Amongst the streets of vintage stores north of Shimokitazawa station, you’ll find Bear Pond Espresso for an incredible coffee. After two decades in New York, the owner Katsu-san returned to Tokyo, set up shop and pulls the espresso shots on his La Marzocco himself. An infamous stop for coffee lovers, the shots are delicious; thick like syrup with a chocolate flavor.
The interior is rustic, warm and includes some ‘Love Me’ works by Curtis Kulig, making this is one of our favorite coffee spots in the city. Be warned though, this is a place that takes coffee seriously; no espressos after 2pm, no photos inside, there is often a queue and Katsu-san is the only one allowed to pull the shots! Don’t let it deter you though; it’s worth it.
