Smokey

Frommer's Review

This place is one of a kind -- a tiny bar with only eight seats at the counter, all under the watchful eye of 80-something bartender Kamogawa-san, who worked at several hotels (he even served Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio at the old Kobe Oriental Hotel) before opening his own bar in 1955. Now the oldest bar in Kobe, it's filled with memorabilia of a lifetime, and if you ask, Kamogawa-san will drag out his photographs of actors, actresses, comedians, baseball players, sumo wrestlers, and politicians who have sat here. He's also likely to show you a few of his magic tricks when he's not busy changing records on his old player. There's no cover or table charge, but the average bill is about ¥4,500 ($38/£19). (There are never prices posted in these kinds of bars and there are no menus; most customers are regulars and they don't come just for one drink -- they come for the evening. The price above includes such snacks as nuts and whatever other dishes are offered that day.) As this place is tiny, even regular clientele often call to reserve a seat. Open Monday to Saturday 5 to 11pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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