Deep

Before buying this casual drinking spot, Isao Samata was a regular customer here. He loved the relaxed, inviting vibe so much that when the previous owner decided to sell, Samata wasted no time in switching from a career in music production to serving drinks and spinning records. Deep operates on the one-coin system, meaning it’s ¥500 for table charge and another ¥500 for any drink – including even the most expensive whisky or gin in the house. There is nothing pretentious about this place and Samata keeps things friendly and upbeat with his easy chatter and extensive vinyl collection that’s stacked above the drinks cabinet. ‘Music connects people,’ he says from behind the decks as he reaches over to fade out the ’70s disco tune that’s playing before handing us a couple of perfectly mixed tonics with lime on ice. As he drops the needle on the next record, we nod in agreement. Can't argue with a bit of ’90s Lenny Kravitz...