Blue Monday

Visitors have enjoyed the “adult” cream soda, made with melon liqueur, and Wiener coffee topped with cream at Blue Monday. Whether you fancy a sweet soda or a coffee with cream, there are classic café-style drinks to choose from. This Shimokitazawa café-bar says its coffee is freshly ground, and also serves café au lait and Wiener coffee.

For tea, consider Anne of Green Gables, a blend of rose and chamomile with apple pieces and spices such as cinnamon. It is described as spicy and sweet, with a flavour reminiscent of apple pie—an appealing choice when you want something with a sweet finish but aren’t quite in the mood for cake. Desserts include apple tart, gâteau au chocolat and baked cheesecake, each listed at 750 yen. You can make your break about tea and something sweet, or pair dessert with freshly ground coffee.

For a meal, pasta dishes with arrabbiata, Gorgonzola or basil sauce are each 1,200 yen. The menu ranges from light bites to more substantial dishes. In the evening, it also lists coffee drinks such as Irish coffee and Gaelic coffee, made with whisky and cream.

Several reviews mention being able to smoke at the table. If smoke is a concern, bear this in mind when deciding whether to visit.