In front of JR Kurashiki Station is a lively, off-the-beaten-path area called “Ichibangai.”
There, you’ll find an interesting venue that brings together a cafe-bar and an event space.
It’s “Cafe&Bar KAG (Cafe & Bar KAG).”
Local residents can drop in casually, while visitors from farther afield can exchange with locals and experience Kurashiki. Events are also held regularly. It’s a cafe-bar closely connected to the local community of Kurashiki.
Here’s an introduction to KAG, a venue with a unique style.
The information presented was current when this article was published in November 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
KAG is a cafe-bar in Kurashiki Ichibangai
KAG is located in Achi 3-chome, in front of JR Kurashiki Station.
It’s just inside the north entrance of “Kurashiki Ichibangai.”
KAG opened in April 2018. At first, the first floor operated as a cafe-bar, while the second floor and above were used as accommodation.
It no longer operates as accommodation and is now open only as a cafe-bar on the first floor.
KAG operates as a cafe during the day and a bar at night.
It can also be used as an event space.
In addition to events hosted by KAG, you can also rent out all or part of the space to hold an event.
A variety of events are held at KAG, so be sure to check the official website.
The interior is mainly arranged with table seating.
Counter seating is available by the register and beside the window.
The counter seats by the window have power outlets, making them convenient for doing a little work on your computer.
Free Wi-Fi is also available.
There is also terrace seating outside. Please note that smoking is permitted only on the terrace.
Menu
Information as of November 2023. Prices include tax.
The star of KAG’s food menu is its hamburger, the “KAG Original Burger.”
It’s a generously sized burger packed with carefully selected ingredients, and comes with French fries.
Other options include “Grilled jerk chicken” and “Chicken over rice.”
There are also light meals and desserts.
Among the drinks, the specialty is espresso coffee made with the carefully selected “Slayer” espresso machine.
Popular options also include house-made “lemonade” and “lemon squash,” prepared in-house.
They also offer house-made drinks that change with the seasons, which are highly recommended.
Alcoholic drinks are also available in a wide selection.
KAG’s recommended and popular menu items
Here are some of KAG’s recommended dishes and menu items popular with customers.
KAG Original Burger
KAG’s signature food item is the “KAG Original Burger.”
This hearty hamburger comes with French fries.
The hamburger is filled with the following ingredients:
- Patty
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Red onion
- Cheddar cheese
- Pickle sauce
The pickle sauce is homemade.
It is made by simmering chopped pickles together with ketchup and mustard in a frying pan.
It is generously sized and very satisfying!
After trying it, I think this hamburger brings together a mildly sweet, refreshing sauce, the flavor of cheese, and the crispness of the vegetables, while letting you really savor the “meaty” flavor.
Grilled Jerk Chicken
“Grilled Jerk Chicken” is a popular food item besides hamburgers.
The main jerk chicken is striking for its very large size.
It is also quite thick.
The skin on the surface is grilled until crisp and fragrant, with a pleasantly spicy flavor.
And the chicken inside is juicy and tender!
This jerk chicken is simply very hearty.
The plate also comes with turmeric rice and vegetables alongside the jerk chicken.
It’s great that it’s nutritionally balanced, too.
Tiramisu
Among the desserts, the especially popular choice is the “Tiramisu.”
Its beautiful layers of dark brown and cream are a treat for the eyes, too.
What makes it special is that the sponge is soaked with espresso coffee brewed using a “Slayer” espresso machine.
It also uses plenty of Italian mascarpone cheese.
Another highlight is the touch of rum.
This tiramisu has a grown-up flavor that isn’t too sweet.
Be sure to give it a try!
Coffee
Among KAG’s drinks, the various coffees are popular.
Kurashiki has long had a thriving cafe culture, with many cafes and many coffee lovers. That’s why KAG puts a lot of effort into its coffee.
The key to KAG’s coffee is its espresso machine.
KAG has installed an espresso machine from Slayer, a manufacturer founded in Seattle, USA.
It uses this rare espresso machine in Okayama Prefecture to brew espresso coffee.
KAG also takes great care in selecting its coffee beans.
KAG orders and uses a custom blend made for them by the popular Kyoto coffee shop “%ΔRΔBICΔ (Arabica).”
I think it’s quite rare to find a place in Kurashiki using beans from “%ΔRΔBICΔ.”
The beans are dark-roasted, making for coffee that offers both the characteristic bitterness of coffee and a lovely aroma!
The drinks made with their carefully selected espresso coffee are as follows:
- Coffee
- Latte
- Cafe mocha
- Caramel latte
- Hazelnut latte
They also offer drip coffee made with their own roasted beans.
Beer
Among alcoholic drinks, beer is especially popular.
KAG mainly offers the following beers.
- Draft beer (Kirin)
- Heineken
- Corona Extra
- Guinness
- Heartland
- OKAYAMA JIMOTO BEER
The classic draft beer is also recommended, but the one to look out for is “OKAYAMA JIMOTO BEER 086 (Okayama Jimoto Beer Zero Hachi Roku).”
OKAYAMA JIMOTO BEER 086 is a craft beer brand made by a brewery called “Kurashiki Brewing Company” in Hayashima Town.
It is craft beer made locally and inspired by the local area.
At the time of our visit (November 2023), five varieties were available.
Cafe&BarKAG is appealing for its hearty hamburgers, carefully crafted espresso coffee, and the variety of events it holds.
We interviewed Akiba Yuichi, president and CEO of Kurabiz Co., Ltd., which operates the cafe, and Tamaoka Ayata, KAG’s manager.
Cafe & Bar KAG details
| Name | Cafe & Bar KAG |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-1-2 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-441-8817 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | 9:00 a.m.–midnight |
| Closed | Monday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 35 seats in total 35 seats ・3 tables seating four ・3 tables seating two (can be joined together) ・5 window-side counter seats ・5 counter seats by the register ・5 terrace counter seats ・2 terrace tables (round) |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking permitted only in designated areas) |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Families with children | Strollers allowed Children’s plates available |
| Accessibility | Ramp Wheelchair accessible |
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This hamburger was also sold when the shop first opened, but it was temporarily discontinued.
It was brought back in response to popular demand, and has been so well received that it is now a signature menu item!