Job Discussion Forums

[Black_Beer_Man]

Let's compile a list of brewpubs and bars that sell delicious microbrewery beer in Japan.

Here are a few that I know and like;

Yokohama - Thrash Zone. A small and cozy bar that seats maybe 15 people. As the name suggests, the bar caters to hardcore. punk, and hard rock music lovers. However, they keep the CDS and music videos to a comfortable volume. The real attraction is their delicious beer (and for me, the fact that the whole bar is non-smoking). A 5 minute walk from Yokohama station. A couple of weeks ago when I drank there, pints were 700 - 1100 yen. http://www.beerdrinkinginternational.com/

Yokohama & Harajuku - Baird Brewery. Has delicious beer at two locations. A more traditional pub atmosphere. Sells pretty good food (but in Japanese size portions - so order two if you're hungry). As I remember, pints were around 800 - 1000 yen. http://bairdbeer.com/en/

Kanda & Hammatsucho - Devil's Craft Beer & Pizza - This bar sells very delicious microbrew and pizza. The pizza is the closest to Chicago deep dish pizza that you're going to get in Japan. Pizzas come in 2 sizes, personal pan size and medium. I was assured by the barkeeper that a personal pan (small) size would be filling enough for a late lunch, but he was way wrong. Therefore, I'd say that if you're looking for a snack, the small size is okay. If you want a meal, order the medium. Bon apetite. Pints are around 900 yen http://en.devilcraft.jp/

[Shimokitazawa]

A year of beer at Brasserie Beer Boulevard near Shimbashi Station. 30,000円 will buy you a 12 month passport for an unlimited amount of Asahi.

Someone mentioned in another thread that Asahi was the Coors of Japanese big brew beer makers. It's easy to drink, crisp and light.

Drink 60 beers at 500円 each and the unlimited beer deal will pay for itself.

I might do it.

[jmatt]

Thrash Zone is a great place.

Another good spot in Yokohama, near Kannai stn. is Antenna America, the showroom/tasting bar for Nagano Imports. Lots of good micros from mostly California at maybe the lowest prices anywhere, a pretty good burger for Y600, and they often have a 2hr nomihodai on a few taps on the weekends for Y2500, though it was only Y2000 last weekend. That's quite the deal. Atmosphere sort of rec room-ish, but if the weather's good, there's a balcony to drink on. Bay Brewing is only a minute or two away as well.

In Higashi Nakano, I like The Hangover. 5 taps, usually always something good on, and really good wings.

There is a mini-chain of brewpubs on the Chuo line at Nakano, Koenji, Asagaya, and Ogikubo called Koenji Bakushu Kobo (exchange location name for each place). Really cheap. Some of the beer is OK, a few good, and a few totally undrinkable. Worth a shot!

I also like the Dry Dock in Shimbashi. Worth it there just to see the ceremony of an Asahi pour. A few good beers on tap. Good fried chicken basket.

I'd also add the Baird Nakameguro location. The pizza there is really, really good. I'd go there just for that.

[Master Shake]

The strangely named 'Craft Beer Server Land' in Iidabashi has a good selection of beers for about 900 yen a pop.
http://tokyobeerdrinker.blogspot.jp/2013/10/craft-beer-server-land.html

Short notice, but Tuesday is the last day of the Keyaki Autumn beer festival in Saitama.
http://tokyobeerdrinker.blogspot.jp/2013/09/keyaki-hiroba-autumn-beer-festival.html (It's last year's info but still true for this year.) I went yesterday and it was great.

I love craft beer. But paying 800+ yen for a glass is not something I want make a habit of. I'm going to work my way thru this list of places: http://tokyocheapo.com/food-and-drink/tokyos-10-best-value-craft-beer-bars/

[The Fifth Column]

Any yummy microbrews for someone trying to lose weight?

[mitsui]

No light beer in this country.

[Black_Beer_Man]

[The Fifth Column]

[Black_Beer_Man]

[quote="The Fifth Column"]

[Harp]

Also try...

Shibuya - Goodbeer Faucets - (http://goodbeerfaucets.jp/) near Bunkamura. Excellent selection of Japanese craft beers plus good stuff from Europe and the US. Well worth a visit.

[TokyoLiz]

I want to make mead at home... Is this dame or ok?

[Maitoshi]

[RM1983]

Story about the Koenji one (i think the one listed). When I first started working here I had no clue about craft beer and was working close to Koenji on a Saturday. So met my gf there and we decided to go for a beer.

Found a good looking beer bar and sat down. Could barely disguise our disgust at the prices and went out - gf made a comment that it was too expensive. The bartender looked at us like we were pigs and I thought he was a wanker. And we went directly to the hub.

Only realised a few months later why.

Kinda leads to my next point though. Do you any of you have recommendations for craft bars for couples in which the lady has next to no interest in beer? Or good ones for solo drinking ie - friendly, inclusive atmosphere, good music (like the thrash zone one maybe)?

I went the Brew Dog one in Roppongi which was quite a nice way to spend an afternoon

[Shimokitazawa]

[jmatt]