At Glitch you get more than a mere cup of coffee with your order: you get to participate in a coffee vision steeped in history. Kiyokazu Suzuki’s shop is located in fashionably vintage Jinbocho, nestled amongst dozens of secondhand bookstores and just a stone’s throw from Yasukuni Shrine. The shop’s unassuming exterior belies the seriousness with which Suzuki, who spent a decade as chief barista and head roaster at Paul Bassett before breaking out on his own in 2015, treats coffee. His goal is to bring out the best notes in each of Glitch’s carefully selected, single-origin offerings through impeccable roasting – done in house – and Kinto pour-over.
Glitch’s roasts tend towards the lighter side, and Suzuki and his staff are more than willing to offer suggestions, such as the clean and fruity Kenya Karinga AA. As you sip your coffee in the relaxed, minimalist space, look out for details (like the vintage chandelier) that pay homage to the vibe of Japan’s traditional kissaten. If you need a quick bite to go along with your drink you can snag a pastry, like a delightfully flaky almond croissant, at the counter. Expect a crowd at lunchtime but don’t worry: you can get your coffee to go if you absolutely can’t wait. Either way, expect to be blown away by Glitch’s quality and expertise. Sister shop Counterpart can be found in Shinjuku.