The Global Drinker — World Bar Guide
Bar Trench Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
Ebisu, a district in Shibuya, boasts a number of restaurants, izakaya and tachinomi (standing bars). On a narrow Tokyo side street near Ebisu Station is the diminutive 23 sq m Bar Trench. Its cocktails focus particularly on absinthe, and combine the spirit with herbal liqueurs and a range of bitters such as yuzu and cardamon. Highlights on the seasonally changing menu are the Nikka coffee gin with sparkling sake, a bloody mary with tomato juice from Nagano, and a mezcal milk punch with pear brandy green tea. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable, and make use of the biggest bitters collection in Japan. As the bar fills up, expect to stand outside on the street, expertly made drink in hand. For a guaranteed seat, consider making a reservation at Bar Trench Annex.
1-5-8 DIS Bld. 102, Ebisu-nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo · $$
Awards & Rankings
- Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026 — #53
- World's 50 Best Bars 2025 — #94
- Top 500 Bars 2025 — #185
- Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024 — #47
- Asia's 50 Best Bars 2022 — #25
- Asia's 50 Best Bars 2021 — #43
- World's 50 Best Bars 2020 — #100
- Asia's 50 Best Bars 2019 — #23
- World's 50 Best Bars 2019 — #85
- Asia's 50 Best Bars 2018 — #16
- World's 50 Best Bars 2018 — #65
- Asia's 50 Best Bars 2017 — #28