With a collection of assorted craft beer bottles and kegs lining one whole wall of it’s charming interior, Craft Beer Kitchen immediately gives you the impression that it’s aptly named. The bar and open kitchen area is especially attractive, with a very new, pristine feel. Everything seems meticulously organized, from the glassware and decor to the manner in which their food is presented. The warm, welcoming atmosphere is appealing to those looking for a chat over drinks without having to shout over the noise. Judging by the clientele when we stopped by, it seemed especially appealing to women. Gentlemen, keep this in mind if you want to impress a date and drink craft beer at the same time.
Craft Beer Kitchen has a selection of ten alternating ales and lagers on tap, mostly from Japanese breweries. A separate menu provides good descriptions of all the beers and even has a helpful flavor chart graphing each brew’s qualities– great for craft beer novices. Beer can be purchased in four different sizes from S (235ml, ¥500) up to a “Pint” (560ml, ¥1500). Additionally, they have Ebisu (¥500) , Ebisu Black (¥600), and Edelpils (¥700) on draft. There are, of course, wines, cocktails, and other alcohols also available.
If you only came to drink, well, you’ll likely be satisfied. But you’d really be missing out if you didn’t try the food as well. If you can’t decide on which appetizer to try, why bother troubling yourself with such decisions? Just go with the honkino zensai moriawase (¥1500), which is a combination of seven of the chef’s recommended hors d’oeuvres all on one platter. On our visit, these included pâté de campagne, cured ham and salami, and even fried rice balls blackened with squid ink. It’s ranked number one on the shop’s recommendations list (オススメフード), and for a good reason. Homemade sausage (¥780) and four different varieties of pizza (¥1000 each) were other delicious, popular suggestions.
The restaurant seats about 25 including 6 or so seats at the bar. While it’s located a little out of the city center, for those not living in the Tama Plaza area, it’s well worth making the trip there. Trust us on this one.