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by Steve
Trautlein
Jam Jam Drag on the Market
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Lying midway between Shibuya and Daikanyama
stations, Jam Jam Drag on the Market, or JD2 as it’s
referred to in its logo, offers two distinct spaces for two
very different kinds of Shibuyaites. On the first floor, action
figures line one side of the entranceway, plush couches are
nestled against a DJ booth, and dim lighting conceals the
view of Yamanote line trains rumbling past the large back
window. This section is, in other words, a perfect chill-out
space for the wool-hatted kids shuffling over from the nearby
music school. The sleek, white second-floor space, on the
other hand, appeals to those whose tastes run in a more sophisticated
direction, with two large rooms, private nooks, and lots of
attractive furniture. But even though the décor of
the two areas could hardly be more different, the relaxed
vibe is largely the same.
On a recent visit, we chose the first floor and were escorted
to our table while some truly frightening hair metal emanated
from the DJ booth. Just when we feared that we’d wandered
into some kind of retro bar, though, the sounds of Poison
or Ratt or whatever it was soon gave way to soothing electronic
noise. This seemed more compatible with our fellow patrons,
who were mostly underdressed young Tokyoites and who appeared
to be DJs themselves.
JD2’s menu had ample selections of both food and drinks,
and everything we tried was excellent—but we were glad
to be accompanied by a Japanese friend, as there was no English
to be seen. A list of half a dozen original cocktails included
the Megurogawa (¥650), an unlikely-sounding mix of orange
and grapefruit juices, ginger ale, cassis and blue curacao
that was actually only slightly sweet and wholly refreshing.
More mundane drinks followed, including Bass Pale Ale (¥700/bottle)
and a mango daiquiri (¥650), but the friendly wait staff
let us know that the bartenders were game for anything. The
cook, too, seemed adventurous, offering up wholesome Asian
fare intended to please Shibuya’s rootless youth in need
of a homemade meal. We tried maguro gyoza (tuna dumplings,
¥550), which came as wontons in a salty broth that was
filling and very tasty. Wild duck with yuzu and black pepper
(¥750) and tuna with avocado and mayonnaise (¥900)
were winners as well. We decided, however, to stay away from
the Dragon Sando, a concoction of peanut butter, banana and
Spam (¥900).
We realized after a while that the elegant second floor would
be perfect for dates and groups of friends, while the first
floor is a good setting for a quick pre-nightclub bite and
drink. But with super-friendly staff, interesting drinks and
creative food, JD2 will tempt you to stay, even as your last
train lumbers past the back window.
1-3 Uguisudanicho,
Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3461-9099. Open Mon-Thu and hols 11am-1am,
Fri-Sat 11am-4am. Nearest stn: Shibuya or Daikanyama.
www.lunamillex.com/j2d
Photos
by Martin Hladik
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