Address - Tokyo-to, Shinjuku-ku, Takadanobaba 1-30-5 Chizu Bldg. B1 Opening hours - Open every day from 2:00 pm to 11: pm Map - Yes Telephone -3207-5369 Menu - In English and Japanese CC - OK
As you might know, I don't like mixing music and food, because they both require my full attention and because concerts in restaurants don't leave a choice to those who just want to eat in peace. But I am about to make an exception for an exceptional place.
As it often happens, the occasion to discover this new place came through a friend. It hasn't been open long, and it doesn't for the moment have much of a reputation, but I guarantee you are going to like it. The quality of the music is the reason for the exception. Every evening, and I mean every evening, some C&W group is playing live at the Café. I am not especially fond of this kind of music, but I can tell quality when I see it, and J.T. Kanehira* and his band, who were playing yesterday when I went, definitely know what they are doing. They are not only technically proficient, they also have what most counts, feeling and grace. In no time, I was responding to the rhythm of the fiddle.
I tell you, you are not going to believe this place: a 3 -meter Texan flag on the wall, Stetson hats hanging from the wall for customers who want to wear them, people line-dancing with their thumbs in their jeans, fiddles, guitars and romantic serenades near the fire under the Lone Star. There's even an authentic Texan horse turd on sale.
A smile is unavoidable, as this sort of thing really could only happen in Japan, but I would like to invite you to give this little café the respect it deserves. It is obviously a labor of love, the refuge of a minority of serious aficionados and great fun. Drop in for a concert. I certainly will go again.
And the food? What you can expect from a place like this: guacamole, tacos, nachos, pizzas, hot dogs and the like, plus Japanese and American beer. But who cares? You will be busy listening.
Concerts start at 7:30 pm and cost from nothing to 2200 yen. The Lone Star Café has its own site (in Japanese), where you can find the concert schedule for this and next month, and their menu.
* Mr. Kanehira is also the owner of the Lone Star Café.
