2 Izakaya Loved by Locals around Hakata Station|A Night That Ends with Chuka Soba

2 Izakaya Loved by Locals around Hakata Station|A Night That Ends with Chuka Soba

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Written by :  GOOD LUCK TRIP

Around Hakata Station, many restaurants line the streets, from large restaurants for tourists to independently run izakaya, or Japanese-style pubs.
However, the number of places that locals truly continue to visit is surprisingly limited.
This article carefully selects restaurants based on three criteria: 1) they are within walking distance of Hakata Station and offer good access, 2) they have a good balance of food quality and price, and 3) they are used by many local customers as part of everyday dining.
Since all of them are within walking distance, one appeal is that you can enjoy one restaurant at leisure or visit several places in one night depending on your mood.
This article introduces two long-loved izakaya with proven quality and one spot for chuka soba, a light ramen-style noodle dish, that is perfect for ending a night of drinks.
Experience a “real Hakata night” that is hard to encounter through sightseeing alone.

Fill Up on Seafood|Warayaki Robata Seafood

Warayaki Robata Seafood is a seafood izakaya supported by local customers for its well-balanced style that does not lean too heavily toward tourists, despite its convenient location about a 5-minute walk from the Chikushi Exit of Hakata Station.
The restaurant has a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, and many local customers stop by after work.
It is often chosen as a first stop for those who want to eat well and feel fully satisfied, and it stands out for offering both generous portions and quality.

Exterior with a local atmosphere that makes it easy to stop by casually
Exterior with a local atmosphere that makes it easy to stop by casually

The signature menu item is Umi no Tamatebako, a sashimi assortment.
It uses plenty of fresh fish delivered directly from the market and is served in a portion for two to three people.
With rich options such as a half-and-half selection featuring lean tuna and otoro fatty tuna, as well as a luxurious version that includes wild bluefin tuna, it is a highly satisfying dish that offers more than expected for the price.

The signature Umi no Tamatebako at Warayaki Robata Seafood
The signature Umi no Tamatebako at Warayaki Robata Seafood

Another appeal is the warayaki straw-fired grilling, served through the restaurant’s own cooking method that combines Shikoku’s traditional straw-fired technique with the firepower of bamboo charcoal.
By grilling the ingredients quickly over strong flames, the outside becomes fragrant while the inside stays juicy, allowing guests to enjoy a grilled umami different from sashimi.
In addition to this level of food quality, the restaurant’s good balance of location within walking distance of Hakata Station and reasonable pricing is one reason it is supported by locals.

Hakata-style warayaki, grilled quickly over two flames of straw and charcoal
Hakata-style warayaki, grilled quickly over two flames of straw and charcoal

3 Recommended Menu Items at Warayaki Robata Seafood

The first items to order are the restaurant’s signature dishes, which best express its appeal.
They are characterized by simple preparations that make the most of quality ingredients and impressive presentation, offering satisfying choices even for first-time visitors.
Here are three especially popular items.

1. Umi no Tamatebako Sashimi Assortment: Lean Tuna and Otoro Half-and-Half

This satisfying sashimi assortment is generously filled with fresh fish delivered directly from the market and lets guests enjoy lean tuna and otoro fatty tuna at the same time.
Although it features a luxurious selection including wild bluefin tuna, its generous volume and quality offer more than expected for the price.
Its gorgeous presentation also brings an instant festive feel to the table.

Luxurious Umi no Tamatebako sashimi assortment including wild bluefin tuna
Luxurious Umi no Tamatebako sashimi assortment including wild bluefin tuna

2. Warayaki Beef Tongue

Carefully selected thick-cut beef tongue is grilled boldly using the warayaki method.
It offers a fragrant smoky aroma that passes through the nose and juicy meat juices that spread the more you chew.
The surface is crisp, while the inside is surprisingly tender.

Warayaki Beef Tongue, surprisingly tender despite its thick cut
Warayaki Beef Tongue, surprisingly tender despite its thick cut

3. Salmon Noodles

Salmon Noodles are a signature item that salmon lovers will find irresistible.
Rich, premium fatty salmon is cut into noodle-like strips and enjoyed by dipping it into mentsuyu noodle dipping sauce, gochujang chili paste, and egg yolk. It is a luxurious dish.

The popular menu item Salmon Noodles
The popular menu item Salmon Noodles

Access to Warayaki Robata Seafood

About a 5-minute walk from the Chikushi Exit of Hakata Station on the JR Sanyo Shinkansen, Kyushu Shinkansen, Kagoshima Main Line, and Fukuhoku Yutaka Line.
Warayaki Robata Seafood is located across from the Second Joint Government Building.
There are both First and Second Joint Government Buildings, so be careful when visiting.

The area around the Chikushi Exit of the nearest JR Hakata Station
The area around the Chikushi Exit of the nearest JR Hakata Station

Basic Information for Warayaki Robata Seafood

Name in Japanese
藁焼き炉端と海鮮 博多海風土しーふーど
Postal Code
812-0013
Address
Dai 6 Okabe Building 1F, 2-4-17 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Telephone
092-433-4210
Business Hours
5:00pm - 12:00am (L.O. Food 11:00pm, Drinks 11:00pm)
Closed
December 31, January 1, and occasional temporary closures
Budget
4,000yen
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Official Instagram
Google Maps

Casually Enjoy Drinks with Yakitori|Hakata Fudo Honten

Hakata Fudo Honten is a long-established yakitori izakaya that has been operating near Hakata Station for more than 20 years.
With its dependable everyday feel and consistent flavors, it has long been loved by local customers.
It is easy to use regardless of the occasion, whether as a first stop for a full meal or as a second stop for a casual drink.

Please note that guests under 20 are not allowed to enter because this is a smoking-permitted restaurant.
Please note that guests under 20 are not allowed to enter because this is a smoking-permitted restaurant.

The menu centers on yakitori grilled chicken skewers and also offers a wide range of Hakata-style dishes, including mentaiko spicy cod roe and a la carte items, making it possible to enjoy classic local flavors all in one place.
In addition to standard yakitori skewers, the restaurant also has a strong lineup of vegetable-wrapped skewers, allowing it to flexibly suit both light drinking with small bites and full meals.
Since smoking is allowed at all seats, the restaurant has a calm, adult, local atmosphere.
Rather than the lively atmosphere aimed at tourists, it offers a place where visitors can feel the real Hakata atmosphere of a restaurant locals visit in daily life.

A relaxed space centered on table seating
A relaxed space centered on table seating

3 Popular Menu Items at Hakata Fudo Honten

One appeal of Hakata Fudo Honten is its wide-ranging menu, from yakitori to Hakata-style a la carte dishes.
While covering the classics, it also has many items that make you want to order just one more, creating a satisfying lineup whether it is your first or second stop.
Here are three popular items to know before your first visit.

Yakitori carefully grilled over special bamboo charcoal
Yakitori carefully grilled over special bamboo charcoal

1. Yakitori and Vegetable-Wrapped Skewers

Yakitori is the signature menu item at Hakata Fudo Honten, a long-established yakitori izakaya that has continued in Hakata for 20 years.
Carefully grilled over special bamboo charcoal, the yakitori is a standout dish filled with fragrance and umami.
Of course, guests can also enjoy Hakata specialty vegetable-wrapped skewers.

Classic yakitori, fragrant on the outside and juicy inside
Classic yakitori, fragrant on the outside and juicy inside

2. Large Fried Shrimp “Diving” in Tartar Sauce

Large fried shrimp, filled with plump meat, is wrapped in a crisp coating.
It is paired with the owner’s carefully made homemade tartar sauce, which brings out the richness of egg and the texture of onion.
This dish offers overwhelming volume and freshness, made possible precisely because it comes from a seafood izakaya.

A luxurious dish of large fried shrimp topped with salmon roe and caviar
A luxurious dish of large fried shrimp topped with salmon roe and caviar

3. Hakata Ice

Hakata Ice, a dessert drawing attention in Hakata, is served with the same quality that made it popular.
This dessert, known for its irresistible rich milky flavor, is a popular menu item.

Hakata Ice, a dessert that is also popular on social media
Hakata Ice, a dessert that is also popular on social media

Access to Hakata Fudo Honten

About a 5-minute walk from the Chikushi Exit of Hakata Station on the JR Sanyo Shinkansen, Kyushu Shinkansen, Kagoshima Main Line, and Fukuhoku Yutaka Line.
Hakata Fudo Honten is located across from the Second Joint Government Building.
It is on the same floor as Warayaki Robata Seafood.

Joint Government Building near Hakata Fudo Honten
Joint Government Building near Hakata Fudo Honten

Basic Information for Hakata Fudo Honten

Name in Japanese
博多風土 本店
Postal Code
812-0013
Address
Dai 6 Okabe Building 1F, 2-4-17 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Telephone
092-472-0210
Business Hours
5:00pm - 12:00am (L.O. Food 11:00pm, Drinks 11:30pm)
Fridays/Saturdays 5:00pm - 1:00am (L.O. Food 12:00am, Drinks 12:30am)
Closed
Irregular holidays
Budget
4,000yen
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Official Instagram
Google Maps

After Drinking in Hakata, End the Night with Chuka Soba at Kawa no Soba

After thoroughly enjoying izakaya, move on to a final bowl that feels just right for a Hakata night.
Located along the Nakagawa River, Kawa no Soba combines elements of ramen and an izakaya, with a location and menu that make it easy to stop by naturally while drinking.
It is easy to enter alone and convenient as a second or third stop.

Counter seats that are easy to use even when visiting alone
Counter seats that are easy to use even when visiting alone
Table seating in a calm space
Table seating in a calm space

The signature chuka soba is based on soup slowly simmered with Satsuma Chiran chicken.
Together with the aroma of soy sauce, it has a gentle flavor that soaks into the body, with a balance that is not too heavy and easy to eat even after drinking.
Another item to enjoy with it is Gurukawa chicken skin skewers, a Hakata specialty.
Carefully prepared over four days, they are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Another appeal is that guests can choose from three flavors: salt, miso, and tare sauce.
From Monday to Saturday, the restaurant is open until 3:00 am the next day, making it convenient even late at night.
With multilingual support, it is easy for travelers to use with peace of mind and is perfect for ending the night.

Gurukawa, a Hakata specialty, and chuka soba can be enjoyed together.
Gurukawa, a Hakata specialty, and chuka soba can be enjoyed together.

3 Popular Menu Items at Kawa no Soba

This restaurant is appealing not only for a final bowl, but also for its menu items that can be enjoyed while having light bites.
Here are three popular items that let guests enjoy a well-balanced selection centered on chuka soba and the famous chicken skin skewers.

1. White Soy Sauce Chuka Soba

This bowl is characterized by the mellow richness unique to white soy sauce and a clean aftertaste.
Compared with Soy Sauce Chuka Soba, it is lighter and has a delicate flavor that lets the umami of the ingredients come through.
It is easy on the stomach even after drinking and is also popular among women.

A bowl characterized by the mellow richness of white soy sauce
A bowl characterized by the mellow richness of white soy sauce

2. Soy Sauce Chuka Soba

This classic menu item combines a soup that slowly brings out the umami of chicken with fragrant soy sauce.
Its gentle mouthfeel and light finish make it easy to eat smoothly even after drinking.
It has depth without being too heavy, making it clear why it is often chosen as the final dish of the night.

Classic Soy Sauce Chuka Soba, filled with chicken umami
Classic Soy Sauce Chuka Soba, filled with chicken umami

3. Gurukawa

This dish is made by carefully preparing Hakata specialty chicken skin over four days.
The outside is crisp and fragrant, while the inside has a distinctive chewy texture.
Since guests can choose from three flavors, salt, tare sauce, and mentaiko mayo, they can enjoy flavor differences according to their preference.

Hakata specialty Gurukawa, perfect with drinks
Hakata specialty Gurukawa, perfect with drinks

Access to Kawa no Soba

About a 4-minute walk from Exit 1 of Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line and Hakozaki Line.
After leaving Nakasu-Kawabata Station and heading toward the Nakagawa River, you will see the restaurant located along the river.
It is also easy to access from Hakata Station and the Tenjin area, making it a convenient place to stop by while drinking around the city.
Because the surrounding area is filled with restaurants, it is also easy to use as a second or third stop.

Exterior of Kawa no Soba, located along the Nakagawa River
Exterior of Kawa no Soba, located along the Nakagawa River

FAQ about the Restaurants

Q

Can I visit Warayaki Robata Seafood, Hakata Fudo Honten, and Kawa no Soba on foot?

A

Yes. All three restaurants introduced here are located around Hakata Station and the Nakasu area, and they can be reached comfortably on foot. Since the distance between each restaurant is also short, they are easy to enjoy as part of a bar-hopping night.

Q

What order is recommended when visiting them?

A

A classic route is to start at Warayaki Robata Seafood, where you can enjoy a full meal, then move on to Hakata Fudo Honten for lighter drinks, and finish at Kawa no Soba.

Q

Should I make reservations?

A

Warayaki Robata Seafood and Hakata Fudo Honten are often crowded on weekends and during busy hours, around 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, so making a reservation in advance is recommended if you want to make sure you can get in. Kawa no Soba does not accept reservations, so guests are seated in order of arrival.

Summary

If you want to enjoy a night around Hakata Station, it is recommended to experience the evening as one flow, from izakaya to a final bowl of chuka soba.
The three restaurants introduced here are within walking distance, making it easy to enjoy them casually as a bar-hopping night.
Visit restaurants loved by locals and experience a real Hakata night.