Side Door — Restaurant in Okinawa

I stumbled across Side Door one night with 2 of my buddies while on leave. We had taken 25 days and traveled all across mainland Japan visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Takayama, Nagoya and more. We were finishing our leave back on island and at the time we all had Dear Maria stuck in our heads and would continuously sing and shout it. While walking down Gate 2 we heard that song playing from somewhere and followed our ears. Right as we reached those gloriously steep stairs we all 3 looked at each other wide eyed and sprinted up. That night Asia kicked us out because my one friend got so drunk he swung around on the rope they had wrapped on their ceiling.

About 2 weeks later we showed back up and apologized for our behavior and Asia kindly let us return. For the next 3 years I frequently visited Side Door for good music, wild times, good drinks, and phenomenal service. The bartenders are always friendly so long as you're a fun, wild, and respectful drunkard.

Asia is always coming up with cool mixed drinks that always have funny names. She also comes up with fun event nights where people dress up. People are consistently getting into their underwear and dancing on tables. I like to think I helped start their iconic hurricane shot the night I asked one of the bartenders to slap me for a free shot. One bartender even helped one of my friends learn to slow dance.

The vibes, friends, music, and drinks make this hands down my favorite bar I've ever gone too. Just don't swing on the rope. Ask for a TISM if you get the chance. It's not just a bar... It's a home...

Let me tell you about one of the best places to hang out in Okinawa, Side Door. I partied a lot in the area and the place I would always end up was here, it felt like a second home. I can’t count the number of times I was there until closing because I just felt welcome and the atmosphere was great. Like rock music, bet, they are blasting it all night. I walked away plenty of times without a voice cause they would play the best songs that everyone would want to sing along with while pounding back a few drinks with the boys. I had a large group of friends and we would pile in almost every weekend ready to have a blast. The bar itself is cool to be in and is a comfortable place, but what makes the it special is the staff and the relationships they build with their patrons. They were always having as much fun as the people they were serving. I’ve been gone from Okinawa for a little while now, but if I ever go back, one of my first stops will be Side Door because I just love the place that much; got the t-shirt and the Plank...

Side door is hands down one of my favorites! The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between cozy and lively, making it ideal for any occasion. What really sets this place apart, though, is the staff they’re absolutely awesome. Not only are they super personable, but they always go above and beyond to make sure you feel welcome and taken care of. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, they make you feel like part of the family. The drink menu is fantastic, with creative cocktails that never disappoint. If you're looking for great drinks, amazing service, and a fun time, this is the...