01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Tucked into a side alley near Jujo Station, Saito's greets guests with the straightforward charm of an older Showa era. Well-worn wooden counters and tables sit beneath hanging strip menus, drawing solo drinkers and commuters looking to unwind without pretense.
Taking a seat, many start simply with a chilled Sapporo Lager (Akaboshi) large bottle or a draft medium mug. A scattering of small, affordable plates complements that opening pour, from chunky cuts of raw tuna and gentle tako wasa (octopus tossed in wasabi) to a refreshing bowl of chilled tomato.
As the drinks flow, heartier fried dishes like house-made kushikatsu skewers, curry croquettes, or broth-simmered nikudofu (tofu with beef) add substance to the table. Nibbling on whale bacon brings an unmistakable throwback note, pairing naturally with cedar-cask taruzake, softly sweet cloudy nigori sake, or a glass of herbal Denki Bran.
The freedom to assemble a table of modest, inexpensive small plates around whatever drink you fancy defines the appeal here. Operating from late afternoon without reservations, it is a comfortable place to stop by early and settle into an unhurried, quiet evening.
