Brewpubs and Beer Bars
LO : "last order"
late : Open late
S: Open Sundays
decor: Notable decor
Riedel: Wine served in Riedel glasses


Brewpubs and Beer Bars
This guide introduces the best places to find both Japanese microbrews (including a handful of brewpubs) and interesting beers from around the world (including a large number of Belgian beer bars).

For more information on beer in Tokyo, check out the latest issue of Bryan Harrell's Brews News newsletter here on the Tokyo Food Page. And remember to drive safely.

See beer bar and brewpub map.

Brewpubs & Japanese Microbrews

Konne (Nishi-Shinjuku - Kyushu). 5333-7764
This is a retail shop selling souvenirs from Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu; there's also a small counter area where you can try Miyazaki microbrew beers along with very tasty charcoal-grilled free-range Kyushu chicken (Y900-Y1,000 for beer and yakitori).
SunYoyogi 2-2-1, Southern Terrace. Open 11am-9pm daily.
Takara (Marunouchi - Japanese). 5223-9888
A joint venture between Mushu sake pub and several sake companies, Takara serves both Japanese food and Spanish tapas, plus sake, awamori, shochu, excellent Japanese microbrew beer (Baird's), and Spanish wines. [See FULL REVIEW.]
SunMarunouchi 3-5-1, Tokyo International Forum B1F. Open 11:30am-11pm daily.
BarBAR Tokyo (Yaesu - Beer bar). 3216-0581
The food menu here is billed as "homemade deli" - grilled octopus, yakisoba, hot dogs, prosciutto - with most items priced at Y500. But you're really here for the beer - an impressive selection of Japanese microbrews by the bottle (Y800/Y900), a few microbrews on tap (Y500), and imported beers like Pilsner Urquell and Anchor Steam. There are a few stools but it's mostly stand-up, with small shelves on the side wall and an unusual zigzaggy central table.
SunMarunouchi 1-9-1, Kurobei Yokocho (B1F). Open 11am-11pm daily.
Towers (Kyobashi - Beer bar). 3272-8488
This tiny standup bar always has a number of good Japanese microbrews and international beers on tap. Food is limited to snacks.
Yaesu 2-8-10. Open 5:30-11pm. Closed weekends.
Bacchus (Nihonbashi - Beer bar). 3231-4666
Bacchus offers a good selection of Japanese craft beers, with rotating guest beers and one hand pump for real ales. They also stock around 25 bottled beers, again mostly Japanese. The small space can get smoky at times.
Yaesu 1-7-7, Dai-ni Yamamoto Bldg B1F. Open 5pm-midnight (-3am Fridays). Closed Sundays.
Sumidagawa Brewery Pub (Asakusa - Brewpub). 5608-3831
One of the early attempts at a Tokyo brewpub, they sometimes have good seasonal special beers. It's best to stick with the Japanese food rather than the attempts at German dishes. [See FULL REVIEW.]
SunAzumabashi 1-23-36, 3F. Open 11:30am-2, 5-9pm (LO) daily.
!Popeye Beer Club (Ryogoku - Beer bar). 3633-2120
The largest selection of Japanese microbrews in the world, many of them served on tap. (They even have "tasting sets" so you can try a few at a time.) They also have Belgian beers and "Hair of the Dog" from Portland (considered to be one of America's most distinctive beers) on tap. The food ranges from just-average to inspired, but the main draw seems to be the beer.
lateRyogoku 2-18-7. Open 5pm-1am (Sat. to 2am). Closed Sundays.
Beer Station Ryogoku (Ryogoku - Brewpub). 3623-5252
This complex includes a Japanese restaurant, which serves very tasty food, and a beer hall with run-of-the-mill Western-style dishes. Three beers are available - dunkel, pilsner, and weizen - with a Y900 sampler of all three. The beers are okay but not very exciting, and they tend to run out during the course of the evening.
SunYokozuma 1-3-20. (turn right from west exit, inside station bldg.) Open 11:30am-11pm (LO) daily.
!T.Y. Harbor Brewery (Tennozu Isle - Brewpub). 5479-4555
Exciting, well-centered modern American cuisine - drawing on European and middle Eastern and Asian influences - from this bayside brewpub. The wine list is fantastic, with good values at every price level. [See FULL REVIEW.]
SundecorHigashi-Shinagawa 2-1-3, Bond Street. Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-10pm (LO) daily.
Bicke (Kichijoji - Beer bar). 0422-21-8775
This specialty beer bar features craft beers from around the world along with a rotating selection of Japanese microbrews. The food is fancier-than-average bar fare - fried chicken, Caesar salads, spareribs, a risotto of the day. There are several tables and a large counter bar, and the room is dominated by a big-screen TV.
SunKichijoji Honcho 2-13-7, Grandale Bldg 3F. Open 5pm-midnight (from 1pm weekends). Closed Wednesdays.
Holic (Kichijoji - Beer bar). 0422-49-6638
An unpretentious basement bar stocking an excellent selection of craft beers from Japan (particularly Baird and Hitachino Nest) and around the world.
SunlateKichijoji Minamicho 1-1-8, Keyaki Bldg B1F. Open 7pm-5am; Sat/Sun 6pm-5am daily.
Kura Kura Ji-beer House (Shimo-Kitazawa - Beer bar). 5433-2323
The food and service here are uneven, but they do have a few nice Japanese microbrews on tap at any given time.
SunKitazawa 2-20-19. Open 11:30am-11:30pm. Closed Mondays.
!Ushi-Tora (Shimo-Kitazawa - Beer bar). 3485-9090
Ushi-tora is a specialty beer bar that attracts Japanese connoisseurs from all over town with its collection of twenty beers on tap, most of them local microbrews. We recommend the Yona Yona Real Ale, one of three traditional cask-conditioned "real ales" that are hand-pumped. [See FULL REVIEW.]
SunKitazawa 2-9-3. Closed 1st and 4th Tuesdays.
Thrash Zone (Yokohama Sta. - Beer bar). 045-514-9947
This cozy little beer bar serves an impressive selection of Japanese craft beers and real ales from microbreweries, including hard-to-find brews like Shinano Brewery's Dragon Ale. The music is mostly thrash metal, and album covers decorate the walls.
Tsuruyacho 2-19-8, Paseri Bldg 2F. Open 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.
Craft Beer Bar (Yokohama Nihon-Odori - Beer bar). 045-651-0440
This elegant little bar, with room for sixteen people, is a destination for serious beer connoisseurs. You'll find several microbrews from both Minoh Aji brewery in Osaka and Baird Beer in Numazu, along with many other Japanese craft beers. There are also thirty single-malt Scotch whiskies, and a small sausage-oriented food menu.
SunOtacho 2-31-3, Copo Sunrise Otacho 1F. Open 4-11:30pm (noon-10pm weekends). Closed Mondays.
Spring Valley (Yokohama - Brewpub). 045-506-3017
While it's not worth a special trip, Spring Valley is a pleasant place to drop in if you're in the neighborhood. If you get here before 5pm you can go on the tour of the huge Kirin brewery next door. The microbrews include "Spring Valley," a light lager virtually identical to Kirin Lager, an okay dunkel and a changing seasonal special. They offer the usual sausages and stews on the menu. There's also a large noisy restaurant called "Beer Port" right next door, where they offer many different varieties of Kirin on tap. (10-minute walk from Namamugi station on Keihin-Kyuko line. Brewery tour 10am-5pm, except Mondays; 045-503-8250 for info).
SunYokohama-shi, Namamugi 1-17-1, Kirin Yokohama Beer Village. Open 11am-9:30pm (LO). Closed Mondays (Oct. - May).
!Shinano Brewery (Nagano-ken - Brewpub). 026-255-6633
A great brewpub in Kurohime, Nagano Prefecture, making some of the best craft beers in Japan; there's also a nice menu of local dishes like smoked char and homemade sausages. [See FULL REVIEW.]
Sun2121-2 Kamiyamakuwa, Nojiri. Open 11am-7pm daily.

World Beers

Vivo (Ikebukuro - Beer bar). 3987-1588
Vivo! Beer + Dining Bar serves a fair assortment of interesting beers from around the world as well as simple, inexpensive foods. Local brews include Yona Yona real ale (on draft) and Baird Beers from Numazu; they also carry lots of Belgian and German beers by the bottle.
SunHigashi-Ikebukuro 1-4-3, B1F. Open 6pm-3am (LO) daily.
Stein Haus (Nishi-Shinjuku - German). 5908-3558
Serving relatively expensive German beers and decent pub grub in a cavelike basement, this branch of the Franziskaner group is worth knowing about for their late-night hours.
SunlateNishi-Shinjuku 1-4-6, Ida Bldg B1F. Open 5pm-5am daily.
Frigo (Nishi-Shinjuku - Belgian rest/beer bar). 5371-0666
Over 100 different beers by the bottle, mostly Belgian but with a strong German section as well. The food menu is limited, but includes mussels prepared in several different ways.
Yoyogi 2-11-20, B1F. Open 5:30pm-2am (Sundays 3-11pm). Closed 2nd Sunday.
!Cafe Hoegaarden (Nishi-Shinjuku - Belgian rest/beer bar). 5388-5523
Excellent Belgian food and a wide assortment of Belgian beers.
lateYoyogi 2-20-2. Open 5:30pm-2am (Sat. to 11pm). Closed Sundays.
Tanne (Yoyogi - Beer bar). 3373-6888
Around 30 Belgian and German beers, with credible German food (sausages, sauerkraut, etc.). The wood-paneled room and the wide wooden bar evoke a vaguely European feel, and the crowd is lively but well-behaved. [See FULL REVIEW.]
Yoyogi 1-32-15. Open 11:30am-2, 6-11pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
!Brussels (Harajuku - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3403-3972
Original pita sandwiches and an impressive assortment of Belgian beers.
lateJingumae 1-10-23. Open 5:30pm-2am (Sat-11pm). Closed Sundays.
Kua 'Aina (Omotesando - Sandwiches/burgers). 3407-8001
Hawaiian-style burgers and deli sandwiches, plus Kona microbrew beers from Hawaii.
SunMinami-Aoyama 5-10-21. (on the corner of Kotto-dori and Aoyama-dori, across from Max Mara) Open 11:30am-10pm (LO) daily.
!Les Hydropathes (Shibuya - Belgian rest/beer bar). 5456-9123
Plenty of good Belgian beers and brasserie-style fare from this member of the Brussels chain. The potato frites with homemade mayonnaise are some of the best in town, and you'll find some unusual beers to go with them. The retro-futuristic black and white interior evokes a Jetsons-in-Paris mood.
SunUdagawacho 15-1, Parco Pt. I, B1F. Open 10am-2am daily.
Bis Cafe (Shibuya - Sandwiches/burgers). 3461-2051
This casual cafe is attached to Cine Amuse, and they serve some of the best burgers in town, along with gourmet sandwiches. You can also enjoy microbrews like Anchor Steam and Kona, just Y350 during happy hour (4-7pm) and Y600 other times.
SunDogenzaka 2-23-12, Shibuya Fhontis Bldg 4F. (above the Cine Amuse movie theater) Open 11am-9:30pm daily.
Hemel (Shibuya - Belgian rest/beer bar). 5918-6939
"Hemel Belgian Beer and Food" lives up to their name - this comfortable wood-paneled bar offers an attractive selection of Belgian and European food to go with their extensive list of over 100 beers.
SunlateDogenzaka 2-16-8, Sakamoto Bldg B1F. Open 5pm-3am daily.
German Farm Grill (Shibuya - German). 5457-2871
A few good German beers at sensible prices, along with sausage-and-meat platters. [See FULL REVIEW.]
SunlateShinsen 8-1. (past the top of Dogenzaka on route 246) Open 11:30am-2:30, 6pm-4am daily.
Failte (Shibuya - Bar). 3476-7776
Run by a Belgian beer bar chain, Failty features beers imported directly from Ireland, plus twenty different wines and food prepared by a French chef.
SunDogenzaka 1-5-2, Sede Bldg 5F. Open 5:30pm-1am daily.
Amusement (Shibuya - Beer bar). 3464-7971
A very unpretentious, comfortably scruffy bar that looks like it's been frozen in time from the late seventies. They have a smattering of interesting beers from England, Belgium, Germany and Czech, plus lots of mixed drinks and bar foods.
SunlateSakuragaokacho 2-9. (underneath JTB) Open 5pm-5am (1am Sundays). Open every day.
Sugar Water (Shibuya - Bar). 3461-2188
A combination art gallery and beer bar, with interesting examples of both art and beer (although the beers are a bit pricier than at a regular pub). They don't open till 9pm.
Sakuragaokacho 15-5. Open from 9pm.
Belgo (Shibuya - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3409-4442
A comfortably cozy little hideaway bar offering a wide assortment of Belgian beers. The food menu is limited to light snacks.
lateShibuya 3-18-7, Shibuya Ichigokan Bldg. B1F. Open 5:30pm-2am. Closed some Sundays.
What the Dickens (Ebisu - British pub). 3780-2099
A bit of Roppongi nightlife dropped into Ebisu - live bands, English beers (mostly bottled), and inexpensive, filling pub dishes like shepherd's pie.
SunlateEbisu-Nishi 1-13-3. Open 5pm-2am (LO 1-ish). Closed Mondays.
Tavern, The (Meguro - British pub). 3779-0280
Assorted British beers and food, including Cornish pasties, fish and chips, shepard's pie and steak-and-kidney pie.
SunShimo-Meguro 1-3-28, Sunwood Meguro 2F. Open noon-1am daily.
Black Lion (Meguro - British pub). 3491-2312
(Formerly "Little Euro") A London-style pub that attracts an eclectic cross-section of the ex-pat community. Assorted British beers and pub-style food.
SunMeguro 1-5-16. (take the west exit and follow Meguro-dori to where it forks, and turn right. The bar is a few steps down the hill, on the left) Open 5pm-midnight daily.
Kua 'Aina (Gotanda - Sandwiches/burgers). 5437-3800
Hawaiian-style hamburgers and sandwiches, plus microbrews from Kona Brewing Company.
SunNishi-Gotanda 1-26-7. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Franz Club (Hamamatsucho - German). 6430-0128
A spacious bar serving meaty German fare and great beer. Four German brews from Spaten and Franziskaner are on draft (starting at Y600/glass) with several more by the bottle. The Y3500 prix-fixe menu consists of assorted German hams, sausages, pork cutlets, spaetzel dumplings in cheese sauce, and a pretzel. Unusual for this neighborhood, they're open till 4am Thursday and Friday nights.
SunlateKaigan 1-2-20, Shiodome Building 1F. Open 11am-2, 5-10pm; Thu/Fri 3am; Sat/Sun 8pm. Closed daily.
Beer Kitchen Aoshima (Hamamatsucho - Beer bar). 3432-8147
Thirty beers are available, including a small but select group of Belgian brews. The food is a mix of European and Asian snacks - grilled steaks; lamb kebabs; skewers of grilled chicken, beef and duck; sausages; Thai-style curries. Budget around Y3000 at dinnertime for drinks and snacks.
SunHamamatsucho 2-4-1, World Trade Center Bldg B1F. Open 11am-10pm daily.
Agoo (Hamamatsucho - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3432-1535
The vibe at this small neighborhood bar is friendly and laid back - comfortable enough to stop in for a drink by yourself or for a quiet conversation with friends. There's a decent selection of Belgians at average-for-Tokyo prices, plus a small snack menu.
Shiba Daimon 2-4-5. Open 5pm-1am (2am Fri/Sat). Closed Sundays.
Cock O' The Walk (Roppongi - British pub). 5410-5200
From the management of the Warrior Celt, this cozy English-style pub serves an interesting variety of English ales - including Tanglefoot and Fursty Ferret from Badger Beers; Spitfire and Bishop's Finger from Shepherd Neame, and organic Whistable Bay and 1698 Celebration Ale. Simple pub meals average around Y1000. Lunch served on weekdays; earlier closing hours on Sunday/Monday.
SunRoppongi 7-15-25. Open 5pm-5am daily.
Belg Aube (Roppongi - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3403-1161
French-Belgian cuisine and a good selection of Belgian beers; three-course prix-fixe dinners are Y2800.
lateRoppongi 7-9-2. Open 6pm-2:30am (LO); 6pm-4:30am weekends. Closed Sundays.
Cerveza (Roppongi - Beer bar). 3478-0077
This friendly little bar serves around 100 beers on the regular menu, plus additional seasonal beers that aren't listed, so check the display case before you order. There's also a full food menu.
Roppongi 3-11-10. (on Roppongi-dori south side, at the corner of Gaien-Higashi-dori) Open 6-10:50pm (LO). Closed Sundays and holidays.
Hobgoblin Pub (Roppongi - British pub). 3568-1280
The biggest pub in Tokyo, Hobgoblin offers a large selection of draught beers including several British ales. There's pub-style food (with a late-night menu Friday and Saturday) and big-screen TVs showing sporting events.
SunRiedel glassesRoppongi 3-16-33, Aoba Roppongi Bldg. 1F. Open 4pm-late (from noon weekends) daily.
!Bernd's Bar (Roppongi - German). 5563-9232
Hearty, stick-to-your-ribs food and a friendly atmosphere. They feature several different German beers on tap.
Roppongi 5-18-1, 2F. Open 5-11pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Brussels (Kamiyacho - Belgian rest/beer bar). 5405-1588
A good menu of Belgian beers and food.
Toranomon 5-1-5, Toranomon MT Bldg. 1F. Open 11am-5pm, 6pm-2am. Closed Sundays.
Franziskaner (Kamiyacho - German). 3436-6949
It looks just like an ordinary coffee shop, but they serve German sausages, excellent bread and rolls, and many excellent German beers. (Formerly called "Die Wurst")
SunlateToranomon 5-11-12. (above Kamiyacho station) Open 8am-4am (9pm Sat, Sun). Open every day.
Drunk Bears (Akasaka - Beer bar). 3591-2911
This casual after-work bar has a simple menu (fish and chips, nachos, lots of sausages) and more than 50 beers from around the world, including Hoegaarden on tap and Anchor Steam. Various party plans are available.
Nagatacho 2-13-10, Prudential Tower 1F. Open 11am-11pm. Closed Sundays.
Delirium Cafe Reserve (Akasaka - Belgian rest/beer bar). 5545-7730
Ten Belgian beers are served on draft here, with 100 more by the bottle. The simple menu includes pastas, Flemish-style beef stew, and of course mussels. The big, shiny semi-circular bar is the focus of attention here, but there's also a cozy table section off to the side.
SunAkasaka 5-3-1, Akasaka Biz Tower 1F. Open 11am-midnight daily.
Zum Eichen Platz (Akasaka - German). 5545-6623
An impressive food menu and a decent selection of German beers, specializing in Spaten, Franziskaner and Flensburger.
Akasaka 5-5-11, 2F. (from Akasaka Sta. exit 7 turn right and walk about 2 min.; it's on the right) Open 11:30am-2:30, 5:30-11pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Hobgoblin Pub (Akasaka - British pub). 6229-2636
Draught British beers and food, plus sports shown on big-screen TVs. Weekday lunch is Y999; no lunch on weekends.
SunRiedel glassesAkasaka 2-13-19, Tamondo Bldg. B1F. Open 11am-3, 5pm-late (no lunch Sat). Closed Sundays.
Bois Cereste (Akasaka - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3588-6292
A quiet Japanese bar serving an incredible selection of Belgian beers for serious beer connoisseurs, including many brands you won't find elsewhere in Japan. Prices average around Y1,200 a bottle. There's also a restaurant area serving Belgian food. Bar area open to midnight. [See FULL REVIEW.]
Akasaka 2-13-21. Open 6-10pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Drunk Bears (Shiodome - Beer bar). 3571-8801
This unpretentious pub serves a big assortment of beers from around the world, including some unusual finds (Rugenbrau from Switzerland) and a few nice Belgians and popular US micros (Sam Adams, Anchor Steam). The food includes lots of fried items (chicken, potatoes) as well as nachos and quesadillas.
Higashi-Shimbashi 1-9-1, Pedi Shiodome 2F. Open 11am-11:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Baden Baden (Yurakucho - Beer bar). 3508-2806
Nestled under the Yamanote train tracks, this venerable Tokyo establishment serves 15 different German beers along with German food.
SunYurakucho 2-1-8. Open 4-9:30pm (LO) daily.
J.S. Lennep (Yurakucho - Beer bar). 3595-0417
Right next to Baden Baden under the rumbling JR tracks, and even sharing the same address, they offer a similar selection of beers.
SunYurakucho 2-1-8. Open 11:30am-2, 4-11pm. Open every day.
Favori (Ginza - Belgian rest/beer bar). 6226-6117
The 100-odd different beers in their serve-yourself refrigerator include several previously hard-to-find varieties. Mussels and other Belgian treats are on the food menu, and they're even open on Sundays.
Ginza 2-10-5. Open 5:30pm-2am. Closed Sundays.
Bulldog (Ginza - Beer bar). 3564-0996
Although it looks like an ordinary after-work salaryman hangout, Bulldog offers a nice selection of ten beers on tap, including three "guest taps" for local microbrews. US microbrews are also available (by the bottle). There's a wide assortment of bar snacks to go with your beer.
SunGinza 3-1, Ginza INZ #1, 2F. Open 11:30am-2, 5-11:15pm daily.
!Antwerp Central (Marunouchi - Belgian rest/beer bar). 5288-7370
AC's atmosphere and decor are very European in feel, and the large food menu includes surprisingly authentic Belgian specialties like "stoemp" - a hearty platter of mashed potatoes and root vegetables. The bar serves more than 30 Belgian beers, including Leffe Blond and three others on tap. Ample terrace seating is available. Bar open until 4am weeknights, midnight weekends. [See FULL REVIEW.]
SunlateMarunouchi 2-7-3, Tokyo Bldg Tokia B1F. Open 11am-3am (LO), to 11pm Sat, Sun. Open every day.
Franz Club (Marunouchi - German). 5224-8678
Part of the popular Franziskaner chain, Franz club offers a decent selection of German beers and nice roast meats, sausages, ham and similar fare, served well into the wee hours of the morning. Budget around Y4000 at dinnertime. There's also a deluxe weekend brunch priced at Y2980.
SunlateMarunouchi 1-5-1, Shin-Marunouchi Bldg 5F. Open 11:30am-4, 5pm-4am daily.
Drunk Bears (Otemachi - Beer bar). 5208-5151
The simple, inexpensive bar menu includes salmon jerky, grilled mussels and lots of fried dishes. There are more than 50 world beers including Heineken on tap, Sam Adams and Budvar.
Otemachi 1-6-1, Otemachi Bldg 1F. Open 11am-11:30pm. Closed weekends.
Antwerpen (Nihonbashi - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3271-9598
A tiny, charming Belgian beer bar with a small selection of brews, including the city of Antwerp's own De Koninck on tap. There's not really a food menu, but you can order pizza (from Pizza LA) or Chinese food (from a shop downstairs) to be delivered to your table.
Nihonbashi 3-7-7, 5F. (on the side street one block south of Takashimaya) Open 5-11pm. Closed weekends.
Franziskaner (Nihonbashi - German). 6225-5485
Hard-to-find German beers, German wines, and assorted snacks are on offer at this branch of the small Franziskaner chain. The meat-heavy food menu is more interesting and diverse than might be expected.
Nihonbashi 3-8-16, Buyo Bldg B1F. (1 block S of Takashimaya) Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-11:30pm. Closed Sundays.
!Brussels (Kagurazaka - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3235-1890
A relaxed after-work place serving lots of Belgian beers and good light food, including tasty pita sandwiches.
Yaraicho 75. Open 5:30-2am, Sat. 5:30-11pm. Closed Sundays.
Bitter (Kagurazaka - Belgian rest/beer bar). 5261-3087
Often hidden backstreet bars like this - quiet, sophisticated, with tasteful but understated decor - specialize in expensive Scotch whisky or cocktails, so it's nice to find a place like this with a serious Belgian beer menu. Food includes freshly shaved Parmesan, pork rillettes and shepherd's pie, and prices are a bit higher than average (around Y1200-1500 for a typical bottle of Belgian). Located upstairs in a residential-looking building, the bar can be very hard to find, but that's part of its charm.
lateTsukudocho 1-14, Sun Heights Sakatabashi 203. (walk up Kagurazaka-dori and turn right at Gojuban Chinese steamed bun shop, it's on the right side after about 4 min.) Open 5pm-2am. Closed weekends.
Billy Barew's Beer Bar (Iidabashi - Beer bar). 5228-2424
Lots of beers from around the world. (Billy's is a franchise, with different management in each location.)
lateKagurazaka 3-2-29. Open 6pm-4am. Closed Sundays.
Frigo Est (Suidobashi - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3262-1138
A comfortable and spacious Belgian specialty bar with nearly 100 beers by the bottle that you can select and serve yourself from the big glass refrigerators. They also have unusual beers on draft (Witkap Pater) and a modest food menu.
SunlateNishi-Kanda 2-1-12, Umezawa Bldg 2F. Open 5:30pm-2am daily.
Brussels (Jimbocho - Belgian rest/beer bar). 3233-4247
A nice selection of Belgian beers at this original location of the Brussels chain.
lateKanda Ogawamachi 3-16-1. Open 5:30pm-2am (5:30-11pm Sat.). Closed Sundays and holidays.
Kua 'Aina (Awajicho - Sandwiches/burgers). 3518-0050
Hawaiian-style hamburgers and sandwiches, plus Hawaiian microbrews from Kona Brewing Company (Y500/bottle). Deliveries to 9pm.
SunKanda Surugadai 3-5. Open 11am-10:30pm daily.
Franziskaner Bar & Grill (Awajicho - German). 5283-6846
Good imported German beers, sausages and other German fare, from the management of German Farm Grill (in Shibuya). The three-story bar is warm and comfortable, especially the spacious third-floor area.
Kanda Surugadai 3-1. (on Hongo-dori a couple blocks north of Yasukuni-dori) Open 10:30am-11:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Champ de Soleil (Kanda - Belgian rest/beer bar). 5281-0333
French/Belgian bistro fare, with mussels and other seafood as well as frites. Ten Belgian beers averaging Y900-1,000.
Riedel glassesUchi-Kanda 1-10-6. Open 11:30am-2, 5-9pm (LO). Closed Sundays.
Columbus (Kanda - Bar). 3254-3638
The menu is casual Italian/Western-style izakaya fare, with some pleasant surprises (like their salmon mousse appetizers and the pate of the day). They offer a few interesting beers along with wine and cocktails.
Riedel glassesUchi-Kanda 2-12-2. Open 11:30am-1:30, 5:30pm-4am. Closed Sundays, some Sat.
Billy Barew's Beer Bar (Kanda - Beer bar). 3251-0390
Beers from around the world and convenient late-night hours.
lateKanda Kajimachi 3-7-8. Open 6pm-1am (to 4am Fri, 12m Sat.). Closed Sundays.
Kandagasse (Akihabara - German). 3254-1339
Interesting German beers (draft and bottled) including some hard-to-find brands. Simple but good food. Live music Friday and Saturday nights.
SunSoto-Kanda 2-4-4. Open 4:30-10pm (LO). Closed Mondays.
Belg Aube (Toyosu - Belgian rest/beer bar). 6910-1275
An indoor/outdoor cafe with a nice choice of Belgian beers and enticing food like Iberico ham, duck confit, and of course mussels. In the afternoons they serve chocolate fondue and waffles.
SunToyosu 2-4-9, LaLaport Toyosu 1F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
Zinc (Nakano - Belgian rest/beer bar). 5343-2164
(Pronounced "Zanc") A friendly neighborhood bar with a good assortment of Belgian beers, an electronic dartboard, and simple Japanese/Korean snacks.
SunArai 2-30-11. Open 5pm-5am daily.
Cervoise (Sangenjaya - Belgian rest/beer bar). 5486-1777
A charming, cozy (ten-seat) bar serving some twenty Belgian beers by the bottle plus Hoegaarden on tap, along with a limited food menu.
SunSangenjaya 2-46-1, Daiya Heights Sangenjaya 1F. Open 2pm-midnight. Closed Mondays, 3rd Sunday.
Cheers (Yokohama Sta. - Belgian rest/beer bar). 045-311-7804
A quiet, out-of-the-way little bar with a good selection of Belgian and other beers. Draft beers include Baird (an excellent Japanese microbrew), Edelpils and Pedigree; there are also 30 beers by the bottle, mostly Belgian. Food is a mix of Belgian and British: mussels, frites, fish and chips, shepherd's pie. The basement space is pleasantly decorated, with several nooks and crannies at different levels.
Tsuruyacho 3-32-14, Shinko Bldg B1F. (from the underground Diamond mall, take exit 12 south, cross under the highway overpass, turn left at Jonathan's; it's on the right after 1/2 block) Open 4pm-midnight. Closed Sundays.
Le Temps Perdu (Yokohama Sakuragicho - Belgian rest/beer bar). 045-242-9777
Yokohama's original Belgian beer bar, it's remarkably decrepit and yet not without charm. The menu offers twenty Belgian beers at around Y1000-1200 per bottle.
Nogecho 2-78. Open 6-11:40pm. Closed Sundays.
Puca Puca (Fujisawa-shi - Beer bar). 0466-22-1154
Over 100 beers from around the world, including refreshing Belgian Hoegaarden white beer on tap, plus several varieties of Rogue Ales from Oregon. Unfortunately the food (billed as "world garlic cuisine") isn't as exciting as it sounds, and it takes forever to arrive.
SunlateMinami-Fujisawa 20-20. (walk from Fujisawa station one block past Camp Restaurant, then turn left) Open 5pm-2am (LO 1am). Open every day.
Kua 'Aina (Kamakura - Sandwiches/burgers). 0467-61-2400
The main drag from Kamakura station to the beach is lined with cafes, fast food and family restaurants. Kua-aina stands out by virtue of its terrace and its reliable mahi-mahi sandwiches.
SunYuigahama 4-3-9. Open 11am-9pm. Closed Mondays.
See beer bar and brewpub map.
Updated 2008/04/28