New York Groove

Brooklyn Parlor

Step down into the basement of Tokyo department store Shinjuku Marui today, and you’re in for a big surprise with a pitch-perfect all day jazz cafe-cum-diner and lounge that neatly segues from lunch to afternoon tea and dinner in a handsome, brick and timber-clad airy space, lined with books and filled with mismatched chairs, tables and a sloppy sofa.

At first glance you’d be forgiven for thinking this was just another Japanese themed bar, but a closer inspection reveals not only a deft tour through US diner classic dishes, but a rather accomplished drinks menu that sees cult craft beer artisan Brooklyn Brewery’s winter ale and superb Black Chocolate Stout alongside hot apple cider, Hitachino Nest beer, Bruce Cost fresh ginger ale, and delicious homemade lemonade with fresh rosemary.

The flattering lights, free WiFI and soft jazz soundtrack are all very well, but what keeps Brooklyn Parlor humming and busy throughout the day are the surprisingly good comfort bites like the beef and mustard French dip sandwich, crisp fish and chips, pancakes, pastas, decent burgers (foie gras, bacon, avocado or blue cheese) and roast chicken with buttery mash and gravy.
 
Add great scones and coffee for that post retail afternoon relax, plus a range of books and magazines (many in English), and you’ve got the perfect NYC hideaway with none of the ‘bridge and tunnel’ crowd.