Bar Symbol
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Roppongi Station · 2 min walk (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Toei Oedo Line)
- Hours
- 16:00–02:00
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Best time to go
- 16:00–18:00 for early aperitifs before the evening Roppongi crowd arrives
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
Bar Symbol is an intimate, low-lit cocktail den tucked away in Roppongi, highly regarded for its masterful mixology and welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. Unlike the neighborhood's rowdier clubs, this stylish basement-level hideaway focuses on bespoke drinks tailored to your taste preferences by highly skilled, friendly bartenders. Expect an upscale yet relaxed vibe, smooth jazz, and beautifully presented cocktails crafted with fresh, seasonal Japanese fruits.
What Japanese guides note
Contrary to English travel descriptions labeling the venue as a basement lounge, Bar Symbol is a 23.51-square-meter ground-floor space situated along the street between Roppongi and Nishi-Azabu. Frameless glass fronting the sidewalk incorporates exterior vehicle lights into an interior conceived around Japanese tea-room minimalism. Opening early at 16:00, it functions well as an aperitif stop before dining at Roppongi Hills or as a late-evening counter bar.
Details from local sources
- Designed by Riki Watanabe of JOKE.Inc., Bar Symbol's interior was completed in September 2021 and won the Outstanding Property Award London 2022 in the hospitality interior design category. [source]
- Contrary to English listings that identify the venue as an underground basement den, Bar Symbol is a street-level establishment on the first floor whose food menu includes warm oden. [source]
- The interior spans 23.51 square meters and was modeled after a chashitsu tea room, utilizing a glass facade to blend moving headlights from the street into the dimly lit room. [source]
- Italian design publication DesignStudio Mag selected Bar Symbol among its global Top 5 entries in the interior design category for the 2022 DesignStudio Mag Awards. [source]
Insider Tip
There is no menu; simply tell the bartender your favorite spirits and flavor profiles to get a custom-tailored masterpiece.
Frequently asked
Where is Bar Symbol located and what floor is it on?
Bar Symbol is situated on the first floor (ground level) of the Kawakubo Building along the road toward Nishi-Azabu, roughly two minutes on foot from Roppongi Station. It is a street-front venue with glass doors rather than an underground or basement cellar.
What food is served at Bar Symbol besides cocktails?
Alongside craft cocktails and whiskies, the bar serves warm oden and small savory dishes, including Hiroshima smoked oysters, Akita pork jerky, 12-month cured prosciutto, cheese selections, and pasta snacks.
Can you reserve seats in advance at Bar Symbol?
Yes, online reservations can be made via TableCheck. The venue holds reserved tables for up to 15 minutes past the appointed time before canceling, and parties of eight or more must contact the bar directly.
Our Tokyo walking tours
Photos
