Straight out of Okinawa in Japan, Mekiki No Ginji is a popular izakaya franchise that’s packed with energy, entertaining, smiling staff and lots of shouting (especially when you’re leaving—staff will shout “customers are going home!” setting off a chorus of goodbyes). It’s a pretty grand space, too, thanks to the big wooden barrel at the entrance, high-ceilings, large open kitchen at the center of the main dining area and mezzanine floor where people can climb up for more seating.

The menu is separated into grilled dishes, soups and seafood. Unfortunately, the sashimi and sushi are not quite as exciting as the venue. The produce isn’t all that impressive, perhaps no surprise given the sashimi platter (salmon, akami, hamachi and ebi) comes in at only B299 and sushi with beef and chopped salmon at B250. The rice doesn’t come beautifully shaped—prone to falling apart on our last visit—and the cuts of fish are not the most elaborate.

But Mekiki no Ginji’s grilled dishes more than make up for that. Take the outstanding charcoal-grilled spare ribs with chili sauce and wasabi (B229), which are fragrant and fall off the bone. The sweet tang of the sauce goes great with the fresh wasabi, too. Some dishes are only available a few days of the week, like the must-try wagyu beef nabe (hotpot, B499)—on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The rich broth is full of flavor, and while the tofu is a bit bland, the sliced beef is very good-quality and fresh.

While we say stick to the grilled and hotpot dishes, as an added incentive, they also offer a free salad bar during dinner and vegetable tempura at lunchtime. The food alone might not be the most elevated, but Mekiki no Ginji’s vibe, outdoor stone garden and beer at just B50 (just tell staff when you want to start your personal happy hour) make for one enjoyable dining experience.