In Fukuoka "yakitori" means more than just chicken, and popular items here at the city's most famous yakitoriya include everything from beef skirt steak to pig's feet. Hachibei's grilled butabara (pork belly) is especially good, with just the right amount of fat to yield maximum flavor during grilling, In fact they're so proud of this dish that the restaurant's staff wear t-shirts emblazoned with the word "butabara."

Plump, juicy bonjiri (chicken tail) is another highlight, as are the meatier-than-average wings. Crunchy cucumbers in sesame oil make a nice side dish. For even more roughage, skewers are served Fukuoka-style, accompanied by ample helpings of vinegared raw cabbage.

Various set menus are available, or you can order a la carte by the skewer, though for some items there is a two-skewer minimum. The drinks list is strongest in the shochu department, but there's also a small but well-chosen sake selection as well as wine by the glass.

Hachibei has several outlets around town, but this is one of the more conveniently located. It's at the center of the very lively "300 Steps from the Station Yokocho" restaurant complex, in the basement of the JRJP Hakata Building next to Kitte Hakata.