sours (from 450 yen), and sake (from 550 yen).
Compared to typical sembello spots, drink prices are slightly higher, but still reasonable.
Comforting Signature Dishes
As part of the Donjaka group, the beer mugs are marked with the handwritten hiragana logo “どんじゃか.”
Beef Stew with Egg
The beef stew is simmered until extremely tender—soft enough that a spoon feels more suitable than chopsticks.
The flavor is well absorbed, making it a perfect first dish that pairs well with any drink.
Sardines Simmered with Plum
From the daily specials board, we ordered sardines simmered with plum.
The bones were so soft they could be eaten whole, and the gentle sourness of the plum enhanced the dish.
It had a nostalgic, home-style flavor that felt especially comforting.
Natto Omelet
Although natto had run out, the staff kindly went out to buy more and prepared the omelet fresh.
The eggs were cooked just right, resulting in a gentle, reassuring taste.
Fried Nagaimo (Japanese Yam)
Crispy on the outside and light on the inside, this simple dish is highly addictive.
It can be enjoyed as-is or with matcha salt for a different flavor.
Cartilage Yakitori Meatball
Served with raw egg yolk, the sweet and savory seasoning becomes richer when dipped into the yolk.
Grilled Rice Balls
To finish the meal, grilled rice balls were ordered.
The crispy surface and fragrant soy sauce brought out the sweetness of the rice, making for a satisfying final dish.
Summary
“Tachinomi Arigatou” in Shinjuku Sanchome offers a wide variety of comforting, home-style dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
The quality of the food and the number of regular customers make its popularity easy to understand.
With its cozy ambiance and late-night hours until 5am, it’s the kind of place where you might find yourself staying longer than planned.
As the weather cools, enjoying drinks at the terrace seats is also highly recommended.
If you’re visiting Shinjuku Sanchome, it’s well worth stopping by.
Shop Information
Name: Shinjuku Sanchome Tachinomi Arigatou
Address: Hirata Building 1F, 3-8-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Access: Right outside Shinjuku Sanchome Station, Exit C5
Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. (until 3:00 a.m. on Sundays and holidays)
Closed: None
Power Outlets: No
Wi-Fi: No
Smoking: Limited (allowed on terrace seats)
Notes: Approximately 20 seats, cash only
Tabelog Score: 3.31 (as of September 2024)
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku:
https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2024/09/25/tachinomi-arigatou/
