Mekuru-so

Climb up to the 2nd floor of a building a short walk from Exit 2 of Kagurazaka Station, and Mekuru-so welcomes guests with a lively blend of an Asian street-stall vibe and a sleek standing wine bar. Centred around a standing counter beneath rustic timber beams, gentle music fills the space, making it easy for solo visitors to drop in on a whim.

Vietnamese Small Plates Tailored to Wine

A favourite house specialty is the "winemi," an appetiser-sized take on the banh mi. Built on custom baguettes filled with house-made chicken liver pâté, pickled daikon and carrot, and prosciutto, its deep savour and crisp acidity pair effortlessly with wine. The broader lineup of small plates is equally appealing, including eggplant steeped in hot oil with garlic chives and mint, and an oeuf-mayo potato salad meant to be stirred together with a runny soft-boiled egg, bringing together punchy spices and fresh herbs.

Skewers are basted in Mekuru-so's signature sweet-and-spicy lemongrass sauce, turning familiar yakitori cuts such as thigh, negima chicken-and-scallion, and neck into fragrant drinking companions. Glasses can be poured from a lineup of red, white, orange, and rosé natural wines, Southeast Asian beers like Singha and 333, or house creations such as lotus tea sours and lemongrass sours.

Soothing Noodles and a Bitter Vietnamese Flan

For those seeking a more substantial meal, comforting noodle bowls are on hand: a chicken pho ga simmered to depth, a delicate sea bream broth pho, and charcoal-grilled meatball bun cha served with herbs and sweet-sour dipping sauce. After drinks, a firm Vietnamese-style flan made with condensed milk and coated in bitter caramel offers a satisfying finish. Between casual standing visits and reservable private rooms, Mekuru-so serves as a dependable choice for an easygoing evening in Kagurazaka.