Homerun (CLOSED)

This oden bar on the edge of the Meguro-Ginza Shotengai arcade in Nakameguro might not be large, but it certainly packs a lot into what little space it has. Diners can eat their oden standing up, sat at the counter or at a table, accompanied by skateboarding documentaries and a soundtrack of classic '80s rock. Essentially, Homerun reflects the tastes of its Shizuoka-bred, baseball-crazy owner (the clue’s in the name). The oden itself is served the way they make it on the outskirts of Shizuoka city, with a bonito-based broth that's so dark it looks almost black. Servings usually come with a generous sprinkling of aonori (green seaweed), while key ingredients include the likes of aji (jack mackerel), sardines, kurohanpen fish cakes (a Shizuoka favourite), beef tendons and shiromotsu (white offal). In addition to oden, Homerun also offers a number of delicious, coronary-inducing dishes, such as hamukatsu (deep-fried breaded ham), fried kurohanpen, and a ‘Homerun Don’ rice bowl topped with raw egg, oden-style shiromotsu and beef tendons. Open until 4am, it makes an ideal spot to enjoy a warming bowl of food while drinking with friends.