Create meetup in Tokyochevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
want to meet at fmd_good Wildlife Reserve
want to meet at fmd_good Market Deli
explore Tokyo Guides
bar_chart Trends in Tokyo
Any good bar similar to what Berry in Nakameguro was?
Berry was definitely one of a kind, that ping pong setup made it feel more like a friend's living room than a bar. If you're chasing that same house party energy, try Bar Trench in Shibuya, it's a tiny basement spot near Maruyama-chō with a mixed crowd and a great natural wine list, though it gets packed fast so go before 9. For something a bit more rowdy and English-heavy, check out The Open Book in Daikanyama, it's a record bar where people actually talk to strangers and the DJ plays funk and soul all night, just don't expect a table tennis table. Honestly, nothing will fully replace Berry, but Trench's intimacy and Open Book's social vibe are the closest I've found in the area.
honestly if the ping pong was the draw, there's nothing quite like it left in that area. but for that same "walk in alone, leave with a crew" energy, try Mikkeller in Shibuya. it's a craft beer spot with long tables, so people naturally end up sharing space and chatting. the crowd is a solid mix of foreigners and locals who all speak english, and the staff are super outgoing. not a speakeasy though, more of a open, loud, beer hall vibe.
another one that flies under the radar is Bar Martha in Shimo-Kitazawa. it's tiny, like 8 seats, and the owner is a local legend who loves talking to anyone. no music, no table games, but if you sit at the counter, you'll be part of the conversation within five minutes. it's a different kind of social, more intimate than berry, but the "strangers become friends" part is spot on. just go alone and be ready to talk.
yeah bar trench is solid but if u want that chaotic house party thing try the rock bar in koenji, it's called 20000 volts or something. super grungy, all english speakers, random people will just start talking to u and there's a pool table plus darts. not as chill as berry but same kinda energy where u dont know anyone and leave with 5 new friends
Where can I find crispy, pan-fried bacon similar to a certain international style?
if u have a costco membership the kirkland thick cut is the move, 4 packs of 500g for around 2500 yen and it crisps up proper in a cold pan. for smaller runs, precce in azabudai hills & the basement at isetan shinjuku both carry imported US & danish brands in the chilled case, just read the label for "thick cut" or "smoked" and not "loin". also worth knowing japanese bacon is often wet-cured so pat it dry before frying or it steams instead of crisping
kaldi coffee farm is hit or miss but their smoked bacon from denmark shows up pretty regular, the 200g pack runs about 600 yen. what actually works better for me is asking the butcher counter at peacock or life to slice the block bacon thick, like 5mm, they do it for free and it crisps way better than the pre-packed stuff. also fwiw cheap bacon crisps faster, the fatty supermarket kind at 300 yen a pack works fine if u cook it from cold in a dry pan and pour off the fat as it renders.
tbh the gyomu super store brand bacon is surprisingly decent for crisping up, its not thick cut but if you cook it low and slow it gets pretty crunchy. the key is the dry cure vs wet cure thing, wet cure steams. also check hanamasa if you have one nearby, they sell big packs of american style bacon thats actually smoked and firm.
load 2 more replies