Geek It! Otaku Out and About: Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo

Whether you think Starbucks is overrated or not, it is incredible to see its influential impact on the Japanese food culture scene. Wherever you go in Japan, there is always a Starbucks around the corner.

Cafe culture is huge in Japan. Most of the times, you see people sitting by themselves and indulging in a book or podcast. And other times, you see people being accompanied by a friend or two, and just enjoying a good chat with each other.

Now when we talk about Starbucks Reserve Roastery, it is Starbucks on an entirely different level. Insta-famous for their aesthetics and five-hour-long-waiting-lines, this Starbucks Reserve Roastery was once on every otaku’s bucket-list at the start of 2023. And for a good reason too.

Here is CtrlGeekPod’s adventure recap of Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Japan!

When we attempted to visit during the day, we were probably about the 400th in the queue. So on our second attempt, we decided to beat the crowd by going extremely early. After catching the train to Shibuya station, we made our way to the landmark building. Thankfully, it was moderately quiet at 7:45am so we were able to explore the building in peace.

The building consists of four levels and each level is a wondrous journey waiting to be explored. On level 1, you can enjoy light snacks and signature Roastery creations whipped up by baristas.

As you’re waiting for food and coffee, you can amuse yourself by admiring the spectacle that is unfolding in front you. The way how baristas are so particular with their measurements and using siphons with such delicacy … you know these coffee creations aren’t done by normal baristas or normal brewing methods.

And also, we highly recommend you to sit by the windows. The calmness and serenity that exudes from Meguro’s Promenade is wonderful, especially in the early hours of the morning.

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On level 2, the space is dedicated to all things tea from tea mixology to tea-inspired cocktails. Moving up to level 3, this is where coffee meets mixology.

(Believe it or not, they were serving higher-end offerings like $60 tea concoctions …)

Honestly, at this point, you might need to spend the whole day drinking tea, caffeine and alcohol. So if you’re a hardcore Starbucks connoisseur, you probably need to visit this Starbucks at least 3-4 times to get the full experience.

And finally, onto level 4, the top floor is Tokyo Roastery’s AMU Inspiration Lounge where you can hangout with friends and hold impromptu meetings. The view from the balcony is absolutely breathtaking.

Overall:

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is definitely a bucket-list item for coffee-lovers. With only six Starbucks Reserve locations across the world and Japan being one of them, we highly recommend you to check it out. Besides, what’s not to like about coffee and an aesthetically beautiful building (inside and outside) in the middle of Meguro?

— ENDS —