ガスト 西日暮里店

I'm mainly commenting for a business-oriented or work-oriented individual needing a temporary place to work and use of the Gasto franchise as such:

I used to like this place a couple of years ago. I remember finding the food correct at that time since I was coming from China where the food safety and quality had become a real problem.

I also remember that a couple of years ago, there was no AC plug, so we could not stay that long and work on our laptop. Since then, things have changed for the better. You can at least get one plug and work. More and more coffee shops finally allow it. I remember years ago, it was unconceivable to even ask for a plug to work locally. Things changed and Corona will bring new Digital Transformation to the country for the good of all.

Now that I'm settled in Japan and started a new business there, I can experience a whole new world of places with good food or good working environment. So Gusto is not relevant anymore except for short stay when nothing else is available.

So I still advise this place but here is what you should know: -the service is fine and fast, -the food is maybe a little greasy for those who are health-conscious, -the place is well furnished so you can sit comfortably to work, -it's noisy, music, talks around, so if you can focus despite this, it's ok, -it's not really a place for socializing but ok for business meetings in case you need it, -to work every day, it will cost you too much, and it is not advisable since you will get often distracted by the environment, -the coffee is probably the worst I have experienced in Japan, but you got what you pay for (all you can drink come at the price of quality and taste).

I remember when I was there before starting my business, I was literally insulted because I asked a gentleman if this machine (I could not decipher Katakana at that time) was the coffee or tea machine. The staff looked the other way. So if you are a foreigner you will experience sometimes a weird local behavior. It's very rare since Japanese people are generally very polite and considerate but it happened to me. It made me laugh though... later.

Most of my experiences in Gusto were good though and my life in Japan is really great since I got the required understanding of the local manners and rules.

So in conclusion: Go there if: -you want to find a cheap food place with a all you can drink (drink bar, not alcohol bar), -you need a place to meet people but do not care about discussion confidentiality, -you just want to find a place to crash for a couple of hours to work on an urgent task with your laptop.

Do not choose this place if: -you need to work in quiet ambiance, -you need to focus on a critical task but are easily distracted, -you need to invite a significant other for a 14th of February romantic evening.