Bartender: Kami no Glass

Ah, Bartender—a timeless classic reborn in the form of a remastered anime, much like the beloved Spice and Wolf this season.

At first glance, you might be tempted to write it off as just another run-of-the-mill series about alcohol. But oh, dear reader, it is so much more than that. Bartender is a journey into the heart and soul of libations, each drink carefully selected to match the patron's mood and tell a story of its own.

Forget your overpowered heroes and flashy romances—Bartender is a different breed of anime altogether. It's a collection of short stories, each one a poignant tale of everyday people and their ... encounters with the magical elixirs served up by our enigmatic bartender.

What sets Bartender apart is its ability to create a sense of calm and tranquility, a refuge from the chaos of the world outside. As you sink into your seat and take a sip of your drink, you'll find yourself transported to a realm where time slows down and worries melt away.

It's hard to put into words just why Bartender is so captivating. Perhaps it's the way each episode weaves together the threads of human experience with the artistry of mixology. Or maybe it's the comforting familiarity of the bar setting, a place where strangers become friends over a shared glass.

Whatever it is, one thing's for certain: if you're looking for an anime with a chill vibe to unwind to, Bartender is the perfect choice. So sit back, relax, and let the soothing ambience wash over you. Cheers to good company and even better drinks—enjoy!

“What would a man drink of if there is no alcohol in a moment where work and life disappoints you” -Junichiro Kurosawa

After this somewhat depressing quote, we're left with only the difficult parts of living adulthood in our minds, with alcohol as a remedy (or perhaps, just an halt for now ?). My plan isn't to discourage you to not drink alcohol either way, if you're here checking if a bartender anime is interesting or not to watch, you probably already have your own opinion of it. When you think of Japan, you think of omurice, maid cafes and overworking their employees (wait what), that's ... when the Japanese drinking culture comes to play, it starts chill in the evening with an Isakaya, and in the middle of the night, you get a call (Call of the night reference) to get the fuck up inside a Nijikai (thanks Abroad in Japan), the afterparty where you sit at a counter bar to drink a bunch of cocktails while smoking a big cigar, finally finishing at 3 am and wake up at 5, the cycle repeat. It's a funny story, somewhat real or not, but drinking a very nice cocktail in a dimmed room with only you, maybe one of two fellow drinker and the master of the craft, the bartender, is an immaculate vibe that makes you appreciate the present moment and forget the harsh life. Bartender : Glass of God is this anime, where the theme is just a bartender being there to cook you (let him cook) the perfect cocktail for you, the Glass of God, and this review is there to explain why it's good to drink (this is not medical advice).

Thinking how chill this anime is, for the most part, it's almost an Iyashikei, the genre of healing anime, tho it's quite humorous that you get healed by cocktails, as the customer. However, it's not always an episodic event where someone enters the bar, our main character Sasakura Ryu preps up the perfect cocktail for any situation and they talk about mundane or adult stuff life crisis, it's sometimes more than that. What I especially like about this anime is the characters that you get to see more than once, they all get a nicely crafted story with real human struggles, from maniacs events to depressing ones. Ryu even describes his bar, the Edenhall (what a fitting name of something magical and out of this world, is this dude the representation of god helping human kind to survive ?!), as an hospital, helping people out with an outstanding cocktail, while he is a jack of all trade, also able to do therapy while talking and using that sick metal bottle to (insert the onomatopoeia of ice cubes in the shaker doing Tsk Tsk Tsk Tsk Tsk in an ASMR fashion) to do a powerful and majestic liquid. In addition to this feeling that I especially like, there's two things that I like about this anime, it's a gold mine of sick cocktails to do yourself, because you know, Food Wars food looks very good, but who has 5 hours to prep something like that, while (some, because a few of those cocktails are hella hard to make) cocktails is just mixing things and shaking, I made a nice list of cocktails to try thanks to this anime, it even explains the creation story of the cocktail and has a nice taste review, it's always fun to cook something unique and very different from what you have usually. The other thing that I like about this anime is the adult cast. It's kinda obvious with the theme, but everyone in this anime is an adult, and it's sometimes a breath of fresh air not seeing the 13 years old overreact and anime shenanigans. The discussions are mature, mostly profound with adult events, like love, work, death even. In this heartful event, the Edenhall is the perfect place to go.

As for the visual and music part, overall it's not bad ! This anime is the second project that studio Liber did, after another adult cast story, they have their demographic in view. For a visual stand point, it's not the same level as the best visually pleasing anime this season, but I've seen way worse. It's consistent and looks clean for 99% of the anime, it even has some nice shaking shaker sakuga (albeit it's reused a few times), it's not a worry to have. What I find exceptionally good however is the music department, the OST and always so calming, yet portrays well the emotions in the current scene that you're watching, it's very well done. The OP and ED are pristine for a relaxing song, it makes you feel like drinking that 88% vodka cocktail is child play lmao. Overall, small paragraph, it's a good sign of something effective and average. I haven't seen the old anime adaptation, but I guess it's similar and this anime is probably making the visual better than in the old time, probably not as good as Spice and Wolf, but still.

In the end, Bartender : Glass of God is the perfect anime to watch after a hard/long day of work/school, while opening a cold beer like Gigguk did when seeing the preview of this anime, or your favourite drink. It will either ease your mind and install a very calm atmosphere, or suck you into an interesting story taking it's time about a lot of characters and their various events in life. Almost just like installing yourself at the bar accompanied by our main character the bartender. Watching one of two episode a day max is probably also my recommendation. The magical powers of cocktail and the almost magical abilities of Ryu to make the perfect cocktail will guide you.

"Do you know the meaning of the word 'bartender'? 'Bar' means a perch to rest on, and 'tender' means gentle. So 'bartender' means 'a gentle perch.'"

This is a line from the first episode that sets the premise and the tone of the show, romanticizing bartending as a sophisticated and almost therapeutic vocation. Except that I am pretty sure that is not where the word comes from. A bartender is the person who “tends” the bar, as in “taking care of,” similar to "tending to a patient." This may sound like a strange nitpick, but it encapsulates the show for me.

The show is at its most ... interesting when it “talks shop” and explores the many kinds of cocktails, flavor, technique and bartending philosophies. If this is enough for you, you will have a good time. But in almost all other areas the show is awkward and unsatisfying.

The writing in the bar scenes feels very simplistic for what is supposed to be a conversation between adults about refined tastes and hardships in life. Sasakura, the genius bartender and the main character, explains every single detail about what he is thinking, what he is doing and what he means by it. Nothing is left unsaid or ambiguous so that the customer (and the viewer) can contemplate and interpret. Sasakura speaks more through words rather than through his drinks, which I feel goes against the premise of the show. When he mixes in some trivia and some life lessons, he often comes across as preachy rather than sympathetic. The stories that the customers bring to the table are also straightforward, like a rough day at work or doubts about a career choice. There are no layers to peel back, unusual personalities, or particularly complicated circumstances.

These interactions may be more enjoyable if the characters are charismatic or likable, but that is not the case here. Sasakura is just a “cool guy,” always poker-faced, both at work and outside of work, and he rarely says or does anything that reveals anything about himself. It is revealed in the first episode that he has some eccentric sides to him, but those have not been brought up again. I think his character is intended to be an enigma of sorts, but at the moment he just comes across as dull. Other characters are completely flat and get one-word descriptions like “perfectionist” or “workaholic,” if they are lucky. There seems to be an overarching story about recruiting Sasakura to work at a newly-open bar, but there is not much to it, and little progress has been made.

Unfortunately, not much is going on in the art and animation department, either. The cocktails themselves look nice, but the rest of the art is very bland; the bars look mostly flat and featureless. Characters are not very expressive and barely move, and most scenes unfold with characters sitting still and flapping their mouths. I understand that this show is a drama where people sit down and have drinks, but it does not look like the director is trying to do anything creative here at all.

I have not read the manga or seen the original anime adaptation, but I knew that they were well-regarded, and this show has not met my expectations so far. Going back to the “bartender” quote, I feel similarly about the show itself; it feels mildly pleasant but does not hold up to a closer look. This show is just not doing anything nearly as interesting or “elegant” as the subject matter itself, which makes the little annoyances all the more glaring. If you simply want to see great-looking cocktails, or if you want a calm, relaxing show to chill out to, you may enjoy this show. If you are looking for anything beyond that, I really doubt this show will deliver.

This is an incomplete review since I'm writing this before the season is over. That said, this is type of show it's easier to write about it since it's not a Shonen or a thriller where the overall story can be determine how I feel about a show when it ends.

This is mostly a slice of life adult anime. I say adult since it revolves around drinking, and dealing with problems you go through as an adult such as your career, relationships, adult stress, etc. You won't see issues like upcoming semester exams to getting your first girlfriend.

Also as I mentioned, it revolves around ... drinking. The coolest element with the alcohol and drinks is everything they discussed are all real. For example the main characters go to a real distillery that actually exists in Japan in one episode. The bottles they show are real brands and different types of liquor. Even the different cocktails they show off are real, and you can look it up how to make it yourself. I really appreciate that sense of realism, and in a way educational since they describe the differences in the types of alcohols and what is in a drink.

Meanwhile the show is mostly about a very good bartender who is being pursued by a couple people at a nearby hotel who want him to help open up and run their bar at the hotel. Especially for international guests and wanting someone who can understand a customer's wants and needs well. For the most part he has refused, but between him and these two people, others slowly become a part of their story from other nearby bars and bartenders to other customers. The best way to describe it is you have the bartender as the main character, then a supporting cast with one off guests in an episode that drives the story and theme.

If anyone has seen the Japanese drama, Midnight Diner, it is similar how you have episodes with different people while revolving the core cast. Personally I like that, and it's a nice change of pace from the typical Shonen or action shows.

Overall I recommend it if you don't mind slice of life shows, and especially aim towards an older audience. It's a show to touch upon everyday life with the bar as the setting. It's not for everyone, and it's not perfect by any means. But it's an enjoyable and relaxing show to have with a drink.

Bartender is one interesting piece of media, which provides us with insight of the nightlife bar venues in Tokyo, the people whose work is to manage them and the people who provide their service to the customers. As much as the bartenders serves drinks, they also provide entertainment for those who desire it, and could be good listeners for the more somber customers - this is one of the many more points that this show proves.

This protagonist of this show is Sasakura Ryu - the prominent and charismatic bartender of Eden Hall, the so called "Glass of the Gods". In his representation, we ... see a lot of the before mentioned traits that his line of work expects him to have, but on top of that he's person who is extremely perceptive of his surroundings, and his clientele's physical and mental state, which is his personal style. On top of that, he uses his craft to cater and refine the cocktails he makes so that they'd cater to everyone's personal desires, altering or straight up re-imagining the drink in new form and way to provide perfect service to those that are in need of it.

But this story is one that is not focused on him alone - rather, it presents a view point to the whole bar entertainment industry and the proper etiquette while being in that kind of establishment, which is certainly a reflection of the experiences of Jou Araki, the mangaka that this work is inspired from.

It's impossible to not mention the first adaptation of Bartender from 2006, and their differences. The newer work sticks closer to the source material, and presents us one more inexperienced and flamboyant version of our protagonist - his laid back demeanor and more carefree attitude is hardly evident in the previous version, in which we saw him as this gallant, refined and soft spoken gentleman. The support cast is far more evident and has much more screen time than in the original series, but they feel like much different people, more playful and silly. In short, the current adaptation feels as it is much more lighter, relaxing watch, but in the same way, a bit more prone to fit in tropes - many of the characters behave and express like caricatures of their former selves, including the protagonist. Also this adaptation is much more focused on the story's plot and it's development, while the original show provided more of an episodic, self contained vignettes of stories, but the way that they were developed, and the way that it used clever, often mind-bending cinematography, as well as much more somber, almost psychological approach, made the series absolutely phenomenal for the niche of watchers that enjoy exactly this, myself included.

The dark and enveloping night, the bright street lights in defiance of that, the soft and comforting voice of the narrator, exploring yet another human fate on the canvas of this episode - a well defined character, often lost in his desires that they can hardly express properly, and the feint, gentle smile of Ryu, accepting their presence as yet another customer he'd provide his craft for, by this way alleviating their anxieties. In contrast to this, the remake of Bartender provides story that is a bit more simple to consume, and is a bit more cheerful and joyful. In the same sense it also means that this newer interpretation is more appealing to the casual watchers who are not quite ready for the contemplative psychological approach to the version that 2006 has, but in the same sense that doesn't diminishes the current adaptation's qualities.

In a sense, both adaptations provides two sides of the same coin, and in my opinion, both deserve our attention and praise.

To the other reviewers who are yapping about Ryuu being different from the 2006 anime: READ THE MANGA! This adaptation is way closer to the original and, yes, Sasakura Ryuu is a silly airhead when he's not working. That's what makes him as a character work for me. The 2006 anime took the episodic approach and removed basically all of the story and character development except the client stories. It was cool, ngl, but there's so much more to Bartender, and this version of it seems to take all (or at least most) of it. Ryuu is more than a cool placeholder behind the bar ... counter, he's a character with a full personality: a genuinely kind and caring airhead with a smidge of a dark past (won't go into spoiler territory) he has overcome but professional and competent at his job. Miwa is also more than a placeholder for a couple stories, and in the first 4 episodes there's already been glimpses of that.

Overall, if you like slice of life episodic stories linked together by a leitmotif of character development of the main cast, this anime is for you. If you're interested in cocktails and fictionalised history of alcohol, this anime is for you. If you loved the original manga, this anime is for you.

If you want action/adventure? Choose something else. If you want romance? Choose something else. If you want a cardboard cutout "cool" main lead? Choose something else.

Bartender: Glass of God is the second TV anime adaptation of the Bartender manga, with the first being from the 2006 series. I never watched the original anime so I went into this series with zero expectations, and overall, I was very pleased with this show. This series revolves around Ryuu Sasakura, a bartender that does everything that he can to please the guests that walk through his bar. As the show progresses, we learn about the various drinks that he serves to the wide variety of guests that walk into his bar, and to a further extent the world of bartending and this side ... of the service industry. Side characters like Miwa Kurushima act as a great audience surrogate to explore and indulge in the various cocktails that are present in this show, and the writing is very rich and deep in giving us some very compelling backstories surrounding the specific drink served in an episode. The way this show ties in the drinks Ryuu and the other bartenders serve to their guests’ personal struggles makes the drama and slice of life elements very engaging to watch. Many of the plotlines present in the episodes are very grounded in realism, which makes them relatable, and at times even tragic and sad. In the same vein as the writing, there are some very memorable lines from this anime, which is something I rarely even talk about in my anime reviews. Lines like “Sweetness and bitterness, comedy and tragedy, fortune and misfortune. I suppose everything in life has two different faces,” and “Do you know why the lighting in bars is so dim? It’s to hide the guests’ tears” hit me hard when I first watched the episodes these quotes are from. Bartender: Glass of God does an amazing job tugging at your heartstrings with some down-to-earth narratives that speaks to both the beautiful and cruel nature of life. From persevering in life to reliving the old days, the many plotlines in this anime I think can offer some form of comfort and reflection for those who struggle with any issues similar to those found in this series. I highly recommend this show for anyone who is looking for calm, yet introspective series on the many lessons life can offer you.

This doesn't feel like the Bartender I know.

In case you're wondering, yes, this anime is a remake/reboot of an anime that came out all the way back in 2006, called Bartender. Why is it getting remade almost an entire 18 years later? Other than how it might be connected to the fact that 18 is the legal drinking age in many countries, it beats me.

I'd heard about this new anime coming out that focused on bars and drinks and all that, and I just had to check out the original. And guess what? I genuinely liked it! I'm not even old enough to drink, ... and tbh, I'm pretty scared of alcohol, but getting to learn about different drinks, their origins, and the struggles of troubled individuals who wander into Eden Hall, all in such a cozy, homey atmosphere, was so refreshing.

So, now that this remake's finally airing, what are my impressions of it? Well, I'm conflicted.

Now, writing a preliminary review having only watched three episodes so far is kind of unfair in my eyes now, but WHAT THE HELL happened???? Nothing seems very comforting anymore and nothing is interesting. It just feels like some sort of odd ASMR instead, because the inside of the bar is so much more goddamn quiet, it's literally almost unnerving. The 2006 Bartender was one of those anime where it was soothing, and even lulled me to sleep a few times (because it was so chill, not because it was dead boring), but I just felt so oddly alert during every moment inside the bar in this one, and this feeling is strengthened even more by how off the characters and their dialogue seems, and the new sort of personality they gave Sasakura, our lovely bartender. It's like they made him so much more of a goofy idiot than actually mature and collected. Like, okay, maybe he regains himself when he's bartending, but there's still that lingering new aura around him that I just find so unfitting of him, and that really disrupts the already off-putting atmosphere.

I'm glad they didn't take the core aspects of Bartender away, though at least not yet. It still seems to have the same formula of a stressed-out drinker coming in for a drink, and having their worries completely washed away by Sasakura's exquisite skills in creating the perfect drink for any individual. Sometimes there's a bit of drama, sometimes it's just that smooth-rolling, straightforward experience. This time, though, there seems to be a goal of trying to get Sasakura to work at a bar, specifically on the top floor of a building. The problem is, he has a fear of heights, and refuses every time he is asked. This is an example of how they made him kind of dumb, but hey, there's a little underlying goal there. But I want my Gary Sue ikemen Sasakura Ryuu in perfect form!!!!

I'm not really liking this new adaptation of Bartender so far, but I'm not necessarily hating it either. It's got its unwanted changes in there, but it's not like it's a completely different anime. I'm holding on to hope that by chance this new adaptation could turn in a good direction soon, but that's gonna be a wait. Maybe I might write a complete review once this has finished airing, going over it in more detail, but who knows.

Thank you for reading my review.

As Spica by Mone Kamishiraishi plays at the end of episode 1, that slow pacing rhythm slowly caresses my curious afterthoughts of the story - before I realized - I was totally immersed into this story. One might argue that as long as the story draws you in, it has done it's job of filling the melancholies and gaps of loneliness of its viewer.

Without any regards to the source material vs the supposed 2016 anime, this anime is truly worth the time for anyone that loves an effective story telling to ease the gentle hearts of viewers that reminds them of challenging nature ... of the slice of life that we face IRL.

It doesn't have fancy animation, or mind-busting mysteries, but it carries the charm of telling the stories of the every day lives of different guests to the bar through the lense of the main character; and how this anime juxtaposes remedies in the form of a drink by the talented bartender, whose wisdom belie his age.

This season, there has been a lot of good high profile animes - but strangely enough, Kimi no Glass is my most anticipated release weekly.

Solid 9/10.

The world behind the counter, the glasses that reflect each moment. "Bartender Kami no Glass" will serve you a divine and unforgettable dose. Great lessons and insights are present, the universe of mixology is more than you think. It's not just about drinks, it's a safe haven where a great ally, the Bartender, awaits you.

We live in a vast world full of falsities and problems. Each person knows how difficult it is to live their life. However, there is a refuge for this. The anime shines in this aspect, welcoming our tired bodies. The clients of Eden Hall have lives similar to most of our ... reality, like stress, anxiety, and the race against time. These problems are represented in this work, and each visit brings a mutual feeling. Sasakura, the Bartender, will embrace each fragment, serving you immense messages of security and comfort, along with a formidable drink and a faithful companion for the lonely night. The anime's stance towards the public is exuberant. We are a client of Eden Hall and can learn valuable lessons, from moral teachings to how to prepare a drink.

It's so relaxing to watch the episodes of this anime. The settings and the composition of colors offer a welcoming environment. The soundtrack is well placed (especially in the final episode), making good use of the script. Of course, the animation is not the most eye-catching or elaborate, but for a series without action, it is quite adequate. The opening and ending themes are relatively good, matching the essence of the work. Even after watching the series in its entirety, I still enjoy rewatching it. As for the personalities in the anime Bartender, there are memorable characters filled with diverse traits. Whether they have little screen time or are more prominent, they bring a variety of roles that significantly contribute to the story.

If you are interested, there is no reason to miss this opportunity. It's a great story that is worth every minute of your time. So, relax, and have a wonderful experience.

In Brazilian Portuguese:
O mundo por trás do balcão, as taças que refletem cada momento, "Bartender: Kami no Glass" é a obra que vai servir-lhe uma dose divina e inesquecível, grandes lições e aprendizados estão presentes, o universo da coquetelaria é mais do que você pensa, não são apenas bebidas, mas um porto seguro onde estará por sua espera um grande aliado, o Bartender.

Vivemos em um vasto mundo repleto de falsidades e problemas, cada um sabe o quão difícil é viver sua vida, entretanto, há um refúgio para isso, o anime brilhará nesse aspecto, acolhendo nossos corpos cansados. Os clientes do Eden Hall possuem vidas similares sob a maior parte da nossa realidade, aquele estresse, ansiedade e a corrida contra o tempo. Tais problemas são representados nesta obra, cada visita vai trazer um sentimento mútuo. Sasakura, o Bartender, vai acolher cada fragmento, lhe servindo imensas mensagens de segurança e conforto, junto de uma formidável bebida e um companheiro fiel para a noite solitária. Por viés, é exuberante a postura que o anime se mantém ao público, somos um cliente do Eden Hall e podemos tirar aprendizados, desde lições morais até mesmo de como se preparar uma bebida.

É tão relaxante assistir aos episódios desse anime, os cenários e a composição de cores oferecem um ambiente acolhedor, a trilha sonora é bem colocada (principalmente ao último episódio), tendo um aproveitamento ótimo do roteiro. Claro, a animação não é daquelas chamativas e super elaboradas, mas para uma série sem ação é bem considerável. A abertura e encerramento são relativamente bons, combinando com a essência da obra, e após assistir por inteiro esta série, ainda gosto de rever. Agora abordando a questão das personalidades que se encontram no anime Bartender, destacam-se personagens memoráveis e preenchidos com características diversificadas, tanto os com pouco tempo de tela até os mais presentes, trazendo uma variedade de papéis que conduzem significativamente para a história.

Caso tenha se interessado, não há motivos para deixar essa oportunidade passar, é uma ótima história que vale cada minuto do seu tempo, então sente, relaxe e tenha uma ótima experiência.

By far, one of the best anime's this year has to offer and is criminally underrated.
This is a realistic, and well produced anime directed towards adults over the age of 18. It has amazingly done mature themes with decent visuals to back up its well constructed story.

Let's start on the vibes this gives off, it's a very easygoing anime to watch, with its entire focus being on Ryuu's growth to become the bartender of Hotel Cardinal, but before than he needs to overcome some of his past and look beyond it. This is done really well through this anime, shown with a well-developed character growth ... with Ryuu with his meetings of different customers while he is bartending.
Each person Ryuu serves a drink to has a story and hardship to overcome, each time he does it with elegance and professionalism, making all of this come across as being down to earth and realistic.

You should just watch it and see what I am talking about.
🗿 9.5/10, don't become an alcoholic from watching this! 🗿

I started watching this anime without having seen the original series, so I had no expectations. I must say, I was mostly pleasantly surprised by this incredibly calming show. Throughout the anime, you'll follow a bartender named Ryuu Sasakura, who works at a bar called Eden Hall. I don't particularly drink too much, but I was still amazed by the variety of cocktails and alcohols this anime introduces. I was even more surprised to see that the actual names of alcohol brands were used, rather than the usual cheap knock-offs you often find in anime. Instead, you'll see brands like "Martini," "Jim Beam," "Malibu," "Campari," ... and many more proudly displayed on the bar shelves which was a very nice touch and adds a feeling of realism to it.

The main character Ryuu is quite likeable as he is a very caring person and manages to conjure up exactly what kind of drink the person sitting behind the counter ends up needing in the episode. As the story progresses, you learn more about his character and figure out that he is hiding a little something behind the mask of a perfect bartender. The side characters are all crafted well and each have their own little problems and issues that make their personalities unique and help them stand out. Most of them also end up showing up in multiple episodes which makes their stories feel important and like they have an impact on the overarching story. Basically the entire cast consists of adults which gives the show a very mature feeling to it, which makes sense considering alcohol is the major theme of the story.

When it comes to the cocktails I was amazed by just how much detail they use to explain the cocktails which are being made, going into the story of their creation and showing precise instructions how they are made and which ingredients are required. It's done so well that you could probably go and try to do the cocktails yourself, which adds to the cozy and relaxing feeling of this anime.

The animation is fine for what it is and the music is chosen well to the calming theme of this anime. I ended up enjoying this more than I thought I would and even learned a lot about cocktails and alcohol. The plot is decent and draws you in but lacks a little bit of depth. In total, I thought that "Bartender: Kami No Glass" was good and I recommend watching it if you're interested in alcohol and the bar nightlife, as the theme is captured outstandingly.

I'm not a big fan of alcohol, and as such have never been barhopping before in my life. But, if every bar were like the ones shown in this show, I'd be very tempted to give it a shot, pun intended.

Bartender: Kami no Glass is actually a reboot of an anime by the same name, but minus the subtitle. I never got to watch the original series, so I can't say how it holds up comparatively, but the benefit of this knowledge is, if this show piques your interest, you can always go and watch both to get that comparative experience!

For me, though, ... one season is plenty, and what we got was definitely enjoyable. Most episodes are one-and-done, with our protagonist Sasakura Ryuu manning the Bar Edenhall and meeting his customer of the week. There, he hears the customer's woes, then prepares them a cocktail perfect for the situation, but not without doling out a little (at times somewhat pretentious-feeling) trivia about the cocktail he's making. In addition to the episodic nature of the patrons, there is also an overarching plot of a hotel owner and his staff doggedly trying to recruit Ryuu to his hotel, as well as an underlying plot regarding Ryuu's history as a bartender and the source of his humility, but I won't spoil it and simply say that the story handles itself well and comes to a satisfying conclusion.

But I do want to hang on that word a bit: pretentious. Again, I don't know how actual, real-world bartenders act, nor am I familiar with the nuances of various cocktails and the flavor profiles that go into them. That being said, while I love Ryuu's style of bartending, doing everything he can to make sure his patrons are as satisfied as they can be, it does feel a tad odd to be doling out trivia about the drinks he makes and not only expect the recipient to understand the nuance of it all, but to also automatically find every drink he makes to hit the spot just right.

So, yes, the show IS a tad pretentious, in my opinion. But does that detract from the quality of the show? No; the audience needs the patrons to understand the nuance and significance of each cocktail, and more importantly to believe they are every bit as tasty as said patrons describe. The pretense serves to hold the storytelling up and give it the vibe it's looking for, of a bar and bartender who will not only hear out your woes, but help you pull yourself back up and greet the next day stronger than you did before!

So, if you're a fan of the art of bartending or cocktail mixing, or just want a cozy show to warm your soul and whet your thirst, this show is definitely a great one to watch.

Perfect anime for those trying to justify their alcoholism.

In all seriousness, the anime goes for a pleasant, chill vibe, and achieves it. Episodes are formulaic, and essentially is a toned down, more adult iteration of food wars.

Character makes drink, gives drink to another character(s), takes a sip, insert surprised, orgasmic reaction while exclaiming how the drink is so good! Then you will get a long winded exposition dump-- what ingredients were used and the methods used and some sort of backstory behind the drink or character making the drink.

Let's be real, no one watching this actually cares about the little details, and whether or not ... they're even true. They probably all are true, but I don't think anyone would care if these factoids given to us were really just made up nonsense. No one is writing notes while watching, and is like, "I'm gonna remember this obscure detail for this even more obscure drink, store it away in the vault, and when the time is right, blow everyone's nips away."

I just enjoy the chill vibes and almost therapeutic relief the show provides its viewers. We can all insert ourselves into the shoes of one of these characters going through something bc who doesn't have their own struggles and hardships? so we just try to immerse ourselves in the episode, and let some bartender who has the wisdom of an ancient monk in his in his 30s(?) that can make god tier alcoholic beverages comfort us through the fake drinks he makes and through the ultimately pointless stories he provides us every episode.

The show provides a little bit of solace for those seeking it. I find myself enjoying it for what it is, and don't think people need to make it any more or any less than what it is to enjoy it. It's nothing ground breaking, but it's pleasant enough that it may find its way onto your weekly viewing schedule like it did mine.

6/10. It's fine.

One of the biggest draws of this anime for me was that is was adults, in an adult world, not dealing with any supernatural stuff. It's a change of pace from so much of the rest of anime out there. They deal with real-life adult issues. And this anime delivered that. And as a gigantic departure from so many other anime (and media in general) they don't shy away from using actual brand names. When alcohol is shown, they use real brand names. Denny's isn't "Danny's" here, Smirnoff is Smirnoff. I really appreciate that fact. It keeps the immersion.

The ... animation itself is very solid. The voice acting is very good. Almost all of it is understated, which goes with the vibe of the show. The music, when you notice it, works. I generally like a lot of the characters. I'd love to be able to rate this show higher. This is the kind of show I want to rate a 9 or 10. Two things.

1) I said I generally like a lot of the characters. But, I like them at arm's length. Over 12 episodes (which with this show, each episode feels long) I couldn't feel any connection with any of them. It's like every character was kept at arm's length. I don't think that's what they were going for. Some were supposed to engender some level of empathy or connectedness, but for me none of them clicked. I know sometimes that's a goal for one or more characters but I don't think that's what they were going for here. Everyone just seemed so muted and detached. I don't know if it's because anime characters in general are over-the-top that everyone here was "normal" so they came off flat, or this was their idea of "sophisticated" or something, but I had a hard time cheering that hard for anyone, save a couple of the side character bartenders. The main character actually started to get on my nerves towards the end, and I really don't think that was the goal of the writers (and not the fault of the voice actor).

2) The show became unintentional comedy at certain points with how up its own ass it is about how amazing bartenders are. Look, this is no slight against bartenders at all, but even in a show called Bartender: Glass of God it was too much. If they have a season 2, I wouldn't be shocked if there's a line where they say, "Jesus Christ may have been a carpenter, but when he turned water into wine, that also made him a bartender." And play it totally serious.

Will I watch a Season 2? Probably. Mainly because there's such a lack of anime about adults in a realistic world, and I need a break from all the isekai, yokai, kaiju, demon lords, talking vending machines, and people with psychic abilities that make up the rest of my Crunchyroll watchlist. But damn, I wish these characters were a bit more engaging.

It’s refreshing to watch an anime with adult characters, but Bartender: Kami no Glass takes too many cues from shounen sports and music stories. Bartending isn’t the same as high school volleyball or competitive piano—many of the tropes that this show attempts to use feel awkward and forced because the parallels between bartending and sports/music are flimsy at best. The resulting drama feels contrived and out of place among working adults.

I think Bartender: Kami no Glass works best in the background. It’s chill and relaxing, but it doesn’t reward you for getting invested. I enjoy it most when I’m not asking too many questions and ... my brain is turned off. Sometimes, that’s exactly what I need out of a show.

The Glass of God will heal your soul,One of the most Charming and Therapeutic Slice Of Life I've seen in a while.
Bartender:Kami no Glass is one of the many shows I randomly chose to watch at the start of the season and it was a welcome surprise,Its very slow paced in the best way possible, becoming a great show to watch if you just want to relax and have something,which is typical of a slice of life, but something about this one was uniquely meditative. If you're on the fence or don't wish to commit the time to a full season, watch the ... first two episodes and see how you feel.
The show is paced in a semi episodic format, so if you wish to take it slow you wont find yourself lost or confused where the story is going. The first few episodes are especially soothing to watch, the show thrives in its atmosphere of the Tokyo nightlife or the calming lights of the bar. With the latter half of the show focusing more on the characters inner struggles and developments, which was more satisfying to see than i expected it would. Though as much as I loved the pacing, the mid season episodes kind of dragged a bit, trying to bridge the gap between what the stories they wish to conclude in the latter half and retaining the status quo of the first half.

Each character is well designed both in terms of their character and their design, everyone in this show has their own charm and I love it, I with many of the side characters feeling equal to the main characters in terms of development

Visually the show is slightly above average, unfortunately it suffers from classic issues with many anime like stiff shifting of posing and still drawings with only mouths flapping, which is common for slice of life, just still disappointing. But behind the bar movements are snappy and dynamic, really feels like their time was spent perfecting every scene in which a drink is made, almost like and alcoholic Delicious in Dungeon. Just watch (and listen) to anyone in this show using a cocktail shaker, its so satisfying.

Overall, This is a great show and well worth checking out, its unique,mature and therapeutic. Edenhall is more than willing to serve you with something to soothe your soul.

This drink reeks of old man. It has the old school writing maturity from 2 decades ago or more. Sorry, whoever wrote this work, but you really reek of old man.
Episodic formula is very prevalent in older shows, I believe. It's easier, shorter, flexible and delivers the punch fast. But of course, we want a major plotline to anticipate the final punch. I think... this anime run kinda fumbled on the last major punch. The ending isn't bad, but I didn't really go crazy either.

A lot of the stories always have an old man yapping his ideologies and beliefs that comes in the ... shape of Sasakure Ryuu, a handsome and robot polite young man. If I were a teenager, I would go "Wise words, old man," and go this is deep af bruh. But I'm past that age, and have seen enough of this kind of delivery to anticipate the catch. So in my view, the whole anime constantly has an opinionated nagging dialogue, no matter how roundabout it tries to spin it.

That's not the fatal point, however. The true problem that this anime fails to excite me is the lack of conflict. I feel... all the questions presented to the viewers are too simple and easy to answer, or rather, Sasakure Ryuu always answer them quickly without fail. So I don't really have the chance to brew in the bitterness before I taste the sweet aftertaste. I think it needs more morally challenging topics or devastating tragic tales. It's just too light to be anything distinctive or memorable.

You want something light while not being overly hahahappy. Sure... Unfortunately, this is not my glass of god.

'Bartender: Kami no Glass' is what you call a type of slice-of-life anime called iyashikei (癒し系), meaning you watch it at the end of a busy day in order to relax, or even be 'healed.'

Bartender (2024), to distinguish it from Bartender (2006), follows top bartender Sasakura Ryuu. He is trying to create the ultimate healing drink called the 'Glass of God' or 'Kami no Glass'. Will he succeed? Also, Kurushima Miwa is trying to recruit him to be her family hotel's bartender. Will she succeed?

Unlike the earlier adaptation of Bartender (2006), it seems to adapt the manga more closely. To what extent it does or ... to what extent it doesn't, I have no idea. Suffice it to say that there's some semblance of a story that goes from one episode until the last instead of the original adaptation's episodic nature.

Whilst the 2006 Ryuu appeared to be a god-tier character, we are shown his flaws and thus feel more humanised. Sure, some stories in 2006 appear as minor parts of certain episodes, but how they approach things is different. 2006 is all about psychological healing, but in 2024 it's just a part of it. In 2006, the setting was mostly in Eden Hall, but in 2024, Ryuu often goes outside Eden Hall. As a consequence, we also meet other bartenders and their struggles. We also meet Ryuu's mentor, which is what's nice about it.

The animation of 2024 is of higher quality than 2006. However, as much as I recommend anybody watch 2024, I recommend that people watch 2006. Both are a complementary experience, and it's not an either-or. 2024 for a more complete story, but 2006 for a much better vibe. Even though 2006's animation quality sucks, its cinematography is superb and more than makes up for it.

The final score for this new adaptation is 7/10. My initial score for Bartender (2006) was 7/10, but I have to upgrade it to 8/10 because of the two adaptations, I will likely rewatch Bartender (2006).
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Let me append the update to my review of Bartender (2006). For the full review, click here: https://myanimelist.net/reviews.php?id=528876
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UPDATE: 26th of June, 2024

In light of having finished the new adaptation, I am upgrading the score of Bartender (2006) from 7/10 to 8/10.

I recommend watching the new adaptation. It has better animation and looks better than the 2006 adaptation. It's more faithful to the manga, and Ryuu's back story is explored more. So if you want some form of story, the 2024 adaptation is better.

That said, the vibe of the 2006 anime is better as well as the OP and ED are bangers. This 2006 anime along with Frieren, Flying Witch, and now Aria have made me realise that I like iyashikei slice of life. Iyashikei literally means healing, and the 2006 anime focuses more on healing whatever psychological ailments each customer of Eden Hall had.

Don't get me wrong. The 2024 adaptation is good too. It's not an either/or because both are complementary. If we're talking about what induces the most emotions from the viewer and what I will likely rewatch in the future, I prefer the 2006 version and I hope you get to that conclusion too.

A simple, yet heart-warming tale. Free of overly-complicated story lines. Jam-packed with chill vibes.

If you're looking for a show that you can just lean back and watch at your leisure, you've come to the right place.
If you're looking for words of wisdom packed into metaphorical artwork, you've hit the jackpot.
If you want something to soothe your racing-mind the first time and the second time and the third... Well, you can probably put this show on repeat, just so the voice acting, music, and philosophy can calm you or lull you to sleep.

Simply put: If you like shows like Mushishi, which are designed to simply make ... you ponder life and then calm your soul, I highly recommend Glass of God and it's original 2006 rendition.

Sasakura-san serves drinks on screen, but offers you a taste of respite as well.