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.
Oriental Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental hotel is a great location for those looking for an evening of leisure, good live music, and some pampering. The views of the city from the 38th-floor glass paned windows are breathtaking and is just one of the features that makes this a fine place to spend an evening. Whether you want to enjoy a delicious cocktail in the evening or have a sumptuous breakfast, the lounge has everything. Whether it is the sun-soaked city or the twinkling lights of skyline, the lounge is open from morning to night at your service. There is also a cigar cellar right near the hotel's reception desk, or for those looking for a special afternoon treat, try the afternoon tea service.
Bahaus, housed in the Imperial Building, is the place to be for all the metal heads in the city. The extraordinary lineup of both local as well as touring rock and heavy metal bands performing at the vibrant spot is a crowd-puller. Visiting this live music bar is a must if downing drinks, enjoying live concerts and meeting new people is your idea of fun. Bahaus has been the prime rock venue in the city since 1981.
A quaint watering hole in the bustling neighborhood of Shinjuku, Albatross is a great place to share a few drinks with friends. While finding the bar might be a task, once you're here, all your efforts will be worth it. Though a little cramped, but with the Baroque style decorations, glistening chandeliers and an intimate vibe, this bar never fails to make each visit memorable. Its well-stocked bar boasts of an impressive collection of spirits, wine, and beers from around the world. You could also have a shot at the local sake, shochu, and umeshu, for an experience of Tokyo's own spirits.
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
Iconic is a multiple-award winning restaurant that conjures up delicious Italian fare incorporated with a touch of contemporary flavor. Go for one of the prix fixe menus or order a la carte if you are not feeling too hungry. For appetizers, Burdock and Mushroom Tart prepared with smoked duck breast, scallops and watercress salad is particularly delightful while Pan-fried fish of the Day and Roast shoulder of Wild Boar make for exotic entrees. End the meal with three kinds of Assorted Sorbet. If you are tired of the usual places, head to Iconic for dishes that will thoroughly pamper your palate.
Oriental Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental hotel is a great location for those looking for an evening of leisure, good live music, and some pampering. The views of the city from the 38th-floor glass paned windows are breathtaking and is just one of the features that makes this a fine place to spend an evening. Whether you want to enjoy a delicious cocktail in the evening or have a sumptuous breakfast, the lounge has everything. Whether it is the sun-soaked city or the twinkling lights of skyline, the lounge is open from morning to night at your service. There is also a cigar cellar right near the hotel's reception desk, or for those looking for a special afternoon treat, try the afternoon tea service.
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