Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from Daily Shinjuku, your local media source for Tokyo’s Shinjuku area.
Today, I visited “Eagle”, a historic jazz café in Yotsuya that has been loved since 1967. It’s a place where you can spend a peaceful, indulgent moment alone surrounded by great sound and the aroma of coffee.
A Jazz Café Established in 1967
Located just a three-minute walk from Yotsuya Station, Eagle is a long-running jazz café tucked in the basement of the Horinaka Building along Shinjuku-dori Avenue.
I had always been curious but hesitant to step inside. After enjoying a pleasant experience at “Chigusa,” Japan’s oldest jazz café in Yokohama, I decided to make Eagle my second jazz café visit.
Inside the Café
Once you enter, you’re immediately wrapped in the sound of jazz playing at full volume. The café has about 50 table seats, dim lighting, and a calm, inviting atmosphere.
During weekday afternoons, many patrons are office workers or older men—some sit with eyes closed, others read or quietly nod to the rhythm. Everyone seems to enjoy the music in their own way.
Along the walls, you’ll find shelves filled with books and magazines on jazz, many written by the owner. The café also functions as a kind of “library of jazz,” making it approachable even for newcomers.
On weekends, young visitors and couples come to enjoy the timeless music. It’s a welcoming space for all generations of jazz lovers.
Menu
Eagle offers a variety of dishes and drinks beyond coffee, including pasta, desserts, and wine.
Menu (examples)
- Napolitan – ¥880
- Eggplant & Minced Meat Tomato Sauce – ¥880
- Bolognese – ¥880
- Arrabbiata – ¥880
- Peperoncino – ¥880
- Tuna Cream – ¥880
- Carbonara – ¥910
- Gorgonzola – ¥910
- Cheesecake + Coffee – ¥860
- Gateau Chocolat + Tea – ¥930
- Spinach & Bacon Quiche + Glass of Wine – ¥1,000
- Chili Beans & French Bread + Glass of Wine – ¥1,000
Alcohol options include wine and whiskey—perfect companions to jazz.
What I Ordered
Cheesecake + Coffee – ¥860
The cheesecake is homemade, mildly sweet, and wonderfully simple—a nostalgic taste that matches the relaxed mood of the café.
The coffee, brewed using espresso beans, is bold and full-bodied. A single cup costs ¥690, and refills are available for ¥260.
Gateau Chocolat + Coffee – ¥900
The gateau chocolat has a smooth, truffle-like texture that pairs perfectly with the strong coffee.
Next time, I’d love to enjoy these desserts again—perhaps with a glass of wine once evening service resumes.
Summary
Eagle is a cherished jazz café in Yotsuya that has been in operation since 1967.
While there are some house rules—no conversations (after 6 p.m. is allowed) and no earphones—it provides an ideal setting to immerse yourself in jazz alone.
It’s also a comfortable spot for remote work; the deep soundscape helps you focus when you need a mental reset.
Do note that only cash payments are accepted.
If you’re in Yotsuya, stop by and experience the authentic world of Japanese jazz cafés.
Store Information
- Name: Eagle
- Address: B1F Horinaka Building, 1-8-6 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
- Nearest Station: 3-min walk from JR or Tokyo Metro Yotsuya Station
- Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30–23:40 / Fri 11:30–23:50 / Sat 14:00–23:40
- Closed: Sundays & National Holidays
- Outlets: ○ Wi-Fi: ○ Smoking: ✕
- Notes: 50 seats / Cash only
- Tabelog Rating: 3.28
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👉 https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2021/09/22/yotsuya-eagle/
