When you’re dining at Cafe & Bar Bottle Ship in its nautical-themed white and blue interior with a cocktail in hand, you feel like you’re on board a luxury cruiser. The ceiling was intentionally built low in order to create such an atmosphere, says owner Megumi Shirakawa. She’s joined by manager and bartender Keisuke Furubayashi, who mixes up an array of drinks and entertains his customers with impressive bartending skills. Unsurprisingly, original cocktails are his recommendation (¥700~). One that left me with lingering delight was the loquat fruit cocktail–a tea liqueur infused with the sweet, tangy flavor of loquats. Other palate-pleasing cocktail flavors include kiwi and seasonal fruits such as watermelon, mango and more.
Most of the alcohol is imported from the U.S., including a selection of California wines (glass ¥600, bottle ¥3700~). The food menu consists of well-balanced, light appetizers such as cheese, nuts, pickles and olives, and
a few heavier dishes like sausages and homemade chili beans to complement the wine. I highly recommend the Chili Potato (¥700). The bar sometimes hosts events, too. The tenth day of every month is Scallop Day when they add scallop dishes to the menu. They specifically use fresh scallops from Furubayashi’s hometown in Aomori Prefecture.
Smoking and pets are permitted outside on the wooded deck, a cozy space made with the same wood used to build Osanbashi Pier. This was Shirakawa’s subtle way of paying homage to the city she loves. Many in the past traveled across the Pacific from Yokohama to America. Cafe & Bar Bottle Ship represents our port city and might just ignite your passion for similar travel and adventure.
