Tatsumichiya

This roughshod izakaya strikes a contrast with the more genteel places you'll find elsewhere in Daikanyama, which might explain why it's constantly rammed with hip creatives and fashion types. Even famed artist Yoshitomo Nara is a fan – head for the tables towards the back of the main floor to check the illustrations that he left (pictured). The menu offers solid renditions of izakaya staples like potato salad and ham cutlets, but the dish to try is the housemade atsuage: crispy, deep-fried tofu that goes remarkably well with beer. (Fermented bean enthusiasts can get theirs with added natto, though you might want to clear that with your fellow diners first.) If it's available, the plump shiro (white) liver is excellent, though you're also on safe ground with more conventional options like kushiyaki grilled skewers. The soundtrack is almost invariably rock, and almost invariably loud, which just adds to the already lively atmosphere.