5bars to visit in Osaka when you miss English conversations

photo by taphunter

Osaka, the second largest city of Japan. It is one of the most popular tourist destination in Japan for totally different vibes than Tokyo. Also, a large number of international students and workers live in this city. Osaka has a great mixture of culture and nationalities and there are many bars frequently visited by foreign tourists and residents. It seems that international visitors tend to prefer bars to enjoy having drinks than Japanese izakaya, and these are the top 5 bars to visit when you crave for a great chat in English.

Moonshine Bar

Just 5-munites walk from the Glico Man, this little bar with a small bar counter reminds you of the good old days of the American South in prohibition era. Behind the large blue front door is a narrow bar floor of the same width as the door. Along with the variety of drinks and bar food, chatting with the strangers happen to be there on the night is one of the great attraction here. Everyone enjoys their time there and sing heartily in their own language on the multi-language karaoke machine in the shop. The great atmosphere created by all customers and shop staff keep attracting great people every night. You can just pop in, or make a booking over the phone.

Moonshine Bar
Address：2-12-8 Nishi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
TEL：050-5586-1377

THE BLACKSTOCK British Pub

As handy location as just a minute walk from JR Fukushima station, THE BLACKSTOCK British Pub serves Punk IPA by Brewdog form Scotland on their main tap along with monthly special drink menu of different beers from all over the world. They also have super popular Mojito, a variety of cocktails, wines, as wells as many of delicious food such as roasted meat dish, pies and pastas for multi-national customers who love to enjoy meals and drinks. All shop staff are friendly and fluent in English. Many gusts visit this place in groups, but there are quite a few people who come here by themselves. It may be a welcoming atmosphere that attracts those people here. On monthly live jazz music day, this place become typically busy with people who enjoy music forgetting the time.

THE BLACKSTOCK British Pub
Address：7-1-10 Fukushima, Fukushima-ward, Osaka
TEL：06-6458-0235

Sam & Dave One

A night club in the busiest and most famous quarter of Osaka, Shinsaibashi. Open from 11pm to next morning on Sunday to Thursday and 10pm to next morning on Friday and Saturday, this place has always been one of the most popular night spot of Osaka among local people and tourists. It was renewed a few years ago and all the sound facilities were upgraded. Most of weekends are dance nights with latest dance tunes. No need to speak Japanese as most of staff are fluent in English. Weekdays are rather relaxing compare to weekends, with a little different taste of music such as reggae. Visitors pay entry fees at the door and get one or two free drinks, and all drinks are charged as normal after that.

Sam & Dave One
Address：6F, 2-7-20 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
TEL：06-6212-5867

Murphy’s Irish Bar

Shiny beet taps standing along the bar counter and bar tables by the wall. The sight in this bar is just like a usual Irish pub in your town. Starting with famous Irish Guinness, beers of the world, Japanese shochu and Irish whiskeys are all ready to be served. People of Murphy’s Irish Bar, no matter customers or staff, are all outgoing and friendly. You can enjoy a variety of regular events such as sport nights or live music night with nice pub food such as fish & chips, Aussie pies, nachos or wedges. If you want to have a great night with your mates, this is the place for you.

Murphy’s Irish Bar
Address：2F, 1-5-2 Shinsaibashi-Suji, Chuo-ku, Osaka
TEL：06-6245-3757

The Drunken Clam

Reflecting friendly personality of the owner, the warm welcoming air just keeps attracting so many locals and tourists. Staff are not just good English speakers, but also have great hospitality spirits. This little shop become super busy at weekend with multi-national customers. People naturally get along with each other here and often end up having karaoke party all together. If you live in Osaka and feel like having a nice chat with someone in English, just visit here.

The Drunken Clam
Address：6-26 Soemoncho, Chuo-ku, Osaka
TEL：080-5306-5114

Cheers!

We have looked at the most popular bars in Osaka so far. One thing common in all these bars is great hospitality from friendly staff. This outgoing character may come from local nature of Osaka city. Most of these bars are located in the center of the city and it is handy for pub crawling night. Japanese izakaya is not bad at all, but sometimes you just feel like talking in English without language barriers. We hope some of these bars can be your favorite.