As the premier jazz venue in Tokyo, the Blue Note is the place to hear some of the world's greatest jazz musicians. Tied in with other clubs in such cities as New York and Milan, Blue Note is able to attract such names as Natalie Cole, Oscar Peterson and Taj Mahal. Arrive early for dinner and enjoy a wide ranging menu offering everything from steaks to seafood. A rustic, elegant setting provides the perfect vibe to enjoy dinner and music and is a must-visit for jazz lovers while in Tokyo.
This Shibuya hot spot is not only popular with the local youngsters, but also foreigners and tourists from all over. If you want a venue that is brimming with energy with live musical performances, theme nights and an overcrowded dance floor, this is the place to be. Enjoy spectacular live gigs and have a gala time with your friends at Club Asia.
Boasting over 1,000 types of beers, even the pickiest of hops and barley aficionados can find a beer to their liking here. If you have never had an African or Indian beer or would like your friends to learn about your favorites, Billy Barew Ebisu is the place to be. Parties and events can be hosted. For such a range, be prepared to pay some premium prices but it is a worthwhile experience for those who cannot get out of the country enough to enjoy the pleasures of global brews.
Antenna America gets to Yokohama, best from the flavors of American craft beer. There are 8 taps of beer and an elaborate variety of bottles and cans to choose from. The impeccable selection of the beers that are served here, the tasty food consisting of burgers, ribs, chicken and more, the relaxed vibe of the place, the amazing Foosball table and the music are what make Antenna America worth visiting time and again.
Spring Valley Brewery not only fulfils your liquid appetite with some amazing craft beer, but also takes you through Japan's beer history. They brew six different types of beer, all of them so colorful and so flavourful. They have the Jazzberry, a fruit beer made from raspberry, with a lovely ruby colour and an invigorating taste. The Afterdark, a dark beer, bitter but smooth, should be tried if you're a beer connoisseur. They have established pairings of food to go with the beer, so binge in some amazing cuisines of the world along with the brews. Spring Valley Brewery is where you experience fine craft beer with fine food.
A must for beer lovers, Bashamichi Taproom is one of several outlets for Baird Beer, a small brewery dedicated to making flavorsome beers using traditional malted barley, whole flower hops and soft Numazu water. The three-story Taproom has a long bar on the ground floor, a large room with bar and table seating on the second floor and a rooftop beer garden. The range of beers on tap include brown ale, pale ale, IPAs, a lager, a stout, and amber ale, as well as seasonal choices and a guest ale. The food menu offers authentic American style BBQ with beef, pork and chicken. There is also pizza, salad, macaroni cheese and Texas chili. A big-screen TV and regular music events help to create an inviting atmosphere. -AH
Located in Nihonbashi(Ginza) with other branches in Ochanomizu (Akihabara) and Akasaka, Franziskaner Bar & Grill is a delightful German eatery and beer hall. The building is decorated in a rustic style, with lots of light wood paneling and exposed stone against cream colored walls. A long communal table and stained glass windows add to the European feel. On the menu you will find thick sausages, spaetzle, venison, and of course, the crowning achievement: a wide variety of European beers, both on tap and in bottles. The place is always cheery, filled with boisterous patrons, so grab a couple friends and make a night of it.
Tokyo's Cotton Club, an offshoot of the legendary Cotton Club in New York, hosts the creme de la creme of jazz talent - Martha Reeves, Lena Horne, Delfonics; these are just some of the huge names that have played to Cotton Club's crowd of passionate jazz fans. Tickets aren't cheap but tickets for the best rarely are; reservations are recommended. Opening times vary according to programming.
The Marunouchi area of Tokyo is not know for its fun and frivolity, but that is just what some local restauranteurs wagered on when they opened the Mucho Mexican resto-bar - to inject some colorful flavor into this reserved part of town. They have succeeded. Akin to a more resort-like, Mexican resto, Mucho Modern Mexicano brings the smells, tastes and colors of Mexico alive. The place is lively and fun. It is affordable and tasty. Not to mention, the food is made in front of you, guacamole fresh, and the drinks are spirited. You could do worse than taking the time to fiesta here, so why not pop in and see what Mexico can be all about? Reservations recommended. -Stephen Lebovits
The wooden interior, dark walls, open terrace, and long, gleaming bar add to the old-fashioned, European pub-feel at Antwerp Station. It's by far one of the biggest Belgian beer pubs in Tokyo. Top-flight European beers are the show stoppers here, with a few on draft and the rest in bottles. The food, which pairs well with the drinks, is high quality and very tasty. Given the name of the bar and restaurant, the menu is heavy on Belgian specialties, including frites, and muscles which come prepared in a wide variety of ways. Other choices include various roasted meats, with flavorful grilled vegetables on the side, and it's always a safe bet to try whatever is on the daily specials board.
Despite its somewhat odd sounding name, The Hump is actually an extremely upscale, trendy sushi bar. The decor is gorgeously appointed and bathed in a soft gray tones. Combined with the blue of twilight, the atmosphere becomes especially soothing. The best place to sit is at the bar, where you can watch each dish prepared before your eyes. Ingredients are extremely fresh, and entrees include standard items such as sushi, tempura, and sashimi. There is also a nice list of sakes to go with your meal. Be prepared for prices that are somewhat steep, however, the food and ambiance more than makes up for it.
Experience the culinary traditions of Japan as you dine at Sasahana. Established in 1984, this restaurant entices your palate with scrumptious Japanese delicacies and has gained several fans for the same. The delectable menu is followed by an impressive list of beverages to accompany your meal. In case you are confused about ordering the right drink with your meal, their knowledgeable and friendly staff suggest the perfect sake to go with your order. The brightly lit interiors of the restaurant have a traditional Japanese theme with its simple and elegant bamboo furnishings.