Amid the tree-lined canal of Nakameguro, Sidewalk Stand functions like a casual rest stop, a hub of leisurely pedestrians sipping on coffee and lingering in front of the corner shop. The concrete shopfront is little more than a takeaway window with but a couple benches out front that offer a front row seat to people watching. It’s the perfect pause for the stream of foot traffic in the area (a stream which I presume turns into a flood during cherry blossom season). Their two other outposts, in Yutenji and Shimokitazawa offer a slightly different vibe, with the former in a cute standalone hut with some tables inside, and the latter occupying the first floor of a hotel and also selling bagels.
As for the coffee, it’s sharp, technical, perfectly on par with the city’s specialty coffee scene with house roasted beans. Get an espresso any way you take it, or go for their signature Bitter Orange Americano that is delightfully bright and refreshing.
the details
| Address | Nakameguro: 1 Chome-23-14 Aobadai, Meguro City |
| Website | http://sidewalk.jp/ |
| @sidewalk_stand_baisenandbagel | |
| Hours | Nakameguro: 09:00-19:00 everyday |
| Price | $$ – standard, approachable specialty coffee pricing (400-650Â¥) |
| Aesthetic | industrial, contemporary craft, that mid 2010s third wave coffee shop vibe |
good to know
Go here for:Â a coffee break, a quick breakfast (in the Shimokitazawa location), some coffee beans for home brewing
Order this: the iced bitter orange americano, it’s the perfect drink on a hot day
Amount of time to spend:Â best for a quick stop, 15-20 minutes
When to come: whenever you need a pick me up, it’s an any time kind of thing
Getting here:Â
- Nakameguro: about a 5 minute walk from Nakameguro Station (Hibiya, Toyoko lines)
- Yutenji: a few minutes walk from Yutenji Station (Tokoyo line, use east exit 2)
- Shimokitazawa: just down the street from Higashi-Kitazawa Station (use the west exit)
Other things to note:Â The Shimokitazawa location does bagels and coffee, like a Japanese version of a New York habit.
Last visited: April 2025
Last updated: March 2026