🍺 Izakaya Guide / Izakaya Hacks

First Beer Order

First Drink Rule (とりあえずビール - Tori-bi)

First Beer Order

📖 Meaning & Etiquette

The highly popular cultural phrase 'Tori-aezu Bīru!' (Let's start with beer!). It is the default, near-instant first order placed by groups at an Izakaya to get the drinks flowing as fast as possible.

💡 Cultural Background

Evolved during Japan's high-economic growth era. To quench the thirst of exhausted workers and start the party without delay, groups ordered draft beers in unison because they were the fastest for the kitchen to pour and serve.

💬 Useful Conversation Phrases

When the server approaches, instead of browsing the menu, simply declare: 'Toriaezu Bīru o ninzū-bun onegashimasu!' (Let's start with draft beers for everyone!). Once the pints arrive, you can leisurely choose your main food dishes.

席に着いたらメニューを見る前に、まず「とりあえずビール!」と頼むのが日本の会社の定番です。 / ビールが苦手な人は、ウーロン茶やレモンサワーを最初に頼んでも全く問題ありませんよ。
🔊 Upon sitting down and before looking at the menu, ordering 'Toriaezu Bīru!' is the classic custom of Japanese companies. / If you're not a fan of beer, ordering an oolong tea or lemon sour first is completely fine.

❓ Bilingual Izakaya Quiz

What is the legendary catchphrase used at the start of an Izakaya sitting to get the first drinks flowing instantly?

🚀 Level Up Your Japanese Offline!