Albatross - 渋谷

My husband and I went there on the back of good reviews on google. It was a cool bar with fun music but we were largely ignored by the barman who favoured the locals, especially the male customers which made me feel uncomfortable. Shots were given out to all non western customers which made us feel left out, even though we tried to interact with the team. In particular we found the bar man to be inattentive towards us as outsiders and clearly favoured other customers. We stayed for the interesting drinks menu and decor but would not recommend to tourists visiting due to preferencial service.

Cool looking bar from the outside, however, beware there is an unadvertised cover charge which will be added to the bill at the end cover charges are normal in Japan but most, if not all, eateries and bars say this out the front. Staff also charged us for different (and more expensive) drinks than we ordered and proceeded to play the 'I don 't speak English ' card when we asked them to double check if the charge was correct.

We really enjoyed the service here, and can see how this bar is one of the more recommended Golden Gai spots. The missing 1 star? Well, with the 500 yen cover charge, the drinks were average at best, so 1800 yen for an average negroni was a bit annoying. Also, there were several Americans vaping while we were there that wrecked the atmosphere (not Albatross's fault), but serious bros, vape outside! Last, locals are never seen here…I think tourists have blown this place up.

Great vibe and decor but be prepared to have multiple drinks to make up for the table charge. Two drinks ran the two of us ¥2600

Small bar tucked away down a tiny back alley. I was lead here by the late, great Anthony Bourdain. This bar stays open late! I arrived at 3am and it showed no signs of closing anytime soon. Great selection of spirits and unique interior. Don't be deterred by this bars obscurity. Check it out and grab a drink!