Tokyo After Dark - Tokyo - page 261

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In addition to the listings here, try Hobgoblin Roppongi, on Gaien-Higashi Dori in
the direction of Tokyo Tower at 3-16-33 Roppongi ( & 03/3568-1280 ), open daily
from Monday to Friday from 5pm and weekends from noon (see “Akasaka,” below, for a
review).
A971 This Roppongi newcomer attracts a well-heeled crowd due to its location in
Midtown, but that doesn't mean it doesn't get down and—well, if not exactly dirty, at
least hopping by the wee hours of the morning. The first floor serves as a casual cafe and
bar, with sidewalk seating and four computers guests can peruse for free, while the second
floor serves as a combination cafe and lounge. The menu offers contemporary cuisine—
think local vegetables and the likes of oven-baked fish covered with miso—at surprisingly
reasonable prices given its location. Hours are Monday to Saturday 10am to 4am (second
floor 11am-2am), Sunday and holidays 10am to midnight (second floor 11am-mid-
night). Midtown East, 9-7-2 Akasaka. & 03/5413-3210. www.a971.com. Station: Roppongi (2
min.). At the entrance to Midtown.
Agave Tequila fans take note: This is Japan's largest tequila bar, with approximately
500 brands on offer. Margaritas, appetizers (nachos and the like), and cigars are also
available. Yes, cigar smoking is allowed in this basement establishment, but an airy
domed ceiling, Mexican decor and music, and a friendly staff—not to mention tequila
(I like it with chili-pepper salt on the rim)—may make it sufferable for nonsmokers.
Hours are Monday to Thursday from 6:30pm to 2am, Friday and Saturday from 6:30pm
to 3:30am. 7-15-10 Roppongi. & 03/3497-0229. Station: Roppongi (2 min.). Just off Roppongi
Dori, on the right side, heading from Roppongi Crossing toward Roppongi Hills and Shibuya
(take the second right).
Bar Bourbon Street The Big Easy is the inspiration for this small, cozy bar with a
living-room atmosphere and free live music nightly from 9pm to midnight, mostly blues
but sometimes traditional jazz and Dixieland. It offers a large selection of wines by the
glass and, of course, bourbons, along with Cajun and New Orleans favorites such as
blackened fish and jambalaya. The bar's owner is the organizer of an annual Roppongi
Mardi Gras party. It's open Tuesday to Saturday 6pm to 2am. 7-8-16 Roppongi. & 03/5786-
2887. www.bourbonstreet-tokyo.com. Station: Roppongi (5 min.). From Roppongi Crossing,
walk away from Tokyo Tower on Gaien-Higashi Dori, turning left at the diagonal street Ryudo-
cho Bijitsukan-dori (across from Tokyo Midtown); it will be on your right on a side street after
the Times car park.
Bar Del Sole I like this place for its outdoor terrace and open facade, a rarity in Rop-
pongi. In addition to the usual drinks, it has a snack menu that includes lots of desserts,
even ice cream. It opens daily at 11am, closing at midnight Monday to Thursday, 2am
Friday and Saturday, and 11pm Sunday and holidays. 6-8-14 Roppongi. & 03/3401-3521.
Station: Roppongi (4 min.). From Roppongi Crossing, take the road downhill from the left side
of Almond Coffee Shop; it will be on the right.
Fiesta International Karaoke Bar This karaoke bar offers 15,000 English-lan-
guage songs, including oldies, soul, pop, rock, and heavy metal, along with professional
sound equipment and a sound engineer who can make your voice sound better than it
really is. Admission is ¥3,500, which includes three drinks and all the songs you care to
sing, except on Tuesdays when women pay only ¥2,500. Open Monday 7am to mid-
night, Tuesday to Saturday 7pm to 5am. 7-9-3 Roppongi. & 03/5410-3008. www.fiesta-
roppongi.com. Station: Roppongi (3 min.). From Roppongi Crossing, walk away from Tokyo

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