The Tavern in Asakusa — Restaurant in Tokyo

I was very excited to check out this bar, with glowing reviews and their cocktail bar I was told was one I had to visit. I took a Uber there directly and got there at 11. I saw the place was open till 2, the moment I walked in while the place seemed 3/4 full, I imagine the owner greeted me at the door and told me they can’t take me in because they are closing soon. There was no sign of a private event, and upon seeing the reviews it seemed like they were foreigner friendly. I am well traveled, so am aware of possible attire, was not in shorts or close to wearing something where my I was dressed poorly. I was wearing jeans and a hoodie, honestly not sure if it was clothing or just me. I greeted properly in Japanese and apologized for the inconvenience thinking maybe I read their hours wrong which wasn’t the case. Japan has been wonderful for the duration of my 14 day stay with some minor cultural differences here and there but I’m of the stance I’m a guest in their country and not my place to question or push back while in their country but this one encounter stuck with me. The irony of the bar called The Tavern in English and turning me away is something, I’m just happy my wife was not with me. I can handle the embarrassment, but not something I’d want her to experience, especially since she over the moon with her time here. I may be a outlier as reviews show otherwise, only other thing is that I’m Hispanic? I’m not one to pull a race card, if anything I’m strongly against such things just trying to find logic to last night but that alone may just prove just as unfruitful. Just sad as it was my last day of my trip and to cap it off this way just left me with...

In one word: excellent. I stumbled upon this bar while wandering the streets of Asakusa, drawn in by its charming ambiance. As soon as I stepped inside, I was warmly welcomed by the owner, Kentaro, who is probably one of the friendliest Japanese people I've ever met. Not only is Kentaro a fantastic host, but he’s also an incredibly skilled bartender. He plays every role in the bar single-handedly, achieving what I believe to be perfection or at least very close to it.

The bar itself is an elegant and sophisticated spot where you can enjoy a well-crafted whiskey, beer, or cocktail while listening to smooth jazz and blues at just the right volume for conversation. Kentaro is always happy to help you choose a drink, with prices averaging around 4,000 yen per person for a couple of drinks.

This was hands down one of the best experiences I had in Japan. If you’re a lover of whiskey or cocktails—or simply appreciate a great bar atmosphere—this place is a must-visit. I can't wait to return to Asakusa just to experience it again.

P.S. Be sure to try his Old Fashioned; you won’t be disappointed. And trust his recommendations—he truly understands his...

The Tavern is a must for anyone who enjoys whiskeys and nice bar environments. I found this bar while staying at a nearby hotel in Asakusa. Despite visiting alone, this place was exactly what I was looking for in a Tokyo bar. The bartender was very welcoming, meeting me at the door and escorting me to a seat at the bar. After my first drink, served with complimentary mixed nuts, he made a great suggestion for a nice Japanese whiskey from Hokkaido. The vibe was cool, with jazz playing while I watched him expertly mix cocktails for other guests. This is a place if you're looking to enjoy a nice drink in a sophisticated environment. I really wanted to stay longer, but I was too tired to drink more. I would go out of my way to...