Going to an izakaya: entering and ordering

Step by step

1. 01

   Enter

   Show your party size with fingers. Counter, table, or sunken-floor seating; some take your shoes off.

   Party size

   2人です

   Futari desu

   Two people.

2. 02

   Otoshi

   A small dish you didn't order arrives — it's a kind of seat/cover charge (a few hundred yen). Usually can't be declined, and it's normal.

3. 03

   Drinks first

   "Toriaezu beer" (a beer to start) is the classic move — order drinks first. Some places have all-you-can-drink plans.

4. 04

   Order in rounds

   Share small plates and order a few at a time, via touch panel, a call button, or "sumimasen".

5. 05

   Pay

   Usually pay all together at the register on the way out. Some do table checks. Some places are cash only.

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