Tokyo is renowned not only for its cuisine but also for its exceptional cocktail scene, making it a top destination for cocktail lovers from all over the world. You'll come across bartenders donning white suits with unique hairstyles mixing up a classic Manhattan or an exotic smoked martini made with foie-gras gin and chocolate. The Zoetrope is the perfect spot if you're seeking rare Japanese whiskey. But even if spirits are not your thing, you can still find trendy natural wine bars or chic sake dens. Tokyo has something for everyone, and we've compiled a list of five of our favourite spots to grab a drink in the city. Keep reading for our recommendations, and prepare to have an unforgettable night with drinks two too many.
Located next to Udatsu Sushi in Nakameguro, this opulent tequila den is a rare find concealed behind a sliding wooden door. With an extensive selection of premium tequila, including rare vintage bottles from Ferri's personal collection and artisanal mezcal, this establishment is a true gem. The vermillion backlit bar shelves showcase limited-edition ceramic bottles of Clase Azul tequila, standing guard like a colourful sentinel. Start with a Clase Azul highball and move on to a seasonal-fruit margarita to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Chef Ivalu Acurio, a master of Peruvian cuisine, showcases her creativity with appetizing dishes like hamaguri clam ceviche, handmade corn empanadas, and spicy pulled-pork sandwiches with shiso and mint, all prepared in a compact kitchen. For groups of up to 10, tasting menus featuring wagyu steak from Kagoshima paired with tequila can be reserved in advance.
Address: 2 Chome-48-10 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051, Japan
The SG Club is a unique combination of a 19th-century-style saloon and Japanese influence, featuring two distinct bars Guzzle and Sip. Whether you're looking for a casual atmosphere or a more upscale experience, The SG Club has you covered. The cocktails are expertly crafted with a blend of creativity and precision, drawing inspiration from the owner's travels around the world. The Aegean gimlet is a must-try, featuring gin, pineapple, and olive, while the Amazon to Kagoshima is a unique blend of guava, vetiver, and sweet-potato shochu. The food menu is always impressive, and the bar frequently hosts guest chef dinners and themed food events, so there's always something new to try. Come enjoy the one-of-a-kind atmosphere and delicious offerings at The SG Club.
Address: 1 Chome-7-8 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan
Visit this cacao-themed place in Toranomon Hills Yokocho food hall for a unique experience. The decor blends traditional medicine and modern science. You'll find dried flowers on walls, botanical infusions on shelves, and small cacao pods on the counter. The drinks are made by Shuzo Nagumo, who uses every part of the Amazonian fruit. The establishment collaborates with companies that work with indigenous growers in Colombia. They use seasonal fruits and locally grown flowers in their drinks to ensure quality ingredients. The food selection is limited, but they have a variety of fair-trade chocolate and spiced sweets to pair with your drink.
Address: 1 Chome−17−1, Toranomon Hills Business Tower, Minato City, Toranomon, Tokyo 105-6403, Japan
This bar exudes a blend of modern and retro elements that pay homage to a vintage Japanese coffee house from the early 1900s. The main area is ideal for unwinding after work or enjoying a nightcap, but they have recently launched a private room enclosed in glass where they conduct various food-and-cocktail pairing experiments. The skilled bartenders here serve up imaginative twists on classic cocktails, including the Kome Tonic, which flaunts a rice-based shochu. Don't miss out on the seasonal menu, which features unique creations like the Tango Mule with gin and Fernet Branca infused with a roasted mate or the Okushibu Fashioned with bourbon, kinako soy powder, and a hint of bitter mugwort.
Address: 41-31 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Gem by Moto, now known as Mizunotori, is a counter-only restaurant located between Ebisu and Hiroo that serves sake. The space has a calm and uncluttered ambience, with cute and quirky miss-matched glass lamps providing soft illumination. The white walls of the bar are covered with messages in black ink from brewery owners and sake personalities. Marie Chiba, the host, serves a variety of brews from her favourite boutique producers, including Senkin and Jikon, to the relaxed after-five crowd.
Address: 1 Chome-30-9 Ebisu, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0013, Japan
