On The Corner, Shibuya 渋谷

In an attempt to stave off the effects of my affection for iced-Canadian Club my morning commute, weather permitting, culminates in a brisk stroll along Meiji Dori, from Harajuku to Ebisu.  

In doing so, On The Corner – an American-style diner hosting an outpost of the apparently esteemed No. 8 Bear Pond espresso bar of Shimo-Kitazawa – has taken my fancy for months. As if often the case, while others such as The Recently Betrothed, have visited I’ve never quite gotten round to it. Until today. 

As mentioned elsewhere, “American diners” bring to mind apple pie, buxom blondes, pancakes, bacon and maple syrup. Sadly, not a single pancake was to be flipped. 

After waiting an eternity for a table (while witnessing happy patrons being scolded for attempting to photograph Bear Pond’s fare) we were eventually seated in our faux-leather booth amongst whitewashed walls and fashionably industrial ducts and piping. 

By all accounts, the breakfast menu is perhaps the most compelling reason to visit, but the lunchtime spread wasn’t half bad either; reasonably priced, well proportioned. The mojitos were much better than those served here. Service was friendly (photos allowed) especially when needed to make diving catches to save falling French fries… 

Talking of fries, I wish I’d been warned after ordering a side of them that my BLT would be served with an ample supply of the very same. The BLT itself was okay, but the bread left much to be desired. Such a venue would suggest the availability of something less reminiscent of sliced-white. My dining partner’s herb and watercress green salad was voluminous. The chocolate brownie, served with ice cream and white foam from a can, was tasty. 

Enjoyable, a fun lunch spot, and apparently a place to charge your laptop for free. The breakfast menu (served from 9am to 3pm) seems the best reason to visit. 

03-6427-7273

http://onthecorner-shibuya.com/