01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
On the second floor of a building in Nishi-Shinjuku, BAR MAL is a small bar with a counter of around six or seven seats beyond the door—a welcoming place to settle in with a drink on a quiet evening. The space is suited to quiet conversation, and the bartender listens to your preferences before carefully making a drink.
A good place to start is with a cocktail made with seasonal fruit. A sparkling cocktail with Kyoho grapes, a Screwdriver made with fresh orange, and a drink that brings out the flavour of kiwi are among the fruit-forward choices that have earned praise for their fresh, vivid character. Classic cocktails are on offer too, including the Sidecar, Jack Rose and Grasshopper, so you can choose to suit the mood.
The whisky selection is another draw, with Scotch labels ranging from bold Islay malts such as Ardbeg 10 Year Old, Laphroaig and Caol Ila 12 Year Old to Glenmorangie Original and Oban 14 Year Old. The rum selection is also well regarded, making this a comfortable spot for anyone who likes to take their time over spirits. Small plates to accompany a drink include house-made nama chocolate, a selection of four cheeses and prosciutto.
Open from 7 p.m. until 3 a.m., the bar can work well for a second stop or a final drink after dinner. With limited seating, it is worth checking availability or arranging a reservation before you go. Payment by major credit cards and PayPay is accepted.
