Bear Pond Espresso

Rude, rude, rude! Could any coffee be worth the extreme arrogant attitude and dehumanizing treatment? I think not. I stumbled upon this place and happily went in for an espresso. To my confusion, I was told that they didn’t have espresso. (note the name of the place as well as the fact that the workers wear shirts saying ‘espresso’.). when I inquired what was available, I was told a macchiato. To this day, I still don’t get how they make macchiato bypassing the espresso phase, but whatever… who cares. When I questioned this, I was scolded, and I told to get out because I hadn’t spent money! (not like they gave me a chance to — I did want some kind of coffee). However, I am very glad I did not support them in any way.
I got kicked out an espresso place for asking for an espresso! WTF?
There was a happy ending to this story, however. I went down the street and happened to come upon YANAKA COFFEE! omg, simply one of the best coffees I’ve ever had! I am so happy to have discovered them. I suggest you do the same instead of supporting the assholes at Bear Pond.

World-​class espresso, world-​class «attitude.»
People definitely don’t visit BEAR POND for the service or the smile, and anyone who’s ever read an article or a Unilocal review will know that there’s a method to every little bit of their madness… except for the scary lady working the counter.
I was fortunate enough to get to Shimokitazawa in time to watch Katsu strike up a conversation with his neighboring store owners while swarms of confused tourists walked past the storefront two or three times because there is absolutely no indication that BPE is a café when their steel pull-​down doors cover up the windows.
I came here three times over the course of two years to try their world-​famous Angel Stain and after finally having gotten to try it, I’m kind of glad I tip-​toed around the storefront all that time to get to it; to quote Katsu, «Bear Pond is about smooth chocolate,» and you’ll taste things in Katsu’s espresso and espresso-​based drinks you’d never expect to taste from coffee.
If you do end up missing out on the Angel Stain by a hair like the first two times I was here, do try the Gibraltar and the Dirty, and try to pick up a bag of Flower Child if they have it available. And for the love of god, do NOT take pictures without asking their permission first — they’re actually very lax about photos despite their infamous policy, just as so it’s with their blessing and it’s not before you’ve had the chance to finish your Angel Stain (Katsu will tell you that you need to drink it within five seconds of him pulling the shot before it starts to turn sour.)
Above all else, sit back, relax and try to enjoy one of the finest coffee craftsmen doing what he does best — the keyword here being «try» :)

Rude, unaccommodating (doesn’t serve espresso after 11am-​12pm or so), and just an overall horrible experience. Latte flavour and quality is good, but the best coffee in the world couldn’t remove the horrible taste left in your mouth after dealing with the «coffee nazi» (not in a positive meaning).
If you want equally good coffee in a nicer setting with kind staff, check out On the Corner (bear ponds younger brother) in shibuya.

Try to get a shot of espresso. He only serves something like 20 shots a day. We got there when it opened and luckily, all three of us managed to get a shot. It is one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. The espresso is extremely viscous and syrupy. My whole mouth was tingling — I have never experienced anything even remotely close to this anywhere else. Very flowery, balanced… I honestly don’t have language for bear pond espresso, it surpasses my linguistic abilities. If you ever find yourself in Tokyo, make the pilgrimage here. I would literally go back to Tokyo just to go here again.

Rude.
This is the only rude encounter we’ve had in Japan in a neighborhood Vogue mag deemed as «the coolest in Tokyo». Maybe it’s on the rise but for us, the area was one of the most boring. And rude thanks to the negative Nancy running Bear Pond.
Firstly, smile. Or at least seem like life is actually worth living. The attitude was served up thick along with an iced apple juice which was amazing and an iced coffee that was just okay.
The barista also wouldn’t let us sit in the window, offering it to locals instead. Listen lady, I’m in this town ONCE in my life and also supporting your business — I’mma sit where I damn please.
The no photo rule seemed silly too as they weren’t doing anything different and we live in a sharing economy. It’s 2015. But, it’s their house, and you’ve got to respect house rules as a guest.
Needless to say, we will never be back. A sour attitude does not get my repeat business.

Everyone is so well-​mannered in Japan so it’s jarring to experience customer service that is as unwelcoming and unfriendly as it is at this place. I came with a party of six, all of whom ordered coffee.
Because I wasn’t drinking any coffee they told me I was not allowed to stay inside with everyone else. (The place was not busy — there was no line). They made it clear that if I’m not spending money, I’m not welcome. We all vowed not to go back again. Horrible, horrible.

I love this place!
Located on the backstreets away from the north side of Shimokitazawa station (use the north central exit), finding the place is half of the fun as you have countless distractions along the way.
The walk is well worth it though if you crave a thick, rich, robust hand-​drawn espresso or mixed espresso drink.
Before proceeding further, a few primer points:
— Service: Other reviews have mentioned snarky attitudes of the shop’s staff. OK, fair enough; however, they’re there to take your order and prepare it properly. The shop is just too small and often crowded — no time for chit chats, no problem. It’s not Starbucks!
— No photos! OK, if you ask nicely, you can shoot your coffee drink, that’s all. No interior panoramas, no revealing selfies, no artsy mood shots just because the interior décor is so sparse and so damn cool. No means no — please don’t piss off the baristas!
— Food: None on premises to buy. The ONLY food allowed in to enjoy with your excellent coffee is that from across the street — N.Y. Cupcakes and the Mixture Bakery nearby (see photo).
On to coffee: They offer a special straight shot on certain days — when supply is available, right after opening and… if you’re lucky… damn lucky. For me, one out of five visits so far. I’ve been craving it since my first taste!
Closest is a macchiato, strong, stout and aromatic. Double is ¥500; single ¥350. I recommend getting two singles because after it cools to lukewarm, the taste changes. Drink one, bask in the caffeine high, write a Unilocal review (hint, hint), then order your second — one hour gone in the blink of an eye!
They also have beans to go. I’ve yet to try those for home consumption but I will, along with specific recommendations about storage and grinding. Yup, they’re expensive too. The current featured variety (also used in the drinks served) is a high altitude Ethiopian bean. didn’t spend much time getting the details as I was too busy getting buzzed off the coffee.
OK, what else? Try it! Don’t expect the whip cream, nuts, sauces and sprinkles you get at other «specialty coffee drink» places. This is a more purist experience — no frills all the way around.
P. S. If you’re lucky, you can get a seat. Two benches, two plank-​bolted-​to-​the-​wall «tables» with minimalist chairs. Each of the four seating places can seat two; that’s eight total for the shop. Oh, one bench out front for three skinny people, or two average folks.

The worst customer service I’ve ever had in Japan. I am sure the coffee is fine but I didn’t even try it. I was criticized and insulted by a surly barista (she wasn’t Japanese). When I asked her a simple question about the coffee she suggested that I take my business elsewhere (I did and vowed to never return) and my friend who had already ordered and paid for her coffee was told to leave once receiving her order because I didn’t order anything. I wanted to try this place because I had heard good things about the coffee and I even made a special trip to shimokitazawa. But the rude service turned me off and I will not be back. Disappointing because JAPAN usually has excellent customer service.

Simple, strong, sensual.
Espresso that’ll make you feel warm inside, soul and all.
The shot is a thick, dark punch of molasses to the face (or taste buds). If you don’t know what you like, do some research before come it because they don’t know what you like and they can’t guess. I suggest not asking for a recommendation, go in with some confidence.
The place is small, rustic and clean. The music is easy on the ears. Sit outside on the bench if it’s a nice cool day!

If you’re an espresso fan abroad, you owe yourself a trek here.
I’m from San Francisco, where we smugly pride ourselves on a fanatical devotion to espresso preparation. Bear Pond is on an entirely different coffee plane.
I had read a bit about their espresso prep method — heavily-​packed portafilters with very little water, something like an extreme ristretto. Allegedly, the owner doesn’t let anyone else touch the machine, so as to avoid messing with its just-​so calibration.
I was excited to see the guy’s technique in action, but the woman behind the counter told me I couldn’t watch because «it would make him nervous».
I’m not sure if that’s actually the case, or if they’re just tired of overcaffeinated tourists — but I liked the idea of a barista requiring that much focus. Anyway, after several (presumably) laborious minutes, I was handed my espresso.
The shot was literally only a few drops (probably ¼ the volume of a standard shot), with the texture and flavor of dark chocolate syrup. And it was really good.