Chizuko in Pensacola FL

I had an unusual experience at a vegan dive bar called Chizuko in Pensacola. Here's how it went.

I found a flat black painted building with no windows. It looked like a goth nightclub. The sign said "Chizuko".  I knew this was the place. I found a door and went inside. The darkness and cool air was like going into a cave. It was amazingly dark. 1990's Hip Hop music was playing. All I could see was some colored light and dark silhouettes. I followed the colored light to find the bar. When my eyes adjusted enough to see, I found myself  surrounded by a freakish but pleasantly interesting environment. As an artist, I immediately felt comfortable within the creative space. The lady at the bar quickly welcomed me with a smile.

New Belgium Dayblazer
I started the visit with a New Belgium Dayblazer. It was refreshing with a wheaty nutty taste. It was so good I had another one later.

I had to use light from a cell phone to see the menu until my eyes adjusted. The moment I walked in it was like visiting friends. The lady at the bar was very friendly. She said she named the place after her Japanese grandmother. The vegan snack food menu has a slight Asian theme. The place is full of strange objects like voodoo skulls, a Victorian sofa, bizarre paintings of crab-devil ladies, and a coffin as a coffee table. I went into one of the non-gender specific restrooms to wash my hands and was surprised to see this:

Wow! This place is full of visual surprises. These are my kind of people! Now back to the vegan food.



Kimchi Tater Salad
This was a creamy, tangy, chunky potato salad with crisp chunks hidden inside and topped with black sesame seeds. It was cool and refreshing. Very good!

Banh Mi Sliders
These tasted like they could be Gardein Beefless Sliders with some extra tasty veggie ingredients added to them. These tiny vegan burgers go well with beer.

Curried Boiled Peanuts
These boiled peanuts were very good! They're served in a pool of coconut milk with yellow curry, chili pepper, ginger, cilantro, and lemongrass. These may be the best boiled peanuts I've ever had. Messy but excellent! They come with hand wipes and napkins.

This visit was unforgettable. The building is uninviting from the outside, but anyone who goes inside will find a secret treasure of good vegan snacks and adult beverages served by friendly people in a visually exciting space. Chizuko has frequent comedy and music events. There's a patio/courtyard that is lit in blue light for anyone who smokes or wants to bring a canine partner. This place is amazing! If you're in Pensacola, you need to check this out!