IWAKUNI, Japan — If you’re looking for a bit of liquid refreshment, what better place than a bar named Liquid?
Even though it’s not on the strip right outside the local Marine Corps air station, it’s “base-friendly,” according to its owner, an expat who goes by “Dudley.” And unlike some of the bars near the base, Liquid sees a steady flow of Japanese customers.
Dudley, who also runs The Underground and Teasers outside the base, opened Liquid in 2004 across the street from Iwakuni train station.
He said the goal was to offer a place where people could “listen to … good music and have a good time.”
The bar offers a huge selection of rock tunes and accompanying videos. It seats about 30 and another 30 people can crowd in on a good night.
Customers who grab a place at the bar should look for the 3-D glasses, then take a look at the wall paintings. Just make sure you have a good grip on your seat before diving into the special effects.
The Liquid’s liquids run a bit cheaper between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. for happy hour, when cocktails are about $5 instead of $7. And the large Asahi beer runs about $6 instead of the normal $8.
And Liquid offers an impressive menu with everything from nachos to Philly cheesesteak sandwiches to tacos. Customers said the best bet are the quesadillas, which run about $8.
The bar also can be rented for private parties, Dudley said.
Liquid is amid a renovation, and Dudley said it’ll soon look like a Hard Rock Cafe-type bar.
His said his hope is that base personnel can find in Liquid a bit of “home away from home” after the work is done.
“It’s someplace you can hang out and have a good time,” he said.
To see previous After Hours reviews, go to: stripes.com/afterhours.
Liquid, Iwakuni, Japan
Drink prices: Beers start at about $8 and cocktails at about $7. Look for discounts during happy hour, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Cover charge: None.
Food: Lots of good bar fare, from nachos to sandwiches, tacos to quesadillas. Look to spend around $8 to $10.
Entertainment: Lots of rock music with accompanying videos playing around the bar.
Clientele: Base friendly with a nice mix of local residents.
Dress: Casual.
Location: Right across the street from the Iwakuni train station, in the basement next door to the curry restaurant.
Web site: None.
