Star Bar Ginza

My boyfriend and I love these types of cocktail bars and Star Bar was one of the best we've been to in Japan. Normally the cocktails on bar menus are too sweet or fruity for us, but there were lots of interesting and stronger options and each one was worth the price considering we've spent the same at tourist establishments with mediocre drinks before. If you're looking for just a vibe it might be a little expensive, but if you really appreciate quality cocktails, this place is worth going out of your way for. No reservations so you just walk in and try your luck. We loved this concept bc we don't speak enough Japanese to book in advance, and we never know when we'll be done with things so it's hard to be on time anyways. We went around 9pm on a friday night and got a table for two, then were moved to the bar when seats became available. This is a place where you want to sit at the bar - not a table! Then you can watch them making the drinks and get a view of the gorgeous bar setup during your visit. The staff are very attentive here and we appreciated the service! They noticed that I was giving my boyfriend the side olives, so gave me crackers instead. They were also courteous enough to change our seats as mentioned above, without us even letting them know. I was also waiting for the bathroom for a little while, and the staff came to open the door for me because I mistakenly thought someone was in there the whole time, which was dumb of me but smart of them to catch! Lol

If I could give 10* I would, absolutely amazing bar. We have been to many bars in Japan but the welcoming we had a star bar was second to none. Both gentlemen were had excellent customer service but also gave us an experience of Japan that I never thought I would get. Such enthusiasm and love! Would highly highly recommend this bar and also, the bar next door, which is owned by the same person. Thank you so much for your knowledge, passion and welcoming nature!

Visited the place twice during my time in Tokyo. Sat for several hours at the bar with my brother. We ordered several seasonal drinks and their signatures, all very well executed. They used high quality liquor and real fruits to make the drinks. Attentive and professional staff. Can be crowded during the weekends due to small space otherwise perfect for chilling!

One of the only cocktail bars open on a Sunday evening. Bartenders were nice and we liked the vibes of the bar. Cocktail menu was basic and a little pricey

Drinks were good but didn’t seem to have any cocktails on the menu I haven’t had at any other bar that serves cocktails. Even though the restaurant had only 30 minutes left until closing, they charged a 1,100 yen cover charge per person. That’s barely enough time to order 1 drink, so maybe stop the cover charge in the last 30 minutes of the bar being open. If there’s something I’m missing, let me know, but drinks were overpriced. Like 2,200 yen per drink. I don’t even pay that much for a cocktail in the U.S. Adding the cover charge, it’s just too much. Also, they make each person order a drink. My friend doesn’t drink alcohol, and since I dragged him along with me, technically bought a drink for him, then drank it myself. Isn’t his cover charge I paid for him enough for him to not buy a drink?? So ended up paying 6,300 yen for two drinks. Workers were nice, but would expect some sort of fun history lesson or extensive information about each cocktail given by the workers on the bar, or some very unique cocktail, to make it worth it.

If you want a pretentious place this is for you, they are only concerned about how the bar looks rather than customer’s comfort, also the cocktails was too small and the people arrived were too fake, you can enjoy better cocktails in a much more sincere atmosphere nearby.

Wonderful cocktail bar! Every drink was perfectly executed, great variety of spirits and lovely little nibbles to accompany the drinks. We went off menu a few times and the staff were able to deliver to perfection!

Perfect execution of classic cocktails. The interiors of dark wood and leather make for a great drinking ambiance. The bartender was friendly and attentive. A bar I will return to again when I am in Tokyo.

My boyfriend and I love these types of cocktail bars and Star Bar was one of the best we've been to in Japan. Normally the cocktails on bar menus are too sweet or fruity for us, but there were lots of interesting and stronger options and each one was worth the price considering we've spent the same at tourist establishments with mediocre drinks before. If you're looking for just a vibe it might be a little expensive, but if you really appreciate quality cocktails, this place is worth going out of your way for. No reservations so you just walk in and try your luck. We loved this concept bc we don't speak enough Japanese to book in advance, and we never know when we'll be done with things so it's hard to be on time anyways. We went around 9pm on a friday night and got a table for two, then were moved to the bar when seats became available. This is a place where you want to sit at the bar - not a table! Then you can watch them making the drinks and get a view of the gorgeous bar setup during your visit. The staff are very attentive here and we appreciated the service! They noticed that I was giving my boyfriend the side olives, so gave me crackers instead. They were also courteous enough to change our seats as mentioned above, without us even letting them know. I was also waiting for the bathroom for a little while, and the staff came to open the door for me because I mistakenly thought someone was in there the whole time, which was dumb of me but smart of them to catch! Lol

If I could give 10* I would, absolutely amazing bar. We have been to many bars in Japan but the welcoming we had a star bar was second to none. Both gentlemen were had excellent customer service but also gave us an experience of Japan that I never thought I would get. Such enthusiasm and love! Would highly highly recommend this bar and also, the bar next door, which is owned by the same person. Thank you so much for your knowledge, passion and welcoming nature!

Visited the place twice during my time in Tokyo. Sat for several hours at the bar with my brother. We ordered several seasonal drinks and their signatures, all very well executed. They used high quality liquor and real fruits to make the drinks. Attentive and professional staff. Can be crowded during the weekends due to small space otherwise perfect for chilling!

One of the only cocktail bars open on a Sunday evening. Bartenders were nice and we liked the vibes of the bar. Cocktail menu was basic and a little pricey

Drinks were good but didn’t seem to have any cocktails on the menu I haven’t had at any other bar that serves cocktails. Even though the restaurant had only 30 minutes left until closing, they charged a 1,100 yen cover charge per person. That’s barely enough time to order 1 drink, so maybe stop the cover charge in the last 30 minutes of the bar being open. If there’s something I’m missing, let me know, but drinks were overpriced. Like 2,200 yen per drink. I don’t even pay that much for a cocktail in the U.S. Adding the cover charge, it’s just too much. Also, they make each person order a drink. My friend doesn’t drink alcohol, and since I dragged him along with me, technically bought a drink for him, then drank it myself. Isn’t his cover charge I paid for him enough for him to not buy a drink?? So ended up paying 6,300 yen for two drinks. Workers were nice, but would expect some sort of fun history lesson or extensive information about each cocktail given by the workers on the bar, or some very unique cocktail, to make it worth it.

If you want a pretentious place this is for you, they are only concerned about how the bar looks rather than customer’s comfort, also the cocktails was too small and the people arrived were too fake, you can enjoy better cocktails in a much more sincere atmosphere nearby.

Wonderful cocktail bar! Every drink was perfectly executed, great variety of spirits and lovely little nibbles to accompany the drinks. We went off menu a few times and the staff were able to deliver to perfection!

Perfect execution of classic cocktails. The interiors of dark wood and leather make for a great drinking ambiance. The bartender was friendly and attentive. A bar I will return to again when I am in Tokyo.

Probably the classiest bar I will ever go to. Kishi-san - considered one of the "godfathers" of Japanese bartending - was generous and kind. The staff was polite and friendly. The venue is stunning on the outside, and quietly exudes an old school opulence on the inside. Whether this sounds good or bad to you, the phrase "they don't make them like this anymore" definitely seems apt here. I read through some of the negative reviews, just out of surprise and curiosity, and acknowledge that some of things described in them, e.g. mercurial service or having to inhale cigarette smoke, sound legitimately off-putting. I suppose I got lucky, because I didn't experience any of that. In fact, quite the opposite. On the night I walked in, there were a trio of tourists shouting and laughing loudly at the bar, oblivious to how much they were disturbing everyone else. The young girl kept mentioning pointedly that she was from Shanghai, apparently not realizing that was not having the effect she seemed to expect on those around her. As soon as a table opened up in the corner of the bar, the staff asked the group politely if they'd like to move there, which they enthusiastically agreed to do. They may have assumed they were getting better treatment, but overhearing the staff in Japanese definitely confirmed it was more to spare the rest of us at the bar. Class can't be bought, but it can be taught. Thankfully after another ten minutes, the group drunkenly stumbled out, leaving the rest of the bar to enjoy ourselves in peace. The rest of my night unfolded smoothly. I highly recommend Star Bar if you're in Tokyo and looking for an intimate, stately place to have a drink. They also have a location in Kyoto.

Classic cocktails in a soothing underground bar. Dim lights with about 10 seats at the bar + a few small booths. Music was bagpipes when we arrived and classical when we left, so don't come looking for a high energy pub. Instead, classic cocktails of modest size, made by well dressed staff. The penicillin, old fashioned, and Manhattan were all nice. The ice game here is no joke- they call it ninja ice because it's so clear you can't see it in the glass. Cracker topped with a sweet cream cheese quenelle when you start is a new version treat. Pricy, 9240Y for four drinks including the cover charge. But a nice break from the hectic city and a friendly staff that made sure we knew where we were going when we left.

The old timey feel of Star Bar bucks the modern trendy bars that have popped up all around the globe. They do not create modern drinks with an equally modern 50 list of ingredients. Here, tradition lies far beyond the "now". Here, they embrace custom and perfects it for those who happily seek it. Whiskey is the strong front here. From the moment you descend the wooden stairs into this dimly lit basement bar and led to your bar stool, you know you're in for a special treat. You're welcomed with a hot hand towel and an amuse bouche, perhaps a salmon mousse on a featherweight cracker, as you settle into your chair. There are no menus, just an open mind for appreciating the finest whiskey concoctions. He was in the mood for Tequila and I for an Old Fashioned. They recently infused a Makers Mark with citrus flavors and this is what I had. The ice that they use is slow frozen which creates a bubble free crystal that slowly melts and doesn't dilute your drink. His tequila manhattan was made perfectly. And how could it not? even with former head bartender Ueno's departure, all the barkeeps have been meticulously trained in the art of the cocktail. Be aware that smoking is permitted in the bar. I happened to be seated to a smoker and it was distracting having smoke blown my direction especially when the ventilation down here isn't the greatest. A 1000 yen cover charge is added to your bill at the end. A small price in exchange for an experience in one of the World's 50 Best Bars.

Star Bar is an unassuming bar placed in the luxurious Ginza neighborhood. With only a simple sign outside, this place can be hard to miss. The steep stairs leads down to a dark, speakeasy style bar with only a handful of tables and bar seats. We were greeted immediately as we came in and seated in the corner. No menu was presented only an English speaking (thank heavens!) gentleman that asked, "What do you typically like to drink?" I mentioned that I typically like to drink vodka but am open to anything. He rattled off a list of things they they're known for and a few drinks that only appear depending on what fruit they have for the day. I opted for the gin and green grapes drink for my first round. It was so smooth and utterly impressive. I'm not a gin drinker and boy, they could have fooled me into thinking it was vodka. Very well made and it came out so quickly! For round 2, I had a brandy and purple grape drink. This time it came out in a tall stem glass and it was a little stronger tasting than the first but still so divine. Round 3 was a drink that I can't remember but it came with the famous block of ice. It was fabulous. The ice melted slowly and kept from diluting the drink. The staff was so pleasant and attentive. For individuals that don't speak Japanese, this place is a godsend as many individuals speak English. The reason for not providing 5 stars is because they do not separate smokers from non-smokers. I understand that smoking is extremely common in Japan, but it made it a little hard to breathe at times, especially being in the basement. Side note: This place was rated as one of the Top 50 Bars in the WORLD in 2014! **1000 yen surcharge added to your tab at the end. My bill for 6 drinks (3 rounds each for 2 people) came out to be 13200 yen. It was well worth it.

Craftsmanship, balance, and style. Three words that come to mind when I recollect my visit to Star Bar Ginza. I'd been researching the best bars in Ginza for my recent trip to Tokyo and Star Bar was always on many "top lists," including being on a few, "Top 50 Bars in the World" Lists. It did not disappoint. I visited Star Bar Ginza with two friends on a Sunday night. Upon navigating our way down the steep stairs to the basement level of a small building in Ginza, it truly reminded me of an American speakeasy with it's classic wooden décor and dim lighting. There is no menu at Star Bar. You can either order any cocktail or the server will ask your preferences and suggest a drink for you. For example, my friend wasn't sure what she wanted, so the bartender made a Japanese Grape and Brandy cocktail and a Japanese Pear and Gin drink. Both were well-balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and simply delicious. I went for the classics: an Old Fashioned, a Manhattan, and their version of a Whiskey Sour. All three were excellent in taste and balance. The bar is cozy and can only hold about two dozen, so probably best not to visit this place during peak hours. The drinks are about $23 US each, so if you don't have an appreciation for well-crafted cocktails and fine whiskeys, this may not be the place for you. 5-Stars for Star Bar and I'll be back on my next visit to Ginza.

One of my favorite bars in Tokyo. Phenomenal service and excellent drinks. I loved the bartenders here , they inspired me. The decor was simple but classy. Enjoyed every second of this place.

This tiny bar in Tokyo was an instant hit for us! We arrived before dinner around 8pm for drinks and it was already quite busy. We sat at a little table in the back and the waiter came over and asked for our order. No menus, no suggestions, just what would we like?! I wanted something unique knowing that I was in one of the best bars in the world! He asked (in rather broken English) what type of alcohol I liked. I said I wanted something refreshing and that I liked gin. A few minutes later, out came a gimlet. At which point I discovered, I am not a gimlet drinker. He came back and asked if it was too strong. My grin was a giveaway and he said he'd get me something a little fruitier. He came back with some fig and cream cheese spread on crackers (they were divine) and the most delicious grape-vodka cocktail! It was made with fresh gape puree and so, so good! I could have had 3 of them! I was blown away by the service and loved the intimate vibe of the place. The neighborhood of Ginza is great for shopping and has tons of restaurants for dinner too, so this bar is a nice break before or after the above!

Star Bar has been on my list for a while and it was referred to me by many who love their drinks. It's home to a number of bartending stars like Ueno-san of the much lauded High Five. After a late dinner we decided to get a drink before the last trains would force us home. As we went down one of the staff asked us to patiently wait upstairs for a minute while other patrons paid and left. As we were standing there a guy in. Vancouver Canucks jersey comes walking out for a smoke. As we entered we get a small corner and realize we're surrounded by Canadians but theyre flipping back and forth between English and Cantonese. Guess they call it Hongcouver for a reason! Totally unexpected though. So our man Tatsuya is awesome. He asks what type of drinks we want and since im in Town a Japanese Whiskey is in order. So they make me one of the bes whiskey sodas iver ever had. Hakushu kept in their freezer with ice that is clear as crystal. Apparently it takes 3 days of slow freeze to get the cubes to not carry any impurities. It's then cut to be the exact width of the glass and with the perfect amount of soda, you dint see the ice at all! Until you tilt it and the cube comes bobbing up. Masterful both aesthetically and in taste. My friend had some manner of gin drink that was also super tasty. Tatsuya also gave us some recommendations where the locals like to eat which was just above and beyond. Great place all around.

Overpriced....... Yea.. it's on the more high end feel..so if you are looking for that kind of vibe, go for it. This was the only bar that I went to in Japan that required tip. Sure, it was only 2% but this definitely reflects how the employees act towards you. We only ordered a round of drinks, and you can visibly see the waiter's dissapointed face. I tried some strawberry drink, and it did not taste alcoholic in any way. I mean it tasted reaaaaally good and refreshing, but I'm not sure if it helped me feeling that type of way..(granted, it was the first drink of the night so who knows). Overall, it tries giving off that high end bougie4lyfe feel..people stare at you the whole time..it was entertaining at the time, but I would obviously prefer a friendly vibe.

This basement bar exemplifies the willingness of tourists to be ripped off in a high end area. There is a cover charge of Y1000 for what? No music, no ambience, no vibe. The wine,a mediocre Merlot, is served at freezing temperature, the Martini is over iced, the service is what ignorant tourists think of as classy...icy detachment and distain. This bar will survive because many tourists find rudeness and exorbitant prices to be a mark of excellence. Never again!

Out of all the cocktail bars I visited during my stay in Japan, Star Bar in Ginza has to be my favorite establishment. Ranked 40 out of 50 in the world, I was very excited to visit Star Bar. The GF and I had visited Bar High Five the night before and we wanted to go check out Ueno-san's old stomping grounds as a comparison. Not only was I pleased with the experience, but I thought Star Bar was actually better than High Five. We came here on a quiet Sunday evening after a day of shopping in Ginza. Luckily for us, we were the only people in the bar for quite some time. Upon sitting down, we were greeted with warm towels and a cream cheese spread. Our bartender, Tatsuya-san, proceeded to ask us what our tastes in cocktails was. I stated I wanted an Old Fashioned to start while my GF wanted an egg white based cocktail with a sweet finish. Out of all the cocktail bars we've been in Japan (High Five, Bar K, etc) Star Bar has been my personal favorite. I sampled a few other classic cocktails such as their Manhattan and Rob Roy, and I was impressed at how balanced each drink was. Needless to say, Star Bar is one of many reasons why I want to move to Japan.

Let me start this review by saying I am not a "cocktail snob". I know a lot about cocktails, but I try to not have any ego about it and I'm more than happy to drink cheap canned beer with good company. Also, I am from the States so I don't know what the customs are here very well. We stopped I'm at Star Bar a little after they opened as a party of three and got seated at a table right away. They didn't have a cocktail menu (or if they did they didn't offer us one), so we ordered a negroni, a French 75 and a sidecar, which I read was one of their best focusses. The cocktails were good, and I love the pressed ice balls so up to there we were good. At this point another group was seated next to us and one of the members of the group was asking for a recommendation for a whiskey cocktail from the bartender, which was not going very well. I stepped in and suggested he try a Toronto. Now, a Toronto is an IBA standard cocktail, so ordering one at a cocktail bar with no menu shouldn't be an issue as far as I'm concerned, but I didn't have any problem with the bartender not knowing it. The cocktail is essentially just a rye old fashioned with an added 1/4 of fernet. Trying to explain it as such wasn't working out so I went through the whole recipe for him. Again, at this point, from my end of the experience, everything was fine and as it should be. I don't know if I offended the man (I don't think any way I acted was offensive) but from that point forward things went drastically down hill. We finished our cocktails and attempted for nearly an hour to attract the bartenders attention as he served the table next to us. When we finally got up to bring him over for a drink order he said he would be right there before we waited for another 10 minutes before coming over. At that point I ordered a Pegu Club, which is both about as standard as it gets for a cocktail and also one of the easiest to explain cocktails. When he didn't know it I told him the recipe and he informed me they couldn't make it because they didn't have the ingredients. The ingredients being gin, triple sec, lime juice and angostura bitters. Since the guy clearly just didn't want us to be there we paid the (what seemed extremely expensive for craft cocktails in NY) bill and left. Aside from not being a cocktail bar in any functioning way, the service and attitude were abysmal. Poor show indeed.

Interesting, I've enjoyed many speak easy locations and this was quite the ashtray. While located hidden in a basement, the 2 cigars being smoked in a place that holds only 10 to 12 people, 4 people smoking cigarettes, no music, and a quietness soo eerie that every word can be heard by everyone inside, really was distracting. I gave 2 stars for service. This was impeccable. The employees were spot on amazing, attentive, and perfect in their interactions. I ordered a vodka Martini, dirty. An easy drink, 1 olive that came with a pit still in and dirty didn't really happen. My companion had a drink similar to a mimosa with a twist. We finished our drinks, the smoke was unbearable. This is when I decided to write this review, when we asked for the check. 78.00 USD. For 2 drinks, no specialty vodka or champagne. I politely paid and left. I always vote on a place with my dollars, and they will not receive anymore of mine. If a 40 dollar subpar drink while breathing more smoke in 15 minutes than a pack of cigarettes sounds like a fun time, by all means, go here. You can always have great service but that's all you will get. Enjoy

Came here when the place was closing but they still charged admission to enter. Said we will need to hurry and finish our drinks in the next 15 minutes. :) Other than that they were pretty good but I do like the High Five Bar more.

We set out for Star Bar in Ginza where we had some pre-dinner cocktails and enjoyed watching the bartenders expertly craft a High Ball and Manhattan for Greg, and a Negroni for myself. We were two of three people in the bar that night, so it was nice to sit down and chill out without having to fight for anyone's attention to get a drink. Star Bar was sort of a hole in the wall place where it was located in the basement of a big retail building, and sat maybe 10 people at the most. Dimly lit and bartenders outfitted in suspenders and bow ties, the experience was reminiscent of some of the speakeasy bars we've been to in both SF and New York. If it's one thing I always appreciate with cocktail making here in Tokyo, it's that they truly put 100% of their efforts and skill in making the perfect drink, no matter what it is. Definitely an awesome find and a must-stop place for cocktail enthusiasts alike!

Loved the place except that last night I took my husband there for a birthday drink. We had one drink each (2 vodka martinis with Ketel One), and the bill came to 6000 yen! This was our first night in Tokyo, so I thought perhaps drinks just cost this much as crazy as that seemed. I figured out that a 1000 yen each cover charge was required in addition to the cost of the drinks. Just a bit more than I was willing to spend.

Unfortunately I was travelling alone and for some reason after spending all evening tracking the place down and eventually hailing a cab there I was not allowed inside. I expect the discrimination was due to my extensive tattooing. I would have enjoyed trying one of their famous cocktails but was instead escorted outside and told that I was not allowed to stand an wait near the front because the other restaurant (there doesn't seem to be one next door....) would call. All in all, the rudest treatment I received in Japan. I speak a fair amount of Japanese and was not dressed in rags or anything. I was shocked!