tavern on S — Restaurant in Tokyo

BJJ Gi shopping in Shinjuku, (seriously), starving and we find Tavern on S because we happen to be in the area...

Tavern on s service: The hostess and our server was very friendly and they provided English menus for the gaijin visitors. They informed us of a table charge up front, we appreciated the heads up honesty. The kitchen got our food to us quickly to get out appetites in check. Good service all around.

Tavern on s gastropub food: I took a break from Japanese food and went for their cheeseburger. It appears that they pounded the patty themselves and added some spicing for flavor. Served on a sesame seed bun it was a skinny but tasty cheeseburger. Our flatbread cheese pizza was tasty, salads were fresh and the fries felt like we were back in the US, good work. The Shinjuku Mule was a tasty in house drink that I needed badly on a hot humid afternoon.

Tavern on s ambiance: There's a high end gastropub feel with lots of dark wood, contemporary lighting and brick walls. Cool pop cultured murals hang on the walls. The oval shaped bar is showcased at the entrance and appears to be a popular watering hole for the locals.

Timing is everything as we found Tavern on s strictly by chance. If I'm ever in the area again, I wouldn't hesitate grabbing a bite here if I want a break from the traditional local...

If you find yourself in or near Shinjuku station, you can quickly pop out to this American-style restaurant/ bar (if still inside the JR station, you can make your way to the "Shin Minami" exit, and the NewWoman area is right outside, or just find the Food hall at Newwoman, and this place is at the back). Positives include a very nice atmosphere, efficient and friendly staff and a decent menu (although some items are a bit on the pricey side.) I went there for drinks and snacks with friends, and we liked the style of the place (the mural adds to the ambience), which did remind us of bars in New York/ the US. There was a small selection of craft beers on offer (mainly US) and these can easily be accompanied by the starters on the menu (Charcuterie platter etc.) Note that in the evening (After 5.00 pm), their website booking form lists a table charge of 300 Yen per person and is added to the bill, as well as a "10% late night charge". There are tables, and also a small counter bar. Overall, a good place to eat or just share a few drinks at the start of the evening before heading out to...

Tourist trap — avoid like the plague. Only giving one star because the food was barely acceptable. Otherwise? A total scam. These people are con artists, plain and simple.

Menu prices look reasonable — until you realize they don’t include tax. Every other restaurant I’ve been to in Tokyo includes tax in the menu prices. Not here. They lure you in with low prices and then hit you with hidden charges at the end.

Oh, and let’s talk about the “service charge”. Not only was the service slow and indifferent, but we were slapped with an extra fee for it — with zero warning. No mention from the staff, nothing printed on the menu, just some tiny fine print on a poster at the entrance that you’d never notice unless you were hunting for it with a magnifying glass.

The food? Totally forgettable. Average at best, and absolutely not worth the shady experience. Disgusting business practice. Steer clear of this place unless you enjoy...