7 of the Best Places to Grab a Drink in Tokyo
For this list, I married a few watering holes that you’ll find, well deserved, on most tourist best lists with establishments that are the locals’ best kept secrets. From star barmen in Ginza and Ebisu to top notch Japanese beers in Meguro/exquisite cocktails in Harajuku to remarkably unique bar-hopping in Shinjuku, read on.
Star Bar Ginza
Ginza $$$
Photo from 50 Best
Star Bar Ginza shines brightly and can be found on many best lists. The owner is one of the godfathers of Japanese bartending and the barmen are stars themselves. My favorite bartender was Shota Nakano — ask if he is still around. I order, as always, a Negroni at this basement gin joint.
Beer Pub Scent
Meguro $
Photo by Emily Dean
When I came across this place, there were only Japanese locals that were surprised I found this local gem and everyone, including the staff, spoke decent English and were super talkative. The only other international was an older gentleman from Britain who travels the world for beer festivals. This fact pattern led me to think—did I stumble upon a secret holy grail? There are beers on tap and also beers from a hand pump. When I went, I tried the Isekadoya.B Pale Ale from Mie, an IPA from Osaka, and Joy Juice Ver. 3 New England IPA from the Anglo Japanese Brewery in Nagano. The staff are very selective and they can help you order- please stick with the Japanese beers as long as you’re in Japan and look at the ones from the hand pump (they’ll be marked as such).
Commune 2nd
Minato City $
Photo from Commune 246
This semi-outdoor community of food and drink stalls and locals is like First Fridays all of the time. I recommend grabbing a cold one at Beer Brain, a tiny beer hut with slogan “We Only Think About Beer.”
Another 8
Meguro $
A delightfully Japanese interior through and through. As if MUJI birthed a beautiful (craft beer) bar. One can equally socialize or read a book and people watch (I was the latter) while sipping on, for example, a delicious Kyoto based IPA.
Golden Gai
Shinjuku $-$$
You MUST bar hop here for quite the night out. It’s a small system of alleyways filled with tiny bars and restaurants, oftentimes stacked two bars high. One of my favorites, Araku, is on a second floor with a plastic alligator toy and walls covered in notes (you can put one up too). Like all of the others, it is so tiny that you meet all 10 or so people crammed inside, they let you stand behind the bar to fit more people in, and there tends to be a lot of singing. Exhibit A: I got over jet lag here. Exhibit B: I went on a date here. Exhibit C: I took my little brother here. One size fits all good night.
UA Bar
Harajuku $$
Photo from Natural State
When a sleek Japanese clothing company and famous Norwegian cafe trendsetters shake hands. SPECTACULAR cocktail list. The whole Harajuku area is magic—this no less.
Bar Trench
Ebisu $$
Impeccably dressed globally sourced bartenders delivering ingenious cocktails. I’ve convinced you with just those 8 words.
