| Bar Review |
By James Minahan |
Brown G
Loosen that designer tie and
relax at this Omotesando lounge
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| Photos Courtesy of PTH |
Situated just off the shopper’s Mecca of Omotesando, Brown G is one
of the area’s few businesses that only gets going after the sun goes down. During the day this neighborhood bustles with open-air cafes and boutiques, but this basement lounge was built for those who brave the ’sando streets well into the evening hours. Considering its proximity to the station,
the bar makes an ideal spot for a calming scotch with fellow salarymen after work,
or for couples to grab a light dinner after
a long day of bargain hunting.
Brown G makes a clear effort to match the stylish elegance of its surrounding neighborhood—modern chandeliers provide low lighting over a surprisingly large space filled with plush seating and an abundant amount of deep purple velvet. Patrons are welcomed by a long dark wood counter, guarding row upon row of scotches, bourbons and an array
of spirits to satisfy all comers.
Those who arrive for more than just a quick nightcap can move along to the main dining space just beyond, which has four tables surrounded by soft black couches at the center, and bordered by a wall of private tables for two. While some may find the space a little tight, the cozy “cubbies” along the wall have soft curtains to separate patrons from the rest of the lounge—perfect for those who wish to order a bottle of wine and be forgotten.
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On a recent night out, we arrived at Brown G with a decent appetite and a serious need for an otsukare drink. Our post-work thirst made whisky (¥750-¥1,600) the obvious choice, though the wine list was tempting, with a healthy selection of bottles in the ¥3,000-¥10,000 range. The standard cocktails (all ¥850) pack quite a kick, courtesy of the generous bartender, and Omotesando suit-wearers who need to wipe away the early workweek blues will be happy to know that Brown G’s website has a coupon offering 50 percent off all beverages on Mondays.
With the first drink well settled, we moved on to an order of smoked salmon salad (¥1,000)—fresh greens and tender salmon resting in front of a sun-colored disc of crunchy paripari cheese and a light but flavorful portion of fish and chips (¥1,260), stylishly presented in a manner far removed from its pub origins. Though we preferred to order à la carte on this occasion, in the future we may opt for one of Brown G’s course deals (¥3,500-¥4,500).
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As the night went on and the crowd grew steadily, the lounge became subtly vivacious, with patrons enjoying the night but not
at the cost of spoiling the serene and laidback mood. And with another round on the way, we were happy to join in.
B1 Minami-Aoyama Bldg, 3-13-18 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5411-0717. Open Mon-Thu& Sat 6pm-1am, Fri & days before hols 6pm-4am, Sun & hols 6-11pm. Nearest stn: Omotesando, A4.
www.dias.co.jp/browng
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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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