My love for vinyl records and 60s and 70s Japanese esthetic comes together at “In Between Days”, Florida’s first Tokyo style listening bar and craft sake house found right in St.Pete.
Located at 2340 1st Ave S, my favorite new spot in the Burg appears to be just a regular house at first glance, but once you pass the illuminated Sake Crate you are transported into a new world filled with Sake, Bites, and that warm feeling vinyl gives you.
I was pleasantly surprised by how jumping this place was on a Wednesday night. The dim lighting adds to the late night Tokyo vibe. There is table seating along the wall of the hallway but to get the full experience I would recommend sitting at the bar. With over 10 sakes available for all pallets, from dry to sweet and everything in between they got it all. I am more a sweet sake fan so I went with the seikyo takehara “Mirror Of Truth”, a mellow, honey and clove room temp sake. They also offer some craft cocktails featuring sake as well, the Matcha one is on my hit list for next visit. The bartenders are very helpful, guiding you along your sake journey.
Shareable plates are also offered at In Between Days. The Pork Bao Buns where a favorite of mine, I was able to put down two orders, and even thought about ordering a third. It would be dope to see some more street food inspired dishes or even Ramen make its way onto the menu.
Not sure how they go about picking the records or if guests can request what they want to spin, but In Between Days has a pretty sweet collection of vinyl. Jazz was mainly played the entire night but it added to that 60s and 70s Tokyo vibe I was looking for, I felt like I was in a Nikkatsu Nior film starring Joe Shishido. I am interested to see what they have as far as Hip Hop selection. Not sure if they offer this now but it would be cool to incorporate a bring your own record night, spinning some of the guests favorite tracks adding to the communal experience.
It might be low key, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Next time you are driving down 1st Ave South and you see the sake crate lit, than you know sake is pouring and records are spinning.