Post on 2015-10-27

Bodega lies inconveniently placed in the Takatsu neighbourhood, which too is inconveniently placed in Kawasaki City.

Although the place is a little loud and it might make you start feeling claustrophobic on busy nights, the place is the better of the two cigar bars in the neighbourhood.

Recommended for a night out with friends.

Post on 2015-10-27

Mizumachi Bar lies at the foot of the Marine Tower, boasting a long counter and a generous number of seats on the patio outside. Although a good walk's distance away from nearby stations, it is conveniently placed at the end of a classic "date course", as some may call it.

If you come by car or motorcycle, you can choose to park in front of the patio, you shouldn't be bothered by the authorities unless you are really unlucky.

Drinks-wise, the place isn't much; they have fancy cocktails, but the quality doesn't keep up. But it does seem to please the ladies, so as long as you stick to the bourbon or some other hard liquor, you should be fine.

The place stocks cigars, but don't expect much on their condition. Best bring your own, there are several decent cigar shops in the Yokohama area.

In conclusion; great for dates, but not so much for a quiet time alone.

Post on 2015-10-27

I visited Havana Vegas a few weeks back. I had high hopes for the place from hearsay and the reviews I've read, but my experience turned out to be rather disappointing.

From the outside, the place looks like a shabby building in the South Americas with its cheap neon signs and glass front. I'm totally fine with that, like it even. But the interior feels like it's trying to hard, with everything in navy blue from carpet to sofa to curtains, and cigar-related curios and objects everywhere like cedar splints in a cup or cigar label bands on the wall. It is interesting to look at for the first few minutes, but it gets redundant and tiring after a while.

The layout of the bar doesn't help either; people on the rather uncomfortable sofa seats are forced to stare at the backs of customers sitting at the counter while they chat with the bartender.

And then comes the drinks. The cocktails were mediocre to the point where the best drink I had during my stay was a machine-made espresso. And really, did they have to serve potato chips and pretzels to go with my cigar?

The place does have its merits. They (I believe) import house-rolled cigars from Cuba, not something you can obtain easily in Japan. But the prices are extremely steep and personally, I find house rolled cigars usually don't meet the standards of Habanos S.A. brand cigars of the same price range... at least, not when Havana Vegas charges 5,000 yen for one.

In conclusion, I thought the place is rather snobbish and all looks but no substance. Unless this is your nearest cigar venue or you have a deep love for house-rolled Cubans, I will not recommend this place anytime.

Post on 2015-10-27

Roppongi is a decadent town. It is as if God took Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath and Sloth and spilled it over an entire neighbourhood. Drunk partygoers roam the streets while bouncers and whores (and the occasional policeman) watch their every move.

A members-only cigar bar, Ne Plus Ultra Roppongi (NPUR), lies near the centre of that neighbourhood. With black iron gates, concrete walls and heavy doors, the bar feels like a fortress of hope (or more accurately, an underground bunker), defying the evil spirits that walk Roppongi's streets.

Actually, they're not really evil spirits; it just happens to be Halloween season.

Anyway, ever since I obtained membership 2 years ago during Autumn of 2013, NPUR has been my most frequented and favourite cigar bar. With a dark and heavy atmosphere resembling an English castle in the Dark Ages, an extensive collection of vintage liquers and spirits, and experienced bartenders who can understand exactly the kind of drink you're looking for.

By the way, when I mentioned "vintage liquers and spirits", I didn't mean the "18 year old whisky" kind of vintage; I meant the "18 year old whisky from the 1970's" kind of vintage. I enjoy sipping on something sweet with my cigars, and NPUR has the perfect answer. Mint liquers, Amaretto, Kümmel, and all sorts of other liquers, all decades old from the days when people didn't make them so bland and artificial. And if I'm thirsty for something more refreshing, I ask the bartenders what fresh fruit they have on hand and pick one out; they will press and squeeze the fruit into something that hits the spot every time.

The remarkable thing about NPUR is that the bartenders understand how we cigar enthusiasts think and feel, because they are cigar enthusiasts themselves. So when you ask them for a drink, they will choose something that will go with your cigar, not just something suitable for the occasion. Combine that with comfortable leather seats, classic music in the background and a medieval castle-esque atmosphere, and you have yourself a perfect hideout to shelter you from the busy world outside.

Post on 2015-10-27

A quick review of Ishi no Oto (Sound of Stone).

Access:

Exit JR Tamachi Station from the Shibaura Exit and keep going straight, crossing a few streets and a bridge on the way. About 300 metres down, you'll come across a intersection with a Lotteria and a Sankus convenience store; take a left and you should see a sign for Ishi no Oto. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor. Optionally, take the Asakusa Line or Mita Line to Mita Station, head to Tamachi Station then follow the above route.

Smoking Environment:

Cigar ashtrays, cutters and lighters. The bar also keeps a small humidor if you're in need of extra cigars.

Environment/Service:

The bar itself is clean and tidy, with a friendly atmosphere. The owner and barkeep, Mr. Ishii, is a modest and good-natured man. He manages the bar by himself, so expect a little waiting when you go on a busy friday night.

Drink:

Cocktails, beer, wine, spirits. The bar keeps a generous number of whiskies at hand, including independent bottlers' whiskies. Ask Mr. Ishii for any interesting bottles in stock, or take a look at the bar and the back shelf to see if anything catches your eye. He also keeps a half dozen or so fresh fruit in stock for fruit cocktails.

Conclusion:

For locals such as myself, Ishi no Oto is the best bar in my neighbourhood; Mr. Ishii's modest character is comforting regardless of whether I'm in a good or bad mood, and the bar is open well past midnight. Although experienced barhoppers will find it nothing exceptional by Tokyo's standards, they wont regret dropping by if they're ever in the area.