Ocean Deep
This Chiba bar with foreign flavor serves up one hell of a good time

Photo by Tiger Jet Shin-Ichiro

If you’re looking for a fantastic place to guzzle beer and exotic cocktails until the wee hours of the morning, Ocean Deep is the spot for you. The staff offer over-the-top service, the locals welcome newcomers like long lost relatives, the music is always thumping, and the menu is filled with tasty, affordable treats that go perfectly with a few beers. So, what’s the catch?

Well, Ocean Deep is in Chiba—but don’t let that stop you. Immediately after you walk through the door, you’re at the serving bar, and the staff hustles to make sure you get that drink you’ve been craving. Like the crowd, beers come from around the world, including Australia (Victoria Bitter) and the US (Samuel Adams), and all are reasonably priced between ¥500-¥700. After a few drinks, look up at the blackboard above the bar where the food menu is displayed. The kitchen whips up nachos (¥500-¥1,000), pizzas (¥500) and sandwiches (¥500-¥700), while mixed drinks, wine and liqueur coffees are plentiful and stay under ¥1,000.

Ocean Deep usually closes at midnight during the week, but stays open on Friday and Saturday until the final customer leaves. If you miss the last train on the weekend, manager Brett Foulger is always willing to offer a place to “swill and chill” until the early morning. The bar has a 120-inch big screen TV that shows soccer, basketball and football, and the staff will try to get what you want on the big screen if you ask them.

Ocean Deep holds up to 200 people, and the place is often packed to capacity with a good mix of Japanese and foreign customers feeding on the friendly vibe. On one recent Friday there was a man in his 70s banging on the bongos while customers danced to the salsa music emanating from the quality sound system. On Sundays, the decks are opened to aspiring DJs who are welcome to come and hone their skills. The bar also has occasional guest DJ nights. Check the website or call ahead to find out when they are.

Every Tuesday is Ladies Night, when gals all get a free drink, and stop by on Wednesdays and every last Friday of the month for Salsa Night, when lessons and a drink are included with the ¥1,500 entrance fee. Thursday is Belly Dance Night and lessons are included.
So the next time you’re in Chiba and itching to party until you cry uncle, Ocean Deep won’t let you down.

2-1-5 Shin-Chiba, Chuo-ku, Chibashi. Tel: 043-376-9000. Open Tue-Thu 6pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 6pm-late, closed Mon. Nearest stn: Chiba, west exit. www.oceandeep.jp

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