Elma

This is a bar with a fixed menu at a high price, even if you only want a simple bar.

The host is very friendly and speaks English. Clients are mostly Japanese and some foreigners, you can also do karaoke.

We had a fun evening in this small and very friendly place. Hard to find since no sign at the street, but look up for the sign and climb up the stairs. Very friendly owner with great signature drinks at reasonable prices; and because the bar is small, you quickly get to talk with everyone there. You also get good travel advice (alas we forgot the nice map we got). As long as you do not expect “a big night out” this makes up for it with it personal touch. And there is free karaoke too!

A friend and I visited twice during a stay in Kyoto. Yuji, the owner and bartender, was very sweet and happy to chat. This isn't a place to meet tons of people or dance to loud music, but it is a pleasant little spot to chat. Cover charge comes with a drink and often, it seems, with some sort of snack.

The owner, Yuji, was so welcoming. We went back four days in a row. Be prepared for a cover charge