Stand Hachitori Abiko-ten

Start with chicken sashimi, or make charcoal-grilled chicken the centrepiece of your meal. Stand Hachitori Abiko-ten offers both, with the sashimi available à la carte or in assortments of 3 or 5 varieties. Other choices include seared chicken breast, seared liver and a tasting set of seared cuts. That gives you the option of sampling a little of several kinds or choosing a particular cut. One diner said they were surprised by how nearly raw the seared liver was; others have praised the freshness of the chicken sashimi, making it a dish of interest for anyone drawn to raw chicken preparations.

The grilled selection includes kashiwa, skirt, neck, liver and gizzard, among other cuts. If choosing is difficult, assorted platters are available in sizes ranging from 3 to 6 varieties. Diners have commented that the chicken was pleasantly light after cooking on the tabletop shichirin charcoal grill, where the fat drips away. One visitor also described taking their time over drinks while grilling for themselves—a good fit for a meal that makes choosing and cooking the cuts part of the experience.

For a solo drink, the Oasis Set pairs an assorted platter of 4 grilled chicken varieties with a drink of your choice. A diner who visited during the day said it was just right for drinking alone and allowed them to relax. Unlike a standing bar, the Abiko branch has counter and table seating. Lunch options include grilled chicken and chicken nanban set meals, so it can suit both a drink-focused visit and a sit-down meal.