Charcoal Stand Noge occupies a renovated manufacturer’s facility in the Noge District. The lettering of the old Tomoe Co. even remains untouched on the storefront to provide a sense of nostalgia. The two-floor interior is spacious and airy with the second floor of the high-ceilinged factory converted to a large loft.
The main focus of the menu is on a la carte skewers and grilled cuisine. Standard skewers sit alongside more creative originals such as Nikura (beef & salmon roe, ¥580), Mary-san no Tsukune (think lamb meatballs, ¥250) and Anchovy Butter Bacon-wrapped Scallops (¥380). Check the monthly seasonal menu for other delights. A skewer of healthy Ginan (gingko, ¥180) was our late autumn selection. The full page drink menu runs the gamut from draft beer and wine to highballs and sours. We were pleasantly surprised by the standard draft beer of Suntory Premium Kaoru Ale (M ¥490 / L ¥890) instead of the usual lager version in most izakaya.
Smoking is allowed on the first floor standing bar and grill area, but the second floor, which is all table seating, is non-smoking. Charcoal Stand Noge is suited for small to mid-sized groups, with the affordable menu generally attracting a younger crowd.