Zeppin Saiin

Tucked into a side street not far from Hankyu Saiin Station, Zeppin Saiin operates as a lively izakaya centered on charcoal-grilled yakitori and a surprisingly wide-ranging spread of side dishes. The skewer selection covers all the izakaya essentials—negima chicken and leek, seseri neck meat, skin, and cartilage—alongside house specialties like tsukune meatballs served with an egg yolk for dipping, and skewered chicken liver crowned with salted scallions. Diners unsure of where to begin can start smoothly with a curated assorted platter.

Beyond skewers, the kitchen leans into other chicken preparations that showcase texture and freshness. One signature offering is the sasami yukhoe-style chicken breast, lightly seared and dressed in a house sauce with raw egg yolk, or taken with refreshing ponzu. For heartier appetites, the menu features a whole chicken thigh grilled skin-on over charcoal until crisp outside and juicy within, alongside the shop’s signature secret-recipe fried chicken, fried to a pleasing crunch.

To wind down the meal, a rich homemade chicken-bone broth forms the backbone of soothing bowls such as tori zosui rice porridge and shoyu ramen, capturing every bit of savory flavor down to the last spoonful. With seating that transitions naturally from easygoing counter spots to tables and tatami rooms further back, guests can linger over a draft beer or a highball until 1:00 in the morning.