10 Great Bars in Nagoya

Jazz Spot Swing is a beloved basement jazz club in Nagoya and a must-visit for jazz enthusiasts. Located just a few blocks from the Shin-Sakaemachi Station, this intimate venue is renowned for its soulful tunes and welcoming atmosphere.

The highlight of the bar is its nightly live performances that feature both local and international jazz musicians. Every Monday, they also have a swing jam session, where musicians of all skill levels can join in. If you prefer to stay off the stage, you can enjoy others’ performances, immerse yourself in the bar’s exceptional acoustics and savour delicious sake or strong mixed drinks.

iD Café, the largest and most popular nightclub in Nagoya, features 5 dance floors with a variety of themes and music genres. Whether you like house and techno, more ambient sounds or K-pop, you’ll find a little bit of everything at iD. Club patrons tend to be a mix of locals and internationals, and there’s a bar on every floor.

Stick to the lower floors, where the soundtrack is usually EDM and pop music, if you’ve come to dance. Check out the upper levels for neon-lit lounges and laid-back bar settings.

The Tebasaki Mutsumi bar is famed for its delicious tebasaki chicken wings, a Nagoya local specialty. These deep-fried chicken wings are coated in a flavourful glaze and are a popular dish in local izakayas, best enjoyed with a cold beer. 

Tebasaki Mutsumi offers 3 types of chicken wings: black and sweet, red and spicy, and white salty and pepper, all fried to perfection. The menu also features a variety of other Japanese bar snacks. Located just a 5-minute walk from the bustling Sakae Station, Tebasaki Mutsumi is often hailed as the best chicken wing spot in town, so it’s best to make a reservation.

Shooters is one of the most popular bars in the city. Owned by an American expat, the bar and restaurant serves all manner of American and Mexican favourites, from bacon cheeseburgers and barbeque ribs to enchiladas and quesadillas. There are 8 beers on tap, from Kirin Ichiban to Guinness, and bartenders are happy to mix you up a margarita or Long Island iced tea.

Locals can be found gathered here cheering on their favourite teams over a beer, especially during major tournaments. The bar hosts regular pool tournaments and free pool nights every Tuesday and offers other bar games like darts and foosball.

Part dive bar and part diner, the 59's is a little island of American culture in downtown Nagoya. This casual spot has a welcoming atmosphere and is staffed by chatty bartenders who are always ready to strike up a conversation. The bar has vintage Budweiser ads on its walls, cans of Spam on its shelves and a selection of board games for customer use.

The 59’s offers a range of international beers, from Brooklyn and Belgian brews to Red Stripe and a chocolate stout. The menu consists of pasta and bar favourites like burgers, fried chicken and fish and chips. 

Located in the Fushimi district near the Misonoza theatre, Izakaya Ichii is a bustling izakaya that serves alcoholic drinks and a variety of small, shareable dishes. This traditional Japanese pub is perfect for after-work socialising, casual dining and gatherings with friends. It’s especially known for its extensive collection of sake from all over Japan, making it a haven for sake enthusiasts.

The relaxed atmosphere invites you to savour a wide range of authentic izakaya dishes that pair perfectly with the impressive sake menu. Izakaya Ichii is hugely popular and packed even on weekdays, so make sure to reserve your table beforehand to secure a spot at this lively venue.

Bar K-9 is a delightful gem in Nagoya, offering an intimate setting inspired by 1920s English train cars. Located close to the Nagoya Station, this cosy bar resembles a station platform. With a bar counter designed to mimic a railroad car's interior, its aim is to invite you on a wonderful journey while enjoying a drink.

The bar features a mix of classic and original cocktails and an extensive selection of spirits, especially Scotch whisky. Don't miss the bartender's signature cocktails; they'll impress you every time.