The service at Bear Pond Espresso in Shimokitazawa is notoriously surly, but that doesn’t change the fact that owner Katsuyuki Tanaka still pulls one of the world’s most coveted espressos. These so-called Angel Stains are so thick, you can turn your cup upside down and it won’t run out. You must drink it immediately upon serving or else it turns sour. These are limited to just 20 shots a day and aren’t served after 2 p.m., making this as close to rock stardom as the coffee industry gets. If the Angel Stains are sold out by the time you arrive, ask for a Dirty, the cold milk-and-espresso number pictured above. Or, for an entirely more laid-back coffeehouse experience, hit up Coffea Exlibris in the same neighborhood. Like Bear Pond, there is a strict no-photos policy, but the spacious interior, darling decor, creative desserts, and sweetly accommodating staff encourage lingering.

2-36-12 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan; +81-3-5454-2486.

Photo: Bear Pond Espresso

Photo: Bear Pond Espresso