Rocking chair — Restaurant in Kyoto

Incredible vibe here with world class cocktails. We arrived at around 10pm, it's down a bunch of quiet alleys but clearly marked with ground level entrance. Staff opened the door as we walked up, and apologized that they were full, but then asked us to wait as a couple was leaving. After about 5 minutes we were ushered to the best seats in the house, a couple of rocking chairs in front of a fireplace. The fireplace was just tealights in summer, not a big fire, but the place was gorgeous. Chandelier above us with nice, classy looking old furniture and beautiful decorations. I realize this is lucky as there are only a few rocking chairs in the place. The staff was super attentive, recommended drinks for us and all. They have English menu, and it even says on the menu that their English is not good, but actually it was the best among places I have been in Kyoto, they communicated very well with us and even asked about our trip and what attractions we have seen and what life was like living in Seattle. Had a whole conversation in English with them and it was very nice of them.

I got the Maduro, as it had things I like in it like rum and amaro, and damn it was among the best cocktails I've ever had. Beautiful looking with citrus garnish and amazing tasting. We also got their homemade ganache and jerky. Both were good but the ganache was especially awesome, came on a beautiful plate with a dusting of cocoa powder and tiny little forks. A couple per person is recommended. They were affordable at 220 yen each. The cocktails were about 1400 yen, expensive by Kyoto standards however in the US cocktails of that caliber would be $18 easy with tip. So the price felt more than justified. There was also a cover fee, 880 yen per person, all communicated clearly in English on a sign out front. It is definitely on the pricy side of Kyoto bars but still not bad, coming from the US I've been shocked how affordable these kind of places have been.

The vibe of the place is classy but not stuffy. Smoking is allowed inside and some guys near us were smoking, but the ceilings are really high and the smell was not bothersome. Lots of little branches with a couple tables that make it feel more quiet. Getting drunk in a rocking chair is not an experience I will forget. Definitely a world class bar experience that was...

Wander down the back alleys of Shimogyo-ku, find Bar Rocking Chair, slide in past the doors of this converted machiya. It is a cocktail bar with rocking chairs and all. Get yourself a drink. You won't be disappointed. Places like this are special.

Kenji Tsubokura runs things here. He is also the 2016 World Bartender of the year. This type of Japanese bartender is one devoting their life to the craft of cocktail making, maximising their mastery over the seemingly little mechanics of it, every thing that they can do, with shokunin artisanship so that they can better serve their customer in the zen spirit of 一期一会 (one time, one meeting). Geranium gin comes in a martini glass together with Giffard Elderflower and Midori Melon Liqueurs, some lemon, yuzu, and cardamom bitters to make 最高のシーン The Best Scene, a perfectly balanced cocktail that won Kenji first place in the Short Drink competition with the IBA. Some of the best Japanese bartenders only travel domestically, and it's unlikely Kenji would have won his title if the competition that year had not been in Japan. You don't often see his name pop up internationally - he's found his spot where he can serve to the best of his ability and foster the talent of others. There are well executed interpretations of the classics - the Old Fashioned and the Whisky Sour for example - these are faithful and delicious. And they go along with modern interpretations like the Shiso sour - take your whisky sour and add the right amount of local shiso and shiso liqueur. Totally recommended if a good cocktail is...

First off, I would like to say that they allowed me to bring my own cigar to smoke, as long as I was willing to buy at least one drink and pay the 500 yen cover charge, which I was happy to do. The bartenders and staff and was attentive and the atmosphere was very cozy and welcoming. Even though I had to wait about an hour to get a seat, it was well worth the wait. You can call and they can attempt to hold a spot for 30 minutes because it is always full. I started off with the Yukari-sour and the Old-fashioned, and ended up getting the Yuzu-Mosco Mule - which is a nice japanese twist on the original. They infuse the vodka with ginger and use that as the base for the drink. It ended up being my favorite and I ordered a few. They have a wide variety of whiskeys and they can make any drink you want, you just need to ask. The language barrier can be a little difficult if you don't speak Japanese but, that is no problem because they have a general understanding of English where you can say what you want and even have a conversation with the bartenders. All around an enjoyable experience and I would recommend to anybody...