Izakaya Near Me in Tanjong Pagar: The Public Izakaya Charcoal Binchotan

Situated along the ground level of the 100 AM commercial complex at 100 Tras Street in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, The Public Izakaya by Hachi has served as an essential gathering place since 2013 for locals and Japanese expatriates searching for a genuine izakaya near me. Developed by the venerable Hachi Group, pioneers who introduced authentic Japanese dining to Singapore in the early 1990s, this bustling establishment captures the true spirit of a Tokyo salaryman tavern. Glowing red chochin paper lanterns, rustic reclaimed timber finishes, and open-air sidewalk seating welcome professionals unwinding after work over ice-cold draft beer, simmering oden pots, and sizzling charcoal skewers.

The Public Izakaya was intentionally crafted to counter the sterile, high-end formality of typical hotel Japanese restaurants, providing instead a hearty, democratic drinking tavern that welcomes guests with cheerful greetings of irasshaimase. The design features weathered wooden signboards, vintage sake barrels, retro Japanese beer posters, and an open binchotan charcoal grill that fills the air with appetizing smoky aromas.

The layout seamlessly blends indoor counter seating with an energetic alfresco corridor along Tras Street, where tropical breezes mingle with the warmth of hot copper oden kettles. As twilight falls over the Tanjong Pagar financial district, the red paper lanterns glow warmly, creating an inviting communal atmosphere where lively banter flows as freely as chilled sake carafes.

Wooden stools and communal benches foster spontaneous conversation between neighboring groups, mirroring the democratic conviviality found in Tokyo's Shinbashi drinking alleys. Regulars appreciate the absence of pretension, making it an ideal destination for decompressing after intense corporate meetings.

The culinary program highlights classic Japanese comfort food crafted without shortcuts. A perennial favorite among regulars is the signature buta kakuni priced at S$20.00, featuring thick slabs of tender Berkshire pork belly slow-braised for hours in sweet dashi soy until meltingly tender, accompanied by a seasoned soft-boiled ramen egg and spicy Japanese karashi mustard. Crisp tori kara-age fried chicken thighs served in generous chunks with citrus kewpie mayo cost S$22.00.

Charcoal skewers grilled over white binchotan coals showcase careful temperature control and traditional seasonings. The omakase skewer set priced at S$43.00 delivers ten chef-selected sticks ranging from juicy chicken thigh with scallions to pork belly and enoki mushroom wraps. Refreshing chilled appetizers include the sweet amazu gari tomato pickled in sweet rice vinegar priced at S$10.00, providing vibrant palate cleansing between rich grilled courses.

The bubbling oden station near the entrance releases aromatic dashi steam, ladling out tender daikon radish rounds, handmade fish cakes, and konjac jelly simmered to perfection, seasoned lightly with Japanese mustard.

During daytime business hours, the tavern transitions into a popular lunch destination for office workers from surrounding Tanjong Pagar towers. Hearty teishoku lunch sets deliver exceptional value, such as the wagyu sukiyaki set priced at S$22.80, which includes tender simmered beef slices in sweet mirin broth, seasonal vegetable sides, Japanese potato salad, steamed rice, and piping hot miso soup.

Evening hours shift squarely toward drinking bites designed to pair with frosty mugs of Suntory The Premium Malt's draft beer and house highballs. Patrons frequently share the rich jaga mentaiko baked potato smothered in spicy cod roe and melted cheese priced at S$15.00, as well as the charred aburi shimesaba cured mackerel torched table-side for S$20.00, releasing fragrant natural fish oils.

A broad selection of shochu bottles and seasonal jizake sakes from boutique prefectural breweries rounds out the beverage program, available by the carafe or 720ml bottle for group toasting.

Given its central location in Singapore's historic Japanese business enclave, The Public Izakaya experiences an intense rush between 18:30 and 21:00 on weeknights, when local trading and technology firms conclude their workdays. Making an advance table reservation through the Hachi website is highly recommended for evening gatherings. A dedicated portion of the curved indoor bar is reserved for walk-in solo guests and pairs.

Sitting at the wooden counter offers front-row views of the binchotan grill master fanning coals and basting skewers with aged tare glaze. Service is attentive and casual, with servers regularly replenishing hot green tea and offering knowledgeable recommendations across the seasonal sake collection, ensuring an authentic dining cadence from start to finish.

Late-night patrons arriving after 21:30 often find a more laid-back energy, where bar staff take time to discuss unique sake profiles while patrons savor slow rounds of grilled skewers.

The tavern's setting on Tras Street offers a perfect gateway for wandering through one of Singapore's most charming historic conservation districts. Across the street from 100 AM, preserved two-story pre-war shophouses feature intricate Peranakan plasterwork, shuttered windows, and tranquil cocktail speakeasies nestled behind unmarked doors.

A gentle five-minute walk up the slope leads to the cobblestone lanes of Duxton Hill and Duxton Plain Park, famous for independent art galleries and leafy canopy trees. Food enthusiasts can also walk ten minutes east to Maxwell Food Centre to admire iconic heritage hawker culture, contrasting Singapore's traditional street flavors with authentic Japanese pub fare.

Beyond the food stalls, the neighborhood is steeped in early colonial and immigrant heritage, from the historic Jinrikisha Station at the junction of Neil Road and Tanjong Pagar Road to the vibrant colorful shophouses lining Craig Road. Evening walkers often enjoy peering into independent boutique storefronts, traditional tea houses, and discreet vinyl listening bars before returning to Tras Street for a concluding round of skewers.

The Public Izakaya by Hachi is situated at 100 Tras Street, #01-09 100 AM Mall, Singapore 079027, on the ground level facing Tras Street in the Tanjong Pagar neighborhood. Transit connectivity is exceptionally convenient, located less than a three-minute stroll from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (EW15) on the East-West line and five minutes from the underground Shenton Way Station (TE19) on the Thomson-East Coast line.

Operating hours are tailored for both midday dining and late-night drinks: Monday through Friday from 11:30 to 14:30 for lunch and 17:30 to 01:00 for dinner, and Saturday through Sunday from 17:00 to 01:00. The restaurant accepts Visa, Mastercard, NETS, and contactless mobile payments.