Host to both local businessmen and artists. Stand and drink.
If you’re not careful you will walk right past this shop. Located on the intersection of a busy street and a smaller walking path, the foot traffic here is crazy even for Tokyo standards. For some unexplainable reason when you stop here for a cup of coffee, it is like hitting the pause button on Tokyo. Things slow down despite the surroundings remaining lively.
The store’s register is located at an open window and when you purchase your drink you do so from the street. The general feel of the window is something close to that of an information center, a place with easy access to the street.
Within the five minutes of visiting the store, a local man grabbing a coffee turned to me and quipped, “I come here every single day. In fact I am so close with the staff, if they go on holiday abroad they are always sure to bring me back coffee from other locations. Even better, they offer to drip the coffee for me so I can try right here.” This man is one example of the strong bond that forms between the coffee stand and the customers. Due to the store’s small space you wouldn’t think that anyone would stick around long enough to chat with the staff, but like the other stores in the guide the small space is often times endearing, forcing you to chat with both employees and other guests.
Located in a business district, the place often sees those in suits line up during the lunch hours. On the weekends the store transitions to become host to foreign travelers who are enroute to and from the famous Shibuya crossing.
Often home to temporary exhibitions, when I visited, a local photographer’s work was featured on the walls of the shop. Through the interaction with artists, locals, and young business professionals this is a hub for the newest trends in Tokyo.
If you are hungry after your coffee, one recommendation from the staff is the nearby ramen shop Usagi. At the store you buy your meal ticket from the machine near the entrance. Depending on your taste I recommend to choose between the “asari” (light) or deeper flavored tonkotsu.
Not far from the nightlife area, before you leave the neighborhood it may be worth asking where the best spot for a drink is or where to see the best live show. The staff or patrons will surely have an answer.
Name：ABOUT LIFE COFFEE BREWERS
Address：Tokyo, Shibuya-Ku, Dogenzaka 1-19-8
☎︎ ： 03-6809-0751
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30~20:30
Saturday-Sunday 9:00-19:00
Name：Usagi
Address：Tokyo, Shibuya-Ku, Shinsen-Chou 8-13
☎︎ ： 03-3464-4111
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:30~18:00
Closed Saturday