Japan Booze Blind: Baird Summer Beers

Host Christopher Pellegrini discusses summer beers with the Baird Nakameguro Taproom’s Marco McFarren.

Baird Beer’s Nakameguro Taproom is a shining beacon for beer-o-philes around Tokyo and is doing its best to broaden that group, not only through events such as tastings and seminars, but through serving some of the best beer in the country.

There are currently 28 beers on tap, all but a few Baird’s own. The few guest beers are also high-quality microbrews. Most beers are 900 yen a pint, with some at 1000 yen and some in slightly differently-sized glasses (depending on type). Smaller sizes and tasters are available.

The Taproom also has a substantial food menu ranging from pretzels and nuts (with free refills, 500 yen) to a fantastic gourmet cheeseburger (1100 yen), with a delicious tangy sauce, fresh, tasty veggies, and an herb-encrusted bun, as well as pub classics, like fish and chips.

Good whisky and some cocktails are available for those who, for whatever reason, aren’t in the mood for one of the best beers in Japan at the moment.

Baird Beer’s Nakameguro Taproom is located at:
Nakameguro GT Plaza C-Block 2F, 2-1-3 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-5768-3025

Directions: Turn right out of the gates at Nakameguro station (Tokyu Toyoko line or Metro Hibiya line) and go under the bridge. You’ll see a huge white building (Nakameguro GT), walk through the courtyard and look up to the second floor. The Taproom is above the 7-Eleven and Kaldi Coffee – you can see it through the glass.

The Nakameguro Taproom seats about 60 people at long tables, a small bar, or counters running around the perimeter.