LO : "last order"
 : Good view  : Outdoor/ open-air seating  : Dogs allowed  : Notable decor  : Open late  : Open Sundays  : Wine served in Riedel glasses
Cocktail bars and hangouts
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Bento.com restaurants
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This section covers the range from fancy cocktail bars to trendy DJ bars and comfortable neighborhood hangouts, with an emphasis on places where you can relax and unwind.
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At Tokyo's original Tiki lounge, wooden masks glower, faux torches blaze, and hula dancers shake it, shake it, baby. The kitsch is ubiquitous, self-aware, and executed with formidable slickness. If you're in the right mood, the bar at Tiki Tiki is a fun and convenient spot to meet for a drink with friends. [See FULL REVIEW.] Shinjuku 3-4-8, Shinjuku Saison Plaza 4F. Open 5-11pm (LO) daily. | |
Stylish cocktail bars
At (Nishi-Shinjuku) 3342-1045 Very stylish, with a terrific view from the 49th floor of the Sumitomo Building, this modern izakaya serves an array of creative tapas, some (panko and Parmesan crusted chicken with a balsamic reduction) more successful than others (paella Valenciana flavored arancini). Tapas dishes start at Y300; budget around Y3000-4000 for a full meal with drinks. | |
Perched on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt hotel, the New York Bar makes good on its promise to offer the best view of Tokyo. The interior is a sleek haven of glass and dark wood enlivened by two vibrant Art Deco-inspired paintings on opposite walls. With its ebony chairs and walnut floors, the atmosphere is one of understated sophistication - there's nothing to detract from the stunning cityscape. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Enjoy chic cocktails in a bamboo grove high in the sky at the Park Hyatt's internationally famous bar and lounge. They also serve afternoon tea, desserts and light snacks. Cocktails start at around Y1600. | |
This elegant, very relaxed bar features gigantic fishtanks filled with exotic tropical fish from Okinawa and environs. The menu includes tasty original cocktails and light food items. There's a Y700 per person table charge. | |
Attached to the Two Rooms Grill, the bar and lounge area offers cocktails and a wide choice of wines from around the world in a lovely setting, with a big outdoor terrace looking out over Harajuku and points north. 10% service charge, but no table charge. | |
This very stylish Scandinavian-design lounge features immense Austin Powers-style chairs in which you can plot world domination while you sip on unusual aquavit-based cocktails. They also serve home-made aquavit (Scandinavian schnapps) in eye-opening flavors like coconut-espresso and mango-lime-chili. The small food menu includes Swedish nibbles like roast beets with goat cheese (Y1750); and duck confit with lamb ragout (Y2400). | |
A very stylish venue for a quiet late-night drink, Sono Ni stocks more than 700 brands of malt whiskeys, bourbons and liqueurs, along with around forty wines and a full range of cocktails. The gorgeous modern interior is plush and dimly lit, and the entrance is dramatic - down a set of concrete stairs, past a waterfall and over a short bridge traversing a carp-filled pool. In addition to drinks there's a light menu with cold meats, cheeses, pizza and pastas. | |
Upscale California dining in a fun, thirties-movie-palace setting, from the owners of the Zest-La Boheme chain. The mainly New World wine list is well assembled, and dinner with wine generally runs in the Y7,000-Y10,000 range. Nestled in overstuffed chairs with pillows covered in candy-colored pastel silk, visitors can enjoy spectacular views while listening to live Bossa Nova from 2:30-midnight. Arrive on the early side if you want a window seat - they are usually taken by 6pm. An entertainment charge of Y2500 applies after 8pm. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Even if you're not having a meal here, the large bar in front of the restaurant is a nice place to stop for a cocktail or two, and they make excellent martinis. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Located in the lobby of the Conrad Hotel, TwentyEight is an oasis of muted monochromes with discrete edges. Dusk is arguably the best time to visit; calm settles over the space as the sunlight fades and votive candles flicker to life. The scene gets busier in the evenings, when the after-work crowd rolls in and the live band strikes up, but beware the Y1800 seating charge after 8pm. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Patrons lounge on pod-shaped seats beneath polished chrome trees, while ambient electronic music mingles with the soft glow of lavender neon from behind the black marble bar. Friendly service and the absence of a cover charge are a plus, making Peter: The Bar a fun place for a drink and a great view of the city. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Located in the Four Seasons Marunouchi Hotel, Ekki Bar and Grill serves contemporary international cuisine and a nice selection of New World wines in a sophisticated setting. Weekend brunch menus from 11:30am-2pm start at Y3900. Live music Wednesday to Saturday from 9-11pm. | |
Sumptuous is the word for the Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Nihonbashi. The interior by Ryu Kosaka, with richly tactile accents by textile designer Reiko Sudo, is chic and inviting, dominated by seductive earth tones. A live jazz band performs nightly for the relaxed and casual crowd, a mix of locals and visitors. No cover charge. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Perched high above Tokyo Dome, the Artist's Bar offers great views of the Imperial Palace and northern Tokyo from the bar area. Drinks start at Y700, and there's live music every night (quiet jazz, acoustic bossa) at the adjacent Artist's Cafe. Comfortable hangouts
This simple but stylish Italian cafe-restaurant turns into a relaxed late-night neighborhood bar after 11pm (Tuesday through Saturday nights), with reasonably priced wines and cocktails. | |
A small, friendly little bar that offers lots of live music and art events, including belly dancing.  Shibuya 1-6-3. Open 11:30am-11pm. Closed Sundays. | |
For those who hate leaving work, this popular DJ bar is decorated like an office, with file cabinets, bookshelves, and copier machine. Different DJs nightly, a young crowd, a full food menu, and a good nighttime view down Aoyama-dori. | |
Sign (Gaienmae) 5474-5040 A convenient Gaienmae meeting spot, with music listening booths as well as a coffee and food menu. | |
Ai Ai (Jingumae 2-chome) 3403-5575 An entertaining cave-like space with tiny doors, miniature rooms and lots of nooks and crannies. The menu features tasty and reasonably priced Okinawan, Thai and other Asian dishes along with assorted cocktails. Jingumae 2-31-8. Open noon-2, 6pm-midnight (LO). Closed Sundays. | |
Perched on top of a very tasteful store selling pottery and plants, this is a stylish cafe during the day and a casual bar at night, with simple but well-prepared food - salads, grilled fish, onigiri, etc. | |
This bar, attached to the design-conscious Shibuya Grandbell Hotel, serves up reasonable food and drink 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cocktails, draft beer, and wines by the glass start at Y500, with two or three daily drink specials. The "World Beer" list features eleven bottles from various countries - including the non-alcoholic Nova Schin from Brazil. This bar, attached to the design-conscious Shibuya Grandbell Hotel, serves up reasonable food and drink 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cocktails, draft beer, and wines by the glass start at Y500, with two or three daily drink specials. The "World Beer" list features eleven bottles from various countries - including the non-alcoholic Nova Schin from Brazil.
Food runs from Y300 - Y1000 a plate. Simple snacks, like Parma ham (Y600) and garlic fries (Y500), work well; more fanciful items, like meatloaf smothered in white gravy with mushrooms, less so. And, yes, there are pies a-plenty available in the old-fashioned glass case by the door.
Based on a modern-day retro design concept, the smart, spare decor has the feel of a futuristic diner. The bottom floor is dominated by a gleaming metal and tile covered bar lined with small metal stools. Additional seating is available upstairs. [Show more] [Show less] | |
This stylish two-story cafe-bar looks like a ski chalet that's been sliced along the diagonal, with big windows looking out over the picturesque (at least at night) Shibuya River. Stop in for a late-night drink (there's plenty of reasonably priced wine by the glass or bottle) or a full meal. No cover charge.This stylish two-story cafe-bar looks like a ski chalet that's been sliced along the diagonal, with big windows looking out over the picturesque (at least at night) Shibuya River. Stop in for a late-night drink - there's plenty of reasonably priced wine by the glass or bottle - or a full meal.
The menu is a mix of creative Mediterranean (brussels sprouts stuffed with seafood; pork-belly rilettes) and Thai classics (Isan sausage; green papaya salad). No cover charge; budget around Y3500 for dinner. [Show more] [Show less] | |
A place worth cultivating in late-night Ebisu - the staff is friendly, the hours are accommodating, the music and decor are hip, and the food can be entertaining, although it's more of a drinking spot than a full-fledged restaurant. Food includes Korean items, a big miso section, and various izakaya permutations. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Zetton (Higashi-Ginza) 5148-3600 The decor here is all earth tones, raw concrete and slabs of wood, with a big tree sitting right in the middle of the floor. Music ranges from reggae to laid-back rock, and the atmosphere is totally chilled-out - people talk in hushed voices, which may be exactly what you need when you stumble in here at 3am. It's "cafe time" from 2-7pm, with coffee and cake. No table charge; no English. | |
A casual bar/ cafe/ restaurant with a very varied but always appealing izakaya-style menu, with dishes like beef cheeks stewed in beer, Vietnamese spring rolls, and a lavishly constructed Salad Nicoise. The drinks list is similarly eclectic, with very reasonably priced wines. | |
Tucked into a leafy lane along the Meguro River, Combine feels rather like a hidden gem. Reminiscent of a converted loft, the industrial concrete and aluminum interior is tempered by velveteen chairs that encourage lounging and a marvelous bookcase that dominates the west wall. Tucked into a leafy lane along the Meguro River, Combine feels rather like a hidden gem. Reminiscent of a converted loft, the industrial concrete and aluminum interior is tempered by velveteen chairs that encourage lounging and a marvelous bookcase that dominates the west wall.
Most of the books are art and design focused, and in Japanese, but customers are free to browse at their leisure. Large open windows lend the space an airy feel. The afternoon crowd is a mixed bag of bookworms, impeccably dressed older ladies, and the requisite table of fashion-industry hipsters.
Lunch sets, available from noon-3pm, change daily and cost about Y1000 each. The ethnic-inspired fare is surprisingly healthy and tasty. Seafood pho comes loaded with vegetables and spiked with fried garlic. Salads are generously sprinkled with cashews. Teatime runs until 6pm, after which Combine turns into a bar serving food and drinks until late. Check their website (www.combine.jp) for DJ and live music event info. [Show more] [Show less] | |
It's an early-sixties swinging bachelor pad, with charmingly kitsch decor and a nice collection of vinyl R&B spun on their old-fashioned record player. Drinks are reasonable, and there's a small food menu if you're in the mood for some grub, daddy-o. Kami-Meguro 3-6-12-102. Open 8pm-4am. Closed Sun, 1st and 3rd Mon. | |
Cerons (Naka-Meguro) 3714-3937 Inside this quiet little bar hidden under the train tracks, the sepia-toned atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. Oil pastel portraits of Spike Lee and Peter Tosh in carved wooden frames decorate the walls, while soul and R&B plays in the background. The friendly, unpretentious staff will gladly recommend a wine for you. Kami-Meguro 2-43-13. Open 8pm-2am. Closed Sundays. | |
Shu (Naka-Meguro) 3712-6661 While gumbo, jazz, and soul music make likely partners in certain parts of the world - namely, New Orleans - the combination seems somewhat bizarre in Tokyo. Oddly enough, the bar's okra-thickened signature dish is not far off the mark. Kami-Meguro 4-9-2. Open 7pm-1am. Closed Tuesdays. Unique Tokyo spots
Late-night cocktails, jazz, light meals, and garlic chips in a relaxed neighborhood bar. Some outdoor seating. | |
At Tokyo's original Tiki lounge, wooden masks glower, faux torches blaze, and hula dancers shake it, shake it, baby. The kitsch is ubiquitous, self-aware, and executed with formidable slickness. If you're in the right mood, the bar at Tiki Tiki is a fun and convenient spot to meet for a drink with friends. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
This casually hip bar and sometime music performance space is often open many hours later than the official midnight closing time. No cover charge. This artsy bar and gallery space serves wines and cocktails, burritos and "fresh herb cuisine" in a colorfully decorated setting. There's a Y2500 buffet dinner Friday and Saturday nights (7-10pm), and many parties and musical events during the week. Shibuya 1-3-18, Villa Moderna. (directly across from Aoyama Park Tower) Open 5-11pm. Closed Mondays. | |
Bonobo (Jingumae 2-chome) unlisted This comfortable sofa-furnished lounge attracts a Japanese hipster crowd and features jazzy DJs and occasional live performances; there's also a tiny art gallery and chill space upstairs. The hidden entrance is at the back of another bar. Jingumae 2-23-4. Open 8pm-1am. Closed Sundays. | |
If you're thirsty for a cachaca cocktail in the wee hours of the night, follow the circle-stamped road past Mark City to Blen Blen Blen. This bone fide Brazilian bar, tucked into a faded white seventies-style building in Dogenzaka 1-chome, seats a maximum of thirty and stays open til 4am.If you're thirsty for a cachaca cocktail in the wee hours of the night, follow the circle-stamped road past Mark City to Blen Blen Blen. This bone fide Brazilian bar, tucked into a faded white seventies-style building in Dogenzaka 1-chome, seats a maximum of thirty and stays open til 4am.
Despite its difficult-to-find location and somewhat forbidding exterior, the space is cute and relaxed, decorated with colorful posters and knick-knacks of all sorts. The Brazilian flag hangs proudly on one wall, while shelves stacked with vinyl records stand beside the bar.
Take a seat and have a chat with Blen Blen Blen's gregarious master, Jukukuchi-san, while you snack on cocinias (Brazilian style chicken croquettes) or grilled chicken and corazon (hearts) and sip on your drink.
The Caipirinhas here are refreshingly tart, and the musical mix of Brazilian, soul, hip-hop, and R&B is fun and funky. The bar hosts DJ and movie events on weekends. [Show more] [Show less] | |
Enjoy the mini-forest of bonsai trees while you relax with a cocktail or a New Zealand wine in this tiny, charmingly quirky early-evening bar. Ebisu-Nishi 2-8-9, Daikanyama Takara Bldg III, 4F. Open 8pm-midnight. Closed Sundays. | |
The atmosphere at this legendary hipster hangout is funky to the extreme, with raggedy old sofas barely visible in the dim light through a haze of incense. The music is great though - experimental jazz, contemporary electronic and everything in between, depending on the DJ and the night. No cover or table charge. Ebisu-Nishi 2-9-9, 2F. Open 1pm-2am (-4am Fri/Sat). Closed Mondays. | |
This tiny second-floor bar has a Buddhist theme - the name in Japanese is "bouzu", or Buddhist priest - with a little shrine in one corner and bartenders dressed in appropriate priestly garb. Drinks include several variations on shochu and plum wine, and there's a small food menu to go with your drinks. Arakicho 6-42, AG Bldg 2F. Open 7pm-midnight. Closed Sundays. | |
Probably best known in Tokyo for their popular Y6,600 "Champagne Brunch" on Sundays, featuring all the sparkling wine you can drink. (The bar/restaurant area is open later than the main dining room; last order is at 12:30am.) Kioicho 4-1, Hotel New Otani 4F. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5pm-12:30am (LO) daily. | |
The building may look like it's falling apart, but the bar itself is quite cozy and comfortable. It's run by a Buddhist monk, and he sometimes puts on CDs of Buddhist chanting as background music. Nakano 5-55-6, 2F. Open 7:30pm-4am. Closed Sundays. | |
This tiny, ramshackle hole-in-the-wall is a late-night Shimo-Kitazawa legend, going strong since 1974. The space behind the bar is filled with mountains of CDs and shelves of vinyl (many of them 70s UK glam rock and local Japanese bands), and the seating area is so small that you have to step outside to let other customers in and out. When you order a drink the bartender telephones the similarly dilapidated sister bar just upstairs (Trouble Peach) and they deliver. (Y400 cover charge.) | |
Mu (Shimo-Kitazawa) 5454-1450 This quiet late-night bar serves a nice selection of cocktails and attracts an eclectic, grown-up clientele. The stylish lounge-type space is dimly lit, with a few comfortable seating areas and a decent sound system. | |
The Cajun dishes here (gumbo, catfish po-boys) are better than your typical late-night bar fare; the chicken stewed in beer is our favorite. Nearly everything on the menu is Y500, including cocktails. | |
This tiny bar serves inexpensive cocktails and offers a small food menu - chicken curry, taco rice, pizza. In the daytime it's called Curry Tarot Cafe on weekdays (with curries and tarot readings) and Cafe Here Scenes Friday through Sunday. | |
A friendly, casual little spot with some of the better Mexican fare available in town. The bar has a good assortment of tequilas and tequila-based cocktails. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
Casual after-work drinks
 Buchi (Shibuya) 5728-2085 This is the original gourmet stand bar that started the trend - they serve premium sake in attractive one-cup containers along with a huge menu of well-prepared food, all at reasonable prices. There's a sit-down restaurant down in the basement if you start to get wobbly. [Go to branch review] | |
Do-zo (Akasaka) 5545-6873 This self-consciously casual drinking spot offers a wide food menu - everything from Okinawan pork stews and stir-fries to udon noodles carbonara and brown-sugar creme brulee. Akasaka 5-3-1, Akasaka Biz Tower B1F. Open 11am-10:50pm (LO) daily. | |
A lively, often crowded beer bar located under the JR tracks near Shimbashi station. They stock a good selection of US microbrews. Shimbashi 3-25-10. Open 5pm-12:30am. Closed Sundays. A casual French-Italian bistrot-bar, with lots of original tapas-size dishes, wine by the glass and Belgian beers. Marunouchi 1-5-1, Shin-Marunouchi Bldg B1F. Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily. | |
You might not expect to find a bustling late-night drinking scene on the seventh floor of an office building, but Soba Kichi is just one small part of the very lively "Home" restaurant complex in the Shin-Maru Biru across from Tokyo Station. Budget prices are a big part of the appeal - you can enjoy a couple of drinks and snacks here for under Y2000. [See FULL REVIEW.] | |
This funky little retro-themed snack bar serves tasty grilled Gunma-raised pork on skewers, beef tongue and motsu nikomi (organ-meat stews) along with beer and a selection of premium sake in one-cup sizes. You can stand around the oil-drum tables up front or sit at a handful of tables in back as you enjoy the old jazz and early Showa-era posters on the walls. Skewers are priced Y160-200. Marunouchi 1-9-1, Kitchen Street (1F). Open 11am-10pm (LO) daily. | |
Zero (Nihonbashi) 5203-0900 The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff are friendly at this small, well-hidden drinking spot. They specialize in shochu and appropriate snacks - Kyoto-style pickles, Korean chijimi pancakes and uni toast - and there's also a well-chosen selection of five premium sake brands. (No English.) Yaesu 1-4-3. Open 7-11:30pm (LO). Closed weekends. | |
A casual bruschetteria from Stefano Fastro, owner of the excellent Italian restaurant Stefano located one block down the road. Along with the various types of bruschetta, made with home-made bread, you'll find six beers on tap (including Japanese micro Hitachino Nest) and some fifty by the bottle. Live music on Thursdays. Yaraicho 107, Hosoya Bldg 2F. Open noon-2, 6pm-midnight (LO). Closed Mondays. | |
A funky, art-filled basement bar serving Japanese craft beers, single-malt whiskies and an inexpensive food menu. There are five regular beers on draft (including Shiga-Kogen pale ale) plus a couple of guest taps and several more by the bottle. Uchi-Kanda 3-13-10, Green Bldg B1F. Open 6pm-1am (Fri -4am) daily. | |
Jazz bars/cafes
A neighborhood hangout with jazz on the sound system, dim sum, Chimay beer and cocktails. Takadanobaba 1-23-9. Open 1pm-midnight daily. | |
Late-night cocktails and snacks, with jazz in the background. Terrace seating is available on the first and second-floor cafe areas. | |
Intro (Takadanobaba) 3200-4396 An old-fashioned "jazz kissa" where you can nurse your drink and nod your head to the music for hours on end. Takadanobaba 2-14-8, NT Bldg. B1F. Open noon-midnight daily. This popular cafe-bar was featured as a setting in Haruki Murakami's novel "Norwegian Wood." In the afternoons customers enjoy quiet jazz along with a cup of their relatively bitter coffee (Y420), while at nighttime the place is packed with lively groups talking and listening to energetic bebop. There's often a line of customers at the entrance waiting to get in. This popular cafe-bar was featured as a setting in Haruki Murakami's novel "Norwegian Wood." In the afternoons customers enjoy quiet jazz along with a cup of their relatively bitter coffee (Y420), while at nighttime the place is packed with lively groups talking and listening to energetic bebop. There's often a line of customers at the entrance waiting to get in.
The interior is relatively spacious, with brick walls that may remind you of a Belgian pub. Because of its basement location, though, it can get a bit smoky. Don't miss the portraits of jazz musicians such as Monk, Coltrane and Miles, photographed by the owner, Hozumi Nakadaira. The drinks menu includes European beers like Hoegaarden along with various cocktails, and the evening table charge is Y530. [Show more] [Show less] Shinjuku 3-15-12, B1F. Open noon-2am daily. | |
Thousands of maneki neko (good-luck cat statues) fill the interior of this spacious cafe-bar. There's a counter and several tables, making this a good venue for a small party. Service is friendly and the air isn't too smoky. The manager seems to be a big fan of Johnny Griffin, whose records are displayed prominently. Thousands of maneki neko (good-luck cat statues) fill the interior of this spacious cafe-bar. There's a counter and several tables, making this a good venue for a small party. Service is friendly and the air isn't too smoky. The manager seems to be a big fan of Johnny Griffin, whose records are displayed prominently.
Haiku-related events are held here regularly. The food and drink are reasonably priced - beers and whiskies start at Y680 - and the pastas, pizzas, fried noodles and other dishes are above average. There's a table charge of Y300 from 6-9pm and Y500 after 9pm. Just a few minutes walk from the south exit of Shinjuku station. [Show more] [Show less] Shinjuku 3-35-5, Tera Bldg 5F. Open 6pm-midnight (Sat. 3pm-mid) daily. | |
Narcis (Shinjuku Kabukicho) 3209-6900 The bustling Kabukicho neighborhood may seem like a strange place for a jazz kissa, but Narcis is a great spot for listening to quiet jazz, and their stylish interior design is reminiscent of old cafes in New York City's East Village. The tiny cafe-bar is filled with African-style furniture and beautiful flowers arranged by the mama-san. The bustling Kabukicho neighborhood may seem like a strange place for a jazz kissa, but Narcis is a great spot for listening to quiet jazz, and their stylish interior design is reminiscent of old cafes in New York City's East Village. The tiny cafe-bar is filled with African-style furniture and beautiful flowers arranged by the mama-san.
The music played here is mainly cutting-edge European avant-garde jazz and rare old vinyl. The friendly proprietress is happy to take requests from their big collection of vinyl and CDs. They serve good coffee (Y500), and Kirin beer comes in the small-size bottles that were popular in the 1960's and 70's (Y700). There's no table charge. [Show more] [Show less] Kabukicho 1-13-6, 2F. Open 5-11pm. Closed Sundays. | |
Artica is not just a water bar - it's a water jazz bar! There's live music most evenings, with a music charge of Y1000-2000, and a water list featuring more than forty choices. If you want something stronger there's also a diverse cocktail and cafe menu, and inexpensive dishes like curries and pasta. Yoyogi 1-41-3, 2F. Open 11am-2:30, 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays. A tiny hole-in-the wall bar with a friendly proprietress and thousands of jazz albums from the fifties and sixties. During the day it's a jazz kissa (coffee shop), and at night there's a Y2000 cover charge. Jingumae 6-29-6, 2F. (in a tiny wedge of a building on the west side of Meiji-dori, a couple of blocks south of La Foret) Open 11am-11pm. Closed Sundays. | |
You'll hear all sorts of jazz here, with an emphasis on the lastest CDs from American and European musicians. Besides the great music you can also enjoy good food - they serve delicious soups and risotto at dinnertime, and five different pastas at lunch (Y1000 including coffee or tea). You'll hear all sorts of jazz here, with an emphasis on the lastest CDs from American and European musicians. Besides the great music you can also enjoy good food - they serve delicious soups and risotto at dinnertime, and five different pastas at lunch (Y1000 including coffee or tea).
The spacious room is furnished with stylish green sofas, and this is a pleasant place to dine while listening to jazz. There's a Y500 table charge at dinnertime. Three minutes walk from the south exit of Shibuya station. [Show more] [Show less] Sakuragaokacho 2-3, 2F. Open noon-11pm (Fri -midnight) daily. | |
With its bright yellow door and sunny, brasserie-like interior, Big Boy has an atmosphere that's the complete opposite of old-fashioned jazz kissas. The management plays jazz both new and old, and the sound system is optimized for piano music, so it's a special treat listening to music from piano trios here. With its bright yellow door and sunny, brasserie-like interior, Big Boy has an atmosphere that's the complete opposite of old-fashioned jazz kissas. The management plays jazz both new and old, and the sound system is optimized for piano music, so it's a special treat listening to music from piano trios here.
At lunchtime this is a popular spot for people working in the neighborhood to drop by for sandwiches and coffee (Y1100 including drink). Many jazz fans gather here during the day to trade jazz CDs and DVDs. When the clock turns to "bar time" (after 7pm) there's a Y1000 cover charge, and you can nibble on light snacks such as sausages and baked potatoes with blue cheese.
[No credit cards.] [Show more] [Show less] Kanda Jimbocho 1-11. Open 11am-5, 7-11pm. Closed Sun, 1st, 3rd Sat. | |
Coffee lovers as well as jazz fans will have good reason to try this charming little cafe - they grind the beans for each cup after they get an order, and the three original-blend coffees here (Y600) are excellent. The cafe occupies an old Showa-era house, with a wooden floor that creaks when you walk around. The volume of the music is relatively quiet, and listening to a lyrical trumpet solo by Clifford Brown around sunset evokes a magical, nostalgic feeling of old Tokyo. Coffee lovers as well as jazz fans will have good reason to try this charming little cafe - they grind the beans for each cup after they get an order, and the three original-blend coffees here (Y600) are excellent. The cafe occupies an old Showa-era house, with a wooden floor that creaks when you walk around. The volume of the music is relatively quiet, and listening to a lyrical trumpet solo by Clifford Brown around sunset evokes a magical, nostalgic feeling of old Tokyo.
Breakfast is served every morning from 7-11am - toast variations and tea or coffe or Chinese teas (Y600-). Unfortunately the only food served in the evening is cake, but as a plus they do have Japanese craft beers. The second floor is available for parties. Five minutes walk from exit A4 of Jimbocho station, on the small street one block behind the main road leading to Suidobashi station. [Show more] [Show less] Kanda Jimbocho 2-24. Open 7am-9pm; Sat. noon-9pm; Sun. noon-6pm. Open every day. | |
This cozy cafe bar is furnished with European and Japanese antiques and heavy-duty lights used for shooting movies; the ambience seems almost like that of a private detective's office in a Raymond Chandler novel. The cafe's resident cat grooms himself to the rhythms of Thelonious Monk. This cozy cafe bar is furnished with European and Japanese antiques and heavy-duty lights used for shooting movies; the ambience seems almost like that of a private detective's office in a Raymond Chandler novel. The cafe's manager is also a director who makes documentary films. A big Eric Dolphy fan, he uses the sleeve from Dolphy's "Last Date" album as his menu cover. The cafe's resident cat grooms himself to the rhythms of Thelonious Monk.
Eigakan's coffee (Y500), which is carefully prepared using a siphon system, is quite extraordinary. They also serve premium shochu and malt whiskies (Y600-), and you can enjoy original-recipe pastas and stir-fried vegetables. One minute walk from exit A3 of Hakusan station. [Show more] [Show less] Hakusan 5-33-19. Open 3-11:30pm. Closed Sundays. | |
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