Bar Tram

Feel classy while drinking absinthe

Whenever I talk to people about absinthe, I'm surprised at the old fashioned rumors that still prevail. "Is that even legal?" (Yes. Even Don Quijote sells absinthe sometimes.) "Have you ever hallucinated before?" (No. That was just one bad batch that gained notoriety.) "Don't you light it on fire?" (Definitely no!) Instead of some unthinkable drink, absinthe should be a classy affair. It's a great drink and the technique that goes into drinking a glass makes it an experience. And Bar Tram in Ebisu really makes it an experience. You can tell that the people here really take absinthe seriously. Well, it is an absinthe bar after all. There are maybe six different absinthe makers on the menu. The names and descriptions of them are in English, so you can read about which would suit your tastes best. Perhaps you'd like something with a stronger licorice flavor. Or maybe one that's a bit sweeter? Whatever your preference, they'll have an absinthe that fits. Once you place your order and get your absinthe, you'll need to add the water and sugar. The fact that they have a dedicated drip for this for every table is impressive. I've been to absinthe bars that give you a water bottle with a hole poked on top. The sugar cubes are at the table and you can pick the spoon you like the best. If you're not familiar with how to serve absinthe, there is an instruction guide in English. It dispels the myth about lighting it on fire, which is good. Follow the instructions, set up your sugar, and let the water drip. You can check on it every so often, seeing if it's to your liking. I like my absinthe with extra sugar so I always take longer to drip. The ambiance of this place made me feel like I should've dressed up. It's dark, and the workers are uniformed nicely. It's not too big either, which makes me think a reservation is best. My group came early, so we had no problem getting a large table without a reservation. But by the time we left, there was a line. The prices are a bit high, but you're paying for the experience and the craft behind the drink, so it's well worth it. The food is also a bit pricier, but it was surprisingly good. I ended up ordering a second plate of hummus because I enjoyed it so much. If you're looking for something more refined, this is the place to be. Or, if you're just curious about absinthe and want to try it, this is a great first. But, be warned, any other place you drink absinthe at after may not compare.