Bear Pond Espresso

If you really like espresso, I recommend taking the time to visit Bear Pond to try their ristretto. The owner is very particular about his own tastes, and has perfected a ristretto that consists of the first few drops from a naked triple basket. It's strong and complex with earthy / chocolate flavors and slightly sweet. But that's only half of the story. The rest of the experience comes from the unique texture which the owner describes as "sticky". It's hard to imagine what "sticky" texture means, so I would add to his description that it is slightly reminiscent of tororo (grated Japanese...

again, such a casual place and unlike almost anything else in Japan. The coffee's are unique, interesting and great, the owner down-to-earth but with high standards, but a alternative view to coffee and cafe culture. He makes each coffee with care. I loved the Dirty espresso in a jar! It's a place to not be in a rush, enjoy your coffee slowly, talk to the person next to you, have a tofu donut across the road, and enjoy another coffee a bit later.

I visited Bear Pond Espresso on my last day in Japan on the back of the first review. I can testify that this review is accurate.

For me, Bear Pond was such a welcome change from the formality of the syphon / pour-over coffee houses of Japan. It's a grungy little espresso bar, very casual. Locals will converse with the owners/staff during their visit, but having spent time in NY, they speak English and understand western culture well.

We kicked proceedings off with something called Gibraltar, which I believe is a 4oz. latte. Presentation was great with the standard rosetta and silk textu...