Mitsubo

At みつぼ 江戸川橋店, the compact dining room is packed with counter seats and small tables, while the sounds of skewers cooking mingle with conversation. The name is said to come from the snug space itself. In this kind of no-frills Japanese pub, dishes can pass across the counter, giving the meal a convivial, shared feel. Seats often start filling soon after the 4 pm opening. The pub draws both solo drinkers stopping in after work and small groups, making it a relaxed place to begin an evening.

Choose your cuts: grilled skewers and boiled offal

The signature yakiton—grilled offal skewers—ranges from familiar choices such as liver, heart, shiro and gatsu to less common cuts including chire, kiku, fuwa and hatsumoto. Prices are generally around ¥100 per skewer. Choose salt or sauce, or pay extra for the “bukkake” option. If you’re unsure where to start, an assortment of five skewers offers a straightforward way to sample the grill. The boiled offal dishes are another house specialty. Order boiled liver, boiled kobukuro or boiled tantoro individually, or choose the five-piece assortment to try several textures on one plate.

Quick small plates and hot dishes that can sell out

While the skewers cook, a simple macaroni salad with cucumber and onion, potato salad or another quick small plate gives the table an easy start. Other well-priced plates include eggplant grilled until fragrant and topped with bonito flakes, tender simmered pig’s feet, and fluffy potato with butter. The curry gratin is a popular under-the-radar choice with regulars, but it can sell out later in the evening. If it catches your eye, consider ordering it early.

To drink, there are classic choices to cut through the richness of the offal, including a Hoppy set made with Kinmiya shochu, Kirin bottled beer and chuhai. Payment is cash only, so bring cash when you visit. Along with dine-in service, takeaway is available. On a backstreet in Edogawabashi, it’s an easygoing option for a meal of offal and drinks.