iznt

I stopped reviewing bars quite a while ago because, truth be told, there is not too much original, new or refreshing to note about a bar. Let it be known that taking into consideration my teetotaling lifestyle I do not get as much pleasure from a bar as those who choose to imbibe liquor. There are other factors and reasons that I shall not go into here that make the bar experience rather ho hum in my opinion. Despite having been to dozens, if not hundreds, of bars, in large due to my line of work, in a nutshell and when it comes right down to it… I am not a fan of bars.
As such, rather than post a bunch of two (2) or three (3) star reviews I simply refrain from posting about bars.
BAR IZNT has given me reason to post a new bar review. Simply put BAR IZNT is NOT your average bar.
The food here is more akin to something you would get at a restaurant… or maybe a café or izakaiya at minimal. Definitely not your typical «bar food.» This point in and of itself is really something. You could drop by for the food alone and be alright.
The fact that BAR IZNT shows sporting events is a plus as well however, in all fairness, there are other bars that broadcast sporting events as well.
Where BAR IZNT «Usain Bolts» the competition… just runs away from the pack are in the following areas.
Unlike most bars in Japan BAR IZNT has a separate smoking area. If you are a smoker… this may be inconvenient for you. However if you are not a smoker and do not want to deal with all that comes with having to be around smokers all night then this is certainly a plus. Besides, the smoking area is rather nice so smokers should be alright.
The staff are lovely; very polite and real professional. This is taken as a given however anyone who has been to enough bars knows that cool and friendly staff is not always the case. BAR IZNT gets it right with the staff.
The men’s restroom is the cleanest restroom that I have ever seen at any bar in Japan… period.
Where BAR IZNT solidifies the crown is with the live entertainment. Not only are the bands some of the most kick ass bands in the land («Out Of Dust,» «Union Trouble,» «Buzz Fuzz,» and «CONTAGION») but the sound system in IZNT is kick ass as well. This place really rocks on good nights. On a so-​so night… it still is solid.
BAR IZNT gives many live houses a run for their money, and blows a lot of other live music spots clear out of the water.
Food like a restaurant, great staff, the ability to enjoy a good sporting event without having the guy next to you stinking up your clothes with cigarette smoke, and the music is ON. The toilets are clean and it does not feel like you will catch an infection or a disease simply from walking in the spot.
Perhaps I have only caught IZNT on its good nights; maybe the off nights are bad. I am sure the toilets do get dirty and perhaps every now and then the staff are cranky and the food may not be to your liking. Sometimes the sound system may not be so great or the band playing may be having an off night.
However from what I have seen and for my money and my time, bottom line, until otherwise stated or proven wrong… BAR IZNT IS THE BEST BAR IN THE SANNOMIYA AREA… period.
If you are in Sannomiya and looking for a nice night out on the bar scene you can bar hop if you want… just make sure you hop into BAR IZNT. There is not a better place in town and once you are here you really have no need to go anywhere else.

Joined an event an it was held in this bar. It’s about 10 – 15 minutes walk from Hankyu Sannomiya Station and maybe about 20 minutes from JR Sannomiya Station.
They have a few lockers where you can store personal belongings and smoking is on a specific area only so you can actually enjoy your drinks and the music without choking on cigarette smoke which is very common in bars or even restaurant in Japan.
The place is spacious enough and food and drinks are good enough too. They also have some regular bands playing there.
Had a great time here with friends.