Fun in the sun
Enjoy the great outdoors at the city’s best sidewalk cafÉs, restaurants and bars

Aureole

A tranquil Italian restaurant opposite Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Aureole offers a dining experience that’s extremely rare in Tokyo. The terrace out front overlooks the park’s greenery, and the warm atmosphere makes you feel like you’re at a café-restaurant in the European countryside. Highlighting the food menu are healthy wrap sandwiches, including the California Roll (¥1,280) and the Vegetarian (¥1,180)—just two of the restaurant’s large selection of meat-free dishes. Aureole also offers a daily lunch set from ¥850 (includes salad and soup), while casual dinner courses (from ¥1,680) come with pasta, pizza or wraps, plus salad and dessert. Other dishes include a daily fish plate (¥1,580), pizzas (from ¥980), carpaccio of Ishigaki beef (¥1,480) and vegetable and ham risotto with organic brown rice (¥1,300). Be sure to sample Aureole’s fantastic selection of wines, many from Italy. The restaurant can also host parties from 6-50 people, with two-hour all-you-can-drink courses starting from ¥5,000; from May 15-August 31, groups of 2-12 chilling on the terrace can order up Aureole’s “Garden Beer Plan,” featuring three food courses and 90 minutes of all-you-can-drink for only ¥3,000. Looking for a leisurely way to pass the weekend? Aureole offers a special brunch menu until 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

1-3-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3355-8447. Open Tue-Fri 11:30am-3pm and 5:30-11pm, Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun & hols 11:30am-10pm, closed Mon. Nearest stn: Shinjuku Gyoenmae, Okidomon exit. www.aureole.ne.jp

Bar Cinq & Bar Six

If you’ve never visited Asakusa’s Amuse Museum, now is the time—and not just for the exhibits about the making of traditional Japanese crafts. Nestled on the sixth floor is the aptly named Bar Six, a chilled-out, modern space boasting the city’s best view of the iconic Sensoji Temple lit up at night. One floor below is Gallery Bar Cinq, a little hideaway with a futuristic feel straight out of a Ghost In the Shell manga. And that’s not all: up on top of the museum is a rooftop lounge that’s open until late. To help you toast one of the most picturesque spots in Japan, both bars offer a large selection of Belgian beers (from ¥1,000) and seasonal fruit cocktails (from ¥1,300), and the food menu includes everything from pâté and rillettes to pizza and curry. After Amuse Museum closes, the complex takes on a super-secret feel—visitors must present a ring to security to get inside.

2-34-3 Asakusa, Taito-ku. Bar Cinq: Tel: 03-5806-1181. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-2am, closed Sun & hols. Bar Six: Tel: 03-5806-5106. Open daily 6pm-2am. Nearest stn: Asakusa. www.amusemuseum.com

Beacon

Situated on a quiet backstreet between bustling Shibuya and up-market Aoyama, Beacon is a bastion of fine dining in a centrally located neighborhood. A favorite of locals and expats alike, this 100-seat “urban chophouse” has welcomed spring with a slew of changes, making it the perfect spot to enjoy few drinks or a plateful of chef David Chiddo’s renowned contemporary cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely meal under the trees on Beacon’s new outdoor patio, an addition that promises to be a popular hangout for weeknight drinks and Sunday brunches. The revamped bar menu features a long list of quality dishes at eye-poppingly low prices, like the blue cheese-stuffed fried olives (¥500), “kick ass” black bean chili (with corn muffin, ¥900), and New Orleans-style spicy BBQ jumbo shrimp (¥1,000); an encyclopedia-like list of wines from around the world provides the ideal complement. For those who can't make Beacon’s famous brunch, Sunday is Burger & Barbecue night, a not-to-be-missed event that will delight the whole family.

1-2-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6418-0077. Open lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm (LO), Sat, Sun & hols 11:30am-3pm (LO). Dinner: Mon-Sat 6-10pm (LO), Sun & hols 6-9pm (LO). Nearest stn: Omotesando or Shibuya. www.tyharborbrewing.co.jp

C’est Bon Plage

Located out front of Shibuya’s mysterious Tobacco and Salt Museum, C’est Bon Plage specializes in authentic Brittany galettes. In their purest form, these savory crepes, made with carefully selected buckwheat flour, are served up hot and topped with eggs, ham and a bewitching blend of cheeses. But whatever your craving, C’est Bon Plage is ready to deliver—the chefs offer 15 varieties of galettes and 11 kinds of crepes. Toppings range from sweet hazelnut and chocolate to savory chicken, tomato, basil and cheese, plus offbeat delights like gorgonzola, mozzarella and honey. Don’t miss the cidre, another French favorite, or try one of C’est Bon Plage’s many French wines (from ¥1,800/bottle and ¥500/glass). The café’s location right on Koen Dori makes it a can’t-miss people-watching spot, and a visit provides a welcome excuse to finally check out just what exactly the Tobacco and Salt Museum is all about. Make good use of the terrace and hold your next celebration there—C’est Bon Plage offers space for groups small or large, up to 50 people, with food and all-you-can-drink plans starting at ¥3,000.

1F Tobacco and Salt Museum, 1-16-8 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5456-1558. Open daily 10am-11pm. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

PIZZERIA CHARLESTON & SON

There’s nothing like tucking into fantastic Italian food while enjoying a warm spring breeze at a pizzeria in Milan, New York or even Saint-Tropez. Charleston & Son offers that same experience for Tokyoites. The popular terrace is open for lunch, dinner, an afternoon snack or late-night drinks, and with English-speaking staff and classy Mediterranean décor, it’s like a bit of Italy has been transplanted into the heart of Roppongi. During the summer, revelers come to enjoy Charleston & Son’s full range of tropical drinks, margaritas and daiquiris. The food menu has tapas items from ¥500 as well as all your Italian favorites, including pizzas like the classic margherita (¥1,250), and delicious pastas like spaghetti with crab and tomato cream sauce (¥1,250). To go with those traditional Italian favorites, Charleston & Son’s now offers a wide variety of bottled wines from ¥2,500, including selections from South Africa, Spain and Sicily; the list changes by the season, so stop by often to see what’s new. Take advantage of the two-hour party plan—a special offer for Metropolis readers—with food and all-you-can-drink for ¥3,500. Other highlights include a Monday-Thursday happy hour (3-6pm) and, for sports fans, a 55-inch plasma TV.

1F Reane Bldg, 5-3-4 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3479-2742. Open Sun-Thu 11:30am-5am, Fri-Sat 11:30am-6am. Nearest stn: Roppongi.

DF CAFÉ

Nestled between two Harajuku landmarks—the funky Design Festa Gallery and the popular Sakura-tei okonomiyaki restaurant—DF Café is a newly opened open-air gallery-restaurant in the middle of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhood. Chill out on the wooden deck and enjoy a wide selection of world beers, like Samuel Adams lager, Chimay Red and Bass Pale Ale (from ¥500), or sip from the international selection of teas, including that South American favorite, mate (from ¥350). A variety of sweets and snacks start at just ¥200, served on one-of-a-kind plateware designed by artists exhibiting at the gallery next door. The DF Café’s specialty is soba meshi, a fried rice and noodle dish from Osaka (¥525). It’s available all day and can also be ordered for takeout.

3-20-18 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3479-0839. Open daily 11:30am-11pm. www.df-cafe.com

D-LOUNGE

A short walk from Shibuya station is one of Tokyo’s best-kept nightlife secrets: D-Lounge. This two-story hideaway above the streets of Dogenzaka is divided into the Penthouse Lounge and Sky Bar Loof. The stylish Penthouse Lounge is equipped with private rooms and gorgeous furnishings (think luxurious sofas and candlelit glass tables), creating a back-room VIP atmosphere that oozes sophistication. Upstairs on the tenth floor, the Sky Bar boasts an open-air terrace that offers a 360-degree view of the Shibuya landscape, complemented by a wooden bar counter and tropical greenery. Draft beer and over 20 types of imported bottled varieties start at just ¥700, while cocktails range from standard mixes to frozen tropical creations fit for a beach in Bali. Head chef Toru Shimizu—who trained at a five-star hotel in Tokyo and traveled to Naples and Hawaii to hone his culinary skills—serves up delicacies like sautéed Cajun shrimp (¥1,200) and Okinawan chorizo (¥1,000). D-Lounge is literally made for parties, with rooms for groups of up to 60, and they can provide DJ booths, karaoke machines, projection TV screens, and other accessories to make your event a rip-roaring good time.

9-10F Nagashima Bldg, 1-22-12 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3770-0008. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-5am, Sun 6-11:30pm. Nearest stn: Shibuya or Shinsen (Inokashira line). www.dogenzaka-lounge.com

ESPRESSAMENTE ILLY

Known around town as one of the coolest places to kick back with some fine Italian coffee and snacks, world-renowned chain Espressamente Illy has three Tokyo-area locations with terraces that are perfect for people-watching and soaking up some sun. In the afternoon, enjoy an authentic Italian-style espresso (¥300) or cappuccino (¥350) made by an expertly trained barista while munching on a panini lunch (¥600), focaccia sandwich (¥500), or tiramisu parfait (¥700). During happy hour (4-7:30pm daily), Espressamente Illy changes its tune, transforming into a fun and funky place to sip on cool beer or wine (from ¥450) accompanied by balsamico chicken (¥380), potatoes and spicy sausage (¥350), or any number of fresh seasonal dishes.

Tokyo Kitchen Street branch: 1F, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5224-8685. Open daily 7am-11pm. Illy Kasumigaseki branch: 1F Daido Seimei Bldg, 1-4-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-3502-1400. Open Mon-Fri 8am-10pm, closed Sat, Sun & hols. Yaesu Sakura-dori branch: 1F Yaesu Kagawa Bldg, 1-5-17 Yaesu, Chuo-ku. Tel 03-5255-6771. Open daily 7am-11pm. www.espressamenteilly.jp

Failte

With a wide wooden terrace that offers a bird’s-eye view of Shibuya’s hustle and bustle, Irish pub Failte is a true Tokyo original. The food menu includes a lot more than your typical bar fare, with delicious seafood dishes to complement hearty traditional Irish favorites, all prepared by an experienced chef. Make the most of the weather while dining on salad with smoked salmon, fried mushrooms, beef & Guinness stew or oyster sausages. Failte also offers a variety of wines and cocktails to match your meal, as well as a worthy selection of Irish and English bottled and draft beers, including London Pride (¥1,000); monthly guest beers are always on tap. From Monday through Friday, take a little trip to Ireland high above the city streets and enjoy Failte’s happy hour, with ¥500 pints of Heineken and The Premium Malt’s until 7pm. Perched high above the streets just steps away from Shibuya’s Mark City, Failte is an inviting spot to enjoy al fresco drinking and dining during the warm season.

5F Sede Bldg, 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3476-7776. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-2am, Sun & hols 3-11pm. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.failte.jp

Fette Panissa

Revelers at Metropolis’ Valentine’s party will surely remember the fette—crispy, French fry-like snacks made from chickpeas. Boasting over 500 years of history in Northern Italy but almost unheard of in Japan, these traditional treats can be had only at Fette Panissa in Asakusa. The raw version, called panissa (¥250), is made from thickly sliced chickpea paste and drizzled with salt, pepper and olive oil, while the fette (¥250) are simpler yet just as addictive. Fette Panissa isn’t just a one-hit wonder, though—diners can also enjoy treats like authentic Italian salami and Montasio cheese. All these dishes go equally well with beer or Fette Panissa’s eight varieties of Italian wine (¥500/glass), which are imported directly by the shop to ensure prices stay low and quality high. Asakusa may seem like an unusual place to grab a mouthful of traditional Italy, but the shop’s street-level dining affords fantastic people-watching opportunities with an Old World atmosphere (albeit Japanese-style). Be sure to grab a bag of fette to munch on while checking out the Sanja Matsuri on May14-16.

2-5-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku. Tel:03-3845-6695. Open Wed-Mon 11:30am-10pm (LO 9:30pm), Tue 6:30-10pm (LO 9:30pm). Nearest stn: Asakusa. www.fette.co.jp

Franziskaner Bar & Grill

Newly opened in Roppongi Hills, Franziskaner Bar & Grill is Tokyo’s premium venue for fine German beer. Franziskaner Bar & Grill features an impressive array of imported bier (both draft and bottle) from breweries such as Franziskaner (naturally), Spaten, Flensburger and Veltins. German wines and schnapps are also available. The food menu includes classic dishes like sausages and Eisbein, and a selection of more modern German cuisine. While the eats and drinks are pure Deutschland, the atmosphere oozes Tokyo casual sophistication, with lofty decorated ceilings sheltering a standing bar, dining room and VIP section. If you like your beer outdoors, though, Franziskaner Bar & Grill delivers with a roomy terrace perfect for enjoying the sun and stars. Lunch deals start at ¥980, an open invitation for a casual afternoon sampling some of Germany’s finest. Franziskaner Bar & Grill is also open late, making it a perfect place to steal away for a few brews no matter what time of day.

Roppongi Hills Metro Hat/Hollywood Plaza 1F, 6-4-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5786-6867. Open Mon-Sat 11am-5am (LO 4am), Sun & hols 11am-11:30pm (LO 10:30pm). Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.zato.co.jp

Havana CafÉ

As the weather in Tokyo starts to heat up, the locals are getting into an island state of mind. And the place to head when the mercury soars is Roppongi’s Havana Café, where the Caribbean atmosphere suits Kanto’s sultry climate. Now that spring is here, the staff have flung open the terrace doors for customers to enjoy authentic Caribbean, Mexican and Californian cuisine, al fresco-style. Don’t miss favorites like jerk chicken (¥1,100), beef tacos (¥1,029) and quesadillas (¥893), while cooling off with a frosty beer or tropical cocktail—during the weekday Happy Hour from 5-7pm, cocktails are available from ¥100 and draft beer from ¥300. Party courses are also on offer, with one person free for every group of ten. But wait, there’s more: Havana Café also offers two-for-one mojitos, a free round of birthday champagne, free nachos for Metropolis readers, and other fun specials. (Only one discount per group; inquire for details.)

B1F & 1F Falcon Bldg, 4-12-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3423-3500. Open Mon-Sat 11:30am-5am (food LO 4am, drinks 4:30am), Sun & hols noon-11pm. Nearest stn: Roppongi.

Lauderdale

This light and airy eatery located directly behind Mori Tower bills itself as a “bistro and diner”—and doesn’t disappoint. With a familiar list of both French and American favorites in a casual and friendly atmosphere, Lauderdale is the place to come when you’ve got an insatiable hankering for buttermilk pancakes or sticky-sweet pork ribs. The Untitled Beef burger (¥1,400) features a thick, all-beef patty that won’t fail to satisfy, served in the classic American style with thick-cut tomatoes, pickle and onion slices, and nestled next to a pile of piping hot fries. For just ¥150, top your burger with extras such as avocado and chili con carne. Variety is the spice of life at Lauderdale, though, and those not in the mood for a burger should be sure to check out the baked-to-order soufflés (from ¥650), falafel (¥850) and duck leg confit (¥1,800). To seal the deal, Lauderdale offers bottomless coffee during its weekend brunch, the ideal accompaniment to a plate of eggs Benedict (¥1,800) or a Floridian omelet (¥1,700). Now that spring is here, snag a spot on the terrace for an extra-leisurely dining experience.

Roppongi Hills, Keyakizaka Dori, 6-15-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3405-5533. Open daily 7am-11pm (brunch Sat-Sun 8am-4pm). Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.lauderdale.co.jp

Legends Sports Bar and Grill

This popular sports bar has something that all its competitors would dearly love to have: a spacious terrace where customers can watch the Roppongi evening fly by. Legends also features an extensive food menu of American classics, like the Legends Burger (¥1,200) and the huge Philly cheesesteak sandwich (¥1,600), to go with an international selection of drafts that includes Guinness, Speckled Hen and the award-winning Aspall cider from the UK. For the ladies, Legends offers a selection of frozen cocktails that are great for sipping on the terrace. Looking for the perfect venue to watch the World Cup? Your search is now over. Catering to sports fans of all stripes, Legends shows multiple broadcasts from around the world on its ten screens, with independent sound control for all feeds.

3-16-33 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel:03-3589 3304. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-late, Sat, Sun & hols 2pm-late. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.legendsports.jp

Old Fashion Burger & Bar Kahala

Japan has fallen in love with all things Hawaiian, and Yokohama’s Old Fashion Burger & Bar Kahala is here to satisfy their cravings. Kahala offers up well-loved Hawaiian favorites alongside massively delicious burgers. The perfectly seasoned 160g patty is grilled slightly crispy on the outside and mouth-wateringly juicy on the inside, making this one sandwich that just begs to be eaten without those globs of ketchup and mustard. Start with a classic (¥900) and build your own burger, or challenge yourself to try the mountainous Kahala Special burger (¥1,650)—it helps if you’ve got the appetite of an entire rugby team. But what’s the point of a burger from the Aloha State if you’ve got to eat it inside? Kahala’s spacious terrace seats nearly three dozen diners and is a fantastic spot to enjoy the warm weather with family. Even indoors, visitors can feel the fresh air through the bright, open storefront. Host your next party or meeting at Kahala, with food menus starting at ¥1,500 per person and all-you-can-drink plans from ¥2,000.

1F North Port Mall, 1-25-1 Nakagawa-Chuo, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045-532-4001. Open daily 10am-2am. Nearest stn: Center-Kita (Yokohama Green and Blue lines). www.fitjapan.co.jp

Platino

Located just three minutes from Jiyugaoka station, this stylish rooftop café, restaurant and bar is one of the area’s most popular hangouts. During the day, visitors can enjoy Platino’s sunny atmosphere on the patio while feasting on delicious Italian cuisine. At night, when the lights dim, the space turns into a classy, relaxed café-bar. Sip on a wide range of Italian wines while tucking into authentic, reasonably priced Italian fare, including housemade pasta (from ¥850), an array of pizzas (from ¥980), as well as dishes like pesto tagliolini with shrimp and zucchini (¥1,100). Platino has just unveiled a new standing bar, and to celebrate the occasion, all customers can sip their drinks with no cover charge. Throughout May, pints of Guinness are just ¥600 during the all-day Happy Hour. Even after that special offer ends, Guinness is only ¥800—try it along with Platino’s brunch Saturday and Sunday. Parties of up to 100 are welcome—Platino can prepare a 12-course meal starting from ¥3,000/person, with a two-hour all-you-can-drink plan just an additional ¥2,000. And of course, this being Jiyugaoka, pets are welcome.

3F La Cour Jiyugaoka, 2-25-7 Midorigaoka, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-5731-6333. Open Mon-Sat 11am-11pm (LO 10pm), Sun & hols 11am-10pm (LO 9pm). Nearest stn: Jiyugaoka. www.platino.jp

BALI CAFÉ Putri

To enjoy a taste of Indonesia without the expense of the airfare, head to Bali Café Putri in Roppongi Hills. Fashioned by a Bali-besotted Italian designer, the restaurant overlooks the Japanese-style Mohri Garden and Tokyo Tower—which is about as balmy and serene as you can expect if you’re living in the world’s biggest metropolis. Visitors can enjoy that famously warm Balinese hospitality alongside cuisine that’s just as authentic. Putri’s dishes are made from scratch—a luxury Tokyoites would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else at this price. Enjoy classics like nasi goreng or sambal goreng udang (shrimp stewed in coconut milk)—both available for under ¥1,000—then grab a cocktail and head out to the patio. Or, if you’re in the mood for a more substantial meal, order one of the multi-course set menus, which start at just ¥3,000. At night, the terrace offers one of the most beautiful night views in Roppongi Hills, and with the café open until 1am, it’s a fantastic place to while away a summer evening.

B1 Hillside, Roppongi Hills, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5786-7795. Open daily 11am-1am (LO midnight). Nearest stn: Roppongi. Email: putri@jbm-gr.com. www.jbm-gr.com

Roti Roppongi

A favorite of discerning Tokyoites for over ten years, Roti is famous around town for its delectable rotisserie chicken, grilled steaks and juicy burgers. It gets even better in the warm weather with the opening of its 36-seat outdoor terrace in an unbeatable Roppongi location. Roti’s relaxed, convivial atmosphere is enhanced by its setting: off-the-street, quiet and secluded. Yet the restaurant sits just behind the Azabu police station, only steps away from the bright lights of Roppongi Hills. Favorites include the spicy Cajun swordfish burger (¥1,600), Mexican black bean soup (¥600), and vegetarian mezze plate (¥1,800), not to mention freshly prepared salads, seafood and homemade desserts. Drink highlights include an exceptionally well priced New World wine list, real American microbrew ale on tap, and a selection of fantastic specialty spring/summer cocktails. Roti also offers a wonderful weekend brunch and a weekday happy hour that’s outstanding value—50 percent off drinks and selected appetizers from 5-7pm—plus an outdoor Corona Bar serving ice-cold beers for only ¥500 until 10pm. For information about menus, events and promotions, check out Roti’s awesome website.

1F Piramide Bldg, 6-6-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5785-3671. Open daily 11:30am-5pm (brunch Sat-Sun & hols) and 6-11pm (bar 5-11pm). Nearest stn: Roppongi. http://roti.jp

Sakura CafÉ Ikebukuro

The folks at Sakura House know a thing or two about bringing people together. As the operator of Tokyo’s largest network of guesthouses, they welcome thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. That same hospitality is on display at Sakura Café Ikebukuro, a casual spot located on the first floor of one of the company’s hotels. The international atmosphere—visitors come from over 110 countries—is helped along by the selection of 60 world beers, including Guinness (¥600), Leffe Brown (¥850) and Singha (¥600). The food menu is equally international, including a range of “snacks from around the world” created by none other than Sakura Hotel guests residents (from ¥200). For the upcoming World Cup, Sakura Café Ikebukuro is hosting a variety of special events and promotions, like a menu featuring food and drink from all 32 participating countries. The large-screen TV is the perfect spot to watch all the action, and with the café opening 24-hours a day, you’ll never miss a match.

Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro 1F, 2-39-10 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku. Tel: 03-5391-2330. Open daily 24 hours. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro, west exit. www.sakura-cafe.asia/ikebukuro

T.Y. Harbor

With a stunning waterside location and a menu that will impress any foodie, T.Y. Harbor is one of Tokyo’s best-loved spots for spring and summer dining. In its quest to constantly improve, the brewery-cum-restaurant has just opened a bakery-café next door. Breadworks provides yet another spot for open-air dining along the canal. Pop by for a quick bite, or head to the restaurant next door for some of chef David Chiddo’s down-home contemporary cooking. Not to be missed are the Tasmanian oysters (¥450/piece), grilled swordfish with mango, papaya and passion-fruit salsa (¥2,800), amber ale-marinated grilled Daisen chicken (¥2,400), and classic New York cheesecake (¥850). But as good as the food is, T.Y. Harbor is still all about the malt and hops. Brewmaster Kazunaga Abe oversees what Metropolis beer writer Bryan Harrell has hailed as “Tokyo’s best microbrewery,” crafting wheat, amber and pale ales and other seasonal specials.

2-1-3 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku. Tel: 03-5479-4555. Open lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm (LO), Sat 11:30am-3pm (LO), Sun & hols 11:30am-3pm (LO) . Dinner: Mon-Sat 5:30-10pm (LO), Sun & hols 5:30-9pm (LO). Nearest stn: Tennozu-Isle or Shinagawa. www.tyharborbrewing.co.jp

Val’s Bar

Originally established as a funky café-slash-bar in Nishi-Azabu two decades ago, Val’s Bar & Grill recently revamped its menu, and is now a fantastic spot to enjoy some pub-style eats while watching live sports on TV. From now through autumn, diners can enjoy Tokyo’s warm breezes with a casual drink on Val’s terrace. Of course, you can also sit inside at the counter and take in the retro decor while having a delicious bite to eat. Stars of the menu include Val’s homemade chicken gratin (¥1,200) and classic buffalo wings (¥1,000), both of which go perfectly with a chilled beer or a bottle of organic wine from Italy or the south of France. A separate one-coin menu (everything ¥500) helps ward off the munchies during the early evening hours or late at night. Hang out on the terrace after work until midnight and bust out with some karaoke indoors for only ¥1,000 per person after that, or check out Val’s special DJ parties on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm. Staff are especially generous on the weekends—make friends for a chance to score some free tequila.

1-14-16 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3403-8757. Open Mon-Sat 8pm-6am, closed Sun & hols. Nearest stn: Nogizaka, exit 5.