Hyperlocal Tokyo

Located just a short five-minute walk from Ueno Station, slightly off the bustling Ameya-Yokocho district, you'll find this establishment. Opened in 2001, it's a veteran bar, a rare gem in Ueno where bars are scarce, offering an authentic yet casual, hidden-away experience. I visited without a reservation on a weekday evening around 10:20 PM. Pushing open the heavy door, I was greeted by a calm, moody atmosphere. My excitement level shot up right then and there. The counter is made of black marble, unique and stylish. For a bar, it has a good number of seats, with three tables, including a four-seater. ◆ Gin and Tonic I ordered a simple gin and tonic. It had a touch of individuality, with the lemon juice squeezed right in, giving it a distinct texture. Incidentally, I also had a sip of my companion's strawberry milk (on the rocks), which also had a juicy sweetness. It reminded me of a strawberry-flavored Kahlua milk. It's definitely a drink women would enjoy. The total came out to about ¥2,000 per person. The bar has a sign outside, and they also provide drink and food menus inside, so you can feel at ease. Even bar newbies wouldn't have any trouble. The service is attentive and maintains a comfortable distance. Due to time constraints, I only had one drink, but this place is incredibly comfortable. It's perfect for those who prioritize ambiance. Next time, I want to sit at the counter and carefully choose from the menu. Highly recommended for a second date!

My brother and his wife and I were looking for a nice bar in Ueno/Okachimachi to have drinks. We found this amazing bar while searching, it's truly fantastic. The dimly lit atmosphere is perfect for a date! ▽---------------------▽ ○Name: Japanese Bar SAMURAI 侍 ○Tabelog Rating: 3.29 (as of February 8, 2024) ○5 minutes walk from Ueno Station ○Budget: ¥5,000 per person ○Address: Nakagawa Building B1F, 6-7-9 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo ○Instagram: Unknown ○Business Hours: [Mon-Sat] 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM [Sun] 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM ※Closed: None ※Smoking Allowed ※Credit Cards Accepted △---------------------△ 【Reservations】 Reservations Available 【Crowd Level】 30% full at 11:30 PM on Thursday. 【Recommended Usage】 Coworkers, Friends, Lovers, Siblings 【Order】 ◆Red Eye ◆Gin & Tonic (Bombay Sapphire) ◆Seasonal Cocktail (Strawberry) 【Review】 Completely satisfied! This place is a hidden gem. The dimly lit interior creates a great atmosphere. It's also nice that they have tables, so it's suitable for groups. It was a great night out. Thank you for the delicious food and drinks!

I found a hidden gem! The space inside has a really nice atmosphere. It's perfect for group gatherings or dates. ♡ I can't believe there's such a stylish bar near Ueno... Plus, they have a wide variety of drinks at affordable prices! A glass of champagne for only 1000 yen... I ended up having quite a few. It's also a big plus that they're open late. ♡

For our third stop, we visited Bar Samurai after a five-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The establishment itself remained unchanged, but the staff had completely turned over, and the taste and atmosphere were completely different from before. It felt like I had become a Urashima Taro. I've always enjoyed ordering Manhattans at bars during my travels, but this one was surprisingly cloyingly sweet and one-dimensional. The Gin & Tonic was similarly flat and sweet. It tasted like the kind of cocktails you'd get at an all-you-can-drink izakaya. This was a place I frequented every time I stayed in Ueno for almost 20 years, so the change was quite a shock. The young staff are not to blame. Their skills and service are practically nonexistent, but it's likely the owner's decision to leave the taste of the establishment in the hands of such inexperienced staff. If the direction of the bar has changed, it might be more honest to change the name as well. Right now, I'm just saddened by the transformation of this place.

I searched online for a bar in Ueno or Okachimachi. The interior design, atmosphere, and staff were all great. When my companion requested a specific cocktail, the bartender made a perfect one, and they were very satisfied. It's a good place for a date, and there are tables for four, so it's also good for going out with friends. It would be perfect if there weren't any noisy groups.