Bear Pond Espresso

Update February 2016: Been visiting for 2 years and for once, no change is good, aka solidly good coffee is still the focus of the owners. The Dirty is still comforting to the caffeinated soul.

By far the best coffee and espresso in Tokyo, worth the trek. Get a cappuccino or cortado . Owner trained at top coffee Meccas in the US.

We love the excellent lattes which have a smooth chocolatey finish. If visiting early, there's always a spot to linger while you people-watch or silently observe the barista/owner honing his craft.

Update July 2015: The Dirty is a treat for the senses, intense at the beginning and ends with a chocolate milk-like comfort. Don't worry about taking photos, just focus your attention on the coffee .

Love the coffee and sitting on the bench outside . Bring a sandwich from a near bakery if you're hungry!

Perfectly frothed espresso drinks in a tiny little space. Hang out for a while with cupcakes from across the street, or take your latte to go.

The espresso I've always dreamt of: short , thick, bubbly, dark and chocolatey . Worth the trip not just to Shimokitazawa (which turns out to be a fun neighbourhood) but possibly to Japan, too.

The Dirty is a refreshing take on ice coffee . It's shots of espresso layered in a jar of cold milk . As you drink it the taste changes throughout, from light and toffee like, to dark and chocolaty . Yum

Angel stain . They serve only 20 shots until 2pm. No more! Someone described it as motor oil - pretty accurate. Extra bold with a roasted burnt after-taste. highly recommended (service - soup nazi)

Third-wave espresso shop that lives up to the hype, selling spectacular espresso drinks & a hip line of merch to go with. The most exclusive drinks are only available 'til 1 PM. Owner speaks English.

Small interior but great vibe. Can't take photos inside. Tried the iced coffee with sweet milk and latte , both fab.

Angel Stain . Only 20 shots served daily. Worth it if you're a coffee nerd, it's unlike any other espresso you've ever had. Show up at opening at 11am or be disappointed.

They serve amazing coffee . If you feel like a bite, grab a delicious cupcake in a store in front of cafe and enjoy it with the best coffee in Tokyo.

The guy making pulling the incredibly tight espresso shots here is a true artist . The place is small but very convivial and it's easy to lose yourself there for an hour or so.

One of the most unique coffee experiences in the world. Perhaps one of the most quiet coffee shops in the world, with the focus truly on the coffee in the cups. Espresso is like chocolate motor-oil.

incredible cappuccino , tiny + quiet interior -- owner graciously let me snap a pic! as hipster trendy as it gets. ????

Showed up at 10:30 when they were open, politely told it would be open at 11:30. Came back at 11:20 and there were four people already enjoying coffee . Whatever. Angel stain ftw.

Great espresso . My Gibraltar 's foam could have been better integrated, but the espresso was very well balanced. Horrifically rude staff , which is weird for Japan. An institution, worth trying.

The chase to find the perfect espresso is a fools errand for any barista. These guys get pretty close. http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204542404577157290201608630

Really impressive coffee . How this wizard makes super dark roast espressos that I like is beyond me, but I can't wait to come back.

kind of the "soup nazi" of coffee with photos prohibited and espresso only served until 2pm (alas I've never tried still). but hey! the guy knows his coffee and random American sweets available!

Gotta try the signature espresso . Be early, the barista / artist is very particular. Words on the street he only do espresso until 1PM.

If you simply must know what all the fuss is about, arrive at 11:00 sharp. I was curtly turned away twice. Angel Stain is thick, tiny, pungent, and bitter. I’ve enjoyed many other espressos more.

This is some of the best coffee I have ever had. And the surrounding area is one of my favorite places in Tokyo.

If you go in, everyone in the group needs to purchase. So I'm sitting outside while my friend gets a coffee .

The best espresso . Smooth and silky. Chat up with Katsu and Chisa. They lived in NYC once.

The famous Dirty latte , very condensed taste. Also the fluffy cappuccino is soft and tender.

Oh man. BP Dirty is favorite caffeinated thing I've had to date. Went back to try the latte jar version immediately after

Insane espresso (the Angel Stain ), so deep and dark it’s salty on the first taste, and then opens up into a rich burnt chocolate .

The brutally dark espresso , when introduced to milk , is mellow and almost transparent in flavor. An odd shot for sure.

The "dirty " is great on a warm day, and comes with strict instructions not to stir. Excellent coffee .

A place to try when we're next in Tokyo. Recommended to me by Jesse, owner of L'Artiste Affamé in Montreal.

Get up early to line hoping to catch angel stain but the owner isn’t in so they do not serve. (Which I respect) had a latte and a dirty instead. It is so good...deep roasted but feels so rich and full

If you want espresso come early for number of espresso they serve is limited to 20 shorts a day and only serve Thursday to Monday.

Never want to drink coffee anywhere else. ???? came back twice for the angel stain espresso . You cant take it to go so settle in.

Great espresso , latte - must try the "dirty " - cold latte in layers of milk / coffee

“The Puffy” cappuccino is easily the best I’ve ever had.

If an espresso shot isn't available, get a macchiato . This is a place to just let the coffee do its thing.

Great coffee and one of my favorite neighborhoods in Tokyo

Delicious coffee , very intense and serious too.

In a nondescript building, look for glass windows , you have to slide them sideways to open

Espresso shots stop at 1pm but they will continue to serve other espresso-based beverages.

Yummy coffee for a stroll through the neighborhood :-)

great place to chill and their coffee taste good

Can't take picture! Very small cafe but i love it❤️

A small coffee counter where they make good coffee .

Decent coffee , owner is a pretentious wanker...

closed on Tuesday (I'm going to miss it, leaving early Wednesday)

Gibraltar And latte

order the latte jar