It’s a night out in Fukuoka, but you don’t know where to go. Are Daimyo’s clubs too loud for you? Is Nakasu too overly populated by businessmen and mini-skirt bimbos? Are you just desperate for a good quality drink in a comfy atmosphere?
Well, why not head to Bar CODA?
One of my favorite bars (and bartenders!) is situated right in the middle of Tenjin’s main street Nishi-doori. If you come from the south (Apple-store direction) it’s located on your left, just after the Starbucks. Go in through the small passageway leading to an elevator and get up to the 2nd floor. The whole mystery of getting there might present it as a hard-to-enter, sofisticated and mysterious Japanese kind of speakeasy, but think again! Bar CODA is one of the warmest, coziest, most welcoming bars in all of Fukuoka. The low-lit bar is run daily by a young, yet enthusiastic Bar-master Yuichi Noumi, who’s big smile and energetic chuckle reminds you mostly of The Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland. Yet Bar CODA is a professional place, with an impressive collection of alcohol and liqueurs, all thanks to the undying enthusiasm of Mr Noumi. Here you’ll not only find your common collection of Japanese Whiskey’s and mainstream brands of alcohols and wines, but also your limited edition blended scotch, hard-to-get-your-hands-on fine wines and unknown brands of Gin or Vodka that no-one normal have ever heard of! And sticking to the true Mad-Hatter style, it’s all concocted and mixed together in the bright glow of a light hidden in the bar counter.
Home-made Curry Rice at Bar Coda. Lunch is served every day from 12:00 〜
If you’re only in the area during lunch-time, head straight up! Bar CODA is open from 12:00 every day, and because of the big floor-to-ceiling windows you wont feel like an alcoholic in the afternoon! Mr Noumi is a master of taste, and even if you’re not hungry when visiting Bar CODA, I highly suggest ordering one of his home-made pastas or Curry Rice. Every ingredient is sought out and bought by the master himself and mixed together in a balance that can only be described as perfection! (though this does far from define the level of yum!). Whether he’s found a new brand of cheese or just that the asparagus at the market today was exceptionally green, the Mad Hatter of Bar CODA will pour all his enthusiasm into making you the best pasta of your lifetime. And considering Bar CODA is open ’till 7am, you’ll have plenty of time to built up an appetite! Even if you haven’t, an assorted cheese-platter is not something that would kill you, and definitely not with the assortment of cheeses Bar CODA always makes sure to stock up on!
Bar CODA seating – lean back and relax in the leather sofa or the red velvet arm-chairs.
So even if you’re just need a place to quite down until the trains start running again, CODA is your place. The interior is made out of low-seated sofas and arm-chairs complimented by low-lit lamps and candles, or if you come alone and prefer not to take up the entire sofa-space, smack yourself down on one of the comfortable chairs at the bar counter and have a chat with the Mad Hatter. While you’re their, ask him to make you the best Irish Coffee in the world – and he will! It is not a surprising accomplishment, having mastered the balance of flavours to perfection and so, but it’s the step of burning off the strong taste of the whiskey just before pouring in the coffee that makes not only the process of making the Irish Coffee a treat, but the actual experience of drinking it the best closure to a great night out! Smooth, velvety and savoury beyond!
So if you’re in Fukuoka now, why are you still reading this? Hurry up and head out, begin your night by ending here – CODA’s still open!
Bar CODA
EXELCO Build. 2nd Floor
1-13-23 Daimyo
Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
☎+81 92-725-0420
Suntory GURU-Navi
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