Long before New Orleans was famous for hurricanes, the town was known for its music, warm hospitality and fantastic food. It’s this spirit of the pre-Katrina, New Orleans that’s evoked at Bourbon Street Bar. Tucked away in a side street not far from Roppongi Crossing, the relaxed atmosphere inside is a complete contrast to the chaos of Gaien Higashi Dori. Inside, you’ll find live music, great food and a cozy interior that manages to be both elegant and comfortable.
At the bar, twenty different wines by the glass, an incredible thirty-five different brands of bourbon and a long list of classic cocktails gives plenty of options. Martinis are a specialty, and you can try Southern classics like a Mint Julep (¥1,500) or Sazerac (¥1,000). If you’re hungry, ordering appetizers from the adjacent Bourbon Street restaurant gives you the chance to try authentic Cajun cooking, too. Bourbon Street is a perfect venue for any kind of gathering, accommodating up to 35 people. The bar can be closed for private parties, and an open bar and spread of New Orleans style food puts everyone in a celebratory mood. When I attended a recent party, there was none of the usual shyness among guests about being first to hit the buffet — just the smell of the Southern Fried Chicken was enough to start people picking up their plates, while the delicious spicy Jam-balaya and succulent Mardi Gras Shrimp ensured that almost everyone returned for seconds.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate an occasion, or just a place to escape the winter weather and curl up with a nice glass of red, the laid-back atmosphere at Bourbon Street makes it a natural choice. It really is the closest you’ll get to Southern-style hospitality here in Tokyo.
Bourbon Street Bar, 7-8-16 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5786-2887. Mon-Sat, 6pm-2am (last order 1am).
Live music Tues-Sat (see www.bourbonstreet-tokyo.com for schedule).
