Glad — Restaurant in Osaka

My approach to traveling in Japan has been to just blindly pop into wherever looks good in the moment. And I’m not a religious man but I truly believe it was divine providence which led me to Bar Glad.

Are you seeking the meticulous cocktail craftsmanship typical of Japan but without even a hint of pretension? Go to Bar Glad.

Do you crave good conversation and making a true connection without feeling like you’re “cheating” by going to some international/ex-pat hotspot? Go to Bar Glad.

Appreciate a lovingly curated selection of spirits? Go to Bar Glad.

Flair bartending that would almost be tongue-in-cheek if not for the obvious level of skill applied? Yep. Bar Glad has that too.

I’m still marveling at the fact that at Bar Glad you can be sipping on an exquisite macha-based cocktail (with gold dust garnish!) all while shooting the shit with everyone as if you’re kicking it in your cozy neighborhood bar back home.

And it’s all thanks to the owner, Takaya, who is so kind and humble and welcoming that I couldn’t help but feel I’d made a new friend on my very first visit. And returning since only served to confirm. He’s an amazing guy (with many hidden skills, for example he’s a former bantam-weight boxer!) and the A-team of international bartenders he’s assembled there reflect this.

No need to look any further. Just go the Bar Glad. You’ll find yourself writing an effusive review like this because you’ll want the world to know what a gem of a person can be found in this humble little...

I stopped by this bar on a whim, and I've got to say this was a highlight of my trip to Osaka.

The staff was very friendly, as I've come to expect in Japan.

But near the end of my visit, the owner absolutely blew my mind. He said, rather offhandedly, that one of his favorite movies was Cocktail, and then proceeded to show me one of the most amazing bar tricks I've ever seen in person. It was astounding, bordering on magical. His skill and personality made me feel like I was witnessing a one of a kind performance. I'm still awestruck by it.

I lack the words to fully express just how much it impressed me. Like, dude, how TF did you even do that?!

He also brews his own beer, which to my palette, is the best beer I've had in Japan. Without exception. I took another back to the hotel, which I'm thoroughly enjoying as I write this.

I can 100% recommend this bar to anyone. I'm so happy I stopped by. A perfect end to a wonderful day.

To the owner, if you're reading this, thank you for everything. You...

Bar Glad gave us one of the best nights of our entire trip to Japan. The owner and bartender is truly one of a kind — incredibly talented, welcoming, and full of life.

Every drink he made was hands down the best I’ve ever had. You can tell he puts real skill, creativity, and heart into every cocktail. Watching him work behind the bar was like watching a performance — smooth, precise, and passionate.

What really made the night unforgettable, though, was his personality. He didn’t just serve drinks — he connected with us, joked with us, and even joined us in a push-up contest right there in the bar! His energy and kindness made us feel like we weren’t just customers, but part of something special.

If you’re looking for a place with incredible drinks, good vibes, and an owner who genuinely loves what he does, Bar Glad is a must-visit. We came for a drink — we left with a memory we’ll never forget.

Thank you so much for the amazing night. We’ll always...