Tokyo Clubs & Bars - A to Z

Ace A fresh new club in ni-chome where gay men, lesbians and their friends can gather for cocktails and chill out to some pretty cool music. If you haven't been there already, you got to check out Club Ace.
Shinjuku 2-14-6, across from Shinjuku Park - look for the Freedom Flag! (3352- 6297)
Open everyday 8 p.m.-4 a.m. No cover, usually.

Aegaen The best Greek food in town. Gyros, moussaka, tzatziki served in a cozy taverna setting.
Admire the original wood carvings of Nik, the owner. Five meters from the pedestrian bridge straddling Meiji dori.
Oriental Bldg. B1,Shibuya, Shibuya-ku (3407-1783).

Agada Music Bar Middle Eastern restaurant-cum-happening-space with international up-and-comers in music, dance, multimedia performance and installations as well as regular jam sessions. Shibuya Property Bldg., 1F, 1-32-12 Higashi (3486-2827)

Gentlemen's Club Akasaka Lips
Entrance 7,000 yen incl. 2 drinks. Mon, Wed, Sat 7,000 yen w/ free drink. 3-8-17 Akasaka (5570-4420)
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A.M.B. The original Asian pop music bar in Shinjuku. Toho Kaikan, B1, next to Shinjuku Koma Gekijo. For more info (3209-4871)

Angkor Wat Big, noisy and crowded, and with reason: Angkor Wat is working at the peak of its powers these days. Just say o-makase ("whatever you like") and they'll feed you to satiety for 3,000 yen or so a head. All-Cambodian staff. Juken Bldg., 1F, 1-38-13 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku (3370-3019)

Aoyama Club High-class membership sports club with restaurant serving authentic French food open to general public. 5,800 yen for dinner course & use of all the equipment. Reservations necessary. JBP Oval Bldg., 5-52-2 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku (3797-9500)

Apti French movie posters and pastis advertisements comprise the wrapping to something very hard to find beyond the borders of Franco proper: good French food at reasonable prices. 2,800 yen buys a three coarse dinner (1000 yen a lunch) of scrumptious bourgeois style dishes and tasty desserts. There's the fruits de mer quiche, beef in red wine sauce, and lamb cotelette-with touches like salmon tartare and a smidge of caviar on the side. Mouth-popping good. 11:30am-1:30pm & 6-10:30pm; closed Sat., Sun. & some Mon. 3-19-16 Ikejiri, Setagaya-ku (3413-5133)

Arty Farty Youthful, sexy gay crowd juxtaposed with Santa-Fe-at-Christmas decor. Men only, but mixed on Sundays. 2-4-17 Shinjuku. (3356-5388)

Aurora Nordic Bar & Kitchen. North European Food & Vodka. No.12 Niikura Bldg. 6F, Roppongi. (5772-1588)

Asena One of our favorite Turkish places. Recommended: Karisik meze mixed appetizer plate, imam bayildi eggplant, pide "pizza" and the superb iskender kebab, a sprawling open-faced kebab sandwich afloat in tomato sauce and yogurt. All-you-can-eat for 3,500 yen. Belly dance show every Fri. & Sat. 5-5-11 Akasaka, Minato-ku (3505-5282)

Asiz Aoyama Asiz Aoyama Bar/performance/exhibition space stirs with eclectic live sets, world music by CD and brow-raising art shows. Music at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30. Bar closes at 11 pm, however. First right off of Aoyama dori after Omote-Sando towards Gaienmae and then second left. 1,500 yen w/ 1 drink (3405-5156)

Au Temps Jardis

Azabu Kyara-tei A cozy French restaurant with a friendly atmosphere. Only seats 20, so make reservations. Courses from 5,000 yen. Lunch sets from 2,000 yen. Noon-1:30pm & 6-10pm. Closed Sun. & hol. 4-2-12 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku (3409-5155)

Azabu Sanso Soma Lively but compact spot that hosts a range of events from live shows to DJ nights. Usually features classic rock, soul, jazz or funk music. Cover 800 yen, drinks from 700 yen. From Nishi Azabu crossing a block and a half up Roppongi dori towards Roppongi, on right.

Bachelor Party New York-style strip club up the hill in Shibuya. 5F, Dr. Jeekahns, 2-4-5 Maruyamacho (3770-1399)

Baobab Serving up the exotic, from piranha to crocodile, this hand-made outpost from South Africa is built to resemble a thatched cottage. Excellent rattlesnake and Turkish pizza made by real Turks. Proprietor Gerrith is a hunter's hunter. Akiba-cho, 135-1, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama (045-814-2387) Take the Yokosuka line to Higashi-Totsuka station.

Bar Aoyama Groovy, arty hangout with diverse DJ lineup. 8 pm-4 am; Sun., 7 pm-2 am. About 8 min. up Roppongi-dori from Shibuya Sta. Daikyo Bldg., 4-5-9 Shibuya (3498-4415)

Bar Bee Around the corner from Kinsmen is the latest addition to Nichome's dives. Open since April, Bar Bee's mirrored walls and all-black decor create the illusion of space so necessary in the confines of most of these tiny bars. Manager Shara, who can speak some English, says that Bar Bee attracts a 50/50 mix of men and women. Shara chooses R&B or latin tunes for her customers, and says she wants to offer a laid-back atmosphere. With her relaxed, surfer-gal image, that doesn't seem like such a hard task. She says that couples and friends buzz to Bar Bee to hang out, chat, and just bee. Bar Bee accommodates about 15 (seated) plus some space for standing. The cover charge is 400 yen and includes a snack. Drinks start from 800 yen. Shinjuku 2-18-10 2F, 8 pm-4 am, closed Tues. (3352-2923)

Bar Drop Tokyo's hip nightlife starting to spread further out. This Kichijoji hang out features techno and house and Weds and UK indy guitar pop on Sats. Also look for the minimal/Chicago event EXQS ("excuse"). 1,500-2,000 yen w/ 1 drink. On Itsukaichi dori near Kichijoji station (0422-20-0737)

Barbacoa Grill You can always tell if it's a good Brazilian joint when there are Brazilians dining there. Buffet style all-you-can-eat churrasco sets and a killer salad bar will have you Carnival dancing in no time. Evergreen Bldg., B1 Jingumae 4-3-24, Shibuya-ku, off Omotesando dori (3796-0571)

Bar-O Breathe easy and drink hard on the outdoor terraces atop Vision Network in Omotesando. 3F, 5-17-6 Jingu-mae (3407-6845)

Bau Haus The '70s and '80s come alive at this Rock and Roll lounge. If you're lucky, you can catch the staff in a live jam session. Now in their new location, as good as ever . . . Reine Roppongi Bldg., 2F, 5-3-4 Roppongi (3746-0244)

Beach Loft Cafe Soho-style artists' loft atmosphere with California cuisine and no coffee. Open until 4 am. Moriguchi Bldg., 1-15-1 Nishi Azabu (3478-6855)

Belgo Not from London, but a very European Beer Pub. Guinness & Hoegaarden on draught, and over 70 bottles of beer. On Tues: Belgian Nights, Hoegaarden 600 yen, on Thurs. Irish Nights, Guiness 700 yen. Opposite the Shibuya Police Sta. on Meiji-dori. B1F, 3-18-7 Shibuya (3409-4442)

Bellini Pizza and Pasta Pizza Margherita (Yen 1,400), a true hand-crafted work of art, thin, crisp and lathered in Mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil. Or the Linguini alla Pescatora with shrimp, clams, squid, and octopus in a delicate tomato sauce (Yen 1,800). Open the menu, point, and let chef Yasuya Sukita take you into rapture. He may recommend the Pollo al Forno oven-baked chicken, for example, in a balsamic sauce with fresh organic ingredients - "Because we believe in good health and good taste." Open from 11:30am-11pm every day, tea time 2pm-5pm. Shuwa Roppongi Bldg. 1F, 3-14-12, Roppongi, Minato-ku (3470-5650)

Bellini Trattoria We know. Deja vu. But wait. Unlike its Roppongi older brother, this trattoria member of the Bellini restaurant family is a little more private, a little more sophisticated, and a little smaller. Here you can peruse the Antipasto menu in an intimate setting, summon the waiter to order a crispy house Caesar salad followed by a generous portion of the Bengasine alle genovese (thick noodles in a homemade basil sauce) or the Involtini maiale con asparagi (tender pork wrapped around asparagus in a mustard sauce). Impress your date with your Berlitz-calibre mastery of Italian, but even if you speak this particular romance language, a few meals at the more "upscale Bellini" will have you speaking the lingo in no time. Open: 11:30am-11pm daily. Lunch last order at 3pm, dinner service from 5:30pm. 3-5-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku (Exit A9 at Ginza station) (3535-6010)

Bernd's Bar

Billy Barew's Beer BarA backstreet bar where loud pop music is the minus, good brews and an unforced cosmopolitan ambiance the plus. Recommended beers: Timmerman Gueze and Hoegaarden White. 1-17-10 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku (3209-0952)

Bincho

Bindi Delightful retro basement decor in the linoleum floor/yellowing acoustic tile ceiling mode. Delightful owners too. It's also one of the surprisingly few places in town where you can get a hot, southern-style palesevindaloo. 10:30am-2pm & 6-9:30pm. 7-10-10 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku (3409-7114)

Birdland

Bobby's Bar

Black Rose Cozy, but dark bar with a twist of S&M. Interior designed by Masami Matsui. Yamachu Kaumicho Bldg., 6F, 3-24-19 Nishi Azabu (3405-0991)

Blue Art Acid jazz and jungle. Sat.: B2: Raphael (U.F.O.), Yama (Jazz Bros.). On Koto dori. 6-2-9 Minami Aoyama (3797-1591)

Blue Nile This breathtaking African eatery pleases both aesthetically and with its culinary delights. After a meal of ostrich, crocodile or more familiar fare from this pan-African menu, enjoy the natural and herbal selection of teas from South Africa. Gate City Osaki, B1, 1-11-1 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku 141-0032 (3495-1335)

Blue Note Tokyo

Blues Alley Japan Chic, stylish restaurant/bar serving Mediterranean food. Live jazz performance every Thur. & Fri. Meguro Station Hotel, B1, 1-3-14 Meguro, Meguro-ku (5496-4381)

Brasserie Bernard Bernard's lunch on a fine day out on the lawn at the branch at L'institut Franco-Japonais de Tokyo makes Tokyo's most convincing argument for the Gallic way of life. 15 Ichigaya Funagawaramachi, Shinjuku-ku (3260-9639)

Brin de Muguet Traditional French cuisine prepared by Richard, chef/owner. Celebrate your birthday with your birth-year wine, and Richard will offer afree glass of champagne to each of your guests. Just 4 stops from Shinjuku Station. 5-14-4 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku (3220-5448)
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Buffet Restaurant Hapuna Tropical Hawaiian buffet restaurant. 6:30-10:30am, 11:30am-3pm & 6-10pm. Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Shin-kan, 1F, 4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku (3440-1111)

Bulldog Formerly the Drug Store. 4-2-4 Nishi Azabu (3409-8222)

B-Vibe Gay/mix bar. Young crowd, good music. Large window offers strategic position for people-watching. 500 yen cover charge. 1F Dai7 Tenka Bldg., 2-18-1 Shinjuku (3359-3633)

Cafe and Bar Tetes

Cafe Gallery Pax An art space for young exhibitors where you can spend hours chatting over a cup of coffee at the bar. Also DJ booth for multimedia shows. A short walk up the slope from the 109 Building in Dogenzaka. Open:1pm to 9pm. Every Sunday opening party with a new exhibition. Yubun Bldg. 5F, 2-16-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku (3780-3022)

Cafe Daisy Danish-style healthy food and lovely garden terrace cafe. Lunch: Mon.-Sat., 11:30am-4pm for 1,000 yen. Tuborg 900 yen, coffee around 600 yen. 11:30am-11:30pm. Closed Sun. 7-3-22 Roppongi (5411-0253)

Cafe Maenam Cozy dining in Thai tropical style. Great place to bring a date. Great selection of cocktails too. A short walk from Roppongi crossing towards Shibuya. Open everday 11:30am to 4am. 1F, 2F Dear Nishi-Azabu Bldg., 3-1-20 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku (3404-4745)

Cafe Ole Size doesn’t matter! Enjoy life in true Spanish fashion as they do in Spain. It never rains when you meet bar master Miguel with your friends and brush up your Español right in the center of Kabukicho. Open Mon-Sat 8pm-5am.
Dai 2 Metro Bldg., 2-38-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku (3200-2249)

Canaan

Cantina la Fiesta Authentic Mexican food, honest guacamole, with Tecate, Corona and rockin' salsa.
Viva! Hanatsubaki Bldg., 2F, 3-15-23 Roppongi (3403-9751)

Castillo

Catalyst Airy club space mixes soul, club, R & B, funk and rare groove. Recent remodeling makes it feel even more spacious. Check out the smooth Latin dancers on Wed. as well as great reggae on Sundays (DJ Ziro). From Studio Alta go to Yaskuni dori, then cross into Kabukicho. On right past bank, 5th floor. 2,000 yen w/ 2 drinks. Dai 6 Star Bldg. 5F, 1-16-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku (3209-4102)

Cave Worth the one hour search for the front door. Energetic, enthusiastic young crowd. From 8 pm. Every Sat.: Message by DJ Kan Takagi. 2,000 yen w/ 1 drink (Fri. & Sat. & one day before hol., 3,000 yen). Near Tokyu Honten Dept. Store, go down side street behind the big Wendy's. M & I Bldg., B1 & B2, 34-6 Udagawacho (3780-0715)

Cay Chic Asian dining spot doubling as a live house. Spiral B1 5-6-23 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku (Tel. 3498-5790) Open: 6 pm - 1 am (Closed on Sundays & holidays)

Cento Cose Authentic, yet reasonably-priced food prepared by Thai chefs. On the banks of Megurogawa River, modern decor in a sophisticated atmosphere. Nama-harumaki (raw spring roll) 850 yen, green curry with rice 1,200 yen. 6-11pm; closed Mon. Ikejiri-Ohashi Sta. (Tokyu Shin-Tamagawa Line) 2-1-5 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku (3715-5898)

Checkers A cozy brasserie. Recommended are pasta & pizza lunch buffet (from 1,300 yen) 11:30am-1:30pm and Dinner Buffet (from 4,200 yen), 6-10pm. Tokyo Hilton Hotel, 2F, 6-6-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku (3344-5111)

Chez Figaro Charming French Ambiance and Delicious Cuisine. Chef-patron T. Iribe trained at Chez Maxim in Paris under Alex Humbert for six years. Lunch ¥2,500, Dinner ¥6,000, a la carte from ¥1,000 and up. (3400-8718)

Chic

Chinese Kitchen Shokakuro

China Rose DJ bar in Ebisu. Ajima Bldg., 1-12-5 Ebisu (3280-4436)

Chrome (formerly D-Zone) Small bar with friendly vibe and happy DJs in the trendy Las Chicas complex. 5-17-6 Jingu-mae (3407-6845)

Circuit - 70's Rock Bar The DJ will play your requests of ‘70s records. Food from ¥400, drinks from ¥500. No table charge, no music charge. 2F, 5-53-10 Nakano, Nakano-ku, on Showa Shindo Street (5380-6991)

Club Acid Funky club on the outskirts of Shinjuku with torn-up mattress interior. Techno and live electronica a specialty. Look for upcoming events. Up Shinjuku-dori one block before Gyoenmae station on right, downstairs. A bargain at 2,000 yen w/ 1 drink. (3352-3338)

Club Asia Most important spot for techno, drum 'n bass, trip-hop and trance events (call for schedules). Internet is also available. 2,500 yen w/ 1 drink. Fri. & Sat., 10 pm-4 am. 1-8 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku (5458-5963)

Club Maruyama Small split-level basement dance hall, located in the love-hotel district. From 6 pm. B1, 7-9 Maruyamacho (5489-1600)

Club Mo Dance to house, drum'n bass, and trance. Formerly called FFD. Turn left off Dogenzaka, immediately left again, yup it's on the left, downstairs. 3,000 yen, w/ 1 drink. (3780-0508)

Club Way Slamming reggae and hip-hop club in the same building as Catalyst and Garam. One of the better places to huff to hip-hop in Kabukicho. 8 pm-5 am. 1,000 yen w/ 1 drink (ladies free on Wed.) Dai 6 Star Bldg. 8F, 1-16-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku (3203-0294)

Club X Soul, hip-hop, R&B in a heavy atmosphere. 1,000 yen w/ 1 drink. (5273-8444)

Code Kabukicho's biggest club. The old Xenon disco has been reshaped into a house, garage Trance and drum 'n bass dance space, massive dance floor and comfy chill out room. Across from Liquid Room in Koma Gekijo, Kabukicho (3209-0702)

Colors Friendly neighborhood dive in Ebisu. Fri.: Neo-acoustic guitar. Sat.: Reggae. 8 pm-2 am; Fri. & Sat. until 4 am. From Ebisu Sta., turn right at Meiji-dori, then turn right at the first signal. B1, 1-15-6 Hiroo (3448-0317)

Coors Garden Court Indoor beer garden located just minutes from Daikanyama Station. Various beers and garlic dishes produced by Matsui Masami. Za House, 2F, 1-34-17 Ebisu Nishi (3461-9051)

Creole South American/Peruvian home-cooking. Noon-2pm & 5:30-11pm. Closed Sun. Villa Gloria, 2-31-7 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku (3423-2003)

Crew Reggae. "Solid Gold Reggae Night" on 2nd Thur. (8 pm) spins classic reggae and ska by DJs Jeff Young (from the U.K.) and Double H (from Jamaica). 2,000 yen, w/ 1 drink. 52 Togensha Bldg., 3F, 3-1-22 Nishi Azabu (3402-4661)

D.U.G. Psychedelic discotheque saloon with cheek time. OZ City Bldg., 3F, 2-32-5 Jingu-mae (3423-7403)

Decameron Greek restaurant with a 20-year history of serving standard Greek fare mildly seasoned to suit local tastes. Wooden interior is relaxing. 5-11pm. Open daily. 1-21-2 Kabukicho (3200-2470)

Desperado Tokyo Rock cover bands recycle hits from the '70s and '80s. Take a drink at the no-cover bar space, or spring for 1,500 yen cover to see the live show. Between and after sets; DJ spins, sing-along drinking classics. Next to Lexington Queen. See ad. Elsa Bldg., B1, 3-13-12 Roppongi (3475-6969)

DJ Bar Rock West (formerly DJ Bar Inkstick) Every 1st Sat.: Free Soul Underground. From 10 pm. B1, 1-3-14 Nishi Shinjuku (3342-6742)

DMarket Mediterranean dishes in a retro and pop atmosphere with '30s American posters, neon, a Statue of Liberty and old jazz. Large portions. 6,000 yen course for two is sumptuous and reasonable. 11:30am-3pm & 5-10:45pm. Closed every 3rd Sun. Shinjuku Sky Bldg., B2, 1-18-8 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku (3348-6556)

Doka-doka Low-lit, intimate alcoves with an assortment of tables and chairs ranging from upholstered and comfy to formal and elegant. Alcohol companion foods like oxtail in gravy and roast duck go with Western and Japanese potables for an evening of warm, regal unwinding. 6pm-2am; closed Sun. 4-20-14 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku. (3406-1681)

Dolce Fruit Cafe

Dragon Hard-leather bar/meet market. Club kids are also welcome. Last Sun: special leather night. Video show & dark room. Clientele is predominantly male, but women o.k. No dress code. 1,000 yen incl. 1 drink. Closed Mon. B1 Accord Bldg., 2-12-4 Shinjuku (3341-0606)

El Castellano The Castilian is owner Sr. Garcia himself. He was turning out good, straightforward tapas and paella here on Aoyama-dori long before the late-'80s Spanish food boom, and he's still doing it today. 2-9-11 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku (3407-7197)

Enjoy House This comfortable, cute Ebisu club has a little dance floor and sofas for lounging. From the main exit of JR Ebisu turn right and go by the koban on your left. Go straight across the street and continue until you hit the five-way intersection. Veer slightly left across the intersection and it's 10 meters on the left, second floor. (5489-1591)

Eragu Recently opened blues restaurant/bar in Aoyama. Hachinokan Bldg., B1 & B2, 5-10-1 Minami Aoyama (3486-4918)

Espace Cabaret Club Tatou's lounge/club featuring fashion parades, percussion parties, costume parties, Thur. night spin, etc. 8 pm-4 am; closed Sun. Tatou, 2F, 7-6-2 Roppongi (5411-4433)

Eureka Restaurant This restaurant, located in the luxurious Imperial Hotel, claims to have been the first place where curry was introduced to the Japanese. Based on a recipe by Auguste Escoffier, it soon became the stample of hungry college students nationwide. The gourmet seafood and eggplant curry is recommended, but only the adventurous will try the banana curry. 1-1 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku (3504-1111)

European Dining & Cafe Bar Kakinokizaka

fai Lively bar/club with after hours techno rave. On the corner of Koto dori and Aoyama dori. 3,000 yen w/ 1 drink. (3486-4910)

Family Restaurant/bar/club with Jamaican, African and Japanese food. Lunch: 11:30 am-2 pm; bar: 6 pm-5 am. Reggae & soul live on Fri. & Sat. Shimizu Bldg., B1, 1-10-2 Shibuya (3400-9182)

Farm Grill A full range of '90s American-style food-from standards such as steak, chili and baby back ribs to inventions like "Pasta Malibu" and rotisserie chicken. The selection of 93 wines is also appealing. All-you-can-eat-and-drink buffet ¥3,470 (¥1,740 for children) on Sun., 3-10pm (2 hr./ person) Reservations recommended. 11am-11pm. Ginza Nine Sango-kan, Bldg., 2F, 8-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku (5568-6156)

Fuji Karaoke Bar Wide selection of foreign songs and a diverse array of clientele. Cozy atmosphere. Gay/mix. 100yen/song. 7.30 pm-2.30 am; Fri. & Sat. 'til 4.30 am. B104, 2-12-16 Shinjuku (3354-2707)

Fummy's Grill Former manager of L.A.'s La Boheme serves California Cuisine Tokyo style in the form of lamb chops deep-fried in brik pastry, red snapper on a bed of crisp noodles, and special nori-enclosed flaky "shrimp cakes" all from behind an open sushi-like counter. Fun place. The lunch time menu is pared down but still worthwhile. Even if the name is a little fummy. 11:30-2am. 2-1-5 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku (3473-9629)

Funk Port Hip-hop, rap, R & B, and soul club in Kabukicho. Around the corner to the right from Catalyst/Garam building, 1,000 yen w/ 1 drink. (3232-3302)

Fura Something for everybody. Entertainment on four floors. Disco, bar, lounge, restaurant. Packs 2,000 people on weekends. Drinks are 500 yen. Admission 2,500 yen with two drink tickets during the week. Check it out. (5485-4011)

Galway Authentic Irish Pub. Friendly international staff. Happy Hour: Every Mon/Tue/Thu 5pm to 7pm Guinness, Kilkenny, Heineken: ¥450/pint or ¥250 for 1/2 pint. Yamagawa Bldg 6F, 4-9 Misaki-cho, Hachioji (0426-25-0890)

Gamos also does a gay night every Saturday, plus various events during the week. Phone ahead for a detailed schedule. Shinjuku 2-11-10 B1 (3354-5519)

Garam Reggae club with a surprisingly nice atmosphere, on 7th floor of the same building as Catalyst. Manager Kamal a sweet guy and good ragamuffin DJ. 1,000 yen w/ 1 drink. Dai 6 Star Bldg. 7F, 1-16-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku (3285-8668)

GB Very busy and popular established bar. Men only. Business Hotel T Bldg., B1, 2-12-13 Shinjuku (3352-8972)

Gensai A no-nonsense izakaya fare eatery for connoisseurs of sakx and the fixings that go with. Sake from Hokkaido (Otokoyama) to Fukushima (Mai) are available along with sashimi, nimono, spare ribs, daikon dishes and a variety of kushi-yaki. 11:30am-2pm & 5-11pm; closed Sun. & Hol. 7-10-11 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku (3371-7533)

Geoid/Flower Hard after-hours beats and every anthropological specimen you could ever fear. Open on Sat., 5am-noon. 2,000 yen (member); 3,000 yen (non-members), w/ 1 drink. Togensha Bldg., B1, 3-5-5 Nishi Azabu (3479-8161)

Gesshinkyo Seasonal roots, greens and wild mountain herbs punctuate the Zen-influenced vegetarian fare that's based more in the body-cleansing kaiseki tradition than fake meats and tofu hot-dogs. Elegant 10 course set meals of eggplants, gamadofu withwasabi, garden peas, pumpkin, mushrooms and tsukemono. But the house offers one selection each day for a set price of 10,000 yen. Drinks extra. 6-10pm. 4-24-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku (3796-6575)

Ghungroo A cozy Indian restaurant with a friendly atmosphere in an Aoyama back street near Spiral. Good value lunch sets and a comfortable, separate bar with a happy hour. 5-6-19 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku (3406-0464) Newly opened Shin-Urayasu branch (0473-90-6871)

Golden Gate

Gozenbo Chinese fare combining dishes from the lesser known Yunnan region with more popular chuka comestibles. But all with an emphasis on healthy, light and organic/free-range whenever possible. Lots of dishes, such as the qiguo casserole, contain medicinal and health-inducing herbs to keep the body warm and pure. If you want MSG, you probably should bring your own. 11-12am. 6-8-15 Roppongi, Minato-ku (3470-2218)

Grass Smallish dive emphasizing hip-hop, reggae and house music. Cute Monday is hangout night for young ladies. 3-25-12 Jingu-mae (3497-0303)

Great Punjab Not a black tie, see-and-be-seen, spacious supper club kind of place. You go, you rub shoulders with real Indian people for a no-nonsense satisfying meal. Good food for a good price. They also have a fabulous lunch special on weekdays. 11:30am-2:30pm (open for special lunch), 5:30pm-5am (for all-night dining) 3F, 4-8-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku (3404-3166)

Gu Takes a casual '60s approach to health food in classic Shimo decor, from the mismatched old wooden tables and chairs to the piles of rastafarian tracts by the door. Try the 980 yen genmai teishoku: a main dish like a curry, a couple of salad-like side dishes, brown rice and pickles. 2-26-8 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku (3485-2187)

Hachi Club + salon. Mon.: Love & Hair; Wed.: Latina, DJ: Tetsu, etc. Fun and cozy little club that plays a variety of non-trendy dance music like funk, soul, salsa, acid jazz, R & B, etc. Recommended by leading Japanese composer Seigen Ono. From Shibuya go up Roppongi dori, it's just before the Aoyama tunnel on the left. Weekday 2,000 yen w/ 2 drinks; weekend 2,500 yen w/ 2 drinks. 9 pm-5 am. Aoyama Bld. 2,3 F, 4-5-9 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku (5469-1676)

Hanako Hanako's extremely cozy conditions inspire the usual jokes about hunchbacked bugs. A genial mood more than offsets the lack of elbow room. "It's a good place to come on your own," says Mika. Most of her customers are Japanese women in their early twenties. "Customers can bring their own CDs and listen to them. There's also a video." Hanako's cover charge, which includes tasty homemade snacks, will set you back 1,000 yen. Drinks run from 900 yen. 2-15-8 Shinjuku, 8 pm-3 am, closed Mon. (3352-4862)

Hard Rock Cafe American food and portions in this authentic dinner. 5-4-20 Roppongi (3408-7018)

Harlem New hip-hop spot in Shibuya love hotel area. 2F, Dr. Jeekahns, 2-4 Maruyamacho (3461-8806)

Hayashi

Hinazushi All-you-can-eat (4,300 yen) sushi restaurant. All-you-can-drink for 1,200 yen. 11:30am-2:30pm & 5-11pm; Sat., Sun. & hol., noon-11pm. Beach Restaurant Row, O-daiba Kaihin Koen Sta. (Yurikamome Line from Shinbashi Sta) 1-3-5 Daiba, Minato-ku (5531-0017) 13 other branches, such as Mejiro (3205-7552) and Shibuya (3462-1003)

Hobgoblin Tokyo Brewery Pub & Restaurant. Newly opened pub in Akasaka, two minutes from the station. We stock the largest selection of draught beer in Tokyo. Lunch and dinner served everyday. British roast served Sundays from 1pm. (3585-3681)

Hokkaien A truly Chinese emphasis on cooking (first-rate) over decor (getting scruffier by the minute) They excel at just about everything they do, which is a lot: The menu feels like a medium-sized telephone book. Start your explorations with the Peking-style specialties, or just choose a course (from 5,000 yen) 11:30am-2pm & 5-10:30pm, daily. 2-12-1 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku (3407-8507)

House of Chile Hideaway like a hut on a tropical Island in the middle of Roppongi. Hot & spicy food such as Thai and Mexican Cajun cooking. 1F Nakazima Bldg., 3-8-11 Roppongi (3402-0372)

Home A natural food restaurant using only organic foodstuffs and locally caught fish. Next-door is Hiroba, a buffet restaurant. 11am-2pm & 5-9pm. Crayon House, B2, 3-8-15 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku (3406-6409)

Hong Phat A simple Vietnamese place, much like the dozen or so others that have sprung up around town in the past couple years. Two notable features at this one: it's just around the corner from Takadanobaba Station, and they have the excellent export version of Vietnam's 333 Beer (ask for ba-ba-ba) Recommended: beef noodles, chicken salad and Vietnamese-style okonomiyaki and curry. 11:30am-2pm & 5-11pm; Sun. & hol., noon-10pm. Closed Mon. Suki Bldg., 2F, 4-9-10 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku (3366-1371)

Hug Right next door to Hanako, Hug is managed by fast-talking Chako. She has been running Hug for 2 years, and while she won't necessarily greet you with a HUG, Chako will most assuredly be welcoming. Hug has 2 floors and features a bar and karaoke facilities (including tambourines for the particularly enthusiastic) and plays Yusen when the karaoke machine is taking a rest. People tend to come alone, and while clientele are mainly 20-ish, Chako says that Hug attracts those in their 30s and 40s too. She says that things can get wild during the week as well as on weekends. A maximum of 15 or 16 can sit at the bar, and after that, you'll have to tough it out. Hug's cover charge is 1,700 yen and drinks start from 800 yen. Shinjuku 2-15-8, 9 pm-6 am (5379-5085)

Huong Viet The entryway to this hole-in-the-wall hideaway of Vietnamese cooking is dingy if not dilapidated, but inside it's bright, friendly and full of street-level authenticity. Try a banh xeo pancake (the Vietnamese o-konomiyaki), exotic gyozas of minced pork and tree fungus and wash it down with a bottle of Ba-ba-ba beer. Most fare is aromatically tasty, but you'll find a few spicy characters among the clientele as well. 5-11pm; Sun. from noon; closed Mon. 5-3-3 Higashi Nakano, Nakano-ku. (3364-6304)

Il Cardinale A warm relaxing tratorilla with at least one real Italian chef and a staff that's learned the mellow friendly ways of the Mediterranean. Not a lot of fuss or pomp, but tasty pasta, pizza and seafood sets at reasonable prices in a casual setting. 12-2:30pm & 6-10pm; no lunch Sun. & hol. (3405-8725)

Il Castello Cheap, tasty and always filled with masses of local students and young working women. They call themselves Tuscan, but to us it's just good neighborhood Italian. 1-34-14 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku (3208-0432)

Il Cipresso Stylish atmosphere, reasonable prices, natural ingredients and convenient location-5 min. walk from Shinjuku Sta. The terrace offers a fine location for viewing Shinjuku foot traffic. And you can ask the chef to ignore the menu and cook your favorite northern Italian dish. 7-7-26 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku (3227-0550)

Isshin Genuine, innovative and amazing Japanese cuisine in a most tasteful setting. An experience you will never forget. This is the “real” Japan. 6pm – 2am. B1, Arai Bldg., 5-19-15 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. (3442-0224)

Irish House

Jirocho Boogaloo too in Ebisu. 7 pm-2 am; Sun., 6 pm-midnight. Sat.: Shinichi Ito. Sato Bldg., 2F, 2-8-7 Ebisu Nishi (3477-2600)

Jembatan Merah Indonesian food and delicacies served in a tropical setting. A quiet Baliesque oasis awaits the intrepit Tokyoite to choose from among 100+ dishes and an equally impressive drink menu. Open: 11am-11pm. Nichiyukin Akasaka Bldg. B1, 3-20-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku (3588-0794) Three other Jembatan Merahs are in Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ikebukuro.

Kaba Hangout for the DJ union near Ikejiri-Ohashi Sta. (Tokyu Shin-Tamagawa Line). 9 pm-5 am. Toya Bldg., B1, 3-21-29 Ikejiri (3418-1996)

Kakinokizaka
Asia, a resort once tenderly loved by Europeans. Here we realize the air full with comfort. EUROPEAN DINING & CAFE BAR KAKINOKIZAKA. Kakishoku Bldg. 3-24-15 Takaban, Meguro-ku (5721-1511)

Keets Karaoke bar with more than 3,000 English songs. 2,000 yen, w/ food and drink tickets. 6 pm-5 am; Sun. & hol. until midnight. 4F, 2-4-9 Roppongi (3584-3262)

Kinsmen Established gay bar where boys and girls, gay and gay-friendly hang out. 2F, behind BYGS Bldg. (3354-4949)

Kinswomyn Tara's bar is a must for any women-only visit to Nichome. Five years old (Kinswomyn's 5th birthday bash was just celebrated on September 19th) and still going strong, Kinswomyn has no cover charge and offers dance music on weekends. Tara says that the clientele varies according to the time of week, with the younger crowd being attracted to the dancing and the older crowd preferring the quieter weekday evenings. Kinswomyn is a good place to meet someone, says Tara. She admits to mustering up a little English for her frequent foreign customers. Kinswomyn's relaxing atmosphere is no doubt conducive to good conversation and plain old fun. Drinks start at 700 yen. 2-15-10 Shinjuku, 8 pm-4 am, closed Tues. (3354-8720)

Kiss Well-lit espresso bar with sometimes-surly service on Aoyama-dori. 1 & 2F; 3 & 4F: club and DJ bar. 2,000 yen w/ 2 drinks. 3-11-13 Minami Aoyama (3401-8165)

Konpei

Kyle Good's Find

Lagoon
The ideal destination for any occasion. Boasting a perfect blend of casual Californian-style atmosphere with a new twist on modern European cooking. ABC WACO Bldg. 2F, 1-16-11, Ebisu-minami, Shibuya-ku (5768-3522)
Click for more!

Lamp Post Quiet little gay bar. Ideal to start the night off in Ni-chome. No English spoken, but everyone’s welcome. Draft beer starts at ¥500. Open everyday until 3am, Sat/Sun happy hour from 4pm to 7pm. 2-12-15-201 Shinjuku (3354-0436)

La Chic Cafe restaurant style Italian dining that's not all atmosphere. Tasty antipasti, hot starters such as calamari sauteed with capers or tomato and olive oil alla luciana, and rich, generous main courses--plump scampini or creamy fettucini with smoked salmon--crafted by chef Komiya. Second floor has outdoor terrace too. 11:30am-11pm; closed Sun. & Hol. KSS Bldg., 2F, 1-21-8 Nishi Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku (3779-0411)

Le Bretagne Crepes may be pretty easy to come by in Tokyo, but the authentic buckwheat gallettes with cheese, ham, eggs, onions, various herbs, and/or fresh cream, butter and sugar, and fruit sorbet? Well, there's this place and that's it. The Northern French native who runs the place has also brought the espresso based beverage Calva over to complement the crepes. 11:30am-10pm. 4-2 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku (3235-3001)

Lexington Queen Hollywood meets Roppongi at the Lex. Friend to the stars Bill Hersey oversees the beautiful people at this fashion show slash club. 8 pm-5 am. 4,000 yen (male), 3,000 yen (female). 3-13-14 Roppongi (3401-1661)

Liquid Room Top touring rock, pop, punk and techno acts, plus one-off club specials. Shinjuku HUMAX Pavilion, 7F, 1-20-1 Kabukicho (3200-6831)

Lilla Dalarna A Scandinavian restaurant in Roppongi.Don’t miss the chance to feast yourself on our Christmas buffet, for only ¥2,000 you’ll get what you need for a Scandinavian Christmas table. Served during lunch time (12-3pm) from 16th to 24th December. Basic meals are also available. (3478-4690)

Live Bar Knob Philippine musicans and singers, international cocktails, delicious Philippine and Mexican food at reasonable prices. 3F BIP Bldg., 6-1-6 Roppongi (3404-4001)

Lombardi's A traditional pizzeria from New York, where it was established in 1905. Specializes in Neapolitan pizza. MULBERRY, B1, 1-17-5 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku (5457-7753)

Loop As comfy as your best friend's apartment. Wed. produced by Decca of New World Mansion (No-Hip Hop). After hours on Sun. 2,500 yen w/ 2 drinks. B1, 2-1-13 Shibuya (3797-9933)

Madame Mar is the formidable owner of the establishments that bear her name. Madame Mar is the younger and more spacious little sister to Mars Bar. The long bar means that patrons can sit and chat comfortably while Madame Mar pours the drinks and provides the entertainment (sometimes in the form of shouting out which of her customers are single). With lots of regulars and bar staff who know their customers, Madame Mar is one great all-female hangout. The cover charge of 1,500 yen will get you a homemade snack, and if you're hungry, you can order a bite to eat from the menu of bar nibbles. Be sure to catch Madame Mar's monthly party (on the last Saturday of every month) and keep your eyes open for special events advertised at the bar. Shinjuku 2-7-2-2F, Sun-Thu 6 pm-12.00 pm, Fri-Sat 6 pm-2 am (3354-7515)
Madame Mar boasts its own homepage: http://www.bekkoame.or.jp/~mars85/index.html

Mad Mulligans
Lunch meals all for 1000 yen. All night Happy Hour every Saturday. Kyuei Bldg. 2F, 3-18-21 Toranomon, Minato-ku (3578-8980).

Mannebiches The Gaelic renaissance is under way and Mannebiches is part of this new ave. An herb garden outside, a bread oven in the back and an equilibrium of quality, ambiance and price that's close to ideal, even though it's tucked away well off the main drag in Nezu. 1-16-8 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku. (3824-0484)

Mareichan Hasn't quite made up its mind as to whether it's a proper restaurant, a fast-food joint or a bottle-keep snack bar. Good, inexpensive food in any event, from noodle and rice dishes (we like the nasi lemak) to full-bore Malaysian curries. 3-22-6 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku (5391-7638)

Mariks Bar Every last Saturday, soul music and dance. Drink and food from Y500. 2F 5-37-4 Kanamachi, Katsushika-ku (3608-9090)

Mars Bar At the ripe old age of 13, only Mars Bar comes close to Sunny's track record as the oldest lesbian bar around. Interestingly, a bento is included in the rather pricey cover charge of 3,000 yen, so you won't go hungry in manager Yoko's presence. Mars Bar's customers can listen to rap or hip hop or try their luck at karaoke. Yoko says both singles and couples flock to Mars Bar for its friendly atmosphere. Shinjuku 2-15-13 3F, Mon-Thu 8 pm-3 am, Fri-Sun 8 pm-5 am, no closing day (3354-7923)

Mikonos The Tokyo/Yokohama population cluster's most famous Greek restaurant and deservedly so. Cheerful and bright. Reasonable rates for delicious dishes of lamb chop, herb-laden chicken souvlaki, salads teeming with black olives and feta cheese and finger foods with garlic mashed potato dip. There are even half dishes. But be prepared to wait your turn-reservations only accepted for parties of seven or more. 6-11:30pm. Closed Tue., some Wed. 1-104 Honmokucho, Yokohama-shi (045-623-9465)

Milk Punk, rock and alternative acts from around the globe join the cream of Tokyo's rock bands. (Thur. & Fri.) with DJs and separate lounge areas. 3,000 yen w/ 2 drinks. Mon.: The Rock '70s-'90s. Tue.: Rock & Pops '60s-'70s. 1st Wed.: Junkadelic. Thur.: Alternaste. Fri.: Kaz & K.K. Roob 6 Bldg., B1 & B2, 1-13-3 Ebisu Nishi (5458-2826)

Mission Stunning interior. On the outskirts of Roppongi, but worth the walk. From 8 pm. 3,000 yen (male); 2,500 yen (female). Jule A Bldg., B1, 1-10-10 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku (3583-6332)

Mix Crowded, smoky, friendly, major plus: always someone dancing. Soul, R & B and reggae, with occasional hip-hop and acid jazz. Early to mid-week dance haven. 3-6-19 Kita Aoyama (3797-1313)

Monsoon Café The Nishi Azabu people-watching cafe/restaurant (5467-5222) has opened a new restaurant in Daikanyama. Various Asian foods from satay to Vietnamese raw spring rolls. 11:30-5am, daily. 15-4 Hachiyamacho, Shibuya-ku (5489-3789)

Moti A Tokyo institution. Serving unpretentious Indian fare for as long as we can remember. Roppongi (3479-1939), Akasaka-mitsuke (3582-3620), Akasaka branch (3584-6640) Moti Darbar Roppongi (5410-6871)

Muse The longest bar in Tokyo with live music, DJs, and packed weekends. (3401-6969)

Myun (My Dung)It's a time machine: a slightly dank, Asian-baroque Shinjuku basement-cafe, perfectly preserved from the '60s. No, it's a space transporter: an instant trip to Saigon, with good, cheap food and a largely Vietnamese clientele. 1-3-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku (5379-5240)

Nagani Burmese dining & jungle bar nicely decorated with hilltribe ware and political slogans from Burmese student movement. But most of all, the food is good. Yanagiya Bldg. B1, 2-18-6 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku (3205-0560)

Nankantei Comfortable '70s-chic Ogikubo decor, an accommodating master and Korean food of the highest caliber and at the fairest of prices. And don't think the Tokyo food cognoscenti don't know it: avoid peak hours. 4-20-15 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku (3393-3044)

Nao's Wine restaurant in Ginza, that serves Italian and French food and more than 50 kinds of wine, beer, and cocktails. If you don’t care about the formal way of drinking wine, but you know how to enjoy it, this is your place! Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm & 6pm-11:30pm, Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm, Sun closed. 7-7-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku (5537-3335)

Navajo Californian-style Pacific Rim cuisine. Fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and fruits. Sunny, open scenery with friendly English-speaking staff. Roppongi Bldg., Annex, 1F, 4-11-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku (3470-1717)

Noose Cozy night spot in Nishi Azabu. Mainly acid jazz. 500 yen. Tue.: DJ Mike McKenna & guests play hip-hop, jungle. B2, 1-4-7 Nishi Azabu (3478-4284)

Nuts Pounding, hard trance hole on Roppongi dori across the street from WAVE. 2-3,000 yen w/ 1 drink. (3402-4070)

Oasis
Elsa Bldg., 3-13-12 Roppongi, Minato-ku Tel: 5411-2419
Open: Tue-Sun 6pm until late (last order 11:30pm)

Open Reggae club with laid back atmosphere opened by the staff from the legendary, now defunct 69. Roots reggae from the 60s-90s. 1,000 yen w/ 1 drink Up Shinjuku dori, turn right at the Don Don gyudon shop before Gyoenmae station and it's downstairs of the right.(3226-8855)

Orange Tree One narrow counter and two small tables is all that's available to service the eat-in customers with tandoori chicken, chicken murghi , and a very very vegetable curry. Yet this is still the only place where you find an Indian hot-dog (spicy shish kebab sausage wrapped in nan). Worth the wait or drop by and get a bunch of cheap Indian food to go. 12-2pm and 6-11pm. 2-12-11 Kami-Meguro, Meguro-ku (5721-9342)

Organ Bar A groovy hangout in Shibuya. All genres from hip-hop to free soul. From 9 pm. 1,000 yen w/ 1 drink (Fri. & Sat., 2,000 yen). Last Fri.: Free Soul Underground. Kuretake Bldg., 3F, 4-9 Udagawacho (5489-5460)

OTO Techno/house club in Shinjuku. Midnight-5 am (opens as an event space SIDE/B 7 pm-midnight). Mon.: All mix. Wed.: Hip hop. Thur.: Reggae. Fri.: House. Sat.: Jazz groove. 2,000 yen w/ 2 drinks (Fri. & Sat., 2,500 yen). After hours (Sun., 6 am-noon): 1st, 3rd & 5th Sun.: house; 2nd & 4th Sun.: techno. 1,000 yen. 1-17-5-27 Kabukicho (5273-8264)

OZ Café A slightly Japanized version of a Sydney cafe in the residential back streets of Nishi Azabu. Recommended is their breezy outdoor patio that stays open practically until the summer sun comes up. 5:30pm-4am. 1-8-13 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku (3470-7734)

Palm Tree Square Open-air restaurant/beer garden with palm trees and a camper van, next to Akasaka Prince Hotel, Bekkan. 5-9:30pm. Tokusetsu Okugai Space, 1-2 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku (3234-1111)

Pastis A big, bright room overlooking the Aoyama-dori/Kotto-dori intersection. Like any decent European cafe, they'll give you almost anything you want, whenever you want it, from a cup of coffee to an 800 yen lunch plate to a five-course meal. Recommended: any of the meals-in-a-pot-bouillabaisse, or pot-au-feu. 5-50-5 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku (3499-2565)

Piga Piga

Pigeon Skankin' little reggae bar which has been crankin out the tunes for over twelve years. On same street as American army barracks, 1-4-49 Nishi Azabu (3403-2962)

Queen Sheba Healthy, fat-free Ethiopian cuisine in a great ethnic setting. Kebabs in many varieties, soups, vegetable stew, special home-made Ethiopian bread etc. Watch out for regular live music nights.
Great party atmosphere when you need it! B1 Neoage Nakameguro Bldg, 1-3-1 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku (3794-1801)

Rare Soul Spirited bar with good DJ who pumps out the '70s soul and other groovy tunes. No cover, drinks from 600 yen. From Nishi Azabu crossing a block and a half up Roppongi dori towards Roppongi, on right. 3-20-12 Nishi Azabu, Kimura Bld. 1F, (3402-7147)

Restaurant Verde 11:30am-2:30pm & 5-11pm. Closed Sun. & hol. (only parties accepted) EM Villa Nogizaka, B1, 1-15-22 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku (3796-0530)

Rice Terrace

Ring J-Trip

Roaring 20' Enjoy the only REAL lap dance in Roppongi now. Fujii Bldg. 6F, 3-10-10 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Open: 18:30 - late.

Rock 'n' Roll Diner

Rolling Stone Classic, raunchy rock dive in Shinjuku. A tribute to Mick, Keith, Ron and Charlie but DJs also play grunge, metal and
requests. 6 pm-4:30 am; Sat. & Sun. from 5 pm. 3-2-7 Shinjuku (3354-7347)

Saci Perere Apart from live samba-dancing is practically mandatory here-the big draw is Tokyo's best feijoada completa, the Brazilian national meal of black beans, pork and all the trimmings. Prices definitely add up, but there's seldom cause to regret it. 6pm-midnight; closed Sun. Kokyu Yotsuya Bldg., B1, 6-12 Hon-Shiocho, Shinjuku-ku (3226-5888)

Sad Cafe with DJs on Fri. & Sat. Inexpensive, if unremarkable, food plus drinks the rest of the time. 11 am-5 am. Kind of behind Condomania. Asaina Bldg., 2F, 6-28-3 Jingu-mae (3406-6692)

Saigon One of the best to date. Try the gyuniku no tsuboyaki: a pot of spiced beef, to be rolled up with lettuce and an addictive sauce in a rice pancake. 1-7-10 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku (3989-0255)

Saigon Dep Lam A whole building of Vietnamese cuisine. Slowly percolated Saigon-style coffee on the ground floor, exotic drinks like rice hooch and finger foods in the basement, and hearty spring rolls and noodle dishes on the third. We've no idea what goes on on the mysterious "second floor parallel." Roulette maybe? 11:30am-3pm & 6-11pm. ´ 4-28-16 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku (3478-2540)

Salsa Caribe Latin bar/club playing from salsa & merengue to cumbia. Call for info on salsa lessons and special events. Reine Roppongi Bldg., 2F, 5-3-4 Roppongi (3746-0244)

Salsa Sudada Libidinous Latin rhythms and a friendly, multinational crowd. 6 pm-6 am. La Pallette Bldg., 3F, 7-13-8 Roppongi (5474-8806)

Salty Box Grill Intimate, casual Canadian-style restaurant with great service and hospitality. Delicious pastas and Caesar salad a must. They also make a tasty steak sandwich. Microbeers and reasonably priced wines. Homemade desserts & lovely lattes. Real Canadian breakfast served Sat. & Sun. 11:30am-3pm (lunch) & 5pm-midnight (dinner), Sun., 10:30am-3:30pm (brunch) & 5-10pm (dinner) 1-11-6 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku (tel/fax: 3403-6631)

Samovar Tokyo's oldest Russian restaurant, and it looks it. Samovar specializes in stews with dumplings, thick soups served with crusty Russian rye bread, goulashes and a skewer of lamb or beef, all to be washed down with cold, viscous Polish vodka poured to the rim, and good Czech pilsner. Closed Sun. & 3rd Mon. Shibuya Sta. Just past Bunkamura, turn left up the hill, 2-22-5 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku (3462-0648)

San Isidro Great sampling of Spanish delicacies in the form of specials that change daily. Tortilla Espana is a sweet, savory omelet made with organic onions and free range huevos. Friendly, fun and easy to find. Fresh fish culled from the Guadalquivir River in eco-disaster Sevilla. 5:30-11:30pm. Closed Sundays & Holidays ¥¥ Purumie Gaien Bldg., 2F, 2-7-30 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku (3401-3146)

Saude Youngish crowd jams to Eurobeat, samba, salsa and heavy metal. Tasty Brazilian food. ABIC Bldg., 7F, 3-10-9 Roppongi
(3478-6618)

Savoy "Pizza, pasta, vino and swing." With a soundtrack of 40s and 50s jazz, two different kinds of pizza (a tomato mozzarella and a herb-packed marinara) and plenty of hearty dishes and reasonable bottles, Savoy delivers what it promises. But don't go at the last minute--they run out of pizza dough a half hour or so before closing. 6-10pm. 2-7-10 Kami-Meguro, Meguro-ku (3714-5160)

Shamaim Best Israeli food East of Lake Kinneret-or at least East of that pond in Kichijochi. Reasonable tasty sets of falafel or grilled meat-2,000 yen buys all you can eat even for dinner. The owner's making it his mission in life to keep the blue and white flag waving over Tokyo now that Agada's moving into salsa. Closed Mon. Art Bldg., 2F, 4-11 Sakaecho, Nerima-ku (3948-5333)

Shanghai Club Descend the winding staircase and step through the dingy door frame into a Victorian garage sale. Fashionable free-style fresh foods and spirits for people used to dining interestingly. Shiguma AG Bldg., B1, 2-3-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku (3486-1976)

Shanri Gardens Choose from Toshomen, a block of dough sliced at your table into noodles, shark's fin soup, or steamed fish in oyster sauce. A classy 80 person capacity black leather interior and cheap lunch specials make it all worthwhile. Lunch from 11:30, Dinner starts from 5pm. Emerald Nishi Azabu Garden 1F, Nishi Azabu 1-8-21, Minato-ku (3402-1011)

Shinkukan Cozy club with reggae, dub and house. 2,500 yen w/ 1 dish & 2 drinks. Tucked away on the back streets between Harajuku and Aoyama. Harajuku FS Bldg., B1, 4-4-14 Jingu-mae (3478-4946)

Smash Hits Japan’s largest English Karaoke stage bar with more than 12,000 English songs. Only here can you find your favorite song and sing it like a star on stage. Private parties are welcome. One minute walk from Hiroo station. Admission: ¥3,000, includes two drinks and free Karaoke. M2 Bldg. Hiroo, 5-2-26 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Open every day 7pm-3am (3444-0432)

Shiori Dining and Shot Bar A French menu and a well-stocked bar beckon the intrepid Tokyoite to step in and relax. 3-25-2 Nishi-Ikebukuro. Toshima-ku (3984-0065)

Silk Bring-your-own-music and try your luck at DJ space in Shibuya. 5 pm-midnight. Fri. & Sat.: Eurobeat. 1-17-7 Jinnan (5458-1507)Soul Sonic Boogie

Spago One of the originators of Californian cuisine. Savor some gourmet pizza and imagine you're back in the early '80s. 11:30-2pm & 6-10pm, Sun. no lunch menu. 5-7-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku (3423-4025)

Sunny For 15 years, Sunny has been offering women a groovy place to get wild, chill out or have a gab, depending on your mood. Mere steps away from Hanako and Hug, Sunny's friendly staff is willing to wing it for English-speaking customers. A gargantuan karaoke machine looms in the corner. Customers tend to be in their 20s or 30s, and things don't really get interesting until around 10.30. Sunny seats 10 and there is some space to stand. Sunny's cover charge is 1,500 yen, and drinks start at 800 yen. Although Sunny has no official closing day, staff recommend that you phone ahead just in case. Shinjuku 2-15-8, 8 pm-5 am, no closing day (3356-0368)

Tac's Knot Owner and long-time Tokyo artist Takahashi Otsuka more than compensates for the small size of this snug establishment with a friendly demeanor and laid back atmosphere. Features monthly displays of works by gay artists who also frequent the narrow bar which is just a stone's throw from Starbuck's. In operation for 16 years. 8 pm-2 am. Drinks from 1300 yen. 3-11-12-202 Shinjuku (3341-9404)

Tamago Bar Tamago's velvet upholstery is sure to impress. A departure from the cheap'n'cheerful decor of some Nichome dives, Tamago provides customers with carpeted luxury along with plush chairs and couches for an evening of enjoyable conversation with one of its onabe hostesses. With karaoke and its distinct upscale mood, Tamago is for those who crave a different experience. The cover charge is 1,500 yen and drinks start from 1,000 yen. 2-15-13 Shinjuku, 9 pm-5 am, no closing day (3351-4838)

Tatou

T.Y. Harbor Brewery

Tempest Underground in Roppongi. 2,500 yen w/ 2 drinks. Roppongi Fuji Bldg., B1, 7-8-11 Roppongi (3479-3679)

Tip Top

The Room Acid jazz and hip hop ricochet off the concrete walls of this popular shoe-box size club. Also funk, soul & reggae. From 9 pm. Jinwa Bldg., B1, 15 Sakuragaoka (3461-7167)

Trading Places An upscale watering hole in Roppongi, offering food, fine wine and finance. Mon.-Sat., 6 pm-3 am. Imperial Roppongi Bldg., B1, 5-16-52 Roppongi (3589-2442)

Twin Star Great disco with girls a-go-go, laser & light, and a huge escalator leading to the gate. Open from 6:30 pm-12 am, Tuesday to Saturday. Entrance fee: 4,000 yen men /3,000 yen women. All you can eat and a heap of free drink tickets. 2-11 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, near Iidabashi station (3269-0005)

Ukai Toriyama
Minami Asakawa 3426, Hachioji City, Tokyo Tel: 0426-61-0739

Uluru 125 Not a character from the new Star Trek, but Tokyo's first real wine bar and a place to inexpensively discover that not all bottles of vino have to come from Europe or Napa Valley. Lots of Aussie wines, a laid back atmosphere, and three varieties a day that can be sampled for 550 yen a glass. Coonwara peppered ram steaks, rock oysters and Tasmanian abalone. G'donya. 6-11:30pm. 3-22-6 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku (3403-0125)

Uplink Factory A mini-cinema turns into a club on weekends that does avant-garde DJ events with big visual element. Sat.: All night DJ event; Sun. live. Yokoyama Bldg., 5F, 1-8-17 Jinnan (5489-0750)

Vagabond Off Just reopened Internet bar in Aoyama produced by Akira Kado. Kita Aoyama Sangyo Bldg., 3F, 3-3-11 Kita Aoyama (5413-7523)

VAL Techno, ambient, drum'n'bass, jazz and 700 yen drinks & food in Aoyama. 1,500 yen w/ 1 drink. Mon.-Wed., 7 pm-3 am; Thur.-Sat., 9 pm-5 am. At the corner of Roppongi-dori and Koto-dori. Gurobiru Aoyama, B1, 6-6-21 Minami Aoyama (3486-1620)

Ventotto Authentic Italian cuisine. Feast on handmade pasta and original creations from the freshest ingredients. Great selection of Grappa and Italian wines. Great for romantic evenings or parties. English and Italian spoken. Contente sicuramente! 2F, Metro Plaza Bldg. 1-16-14 Shibuya (5464-3928)

Vietti The only true hip hop disco in town with class. Free entrance on Wednesdays. ¥1000/w 1 drink on weekdays. Fri, Sa + the day before holidays is ¥3,000/w 2 drinks. Tel: 3401-7478

Volga Live music and steak. A supper club hidden near Tokyo Tower. Has the rich ambiance of Tsar-era aristocrat restaurant, reports of Rasputin sightings probably erroneous. Shows at 9 & 11pm. Kamiyacho Sta. 3-5-14 Shiba Koen (3433-1766)

Vuenos A newly opened bar with a huge dance floor in Shibuya! 2-21-7 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Vuenos Bldg. 1F

Web Stylish little mingling space. At the Mishuku Crossing between Ikejiri-Ohashi and Sangenjaya stas. (Tokyu Shin-Tamagawa Line). 3-30-10 Ikejiri (3422-1405)

West Sophisticated tea and coffee salon. Classical music, white table cloth, flowers, etc. Coffee ´700. Parking available. 9am-11pm; Sat., Sun. & hol., noon-9pm, daily. 1-22-10 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku (3402-6901)

West Park Cafe

What the Dickens Spacious (8m ceiling), lively British pub with hearty food, Guinness and Bass on tap and throngs of gaijin. Live bands such as the Hitman, Shiva Blue on weekends.1st Sun.: Poetry Night. Roob 6 Bldg., 4F, 1-13-3 Ebisu Nishi (3780-2099)

Wood & Stone DJ bar on the first floor of Dr. Jeekhan's. Drinks and food are all 500 yen. 5 pm-5 am. Comedy Store's open-mike night Mondays at Dr. Jeekhan's, 1F, 2-4 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku (3476-7819)

XP Club and live space in Shibuya that does cutting edge live acts and music. They recently did experimental hard hop/drum and bass outfit Mouse on Mars. (5464-7576)

Yatana

Yellow The city's most progressive events in conjunction with a snooty staff and a sleepy, packed-in flock of adolescents. Thur.: Techno/jungle. Fri.: Upper-house. Sat.: House. From Nishi Azabu Crossing go up Roppongi-dori, toward Roppongi, take third left. Roppongi. B2, 1-10-11 Nishi Azabu (3479-0690)

Zassouya (Jap Cho Ok)

Zapata Friendly English- and Spanish- speaking staff and an extensive range of Tex-Mex cuisine. Generous portions, reasonable prices. Parties, private functions and catering service available. 11:30am-2pm & 6-11pm. Harajuku/ Shibuya/Meiji Jingu-mae stas. 7 min. walk. Ebina Bldg., B1, 6-18-10 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku (3499-5888)

Zenshu-tei A tiny Korean barbecue house which seats seven. Always crowded. 3pm-1am (last order) Closed Mon. ACB Kaikan, 1F, 2-36-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku (3200-8770)

Zion

Zona Rosa Funky Mexican "taqueria" bar & restaurant near Ebisu Station. Tacos, nachos, fajitas and an extensive range of tequila & rum. 11:30-6am, Sat. & Sun. no lunch menu. 1-12-5 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku (3440-3878)

Zoot Neo-health food targeted at a calorie conscious and largely female clientele. A health club atmosphere, picture-window third floor view across Omotesando, and the best place in town to get a nice cool glass of Aloe juice. It's a stop in, linger and feel healthy kind of place. 5-8-5 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku (3499-9000)


Credit http://www.tokyo.to/index.html for the above!