01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
There is distinct pleasure in holding a taco in one hand and a craft beer in the other. In Asagaya, olla/Oja operates as a sibling venue to and beer, the local craft brewery, centering its casual bar menu on tacos and Mexican-inspired fare. Ordered individually from 1 piece, the tacos span straightforward carnitas to pork mince simmered in mole poblano, spicy miso-sautéed beef offal (shimacho), and seasonal combinations. The kitchen also turns out crisp tostadas with toppings such as pinto bean paste with avocado, or roasted aubergine paste with smoked salmon, contrasting rich spreads against a crunchy base.
The drinks program draws heavily on and beer's portfolio, pouring fresh from the taps alongside an intriguing selection of bottled barrel-aged beers conditioned in wine casks. The cellar extends to Japanese wines primarily from Yamanashi and the Katsunuma region, smoky agave mezcals, and a key lime sour mixing Kinmiya shochu with Mexican lime juice—giving plenty of scope to match spice and acidity across the menu.
Counter stools and low tables sit in a quiet, unhurried room that works equally well for a lone pint or a shared spread of small plates. On weekends, continuous afternoon service makes it an easy stop for daytime drinking and a relaxed taco lunch.
