Molly Malone's

When I first heard of an Irish pub opening in Hiroshima I was sceptical. Would it be a Japanese bar that happened to sell Guinness or, at the other extreme, a tacky theme bar over-filled with cheap and gaudy artifacts? I'm glad to say it's neither.

The owner, Kazuo "Jim" Nagai, spent a great deal of time researching, visiting Ireland and touring its pubs in order to authentically recreate the true flavour of Ireland. The entire contents of the bar was shipped from overseas, including the wooden flooring, cushioned bar-stools, whiskey barrels and lantern-style lighting. Even the painters and decorators were brought over from the Emerald Isle to put the finishing touches in place. Almost all the seating is bar-stools but there are about 6 tables if you prefer to relax with some food. Seating is for about 90 but they reckon they can pack in up to 160 on their big party nights.

Drinks
The Irish barman will happily tell you about Potchee - a moonshine outlawed until recently and at 60%, 70% or 90%, not to be messed with! There's a choice of about a dozen good Irish whiskeys (¥700) as well as Scotch and Bourbon (¥500). All your standard bar-shots are priced at about ¥500, cocktails and soft drinks ¥700. The all important draught Guinness tops the menu, along with Kilkenny, Boddingtons, Bass Pale Ale (¥900/pint, ¥550/half). Cans and bottles of Murpheys and Beamish are available as well as cider and your usual Bud, Becks and, yes, Sapporo (¥500-800). Irish coffees of course, their orginal "Molly Malone" coffee blend and several varieties of tea. You can pay as you go at the bar or have table service and collect your bill before leaving.

Food
The Irish chef prepares the delights on the menu. STARTERS, priced ¥500-900, include home made soup and Galway Bay Style Mussels, MAIN COURSES, priced ¥1000-1500, amongst others offer good old-fashioned Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips (served in newspaper - malt vinegar available on request), Guinness Steak Pie, and Ploughman's Platter as well as more up-market dishes like Jameson Chicken and Brandy Peppered Steak. The portions are very generous and well worth the money - the pie could have served a family of 5! Some of the dishes can be ordered in smaller sizes (which might be advisable!). You might also want to check what each dish comes with so you know whether to order a Side Order of vegetables of chips.
There are a couple of VEGETARIAN choices, including a good veggie quiche, but the possibilities really open up if you eat fish.

Their roast dinner, available every Sunday from 2pm for ¥1200, is proving to very popular with the ex-pat crowd looking for a taste of home.

DESSERTS, priced ¥500, include traditional Apple Pie and Custard, Bread and Butter Pudding and Brown Bread Ice-cream as well as your more typical chocolate cake.
The SNACK MENU (available until closing) has all your favourites - chicken wings, toasted sandwiches and even nachos.

Molly's hosts regular live music nights, as well as some well attended theme parties. It's also high on sports fans' list as a place to enjoy shouting encouragement - or good humored absuse - at the big sporting events they screen on Satellite TV.

All in all, I couldn't be happier that the Hiroshima night life has been blessed with some more variety and this warm and friendly pub will remain top on my list of fine eating and drinking establishments until I can arrange for my own local to be air-lifted intact and placed at the enf of my street.

"As we Irish would say :"
Greg - Fri Jun 2009
Have been in many Irish Bars around the World, but have to say as a proud ex-pat (from Dublin), now living in Hiroshima, that this is the BEST IRISH BAR I`ve been in. The authenticity is so real, which has been added to by the recent inroduction of AFTERNOON TEA. Enjoy the sports-events there and KIYO, MARK and all the staff are very hospitable and welcoming to all. We Irish know how to have a good time. If you want to do likewise then this is the place.

"Good beer, good food, good atmosphere, but small"
Dookie - Thu Jun 2007
3 words: Fish N Chips..Excellent. Beer is a bit pricey but on a noncrowded night, this is a great place to be. Staff is friendly, food and beer is great.

"..it's like going home with no homework, worry free and relax."
(^-^) - Tue Jun 2007
Best place to be in Hiro. Mark, Kio, Kayo, Miya & shohei are the friendliest people in town.this is definetly a must place to visit. Second home away from home.GREAT food & ambiance. Made a lot of friends here. Would definitely love to go back and eat, dance, wear green, chat, watch football & talk to the staff.

"Brilliant"
Dee from Isle of Man - Thu May 2007
Great Place to go in Hiroshima. The Staff are really friendly especially Manager Mark and Barman Keo, did not espect to see an Irishman in Hiroshima. Friday nights seem to be the best nights and usually last friday in the month they have a live band on.

"Nice place to hole up for a while"
Gorilla Jones - Sun Apr 2006
The apple crumble and bread pudding are cheap and staggeringly delicious - truly beyond all expectation. It's hard to believe they've only been open since 2002, as the decor seems settled in a pleasant way that you don't often see from fourth-floor office-block bars. The wait staff tend to speak excellent English, too. It's amenable to foreigners without being A Foreigner Bar.

"Top place"
James - Sun Apr 2006
Mollys is fantastic. A great place to go in for a Guiness when the cravings set in...would love to find a place that do a good pint of English bitter.

"great atmospere"
ski of 212 - Wed Apr 2006
one of my personal favorites for atmosphere in hiroshima. the booze and the chow was pricey but it's the only place i found guinness and all the beer is cold. good place to chill out with a cold one and watch a game. check it out

"hot spot to hang out"
Tammy Kutlik - Fri Apr 2006
Great place to eat and drink and be merry. Greatest host in town and exellent services. Highly recommended.

"it's an international meeting place"
joshua (joshuapsheldon@yahoo.com) - Wed Apr 2006
i miss this pub more than you know. my buddies and i would be guranteed to show up here when in hiroshima

"Ummmmmm......"
Randall Floyd - Wed Feb 2006
O for awesome on the food. X for expensive on the drinks.
Get ALL of the reviews