Sake available, shochu available, wine available, cocktails available, stick to sake, stick to shochu, stick to wine, stick to cocktails
Dishes
Focus on vegetable dishes, health/beauty menu available, vegetarian menu available, breakfast/morning service available
Comments
(21)
komedarian
4.00
"Sabouru - The most famous long-established coffee shop in Jimbocho, of course, provides a relaxing atmosphere. Pizza toast for 850 yen and blended coffee for 600 yen. I visited Sabouru. The exterior and interior both create a deep world that allows you to truly connect with yourself, making it a representative old coffee shop in Kanda Jimbocho with a fantastic ambiance. After entering the shop, it took about 20 minutes for the coffee to be served. Each cup is carefully prepared. It's best to visit when you have plenty of time to enjoy the rich experience. The pizza toast was served about 2-3 minutes after the coffee. The coffee has a Showa-era aroma, with a pleasant acidity at first sip. As it cools down, a rich floral aroma emerges, deepening the flavor. The peanuts served with it complement it perfectly. The flavor changes as you savor the coffee, showing the dedication put into making it. The cheese on the pizza toast stretches well, making it a delight to enjoy. The service included a yuzu sherbet after the meal, with a sincere gesture to relax and enjoy. The Blue Hearts BGM in the shop fits perfectly, bringing back a sense of excitement. It was a great experience. The end."
Bonita2号
3.60
I wanted to have some Napolitan at "Sabouru 2" but as usual, there was a long line! So, how about having a cream soda instead! Off to "Sabouru" we go! It's getting rare to find cafes that serve cream soda, right? I had a delicious melon cream soda after a long time. (^0^) And I also had some pizza toast. (*^¬^*) Oh, at "Sabouru", their strawberry juice may be more famous than their coffee or cream soda. (lol) Oh, when I ordered the pizza toast, guess what... they gave me a yuzu ice cream as a service. Thank you for the meal. m(_ _)m From the outside, it looks like a small cafe but inside, they have a 2nd floor and a basement, so there are actually quite a few seats. Located in Jimbocho, Tokyo, known for its bookstores and secondhand bookshops, "Sabouru" is an old-fashioned cafe with a cozy atmosphere. (^^ )
kiwitahi1
4.50
I was able to easily get a seat in the underground area at 2:00 pm on a weekday. The staff's customer service left a good impression. The window seats on the first floor were fully booked. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to take a nice picture of the cream soda in the underground area, but it turned out fine. The blue cream soda had a taste of blue Hawaii syrup. The strawberry juice was delicious.
こあらのごはん
3.60
I visited this place for the first time, even though it is well-known! It is located right near Jimbocho Station exit. It was crowded at Sabouru 2 during lunchtime. The pizza toast was delicious with plenty of cheese and a simple flavor. The famous cream soda was also delightful, true to its cream soda nature. You can choose your favorite color. I was able to enjoy my meal in a calm atmosphere in the semi-basement space. I would like to visit again.
fd1ee5
3.00
When you order a cream soda, you have to choose one color out of seven. There is no option for all seven colors, and it can be confusing to figure out the differences between them. I chose the flashy red color. It seems to be strawberry flavored syrup with cream, like an ice cream float. By the way, after the pandemic, Neapolitan and delivery from the restaurant next door, Sabour 2, have disappeared from the menu.
kikikikikimiu
3.00
A popular cafe in Jimbocho, a unique book town with a hundred cafes. I've tried coming here a few times but always gave up due to the long lines. However, this time, I arrived at 12:30 on a Saturday and there was no line, so I was able to get in right away. The neighboring cafe, Sabouru 2, had a long line today, unlike this one. The small cafe has a Ghibli-like atmosphere, dark and almost like fairies could be living there. The artsy staff were quick and efficient. I ordered a coffee for 700 yen and a small pizza toast for 600 yen as the cake set is only available on weekdays. The coffee had a nice balance of acidity and bitterness. The pizza toast was delicious, with soft bread topped with cheese and toppings. Thank you for the meal.
からあげべんとう
3.60
The appearance of the place was very nice, but once inside, it had a vibe like a "cultural cave" with a lot of atmosphere! The staff members were also very cultural and everyone was lovely.
[Shop Atmosphere]
I went on a Saturday at 1 pm and there were only about 3 groups ahead of us, so we waited for less than 10 minutes to get in. This place mainly serves light meals and drinks. On the other hand, the neighboring "Sabouru 2" seems to have a longer wait time as they offer more substantial meals.
[Order]
Since I had just eaten lunch at a Russian restaurant called Sarafan in Jimbocho, I only ordered a drink.
- Cream Soda (Blue/Hawaiian Blue) 800 yen
They warned me that it might take some time because it was crowded. I was prepared for a long wait since I had experienced waiting 40 minutes for coffee at a cafe in Osaka in February, but surprisingly, it arrived in less than 10 minutes. The cream soda was lighter in sweetness than I had imagined, very refreshing and easy to drink in the scorching heat. The ice cream on top was unexpectedly delicious!
[Impressions]
I didn't have any prior information when I sat down, but looking around, it seemed like a lot of people were ordering cream soda. There are 7 different flavors and colors of cream soda, which makes you want to try them all. I also noticed some groups ordering colorful cream sodas. Rina Nanba, a cafe researcher, seems to have written a picture book set in this place, featuring cream soda. The shop's unique atmosphere, along with the delicious cream soda, made it a great place to visit!
dog-s759
3.70
On this day, I went to this café near Jimbocho Station. It's only about a 10-second walk from the station. There was no line outside, so I went straight in. The interior had only table seats, and they were on the smaller side. The atmosphere was quite nice with an Asian theme. You order verbally and pay afterwards. I think they only accept cash. I had a cream soda for 800 yen. Even though the menu said 1750 yen, it seems it was a mistake. The most popular color is blue, and the white one I got is apparently the least popular. It doesn't look very appealing. It was a Calpis soda with a good amount of ice, which was nice. I also had a rich cheesecake for 500 yen.
あまたんゆりにゃん
2.50
Sabouru in Jinbocho. I had lunch at Sabouru 2 before, but this time I visited Sabouru. I went around 4 pm and planned to have a light sandwich or something, but was told they were closing at 5 pm. They said it was okay to order a cake set, so I got a cheesecake, iced coffee, and milk. It was brought to me quickly, and I was planning to add milk to my iced coffee after drinking half of it, so I left some coffee in the cup. But within 5 minutes, the waiter said they would clear the table. I felt it was too early considering there was still over 30 minutes until closing time. When I hurriedly said I was still drinking, the waiter made a visibly unpleasant face. It left me feeling really bad. Was this how the restaurant usually is? Unfortunately, I have to give this review based on my experience. The cake was delicious though.
どくだみちゃん
3.50
It's been a while since I felt like having some Napolitan pasta!! I thought about getting a small portion because they serve a lot, so I was looking forward to going to Sabouru 2 after 2:00 pm. However, there was a huge line!! The line at TAMTAM on the same street was even longer, especially on weekends. I gave up and decided to have tea at Sabouru instead. Even here, I had to wait for about 7-8 minutes. It was my first visit in about ten years! It felt nostalgic for some reason. The seating options include half-basement, first floor, and mezzanine, with more seating capacity than expected. It seems like many people come here for a late lunch, and the most popular items are pizza toast and strawberry juice, haha. This time, I was torn between melon soda and, but I decided to go with coffee float to watch my calorie intake. The balance between the iced coffee and the sweet vanilla ice cream was just right, and it helped me relax after my medical appointment. The staff at the restaurant were also very friendly, which I think is the secret to their long-lasting popularity. On my way back, I saw that there was no line at Sabouru 2 next door! What a coincidence, it's all about timing!! Next time, I will definitely try the Napolitan at 2! (My friend recommended the curry rice there, though).
エル0512
2.50
When I tried to visit at the opening time of 11 o'clock, there was a huge line, so I went in the afternoon instead. The atmosphere here also feels like a Showa-era coffee shop, with what looks like graffiti written on the walls in white marker? The Modigliani painting was so old that it blended in with the wall lol. The price increase for the cream soda was quite noticeable, but the beautiful color really lifted my spirits.
ShigeP_Bishoku
3.70
For more details, please visit the blog: https://tokyo-tabearuki.com/sabouru-jmubocho
1. Tokyo Tabearuki Record Retro Café Article
"Wara" "Kissaten Crown" "Wara" "Kissaten Crown" Retro café with stunning chandeliers founded in 1960 2023-08-07 "Kichijoji" "Kissaten Rose" "Kichijoji" "Rose" Delicious hamburger! Retro café run by an elderly couple that is popular on social media 2023-08-09
2. What is Sabouru?
Sabouru opened in 1955. In 2025, it will celebrate its 70th anniversary as a long-established café. Sabouru 2, located next door, also opened around the same time. As of 2023.08.25, Sabouru has a rating of 3.67 on Tabelog, while Sabouru 2 has a rating of 3.66. Both were selected as Tabelog's Top 100 Cafés in 2022 and 2021. Google Maps rates them both at 4.1. With over 1,500 reviews, the name "Sabouru" is derived from the Spanish word "SABOR" meaning "flavor". Located in the student area of Jimbocho, Sabouru may tempt students to "skip" classes. The difference between Sabouru and Sabouru 2 is that Sabouru focuses on coffee, while Sabouru 2 specializes in meals.
3. Access, Exterior, and Opening Hours of Sabouru in Jimbocho
1-11 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051 1 minute walk from Exit A7 of Toei Shinjuku Line/Mita Line "Jimbocho Station" 1 minute walk from Exit A7 of Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line "Jimbocho Station" 6 minutes walk from Ochanomizu Station Closed on Sundays (Irregular holidays on public holidays)
4. Interior and Menu of Sabouru in Jimbocho
The interior was almost full at 14:20. Luckily, there was an available seat on the first floor. The warm wooden interior creates a great atmosphere. The "Seven-Color Cream Soda" is also sold inside the shop. The menu includes Cream Soda for 800 yen and the Seven-Color Cream Soda for 800 yen. Although Sabouru mainly offers café menus, their popular item is the Pizza Toast.
5. Cream Soda at Sabouru in Jimbocho
Vibrant blue color. Cream Soda Blue @ Sabouru Jimbocho The background inside the shop was also nice for taking photos. The appearance is refreshing, and the taste is truly refreshing. The cold soda quickly cools down the warm body. The vanilla ice cream may be a bit heavy, but the soda balances it out. Rich and delicious. The stay time was about 15 minutes.
らいちのすけ
3.50
The atmosphere was like a certain theme park's Indiana Jones, and the cream soda was cute. The cheese something I ordered was fluffy and delicious. It was quite crowded, so it's better to be prepared to wait in line when visiting!
チョコフラペ
3.70
"Sabouru" is a coffee shop located in the Jimbocho district of Tokyo, founded in 1955. The unique and enchanting atmosphere of this place feels like a journey through time. As you step outside from the antique bookstores near Jimbocho Station, you'll be greeted by a mountain hut-style exterior and a vintage red telephone. The walls are adorned with doodles, Asian masks, totem poles, and more, creating a sense of wonder. The quirky interior has attracted fans from all over Japan and has even been featured in the media.
At night, "Sabouru" transforms into a bar, utilizing its three floors to create a versatile space. Its sister establishment, "Sabouru 2," offers dining options to cater to different preferences. The coffee here is more than just a drink—it blends perfectly with the mysterious ambiance. Indulging in the sweet chocolate cake adds to the relaxing experience.
One of the charms of "Sabouru" is its convenient location. Just a short walk from Jimbocho Station, you'll find yourself in a world that exudes the essence of the Showa era. Whether you're sightseeing or shopping in the Jimbocho district of Kanda, be sure to make a stop here. Don't forget to check out their Instagram account '@chocofurape' for more updates and to show your support by liking, following, and saving the shop.
食い倒れた柴
1.50
I had high expectations as it is a long-established coffee shop representing Japan, but it was not good. The retro Showa era theme with lodge-style round log roof, totem poles, and brick walls inside the shop felt out of place when described as Showa era. Payment is cash only. The shop is small, with extremely tiny two-seater tables. If you come with a backpack, there is no place to put it and you have to hold it in front of you. There is no space to put it underneath. I ordered a soda water, which came in four different colors. When I asked about the colors, I was told to imagine shaved ice syrup. I chose yellow. When I tasted it, it was like soda with shaved ice syrup. The sandwich had dry bread. I was asked to move seats three times, and it seemed like a common occurrence as others were also asked to move. I couldn't relax, it was uncomfortable, not tasty. It seems like they are just relying on the atmosphere and the fact that they are a long-established shop.
踊る埴輪
3.50
Sabouru is a famous coffee shop established in 1955 in Jinbocho. It has been selected as one of the top 100 coffee shops on Tabelog. I had some business in the area and was considering taking a break at Doutor, but decided to try this place instead. I arrived around 2 PM on a weekday and there were about 10 people in line. The interior of the shop was dimly lit, with a Southeast Asian resort-like atmosphere. There were mostly female customers, but the age range was not particularly young, so even an old man like me felt comfortable entering alone. The menu offers coffee, juice, cakes, and alcohol. They also have light meals like pizza toast, but for proper meals (like pasta), you need to go to the adjacent "Sabouru 2" as they are not available here. This time, I ordered the popular "Strawberry Juice" for 750 yen including tax. I felt a bit embarrassed to be a middle-aged man ordering strawberry juice alone, but it was really delicious. The juice had a rich strawberry flavor, as if they had blended real strawberries. It was like a smoothie with plenty of fruit pulp, and towards the end, the straw got clogged because the ice had been finely crushed in the blender (you could just drink it without the straw). The milk added made the taste slightly mild, and although it was quite sweet, the extreme coldness made it tolerable. The portion was generous, probably due to the absence of ice blocks. Personally, I prefer it a bit less sweet, but for those with a sweet tooth, this might be just right. Overall, it was perfect for a hot summer day.
あまいもも明美
3.60
Tokyo Jinbocho, a famous cafe in the top 100 cafes, Sabouru-san. It is a cafe in Jinbocho known for its meals as well. This time, I visited the first generation Sabouru. Next to it is Sabouru 2. It was just past 3 o'clock when I visited, and it was almost full. I managed to find a seat in the corner of the second floor. The interior of the store is built in a mysterious way, giving it a Ghibli-like feel. The comfortable atmosphere is a combination of Jinbocho's location and the taste of a long-established cafe. I had a mixed juice. Every seat was filled with people engaged in lively conversations. Quietly enjoying coffee in a cafe is nice, but it's also calming to be in a lively atmosphere. Thank you for the meal.
tomokichi1980
3.40
A café located in a back alley in Jinbocho. I went there on a weekday afternoon and it was almost full. It's definitely a famous place. I had never been here before, although I have been to Sabouru 2. The interior design gives off a tropical vibe. I ordered an iced coffee. The glass had a classic café feel, which was nice. The coffee had a refreshing taste with clear ice. It's a bit narrow and not the most relaxing atmosphere, but it's a good place to experience a nostalgic Showa retro café.
ご機嫌なcova
3.30
The atmosphere inside the long-awaited Sabouru restaurant is well-crafted. It feels like a mix of Raging Spirits and Tower of Terror from Disney. Even though it's a weekday afternoon, the place is almost full and bustling. It's not a calm place, but more lively. The coffee is delicious, and the cheesecake in the set is also very tasty. I'm happy to have been able to visit this historic and reputable restaurant. I think it's a great place worthy of its name.
けいちゃん39960
3.50
This is a famous long-established cafe in Jimbocho! Actually, I visited here for dessert after having Napolitan at the neighboring "Sabouru 2"! The entrance has an exotic feel that really catches your eye! The interior has a woody feel and a nice atmosphere! I had a cream soda, and it seems they have various colors! The retro-chic vibe is impressive! Thank you for the meal.
kazu31974
3.80
I took a break while out and about. There is a shop right outside Jimbocho Station. It was a weekday afternoon around 1:30 PM and I was able to get in without waiting. Next door, "Sabouru 2," had a line of students waiting, so what's the difference? I ordered the "Blend" (600 yen). Enjoying hot coffee in a cozy mountain hut-like atmosphere, no matter how hot it is outside, is a must. Taking the time to savor delicious coffee and ponder things, well, it may be considered slacking off, but I think these moments are important.
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