In the past, I've always used convenience stores as a cheap means of getting my evening started. Its cheaper, and drinking on the street is legal, so why not? Even a tall boy of strong chu-hai, around 8 or 9%, is just over 200yen. Not a bad price considering even the cheapest of izakaya (Torikizoku?) is 280 yen for a weak chu-hai or fake beer.
On one particular evening in Osaka, a buddy and I hit up the local Family Mart in Umeda. It started as just a way to kill some time and rest up after hiking up 20 floors of a new mall but after our second tall boy of chu-hai, it occurred to us that we had everything we need right there in the Family Mart. Air Conditioning, seating, beer, and snacks all in one convenient location. The only thing you're really missing is service, but if you're too drunk to get up and get your own drink you've probably had enough anyway....or you just need to kindly ask someone to get it for you. It's Japan, they can't say no!
Okay, maybe getting drunk in the Family Mart isn't 'classy' enough for you. Okay Mr Money Bags, head two blocks down the street to the Rikimaru. Everything there is 300 yen. Its also about the closest you'll get to a 'hibachi' restaurant in Japan. The chef won't do any knife or egg flipping nonsense, but he will cook your food right in front of you (upstairs private seating also available). All you have to do is just shout at him and tell him what you want. Its a pretty sweet place and its ALWAYS crowded. And don't forget the pièce de résistance: The Ramune Chuhai.
