If you’re looking for a café in Ikebukuro that’s both “not crowded” and “stylish,” Clappers Diner — the waffle specialty café directly connected to GRAND CINEMA SUNSHINE — is a must-visit.
Centered on the daily-baked “croffle” (waffle × croissant), the menu ranges from sweet plates to savory plates, grab-and-go croffle sandwiches, and eye-catching original drinks.
This article lists the official menu prices, recommends what to order depending on your situation, gives concrete crowd-avoidance strategies, covers family / accessibility notes, and explains payment & movie-entry considerations — all based on first-hand experience so that people searching for “Ikebukuro cafe” can get everything they need in one place.
目次-table of contents
- Basic Info (Address, Hours, Reservation Policy)
- Menu (with prices) — a practical guide to choosing
- Menu recommendations by scene (before / during / after a movie)
- First-hand report (arrival time, wait, taste, crowd impressions)
- Apple Caramel — a satisfying waffle with perfectly balanced sweetness
- How to avoid crowds (practical timing & schedule tips)
- Payment, tax rates & movie-entry notes
- Why choose Clappers vs other nearby cafes — and when it might not be right for you
- FAQ
- Summary — Pre-visit checklist & recommended plans
Basic Info (Address, Hours, Reservation Policy)
Clappers Diner is located on the 5th floor of Q Plaza Ikebukuro (adjacent to GRAND CINEMA SUNSHINE), making it extremely convenient.
- Note: The cinema reception is on the 4th floor; the café itself is on the 5th floor.
- Address: 5F, Q Plaza Ikebukuro, 1-30-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00–21:00 (Last order 20:30) — hours may change, so check before visiting.
- Reservations: Generally not accepted. Special events or collaborations may have different rules — check theater or store announcements.
Because it’s attached to a movie theater, Clappers is easy to use for “buy before the show and bring it into the theater” or “post-show cafe time.” It’s popular with tourists, couples, and groups of friends.
Menu (with prices) — a practical guide to choosing
Below are the main menu items and the tax-included prices shown for dine-in (as listed on the in-store menu).
Prices may change — always confirm on-site.
CROFFLE PLATE (Croffle Plates)
- Maple & Cinnamon Plate — ¥1,155
- Berry Custard Plate — ¥1,353
- Oreo Chocolate Mint Plate — ¥1,331
- Maple Chicken Plate — ¥1,595
- Waffle Fries — ¥550
CROFFLE SAND (Croffle Sandwiches)
- Apple Caramel Sandwich— ¥770
- Berry Cheese Sandwich — ¥770
- Salmon Basil Cheese Sandwich — ¥968
- Prosciutto Truffle Egg Sandwich — ¥968
CROFFLE (Single Croffles)
- Croffle Sugar — ¥605
- Croffle Cheese — ¥715
SOUP
- Corn Soup — ¥473
- Minestrone — ¥473
COSTA COFFEE (Coffee — in-store selection)
- Espresso / Original Blend / Mild Coffee / Strong Coffee — each ¥462
- Flat White / Cortado / Cappuccino / Cafe Latte — each ¥517
- Iced Coffee — ¥462
- Iced Cafe Latte / Iced Flat White — each ¥517
SOFT DRINKS
- All soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Ginger Ale, Sprite, Melon Soda, 100% Apple, 100% Orange, Iced Tea, Hot Tea varieties) — each ¥451
ORIGINAL DRINKS
- Peppermint Chocolate Cookie au Lait — ¥880
- Roseberry Tea Latte — ¥880
- Caramel Dolceti Latte — ¥880
- American Maple Pop-Coke — ¥880
- Bubblegum Sprite — ¥825
- American Surfer — ¥825
- Mojito Mint Melon Soda — ¥825
BEER
- Budweiser (can) — ¥693
Note: Above is a curated list of the main in-store items. Seasonal or collaboration items may be offered separately and at different prices.
Menu recommendations by scene (before / during / after a movie)
Before the movie (short pre-show bite)
Recommended: CROFFLE SAND or CROFFLE SUGAR
Why: Easy to hold and carry into the theater, minimal risk of spilling. You can finish quickly without worrying about missing the show.
During the movie (small, easy-to-eat snacks)
Recommended: Waffle Fries or CROFFLE SUGAR
Why: Compact, not too messy, and designed to be eaten while seated. Waffle Fries are made to stay pleasant even if they cool a bit.
After the movie (relaxing with friends / date)
Recommended: Berry Custard Plate or Eggs Benedict Plate (if available)
Why: Visually attractive, great for sharing, and perfect for lingering conversation and photos.
First-hand report (arrival time, wait, taste, crowd impressions)
When I visited on a Saturday around 15:00, there were about 20–30 people in line. It took roughly 10 minutes to place an order and 15–20 minutes total to receive the food. Although the queue felt long, many people were buying to bring into the movie, so seats tended to be relatively available.
Peak times produce waves in the line — sometimes you’ll wait a lot, sometimes almost not at all — but expect heavy congestion before popular showtimes.
The ordering system gives you a seat number, so you don’t have to worry about someone else taking your table, but you may not be able to guarantee a sofa or “cozy” seat during busy periods.
Waffle Fries — the perfect “crispy & light” snack for movie breaks
Upon ordering, the first thing that hits you is the warm, buttery, slightly salty aroma typical of freshly fried potatoes.
The initial bite gives a satisfying crunch from the outer coating, while the inside remains tender and gently sweet — a comforting contrast.
The fries are slightly thinner than standard fries, which makes them easy to pick up and nibble on in the cinema seat.
Apple Caramel — a satisfying waffle with perfectly balanced sweetness
Appearance first: the warm waffle’s surface gleams with glossy caramel sauce. The first bite reveals the croffle’s dual nature — a crisp exterior and a substantial, chewy interior.
Because the croffle has thickness, each bite brings out wheat aroma and buttery depth, making this more than a simple dessert — it’s a filling “meal-dessert.”
The cream topping is neither too light nor too heavy — it’s crafted to support rather than overpower the other components.
How to avoid crowds (practical timing & schedule tips)
- Check showtimes — The busiest window is roughly one hour before a popular screening. If you want to avoid queues, plan your arrival with enough buffer.
- Best time to visit — Weekday mornings and late mornings (10:00–12:00) are usually calm. On weekends, either come early or aim for the moment just after the show starts, when the initial rush subsides.
- If you’re in a small group — choose a croffle sandwich for faster service and quicker turnover.
- Observe queue waves — lines can come and go. If it looks long, a short walk around the plaza and then returning can sometimes save time — but be mindful of your movie start time.
Payment, tax rates & movie-entry notes
- The menu often shows dine-in at 10% tax and takeout (including movie theater carry-in) at 8% tax. Confirm at checkout which tax rate applies to your order.
- Payment methods (IC cards, credit cards, QR payments) may change; if you rely on cashless payments, check ahead.
- Bringing food into the theater is generally allowed, but you must follow the theater’s rules (avoid super-strong smells, noisy packaging, etc.). Always observe proper etiquette during screenings.
Why choose Clappers vs other nearby cafes — and when it might not be right for you
Reasons to choose Clappers
- Movie-theater adjacency makes it easy to buy and bring food into the show.
- Unique croffle menu that’s both cute (photo-friendly) and delicious.
- Wide range from quick snacks to full plates — versatile for many occasions.
When it might not be the best fit
- If you need to work for hours (Wi-Fi / power outlets) → pick another cafe.
- If you want an ultra-quiet, long-stay spot → theater-connected floors can be lively and busy.
FAQ
Q: Can I make a reservation?
A: Generally no. Check for special-event rules during collaborations.
Q: What tax rate applies to takeout?
A: Typically, takeout = 8%, dine-in = 10% — please confirm at payment.
Q: Can I bring Clappers food into the theater?
A: In principle yes, but adhere to the theater’s carry-in rules and general screening etiquette.
Q: Is it comfortable for strollers or wheelchairs?
A: The building has barrier-free features, but tight spaces during peak hours can be inconvenient. For smoother access, call ahead.
Summary — Pre-visit checklist & recommended plans
Pre-visit checklist
- Check movie showtimes — avoid arriving in the 1-hour peak before a major screening.
- Note desired menu prices from this article ahead of time.
- Confirm whether your order will be treated as takeout (8% tax) or dine-in (10% tax).
- Verify accepted cashless payment methods if you’ll rely on them.
- If you’re bringing children or need accessibility support, contact the theater/store in advance.
- For photos, aim for immediate shooting and try to sit near natural light.
Recommended plans
- Date: Share the Egg Benedict plate before the show → watch movie → post-show coffee & chat.
- Friends: Order the Berry Custard and one of the original drinks for photos and sharing.
- Solo moviegoer: Buy a croffle sandwich 30–40 minutes before the show, take it in, and enjoy.
Clappers Diner is a compelling option for those who want a cafe experience that pairs effortlessly with movie-going — especially for people searching for “cute,” “stylish,” and convenient Ikebukuro cafes. Use the menu and tips above to choose the right items for your occasion, and enjoy a delicious croffle before, during, or after your film!
