Recent Reviews
While exploring Shinjuku, I stumbled upon Jazz Cafe & Bar DUG. Without hesitation, I descended the stairs. Established in 1977, I had no idea this place existed. It's amazing that these kinds of establishments still thrive. The interior features an L-shaped counter and 7-8 tables. The space has a brownish hue, with a non-smoking area on the right and a smoking area on the left, encompassing the counter and some tables. Two water drip coffee makers are prominently displayed behind the counter. This definitely piqued my interest. It's not just about brewing coffee; the meticulousness is evident, and water-drip coffee rarely disappoints. 🟨 I ordered the Iced Water Drip Coffee (¥700, tax included). The coffee had a pleasant richness and minimal acidity, right up my alley. I chose a seat at the counter in the smoking section. I generally prefer counters, but in this small space, I figured the non-smoking area wouldn't offer much difference. On this particular day, most patrons were smokers, so the air was quite smoky. However, jazz, alcohol, and cigars go hand in hand, so it's understandable.
I finally went to a jazz cafe, making my debut at Doug. The big jazz sound was so pleasant. Even on a weekday afternoon, there were many customers, all enjoying jazz, drinks, and cigarettes. It felt like stepping back into the Showa era. The iced coffee was incredibly refreshing, a clean, crisp flavor. It was served from a bottle, likely water-brewed. I'd go back just for the coffee, even if it wasn't for the jazz. It's a very Shinjuku, Shinbashi 3-chome kind of place. I took a lot of photos... they all turned out great, capturing the atmosphere perfectly. An old-timer, a famous spot, a signature experience... I had a new adventure. Iced coffee and jazz.
This jazz cafe was a frequent haunt during my student days. Located in the basement of a small building next to the Shinjuku Piccadilly, it's a place that welcomes you with the soothing sounds of jazz and the warm greeting, "Irasshaimase" from the staff as you descend the stairs. I've been coming here for 30 years and it always provides a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The dimly lit interior has a fantastic atmosphere. People are reading, chatting, each enjoying their own time. The coffee is ¥700, a generous portion, and the staff are always attentive, refilling your water. It's one of those places I hope will continue to exist for a long time. Thank you for the wonderful experience.
Located about a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, perhaps in the same row as Piccadilly. This long-established jazz cafe is in a location that makes you say, "Wow, it's here!" The atmosphere is great from the entrance, and there are numerous posters and the like on the stairs leading down to the basement. Smoking is allowed inside. It's nice that smokers haven't been pushed aside lately. The smell might be strong for non-smokers, though. (My clothes definitely picked up the scent.) There are table seats and counter seats, and there seem to be seats that can accommodate 5-6 people. Most visitors are alone or in pairs, making it quiet. It's lovely to see people reading books, working, and spending their time in their own way. Coffee is ¥500, and iced cafe au lait is ¥550, which are reasonable prices. The coffee is not sweet, but it's easy to drink without any sourness, and the balance of coffee and milk is good. I wanted something sweet, so I asked for syrup. It was a bit of a pleasant surprise to find a place with this kind of atmosphere in Shinjuku. The music inside is at a moderate volume, so you can enjoy both the music and the coffee. I don't know much about jazz besides the standards, but it somehow makes you straighten your back. This is how adults spend their time, I guess. I realized I'm still a kid. Haha.
I had iced coffee, a meat pie, and a chocolate brownie at DUG in Shinjuku. I'd been wanting to check out this jazz cafe for a while. The atmosphere inside is really nice. I went right after it opened, and people kept coming in. It was lunchtime, so I had the meat pie and chocolate brownie. Both were homemade and went well with the dark roast coffee. However, smoking and chatting are allowed, so it was hard to focus on the music.