Kohaku Bar — Restaurant in Kanazawa

Get in and get in early! We watched Taka and his apprentice turn folks away once the 7 or so seats filled up. Regulars at that!!! Taka made some really beautiful classic cocktails that have a slight twist to them which gave us a fresh perspective on some classics like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan (which is what I ordered) while my wife had a Mezcal Margarita and a fruit drink that he made using fresh squeezed Japanese grape fruit. A chill night and good conversation (though limited due to our inability to speak Japanese and Taka's limited ability to speak English). But it makes no difference because we still laughed and communicated just fine. I mean, they serve water with a beautiful piece of ice that he hand crafts one by one (pre-made) and even put on a ice cutting show for us (because of course he's an ice master who taught some classes in Los Angeles and elsewhere). We highly recommend Kohaku Bar (which means 'Amber' for the color of whiskey) and even personally referred two of our friends to it a couple of days after us.

Oh, and his collection of vintage glassware that he serves you with is really great too. I'm sure each piece has some sort of story so ask him about it! They store all your stuff in a wall/locker directly behind where you're sitting to make it even more comfortable for you! And according to our friends, you have to go to the bathroom? LOL. Visit and tell Taka that Paul and Maggie from...

This place was amazing and totally one of the highlights in out trip in Japan! It starts with the friendly staff that make you fill very welcomed, and continues with the amazing atmosphere - nicely dimmed lights, super clean and comfortable place, huge variaty of alcoholic bottles and extraordinary glasses that are seen from the bar. There is no menu, but that was for the better because Taka, the owner, was able to make the exact taste we wanted so we did not need to adapt ourselves to some default flavours like happens sometimes when menus are provided. Also, it was fun to watch the preparation of each drink since it felt that each one of them were made with such class and accurate technique! The pouring was precise and smooth, so we were entertained even when the drinks were not made for us. Except that, the staff were kindly and truly interested about us and our trip in japan so we had a really fun and unique conversation. Taka even gave us a little present when we understood that Japan is our honeymoon trip. When we asked for the bill, it was lower than I expected. Entertainment, freshly squeezed fruity cocktails, expertise and precise of the staff, and amazing feeling that we had when we left - all these worth much more than what we paid.

I highly recommend anyone to come to this excellent and unique bar if you are...

We were looking for a whisky bar and after a google search decided to visit Kohaku. When we arrived we were not quite sure whether we had arrived at the right place as it’s a simple door that leads you up an unassuming staircase but I am so glad we walked in.

A very atmospheric and well stocked bar. The owner and barman were exceptionally friendly and enthusiastic and knowledgeable about whiskies but also make lovely cocktails and have other drinks available.

There is no menu, which is a bit confusing at first but just go with it as it makes the interaction so great rather than looking at a menu and just ordering. The English of both the barmen was very good and we had a lovely time.

We were also blown away by the fact that the owner carved his ice cubes himself (16 different shapes) and then learned that he is a master of ice carving.

It caters to foreigners but is NOT an Instagram bar where everything is done for show. This is genuine and great. Locals attend and it just has a great feel to it. Only 8 seats. Our bulk was Y7000 for three Japanese whisky (one from the Yamazaki own barrel and...