| Bar Review |
By Steve Trautlein
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Forest Avenue Bar
This casual new Motomachi drinking den is destined for greatness
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| Photos courtesy of Forest Avenue Bar |
Although we’ve been to Forest Avenue Bar just once,
we’re convinced that the pub will become a favorite watering hole for Yokohama expats. Its central location, welcoming interior, friendly owner and—last but certainly not least—stiff drinks are sure to keep the crowds returning again and again.
The bar shares the same B1 address as Yokohama’s legendary Club Why Not?—which is unsurprising, as the two establishments also share the same owner. On the Saturday night we visited, a bevy of attractive young Japanese women were making their way into the building, and we were a bit disappointed when they headed next door to an international party at Why Not?
Forest Avenue’s crowd consisted mainly of sports fans drawn to the satellite broadcast of the Rugby World Cup. The setup is perfect for sports viewing, with a common area that faces a large-screen TV on one side of the U-shaped bar and, on the other side, a row of diner-like booths that accommodates more intimate get-togethers. We settled in a booth and kept our eye on a smaller TV above the bar, which allowed us to enjoy the spectacle of the All Blacks decimating Portugal.
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On this late-summer evening, we thought a mojito would be the perfect drink to quench our thirst, but Forest Avenue’s gregarious owner, Sammy, informed us that he was out of mint. So we consoled ourselves with a nice big Bass Pale Ale and a Cuba libre, both of which arrived with admirable speed. The rum cocktail also packed a hefty kick, as did our later order of
a Tom Collins and a gin and tonic. All of Forest Avenue’s drinks cost about ¥1,000 or less.
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Complementing the liquor is an Asian-accented food menu that offers good value. Dishes include spring rolls (¥600), fried shrimp with sweet-and-sour sauce (¥900), pad thai (¥1,000) and eggplant green curry (¥900), plus salads and other light dishes. The spring rolls tasted wonderfully fresh and came with a slightly sweet dipping sauce, while the pad thai and curry reminded us of the versions at our favorite off-price Thai restaurants. Whatever its attractions as a bar, Forest Avenue is also an inexpensive dining option in one of Yokohama’s toniest neighborhoods.
We can only assume that the pub takes its name from the plants and other foliage that dots its interior. Though the effect is less than tropical, Forest Avenue does exude an appealing vibe, with low lights and homey wood furniture. As the evening wore on and more rugby came over the airwaves, the noise level and energy picked up, helped along by ample doses of alcohol and the owner’s welcoming charm.
B1, 1-31 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045-663-4820. Open Tue-Sat 6pm-2am, closed Mon. Nearest stn: Motomachi-Chukagai. www.forestavenuebar.com
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Have you heard? Monday, August 4 is Beer Hall Day at The Dubliners’ Irish Pub. What is Beer Hall Day, you might ask? For one day only, pints of draft beer will be sold for just ¥500. At which branch? All six of ’em! And if you can’t wait until then, stop by any of the locations (in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akasaka, Shinagawa, Toranomon or Ikebukuro) between July 28 and August 3, and for every pint you drink, receive a ¥100 discount ticket redeemable on or after August 5.
It’s easy to grow tired of visiting the same Roppongi watering holes week after week. Opened last month, Zero Bar (1F Roppongi 410 Bldg, 4-10-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku; 03-5775-0100; www.zerobar.jp) promises something fresh—and refreshing. This new champagne bar just steps from the Tokyo Midtown complex offers a selection of over 100 bottles of bubby and wine. The small-ish space is dimly lit, with a wood counter and comfy low-back bar stools and the drinks illuminated under red lights. To find it, look for the number “0” in the bar’s ground-level window.
Up for some live jazz, pops, bossa nova, samba or chanson from leading Japanese musicians? At Boston Dreams (B1 Roppongi Five Bldg, 5-18-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku; 03-3583-3988), just off Gaien-Higashi Dori, you can enjoy three sets of live music (7:40-11pm) six days a week. Stop by during happy hour (5:30-7:30pm) and pay ¥1,000 for two drinks and popcorn, with additional drinks just ¥500. Entry starts at just ¥3,000, but mention Metropolis and get in for half-price. BJM
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