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One night I'd realized that I was sorely lacking in any experience in Tokyo nightlife. I wasn't sure if I'd wanted to go out to Shinjuku for the red light district or risk being ID'd at the bars across Roppongi.
I wandered for a while before finding a nifty little spot. Small, quaint, warm. Plus, they allowed indoor smoking, so I was more than happy.
The first night I went I was the only one in, conversing endlessly about Mingus and other jazz giants with the barkeep, Kyoko. A simple gin & tonic and some Mingus was enough to keep my head straight for the rest of the night.
Last night, my final night in Tokyo, I decided to say my goodbyes there. It was full this time around, salesmen having just gotten out of work and the like. I had a wonderful conversation with each and every single one of them. Two whiskeys and five cigarettes deep, I still feel like it was a work of my imagination to have heard a group of middle aged men call me "sugoi".
Unfortunately, I do believe I owe all of them one of my own records. If I can get into a recording studio at all.
Nonetheless, its the best experience I've had in Tokyo thus far (aside from... usual tourist stuff, I'd say.)
Volontaire in Akasaka, Tokyo. If you like jazz and want an intimate night with yourself and some jazz records, and have 2,000 yen to spare for the cover charge, it's well worth it. It's not particularly foreign friendly but it's a wonderful place.
+2
Jun 6, 2025
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Black Cat cafe is a great cafe in the LES (super chill, nice to read in) that has amateur comedy nights sometimes - and if you pay like $5 you can actually go up and do your own set lol
Hard To Explain is a βhole in the wallβ bar in the east village that specializes in sake and good vibes. Amazing place for a date or if you just wanna sit and chill. I would recommend going later rather than earlier, and choosing from their vinyl selection. If you point out one that you like, the bartender will play it for you :)
Mar 26, 2024
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- Ruby Wine / Aurora Alimentari - Grab a bottle at Ruby and some charcuterie at Aurora and enjoy in the parklet
- Mijote - French inspired tasting menu with an omakase style bar, fantastic!
- Rintaro Izakaya - Hip izakaya spot with great yakitori
- Taqueria El Farolito - Carne Asada super burrito
- El Chato - Spanish wine bar, grab a vermouth soda!
- Bar Part Time - Grab a bottle and dance
- Bon Nene - Cozy Japanese spot with a French twist
- Snail Bar (Oakland) - One of the best small plate/wine bars in the bay. Do a snail shot!
- Bar Gemini - Gorgeous wine bar from the fine folks at Gemini Bottle Co.
- ABV / Dalva - Great cocktails
Aug 23, 2024
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The Beehive, great cocktail bar!
Rintaro; decent Japanese restaurant
Oma SF Station, small and hidden sushi place, not to miss!
SF MOMA; usually holds great exhibitions
Relic Vintage; really great pieces and well preserved
Sausalito for a day trip
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May 10, 2025
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my job is watching movies and getting paid but sometimes it does get annoying to watch the same thing 3 times a day so i just sneak out and fuck around in the parking lot roof until i either get kicked out or someone notices im out. clerksmaxxing
May 7, 2025
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I thought this would suck and I'd hate it, especially since its for an event I could care less for but need to go to nonetheless, but woah.
It's great to start my day this early.
The streets are relatively empty, the sun is still beginning its climb upward, the heat isn't unbearable just yet. It's calm, it's nice.
I'm going to regret this by midday when I'm trudging the city with another dull headache but for now, it ain't half bad.
May 9, 2025