Mariko’s
Yes, it’s an izakaya named after a streetwalker. But this isn’t a case of “sex sells”, for this lady of the night is the main character of the short story Good-Bye by cult manga artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi (the titular hero of Eric Khoo’s 2011 film Tatsumi). Mariko serves US soldiers and understandably draws flak from her native culture, but she lives by her own rules nonetheless. We think an intriguing personality trumps any amount of T&A, and if you do too, let’s toast to that with a selection of warm and cold sakes from various parts of Japan (from $12/glass, $70/bottle), whiskeys like Nikka Black ($12/glass, $170/bottle) and craft beers including Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale ($16).
Tanuki Raw
The gender-bending tanuki (a mythical Japanese raccoon dog) appears all over this Orchard Central hotspot in various guises—in a naughty latex getup and heels, oozing louche cool in Breton stripes and armed with a cigarette. This creature is best known for its oversize scrotum, which according to Japanese folklore, symbolizes good fortune. Going by how packed it’s been lately, especially at its launch party last month, those danglies seem to be working pretty nicely as good luck charms. It may also have something to do with how the martinis and classic cocktails here are made with a “gentleman’s pour” (translation: they’re strong) and start at a mere $10 during the daily happy hour (5-8pm).
The Flying Squirrel
In case anyone’s a bit squeamish about the well-endowed tanuki, here’s a much daintier rodent for the whole family to enjoy. This little glider, Hiro, aptly represents the sweet but shy (it’s tucked away in a side alley) newcomer on the Amoy Street scene, best known for fusion Japanese creations like breaded shrimp soba pasta and their signature maki roll. Behind its cutesy exterior, though, lies an Asahi-mad monster that’s quietly hoarding a stash of the regular Dry, Black and Premium varieties. Have them all at just $8 a pop during their weekday happy hour (4-8pm). Those avoiding beer bloat, don’t fret; this hospitable critter has you covered with Tatty Road wines from Australia ($10/glass during happy hour).
Lucha Loco
If you’d pick oiled and macho over cute and cuddly any day, you’re in good company at this taquería and bar atop Duxton Hill. Their signature masked hunk is a luchador, or Mexican pro wrestler in the lucha libre (freestyle fighting) tradition, so this joint isn’t exactly prim and proper, although it should be said that the only wrestling action in store is with the crowd you’ll be fighting to score yourself a table. Obviously you’ll want to recharge with chorizo tacos or huitlacoche (corn smut) quesadillas, but have a look at their extensive cocktail list too—true to image, the drinks here pack a punch. Margaritas, mojitos and sangrias are well and good for quelling the flames from all that hot sauce, but we like the Mexican Mule ($16), a hardworking mix of tequila and ginger beer with fresh lime and ginger thrown in.
