Photo courtesy of DOJO Bar.
Anyone who loves a good drink knows the healing power a cold beer, stiff drink, or fruity cocktail can bring after a long week. Whether your days are filled with work, studying, training, traveling, or a mix of all four, sometimes all you want to do is head to a bar and unwind.
If you’re searching for somewhere different than your usual hangout, or are traveling and want to discover a memorable bar in town, we have some very unique bar recommendations to share with you.
So, what makes them stand out among the usual bar scene? The four bars featured in this roundup are all proudly martial arts themed. Yes, you read right – there are a handful of niche bars around the world that celebrate martial arts in everything from their drinks to their decor.
When we found out about them, we couldn’t wait to let all of you KungFuMagazine.com fans in on the secret! Because when you think about it, what better place is there for a martial artist to quench their thirst than a bar which acknowledges the greatness that is martial arts?
And for those thinking that themed venues often get a bad rap, rest assured that these five bars are legitimately great bars in themselves, that just happen have a martial arts twist.
Next time you find yourself in London, England, or are traveling around the American South in Texas or Tennessee, or plan a trip to Naha or Osaka in Japan, be sure to refer to this guide and check out the bars listed below to experience a whole new way to get your drink on!
Photos courtesy PimpShuei.
1. PimpShuei in London, UK
What they say:
“PimpShuei is the world's #1 martial arts themed bar: a friendly basement dive bar inspired by old school kung fu cinema, filled with original movie posters, vintage TV screens and retro arcade games.”
Why we think you’ll love it:
If you’re looking for an alternative to London’s swankier bar scene, this self-confessed “dive bar” has you covered. Who needs mood lighting and a stiff crowd when you have arcade games like Street Fighter and an anything-goes vibe waiting for you at PimpShuei? After all, there must be something special about a bar that can boast both a rare 4.9 stars out of 5 rating on Facebook and 4.5 stars out of 5 on Google reviews.
Once inside PimpShuei, you’ll be hard-pressed not to ogle all of the intriguing martial arts decor and touches you’ll find at every turn. The owner of PimpShuei, Sipheng ("Slash"), told Kungfumagazine.com that if he had to narrow down the appeal of PimpShuei to a few highlights, he would definitely put a spotlight on “the '60s/'70s/'80s TV sets showing non-stop kung fu all night, as well as some of our walls with vintage original martial arts movie posters pasted on.”
There’s also arcade video game cabinets which allow you to take a trip down memory lane to the '90s where you can play classic games inspired by Kung Fu movies.
The bar’s unashamed obsession with martial arts (which in Sipheng’s words is demonstrated by “harnessing the quirkiness and the visual richness of old school kung fu movies”), combined with friendly and energetic service as well as a killer playlist, is enough to make any martial artist feel right at home. The only regret you’ll have after visiting PimpShuei is that you didn’t discover it sooner!
What should you order?
Get the most bang for your buck by taking up Pimp Shuei’s great happy hour specials. Arrive before 8 pm, and you can enjoy a signature cocktail or two bottled beers for only £6.50.
Wondering what’s on the signature cocktail menu? There are six unique concoctions, with the Bangkok Dangerous (El Jimador Tequila, mixed with tomato juice and their mix of spices and herbs, finished off with Chinese rice wine) and Sex & Zen (rum, fresh lime, creme of coconut, pineapple, mango, aloe vera, guava, flamed with overproof rum) being the two that particularly caught our eye.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Thursday 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Friday to Saturday 6 pm – 12 am
Sunday to Monday Closed
Address:
59 Mount Pleasant, London WC1X 0AY, UK
(View the Google Maps link here)
Telephone: None listed
Want more info?
Visit Pimp Shuei's website or Facebook page.
Photos courtesy Kung Fu Saloon Houston.
2. Kung Fu Saloon in Texas & Tennessee, U.S.A.
What they say:
“...To satisfy your thirst we offer a full bar including 24 beers on tap, with a selection ranging from the everymans Lone Star to the Belgian man's Chimay. Oh yeah, we almost forgot to mention our specialty Sake bomb menu. Entertainment includes 15+ vintage arcade games like Ms. Pacman, NBA Jam, Street Fighter II, Galaga, Golden Tee, Big Buck Hunter & more. The fun continues with foosball, three original Skee Ball machines (always free!), Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, and board games including Boggle, Dominoes, & Giant Checkers.”
(N.B. Description taken from Kung Fu Saloon Austin’s website. There may be slight differences in the number of beers and number of games offered in each of the Kung Fu Saloon branches.)
Why we think you’ll love it:
With two branches in Austin, one in Houston, one in Dallas, and another soon to be opened in Fort Worth, Kung Fu Saloon has fast become a fixture in the *Texan bar scene. A sports tavern crossed with a “barcade” (a bar with arcade games), Kung Fu Saloon is the place to go when you’re after some cheap thrills with your buddies.
It’s hard not to have a good time with the winning pairing of drinks and games. Although games vary at each of the branches, at most, you can expect such arcade classics as Mario Kart, Frogger, and Donkey Kong, in addition to classic board games including Connect Four, Jenga, and Battleship. For those who like to belt out a tune, most of the branches even have a karaoke room for you to test out your skills (or lack thereof…).
Plus, we can’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy when reading about their monthly charity initiative, “Drink 4 a Cause”, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities.
*If you’re not in Texas, you can pay a visit Kung Fu Saloon’s Nashville, Tennessee, branch.
What should you order?
You’ll be overwhelmed (in a good way!) by the assortment of menus at Kung Fu Saloon. Those after a big night should bypass the general drinks menu, and head straight for the daring Sake Bomb menu, which has four varieties of sake bomb drinks to shoot down.
If that sounds a bit intense, there’s a large range of draft, bottled, and canned beers. Alternatively, if the branch you’re at offers them, try sipping on one of the bar’s signature cocktails, aptly named their “Signature Moves.” Pre-gamers will appreciate the happy hour drink specials found in most of the branches, which are available every day except Saturday.
For food, there’s tons of options like brunch dishes, share plates, wings, burgers, and tacos. Carnivorous folk will love Mondays at Kung Fu Saloon, where you can guzzle down as many 50 cent wings as your stomach can handle. And with tantalizing flavors such as Kung Fu Kick and Sriracha Buffalo, you’ll be hobbling out the door when you leave. Plus, we’ve heard rave reviews about their addictive Cheeseburger Eggrolls.
Opening hours:
Washington Avenue, 6th St, and Routh Street branches:
Monday to Friday: 4:00 pm – 2:00 am
Saturday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Rock Rose branch:
Monday to Friday: 3:00 pm – 2:00 am
Saturday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Division St branch:
Monday to Thursday: 2:00 pm – 3:00 am
Friday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 3:00 am
Address:
5317 Washington Ave., Houston, Texas
(View the Google Maps link here)
716 W 6th St, Austin, Texas
(View the Google Maps link here)
11501 Rock Rose Avenue, Suite 140, Austin, Texas
(View the Google Maps link here)
2911 Routh St, Dallas, Texas
(View the Google Maps link here)
1921 Division St, Nashville, Tennessee
(View the Google Maps link here)
Telephone:
Houston branch: +1 713-864-0642
6th St, Austin branch: +1 512-469-0901
Austin Rock Rose branch: +1 512-719-3808
Dallas branch: +1 214-730-0283
Nashville branch: +1 615-818-0294
Want more info?
Visit the Houston branch website here.
Visit the 6th St, Austin branch website here.
Visit the Austin Rock Rose branch website here.
Visit the Dallas branch website here.
Visit the Nashville branch website here.
Photos courtesy Count 2.99 Pro-Wrestling Bar.
3. Count 2.99 Pro-Wrestling Bar in Osaka, Japan
What they say:
“Count 2.99 is a pro wrestling bar in Osaka Sennichimae. While watching a pro-wrestling, you can enjoy drinks and food. In addition, pro-wrestler visiting events and pro-wrestling tickets can also be purchased, so there are many reasons for pro wrestling fans to feel satisfied after visiting the bar.”
Why we think you’ll love it:
A five-minute walk from Osaka’s Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station, Count 2.99 is a one-of-a-kind bar that pro wrestling fans will discover is well worth the trip. Inside, you’ll find an impressive array of pro wrestling posters covering the bar walls, as well as pro wrestling masks and figurines nestled in amongst the alcohol behind the bar.
The owner of Count 2.99 wants to make the bar a place where all fans of pro wrestling can gather to enjoy great food and drinks while sharing their mutual love of the niche sport.
Depending on what night you drop by, there could be anything from a meet-and-greet with a pro wrestling star, to a WWE championships screening on the bar’s television. One thing for certain, however, is that you’ll walk away from your night at Count 2.99 with great memories, new friends, and an unbelievable story or two to tell.
What should you order?
Count 2.99’s drinks menu includes draft beer, wine, shochu, whisky, spirits, and cocktails. If you’re interested in a more unique drink, ask to try their “Special Moves” cocktails.
The food menu will give wrestling fans a good chuckle, as all of the menu items are named after wrestling terms. For light snacks, choose from the likes of the Senton (assorted cheeses), Drop Kick (assorted nuts), and Elbow Drop (jerky). There’s also heartier meals such as the Body Slam (salted yakisoba), Brain Buster (sauce yakisoba), and Power Bomb (Bulgogi fried rice).
The dish, however, which the owner of the bar himself, Master Kouji, told Kungfumagazine.com he recommends customers to try is the Double Arm Suplex (mixed pizza).
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 7:00 pm – 12:00 am
Mondays Closed (In the case that a Monday falls on a public holiday, the bar will instead be closed on Tuesday).
Address:
Sun Plaza Building, 3F, 1−7−7, Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka
大阪市中央区千日前1-7-7 サンプラザビル3F
(View the Google Maps link here)
Telephone:
(06) 6213-2998
Want more info?
Visit Count 2.99's website (in Japanese).
4. DOJO Bar in Naha, Japan
What they say:
“The DOJO bar is unique in Okinawa, perhaps in the world. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate and kobudo and the DOJO bar is a tribute to that heritage and a gateway for visitors to the island, its people and its rich fighting arts culture. We offer a truly special place, open and easily accessible to all, across cultures, countries and styles.”
Why we think you’ll love it:
After a long day touring Okinawa’s stunning sights or honing your Karate technique, you’ll likely want to let off some steam and reward your hard work. DOJO Bar is the place to head if you’re wanting to knock back some drinks in a jovial bar that has locals, expats, and tourists all mingling under one roof.
Conveniently open seven days a week, the bar is beloved for its always buzzing atmosphere and putting Karate at the forefront of the bar. Just look at the reviews of the bar on Facebook, which often affectionately refer to it as a “miniature karate museum.” Top-notch service, delicious food, and delicious drinks are also key features which keep people coming back again and again.
If you get lucky, you may even find yourself rubbing shoulders with some of the Karate masters who frequent the bar.
What should you order?
For travelers who abide by the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” Orion Beer is your best bet for a refreshing, local brew. Using mountain spring water located just behind the brewery, Orion is favored by those who prefer a lighter, sweeter taste. Test your drinking skills by ordering an extra large one at DOJO.
Cocktail lovers are also well accommodated at DOJO considering their extensive list of original cocktails. We love that the menu tells you exactly what type of cocktail to expect with its enlightening strong to sweet scale.
Daredevils can order the bar’s strongest drink, the Ichigeki, which has snake venom sake, shiquasa, dark sugar, and soda. On the sweeter end of the scale, consider trying the Shiquasa Sling, which has Shiquasa spirit, gin, orange, and cranberry.
For those in the mood for food, there’s a good mix of Japanese and Western options on the food menu. Along with pastas, salads, and pizzas, you’ll also find bar snacks like gyoza, chunky cheesy potato wedges, and karaage chicken.
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday 7:00 pm – 1:00 am
Friday – Saturday 7:00 pm – 2:00 am
Sunday 7:00 pm – 1:00 am
Address: 101 Asato, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
那覇市安里101 丸京工芸ビル
(View Google Maps link here)
Telephone: +81 98-911-3601
Want more info? Visit DOJO Bar's website or Facebook page.
