Despite the Christmas-like name, you’ll find no trace of Santa or his elves at Jingle Beer & Dining. What you will find is a warm and inviting bar catering to a wide variety of customers from 20-somethings having a get-together to solitary middle-aged businessmen downing a few beverages after work. The bar is cheerfully lit and will likely put you in a good mood as soon as you enter.
Jingle Beer boasts eight draft beers ranging from industrial lagers like Suntory Malts (¥600) to Japanese craft beers from Coedo and other smaller breweries. There was even an American craft beer when we stopped by (all S¥580/M¥980). Although the bar’s name suggests a focus on beer, it has a refrigerator full of mid to high-end sake that would even satisfy sake aficionados. Wine, mixed drinks, and an array of other alcoholic beverages are also available (¥680〜).
A great selection of appetizers (¥500〜) to go along with your drinks will have you wavering over which to order. We deemed the tuna and avocado in wasabi soy sauce (¥500) and cream cheese miso tsuke (¥500) to be fine accompaniments to both beer and sake. Pizza, pasta and other grilled fare are available for those looking for more of a meal.
The bar has a couple booths and tables, stools at the bar, and a small private room in the back for small groups. Have a seat at the counter if you are looking for chat time with the staff (provided you have some Japanese ability). Barmaster Ryu Kanai will keep you amused while whipping up your drinks.
Jingle Beer & Dining is located in the basement next to the very popular Yoshimuraya Ramen shop, a short walk from Yokohama Station, so you can leave your one-horse open sleigh at home.