I went twice today. The first time was in the early afternoon, and there was no line. The second time was in the evening after the theater concert had ended, and there was about a 20-30 minute wait to get in. When I went past it last Sunday, there was already a line in the middle of lunchtime, much longer than the one I stood in tonight. I hear that there is almost always a line on weekends, but you can often get in without a wait on weekdays. Last order is 10pm; anyone under 20 must also leave at this time. I think this is because they serve beer.
The way it is set up inside is pretty nice, quite clean and bright. I was reminded vaguely of Hard Rock Cafe: the walls, some tables, and some furniture are decorated with members' signatures and illustrations; there are TVs visible from every seat, playing AKB48 music videos one after another, from many different releases past and present; and when you leave, you pass through a shop full of member goods. In the hall behind the dining area on the way to the restrooms, there is a large handwritten time-line of AKB48's history, as well as official member photos similar to those in the hall to the theater lobby. One thing unlike Hard Rock is that there is a bookshelf full of photobooks and other AKB48 publications that are free to borrow and read while you're in the cafe.
Another thing that's different from Hard Rock is that the music is always from a band you like.
When you enter the cafe, the first thing to happen is that a cute waitress in an AKB48-related outfit (event t-shirt or cosplay) will take you to your seat. If it's your first time there, she will explain that in order to allow the most people to enjoy the cafe, each patron is limited to 90 minutes in the dining area. When your time is up, someone will let you know that you have to settle up and leave - you don't have to keep track of your own time there. It is OK to take pictures of the autographs and decorations in the cafe, but it is not OK to take pictures of the waitresses.
The menu has about 18-20 main dishes, split into three categories: A is rice dishes, K is Japanese noodle dishes, and B is pasta dishes. The side menu includes things like potato wedges, onion rings, and namul; desserts are separate, and may be unavailable by nighttime. You should also order a drink - with each drink order, you get to draw for a coaster printed with a member's picture. It's common to see people order multiple drinks for multiple coasters. The "drink bar" includes free refills of cola, ginger ale, tea, and other simple drinks, but you get just one coaster no matter how many times you refill. Specialty drinks include coffees and espresso, teas, juices and juice cocktails. There is plenty of English on the menu as well, just in case you find it necessary.
The waitresses will never put your drink on the coaster, thus saving your souvenir and also completely defeating the purpose of a coaster.
The most popular dishes seem to be Acchan's curry omelette rice and Yukirin's penne with spicy tomato sauce and seasoned pork. These are practically the only items with member names obviously attached. I had both; my personal preference is the penne, but others said it was too spicy. The potato wedges were also good. I drew three coasters: Abe Maria, Nakata Chisato, and *gasp* Maeda Atsuko.
When your time is up and you have paid your check, you exit through the shop. The shop has cookies and other gift foods, as well as goods for each individual member, including stickers, keychains, buttons, straps, dog tags, and clear files. There are also towels for popular members, and a small selection of DVDs and T-shirts for members with upcoming birthdays. I hear that there are some items in the cafe shop that are not sold elsewhere.
In another section of the cafe there is a theater where you eat from a buffet while past performances and other video releases are played on a big screen. I heard from someone who tried it that the theater aspect is all right, but the food was unsatisfactory. Lastly, there is a private room where up to 16 people can meet and have AKB-themed fun (there are DVDs and magazines here, too). The theater and private room are only accessible by online reservation. More information, including a schedule of what the theater will show, here: Private Room | Theater Room. The cafe dining area is the only area accessible without a reservation; however certain cafe tables are available to reserve online if you so choose.
Members also occasionally drop by; recently Sashiko posted pictures on her blog.
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Has anyone else been to this AKB48 Cafe? If you have a chance to go, please share your opinions and experiences here.
