Tabelog ratingStand Merry Sannoso Bar Ju (スタンド メリーサンノソバージュ) is a unique concept in Osaka’s Juso district: a standing izakaya dedicated to lamb, where the meal concludes with a course of freshly made soba noodles. Tucked away down a narrow alley in a renovated old house, the atmosphere is lively and centered around a busy counter, attracting a crowd for its creative cooking and excellent value.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the lamb, noting it has little to no gamey flavor. Popular dishes include a variety of skewers like the 'dragon' lamb, lamb chops, and lamb tongue, as well as lamb yukke and lamb burgers. The jingisukan, a grill-it-yourself lamb platter, is another highlight. A signature is the finale of ten-wari (100% buckwheat) soba, which many enjoy with a rich, lamb-based dipping broth that some reviewers say is delicious enough to drink on its own. The friendly staff and a well-chosen list of sake, shochu, and spiced chuhai add to the positive experience.
Practical points to note are the hard-to-find entrance and the fact that the venue is primarily a standing bar, which can get very crowded. While most praise the firm texture of the soba, a few find it too hard or the dipping sauce overly salty.
Dinner typically costs between ¥2,000 and ¥3,000 per person. Reviewers recently paid around ¥880 for a regular portion of soba (十割蕎麦), ¥980 for lamb yukke (羊肉ユッケ), and from ¥280 for skewers. Most consider it exceptional value for the quality of the food and drink.
- Getting There: The bar is a 3-minute walk from the west exit of Juso Station. The entrance is down a very narrow alley and can be easy to miss.
- Reservations: Walk-ins are common, especially for one or two people, but be prepared to wait. Reservations can be made by phone and are recommended for groups of four or more.
- Seating: The main area is a standing counter with 14 spots. Limited tatami seating is also available and can be booked for groups.
- Payment: Cash and PayPay are accepted. Credit cards and other forms of electronic money are not.
- Language: An English menu is not guaranteed, but staff are friendly and many non-Japanese visitors have successfully ordered using translation apps.
- Smoking: The restaurant is non-smoking. E-cigarettes are permitted only in the private rooms on the second floor.
- Parking: No parking available.
