Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.
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Advocates Café
Most of the bars and clubs in Tokyo’s gay district (Shinjuku Ni-chome) are behind closed doors, but the crowd at this tiny corner bar often spills out onto the street. 2-18-1 Shinjuku; tel. +81 3 3358 3988. www.advocates-cafe.com
Blue Note
Japanese are serious connoisseurs of jazz; this branch of the New York club packs them in with acts like Angie Stone and the Average White Band. Tickets from about $56. 6-3-16 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku; tel. +81 3 5485 0088. www.bluenote.co.jp/en/
La.mama
“If you’re interested in local or national indie music, La.mama is a great ‘live house.’”—Wendy Yanagihara, author, Lonely Planet’s Tokyo Encounter guidebook. See up-and-comers amid relatively generously spaced seating; an escape from the cacophony of Shibuya outside. Tickets around $19. 1-15-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku; tel. +81 3 3464 0801
Le Baron de Paris
All-night dancing with the city’s beautiful people at this exclusive member’s club (open to non-members on certain nights); a branch of Paris’ Le Baron; leather couches, intimate dance floor, and tiny red lights; founding team includes graffiti artist Andre and product designer Marc Newson. Aoyama Center Building, B1F, 3-8-40 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku; tel. +81 3 3408 3665. www.lebaron.jp
Wodka Tonic
Bartenders here take serious pride in their work; dense, hand-cut ice keeps cocktails glacier-cold; top-notch ingredients like fresh ginger in the Moscow Mule; also small tapas-style plates. 2F Keyakizaka Terrace, 6-15-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku; tel. +81-3-5786-9655.
