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
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
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.
Mandarin Bar, located on the 37th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel, features live music every night, in an enticingly stylish and sophisticated atmosphere. Balancing minimalism and glamour, the interiors exude elegance and the breathtaking views of the dazzling city below are an addition to the exquisite vibe. It is great as a pre-dinner or post-dinner hangout with a good selection of spirits, wines, and cocktails and an appetizing menu to pair your drink with . Looking to start the night with a decadent treat? Have a seat and enjoy one of the many fine cigars on offer. Relish the views and the cocktails in style at one of the best bars in the city.
With two other very successful locations around Tokyo, Xex is becoming somewhat of a late-night empire. The location in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district ties together a cocktail bar, an Italian kitchen, karaoke, and golf. Their private room offers a golf simulator, perfect for wooing a business client or for taking the edge of a day's worth of work. Oozing the same class as its sister locations, Xex Nihonbashi completes the triumvirate of the upscale, '80s-inspired lounges. Fashionably dressed women with elegantly attired men add to the already slick decor, where ten percent service charges and JPY1000 music charges are par for the course. This is no ordinary pub - this a dress-for-success establishment catering to those who have money to spend. -Stephen Lebovits
Drinkers huddled under the elevated highways running from Ginza to the Yamanote line are all too familiar with the rumble of overhead traffic and trains, but they don't seem to mind much, at least not at Bulldog Bar. With one of Tokyo's most impressive beer selections, suds aficionados can while away the day while the crowds lope by the picture window that looks out on the Ginza. Pick a country and Bulldog Bar most certainly offers a beer from it. Hungry? Well their bilingual menu doesn't disappoint. Offering a smattering of tapas-style entrees, which ultimately lead the drinker to order more, and more, Bulldog Bar is a great, voyeuristic drinking hole for people-watchers and beer buddies alike. Libate yourself here! -Stephen Lebovits