A review of a cafe along a canal in Nakameguro, Tokyo by an amateur coffee enthusiast and shoestring digital nomad. Descriptions are equal parts coffee and remote-work suitability.

The cafe is along the Nakameguro cherry blossom tree-lined canal — Photo by Athena Lam

Cafe Overview:

Seating is upstairs — Photo by Athena Lam

Sidewalk Stand sits at a corner about 10 minutes walk from Nakameguro Station. My eyes lit up when I saw the Allpress beans, which are roasted in Koto Ward. But we’d come for the sandwiches, which are made with artisanal bread and homemade sauces (inside the sandwich).

Sandwich selection at Sidewalk Stand — Photo by Athena Lam

After ordering downstairs, which has a one-person bar table, we  took a seat upstairs by the window for the fresh autumn breeze. The wooden benches may not be the most comfortable for seating long-term, but the communal table has tall benches. I don’t think the cafe has Wi-Fi, but I did notice one or two outlets on the wall upstairs.

Espresso drinks are made with Allpress beans — Photo by Athena Lam

The latte I ordered was decent. The flavour is nutty and slightly acidic, but as a latte, neither were particularly strong. Unfortunately, they didn’t have a more concentrated drink (like a macchiato) on the menu.

Their Story / What I like About Them:

Reuben Sandwich with sauerkraut — Photo by Athena Lam

The warmed up sandwiches, with a perfectly crisped top, were the highlights. My Reuben Sandwich came with smoked meat, saurkraut, and a thin layer of cheese and (I think) a non-spicy mustard-based sauce. The flavours paired perfectly together.

My friend ordered the Cava, which had marinated mackerel, gouda cheese, chili salsa, fresh greens and fresh coriander. I loved how these two sandwiches both came packed with flavour, but had different flavour approaches: one was hearty and smokey while the other was a lighter, more whimsical assembly.

A table and the windows on the second floor — Photo by Athena Lam

Good For:

• Coffee: Espresso (Allpress beans)
• Food: Pastries and sandwiches
• Cafe Space: Upper floor with a communal bar table and benches against the windows
• Friends: Hangouts & catching up
• Workspace: 1 communal bar table
• Remote Work: Bring your own pocket WiFi, 2-3 plugs on the wall.