Handmade Tacos in Downtown
Published: February 4, 2025
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
“SUSAKI SECRET BASE” is a Mexican bar where you can enjoy authentic Mexican tacos.
The interior is filled with the bar owner Mr. Yamada’s personal touches like darts, a DJ booth, action figures, motorcycles, manga, and more, creating an exciting and playful atmosphere.
A TV plays an old American movie while A Clockwork Orange, Mad Max, and Furiosa posters catch your eye. Remote-control cars, musical instruments, snowboards, and even a real motorcycle share the space with traditional izakaya (Japanese pub) chairs, vintage sake signs, photos of Japanese landscapes, and portraits of geishas. Every corner offers something unexpected, which makes it an interesting and unique spot.
They offer a range of unique drinks that are hard to find in Japan, including tequila umeshu, which combines Mexican tequila with Japanese plum wine, chili-infused liquor, and banana cocktails that are especially popular with women.
It first opened as an izakaya about ten years ago, but after a series of events (including the impact of COVID), it had to close for a while. When it reopened a few months ago, the owner decided to change the concept and create something he truly enjoyed. Having started as an izakaya, it has now naturally become a fusion between a Japanese and Western tavern, not only in its decor, but also in the drinks, with plenty of Japanese cocktails and a wide variety of unique mixes.
The signature dish here is, of course, tacos. Everything from the tortillas to the fillings and sauces is handmade. The tortillas are pressed and grilled fresh to order, so you can enjoy them hot and freshly made.
Tacos are the heart of the menu because he loves them and wants to enjoy doing what he’s passionate about, while giving people a flavor as close as possible to the real taste of Mexico and to that of freshly made tacos. That’s why the moment an order comes in, he starts making them from scratch, beginning with the tortilla, all by hand. Although he has never been to Mexico, he has a deep appreciation for its culture and has taught himself everything he knows.
All-Handmade Classic Tacos
Tacos are served as a set of three, all made with pork but each on a tortilla crafted from a different type of corn. They’re only mildly spicy, and if you want extra heat, you can add one of the sauces yourself. I can’t eat spicy food, but I had no trouble enjoying it. In Japan, it’s rare to find authentic Mexican tacos, so this spot is a rare treat.
“Menudo,” a Mexican-style beef tripe soup made with slow-simmered beef broth and authentic Mexican chili peppers (chiles).
This traditional Mexican-style soup is considered a hangover cure. It’s slightly spicy and comes with fresh cilantro and onion on the side so you can season it your way. It also has giant corn and tender beans, making it the kind of comfort food that leaves you feeling satisfied and revived.
You can also enjoy a variety of Mexican dishes made with authentic Mexican chili peppers, such as “chicharrón,” crispy fried pork skin often eaten as a snack in South America, and fries served with “chipotle mayo,” a smoky chili and mayonnaise sauce.
He buys chilies imported from Mexico to make the flavor as close to the real thing as possible. He told me that sometimes foreign visitors are so surprised to find such an authentic taste that they come back the very next day! There are also many regular Japanese customers.
Paloma is a refreshing cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit.
It’s one of Mexico’s most popular cocktails. It’s light, crisp, and with a perfectly balanced citrus kick, often served with a squeeze of lime and a salted rim. Try it with the tacos for the full Mexican combo!
It’s not only a spot for those who love this kind of food, but also a place for people to share a drink and some laughs together. Many women come alone to chat with others at the bar and have a good time. So if you have no plans this weekend, why not drop by and try some tacos?
≪English Reporter Journalist Profile≫
・Name：Diana
・Nationality：Spain
・Hobbies：Dancing, Bon Odori, DIY, and Crafts
※Information is based on June 2025. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the store directly.
※All amounts mentioned in the article are inclusive of taxes.
