As the saying goes: Saké wa honshin wo arawasu – Sake reveals a person’s true heart! We’ve found a new Japanese sake bar in a quiet pocket near Erskineville station and we guarantee it’s as kooky as the name suggest.

With graffiti splashed on one wall and sake bottles lining the other, the pillowed crate seats and super friendly service give Kuki Tanuki casual flair. However, their extensive drink menu is serious business.

If you are not a sake connoisseur don’t fret, the selection of Junmai comes with a flavour guide and food pairing so you know exactly what to order. And if a glass of Shiso Shochu (try saying that five times) or a Japanese beer doesn’t tickle your fancy either, there is also a good selection of Australian and New Zealand wines.

For beginners we suggest a glass of Umeshu (Japanese plum wine). On our visit we were offered a glass of Izumibashi on ice, it was mild, tart and delicious! But it won’t be around for long, when Kuki Tanuki‘s weekly specials run out they don’t re-order them, meaning the selection is always new and interesting.

Come for the drinks and stay for the food. If you pop in on the weekend from 10am, grab a bento box for $24 (vegetarian option $22) with a lovely variety of brunchy things. In the evening, share some Japanese style tapas from the bar menu. We tried the Imo Sweet Potato chips which had a hint of spice, and the Pork Belly with an Apple Ponzu Sauce. These crispy, juicy pieces of belly topped with sweet apple sauce and a mint leaf were a winner! Then we went straight to desert and ordered the green tea and black sesame fried ice cream!

Follow on Facebook for details about happy hour and live gigs on the weekends. But leave the vocals at home, there will be no karaoke pumping out of these speakers!

Where: 61 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville, Sydney, 2043
When:  Mon: 4pm-10pm | Wed – Fri: 4pm – Midnight | Sat: 10am-Midnight | Sun: 10am-10pm|
Details: facebook.com/KukiTanuki