5 Best Bars in Suginami, Tokyo

A drink in this dimly lit, late-night, basement haunt favored by anime fans, would be the perfect way to finish a day of shopping at Nakano Broadway. Beer, whiskey, and cocktails are on the menu, anime figurines dot the counter, and anime plays endlessly on the bar’s TV. Indeed, the bar's name, mugen, means "infinite," and the owners have several thousand DVDs in their collection.

A 100-year-old tenement house, all dark woods and creaking sounds, houses one of Koenji’s most unique bars. You can pick up and read any of the hundreds of books that are on hand in addition to ordering snacks and cocktails, some of them inspired by literary legends. Occasionally, the bar hosts events featuring authors or sketch artists.

This small brewpub offers a frequently changing line-up of craft creations, often including pale ales and white beers. Chalkboards on the walls indicate the nine staple brews as well as whatever else is on tap. Comfort foods, such as Japanese fried chicken (karaage) or homemade sausage, pair nicely with the beer.

Local musicians jam at this narrow, ramshackle but well-established jazz café every night. It’s a very friendly hangout with a reputation for great music. Cover charges vary by performance.

A small, basic venue that been going strong since the late 1990s, Showboat attracts semi-professional and professional performers. Tickets run from ¥2,000 to ¥5,000, depending on the show and whether they're purchased in advance or at the door.