Tokyo Ale Works

One of the hidden gems in the city. I finally made it here one weekend when the wife and kid were out of town and so glad I made it. Atmosphere of standard modern cafe. Heavy metal played at very modest level. Huge taplist of 22 taps, half of which are their own. Flights available which was nice. Prices are at or slightly above average but nothing unreasonable. I came here on a nice June Sunday afternoon and chilled outside on one of the two tables outside. Semi-suburban, so I watched a guy attempting tricks on his bike on the street in front of me. Quality of beer is either the best or near best for a brewpub in Tokyo. That said, American style ales are their thing and they do everything in a very american way (and owned by two Americans). Nothing was bad. A couple beers were just average but everything is well made. Import beer list looked interesting. They also have a fridge with random selection of their own and imported beer. I kinda thought if I had my own place it might not be so dissimilar to this. Can’t say anything negative about this place at all. Not my favorite place in the world but no flaws.

Stopped in for lunch. 25 taps I think, about half their own, the other half, pretty well chosen imports and a couple Japanese craft. Their beers are very good. All cleanly made, in various styles. The IPAs and barley wine really shined. Hamburgers are enormous and delicious. Proper chicken wings at night too. Really good place where I would go often if I lived anywhere nearby. Tasting flights also available, which is a rarity here.