Set out on a journey of flavor with Sendai Local Bites. Each edition invites readers to join Sendai-based foreigners and local food specialists in uncovering hidden eateries, signature dishes, and inventive new menus.
From inside the shop, where lively laughter echoes, a voice calls out, “There is a seat open.” The owner of the voice is the proprietor, Yoshio-san. Upon stepping inside, you find customers of all ages, genders, and nationalities drinking happily side by side. The interior consists only of counter seats. Recently, the number of solo female customers has been increasing, women saying they can “drink with peace of mind.”
Izakaya Chie has a long history; around 1995, it shifted to a two-person operation with the current “Mama,” Eika-san, marking its third generation. The menu consists solely of the “Choi-nomi Set” (Quick Drink Set): five dishes cooked by Eika-san—who hails from Beijing, China—plus one drink for a flat 1,000 yen. From the second drink onwards, it is 500 yen per cup, making for a truly transparent bill. The dishes feature exquisite seasoning that takes a bit of extra effort and makes the alcohol go down smoothly. She appropriately adjusts the portion sizes based on your facial expressions and the pace of your chopsticks.
Whether you are shy or visiting for the first time, you can join the conversation here. Between Eika-san—who is sometimes kind and sometimes biting and strict, yet full of love—and the interactions with Yoshio-san and the customers, you will find yourself laughing, nodding, and becoming a big fan of this shop in no time.
Shop Information
- Address: 2-3-30 Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, Sendai
- Phone: 090-2980-8553
- Opening Hours: 17:00–23:00
- Closed on Sundays
- Parking: None
- Seating: 10 seats
- Budget: From 1,000 yen
- Cards: Not accepted
- Smoking: Smoking allowed
