Side Note: My Three Favorite Places to Hang

Happy summer, everyone!
We will soon be going into Obon season. That is when all Japanese people head back to their respective hometowns and celebrate Obon with their families. Since I have a Japanese family, I will be doing that too. The great thing for me is that I get a whole week off. So where do I go when I just want to hang out? Where do I go if I just want to chill, talk to some people, and eat and/or drink something delicious while doing so? I have some free time this Obon, so where will I go? Today, I wanted to give you my list of the top three places I love to go to, just to hang out.

Number 3
Cafe Posten

Cafe Posten is an amazing cafe located in Hojo Town, in Tsukuba. I love going to this cafe because I know I am going to have a good time, and I know I am going to have something delicious. The sandwich at Posten is always changing seasonally, and it is always tasty. The coffee there is fantastic. In the summer, they offer a coffee called the "Are," which is a magical coffee float that everyone should try. Even though these are all great reasons to visit this place, what I love about Posten is the atmosphere and the warmth of the Hojo residents. The owner of Posten is always ready to have a conversation, even though he is extremely busy; he always makes it a point to make sure you are having a great time at his cafe. The residents of Hojo go to Cafe Posten to catch up with one another and have something sweet while doing so. They may even come up to you to start up a conversation. I live pretty far from Posten, so I cannot go as often as I would like. But one thing is for sure, I will go back before summer is over to get another "Are."
If you would like to check out my post on Cafe Posten, here is the link:
https://ibarakieats.com/cafe-that-was-a-post-office

Number 2
Coffee Bar Stove

Coffee Bar Stove is a coffee van that travels around Southern Ibaraki and even goes further down south to Tokyo sometimes. You can usually find Stove at the Tsukuba Village Market or the Namiki Mujirushi on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Once I finish work on a Friday, I head to that Mujirushi and look forward to having some of their coffee. Every single coffee that Yuto from Stove makes is an amazing cup of coffee. I highly recommend trying his Stove Latte; it won't only wake you up, but it is a tasty fusion of espresso and milk. Even though I love everything on the menu, when I really want to treat myself, I will go to Stove on a Tuesday with my wife (she is driving), and ask Yuto to make an Irish Coffee. I can confidently say that he makes the best Irish Coffee in all of Japan. Yes, that is right, all of Japan.
Even though the coffee is incredible, the thing I love about Stove is the open Italian bar-style sitting area in the back of the van. Sitting there while talking to Yuto about the latest Marvel movie and sipping on an espresso is always a fun time. The other customers who come to the back of the van are also great to have a conversation with. It is an overall great time.
If you would like to check out my post on Coffee Bar Stove, here is the link:
https://regaladom24.wixsite.com/website/post/espresso-anyone

Number 1
The Drunken Duck Hitachinaka

This is my number one place to hang! The Drunken Duck in Hitachinaka City. Located near Katsuta Station, this bar is always a great time. This is my go to place to have some tasty beers, delicious food, and an overall good time. I have been going to the Drunken Duck for many years, and I love everything on the menu. My favorite, though, is the specials menu. It changes every month and there are always surprises and amazing food on the specials menu. The picture above, the Donut Burger, was on the specials menu a few years ago. It was an incredible burger. With amazing food, great music blasting throughout the bar, and fun company, this bar is always a great time for me.
I love coming to this place because I know that I will always have a good time. The owner, Jamie, has created a fun atmosphere that both foreigners and Japanese people can enjoy. This is where I met Mrs. Ibaraki Eats (even though it was the Mito one). The Duck even does special events. It has a fantastic Halloween party and a New Year's party. Even if it is just a regular day in the week, I know if I walk into the Drunken Duck, I am going to have great food and a great time.
If you would like to check out my post on the Drunken Duck, here is the link:
https://regaladom24.wixsite.com/website/post/every-night-here-is-a-great-night

I hope my list has given you some ideas on where to hang out. If you have some free time during Obon, why not give any of these places to chance? Who knows? You might see us. Just hanging out, talking to the owner, and enjoying something tasty.
Enjoy!