If you happen to be living in or around Nagoya, you might have already noticed a recent surge in the popularity of craft beer. In fact, over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of places that offer craft beer in the region. You can now find a variety of bars, pubs, and restaurants serving up different types of craft beer, ranging from local brews to international brands. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, you’re bound to find a spot that suits your taste. With the craft beer scene continuing to grow, it’s an exciting time to be in Nagoya for beer lovers!
Tall Boys Brewing
In southern Nagoya’s Kasadera neighborhood, craft beer lovers can visit Tall Boys Brewing Taproom. This cozy spot is known for its unique beer selection, including eight taps showcasing signature and guest brews. Their Midnight Ride West Coast IPA and #Lupulin Hazy IPA are highly recommended, as are the Reuben sandwiches made with brisket from Midtown BBQ.
The ambiance is laid-back, with outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi. Customer reviews praise Tall Boys Brewing for its food, beer, service, and ambiance. It’s five minutes from Kasadera Station and is open from 6-10 pm on weekdays and 3-11 pm on weekends. Casual dress is welcome, but reservations are recommended.
Tall Boys Brewing
Nagoya, Minami Ward, Matsuikecho, 2 Chome−28-1 (map)
Beer Pub Brick Lane
Being in Fushimi, over by the Bank of Brazil, Brick Lane is a favorite for many tourists staying at the Hilton, but it’s also a big hit with both Nagoya’s Japanese and ex-pat beer-loving community. Another husband and wife team, Junya and Akiko, have created a funky spot with a clean, uncluttered appearance and an airy feel. Most conveniently, they are English speakers!
They have nine taps with a mix of US West Coast and Japanese beers and quite often throw in a cider or two, which gets me every time. The beer menu is updated daily information, which they post on their feeds so you know what to expect, and, on occasion, they do low-price value offers, so keep an eye out for that.
Beer Pub Brick Lane
460-0003 Aichi, Nagoya, Naka Ward, Nishiki, 1 Chome−7−27 1F (Map)
Binge
Binge is a craft beer spot that combines a bar and a bottle shop. They have about six or seven beers on tap regularly, but the number goes up to twelve when they have special events. In addition, they have six fridges filled with up to two hundred cans and bottles, a mix of beers and ciders from different parts of the United States and Japan.
The owners, Xicao (pronounced Shikao) and Jiho, speak fluent English, making communication easy, and there is a friendly atmosphere among the patrons. However, if you prefer not to stay to chat, they are promoting a take-out campaign.
The outdoor seating area is perhaps the best feature of Binge, giving the impression of a bar on a South Asian beach if you look closely. It is perfect for enjoying warm autumn nights with a cold draft and is also an excellent location for events throughout the year. Keep an eye on their social media for regular updates on what’s going on.
Binge
450-0002 Aichi, Nagoya, Nakamura Ward, Meieki, 4 Chome−10−22 琥珀ビル 6F (map)
Craft Beer & Wine Grillman
Craft Beer & Wine Grillman is a cozy pub in the city’s heart. The pub is owned and operated by Okadaya Liquors, known for its high-quality liquors and exceptional customer service. The pub prides itself on its extensive selection of Japanese beer and wine, offering ten taps of various beer and wine. The pub’s menu features a delectable selection of steaks, and 100% beef burgers cooked perfectly on the grill. Craft Beer & Wine Grillman is the perfect place to unwind after a long work day or catch up with friends over a delicious meal and refreshing drink.
Craft Beer & Wine Grillman
2 Chome-11-13 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003 (Map)
Craft Beer Keg
Keg is a craft pub that belongs to the Okadaya Liquors chain. It is a small and cozy pub offering a diverse and interesting selection of 13 beers on tap. What sets Keg apart from other pubs is their constantly changing menu. Whenever one of their beers runs out, it is immediately replaced by a new beer, ensuring the menu is always fresh and exciting.
In addition to its unique beer selection, Keg offers an exciting food menu that features items such as rum gyoza, a must-try for anyone visiting the pub. The Keg’s minimalist interior design creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a casual night out with friends or family.
Craft Beer Keg
461-0005 Aichi, Higashi Ward, Higashisakura, 1 Chome−10−13 (Map)
Hopbuds
Jamie and Kayoko, a husband and wife team, run Hopbuds. They boast of having the largest craft beer selection in the city, with around 120 different bottles to choose from. Their focus is primarily on America’s West Coast, but they also offer a fine line of Japanese brews, particularly Shiga Kogen, Baird, and Shonan Beer. While they have two taps, they are more of a bottle shop than a bar. Customers are encouraged to drink a few bottles on the premises before taking the rest home. This also means that they are not restricted by taxes, making their prices cheaper than other places. They have a great community around them and put on events from time to time.
Hopbuds
6 Chome-32-3 Maehamatori, Minami Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 457-0058 (map)
Trunk Coffee and Craft Beer
Located in Kamimaezu, just a short distance from Hopbuds, Trunk is a chain of coffee shops famous for their exceptional quality, and their beers are no exception. They usually have six beers on tap, including some rare and unique.
While the seating arrangements may not be ideal for lounging around with a beer, you can still enjoy a coffee in a cozy atmosphere or sit outside. The top floor is quite comfortable, and the vast selection of beers more than makes up for any seating shortcomings.
Trunk Coffee and Craft Beer
1 Chome-3-14 Kamimaezu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0013 (map)
Y Market Brewing
Y Market Brewing is a stylish bar in the Okadaya Liquors empire. The empire also includes craft beer pubs Keg and Grillman. Y Market Brewing offers a variety of ales and beers. The décor is bright and edgy with nods towards contemporary Scandinavian design, yet adorned with Mexican paraphernalia that matches the cuisine. The bar serves an extensive tapas selection as well as nachos and quesadillas. The chicken, gorgonzola, and honey dish is highly recommended. Fortunately, the food and cocktail menu is in English, so if you struggle with the local dialect, you can order your food and drinks safely.
The beer menu changes frequently. On the many times I have visited, I have tried all manner of IPAs and lagers, each of them excellent. However, their beers tend to aim towards the Japanese palate, meaning they are a little weak. They also tend to rely on the citra hop, which can make them a bit similar.
I highly recommend their BBQ terrace if you want a good night out. They offer an excellent course menu and 3 hours of pour-yourself craft beer nomihoudai.
Y Market Brewing
4 Chome-17-6 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002 (map)
The list provided above is intended to serve as a starting point and is by no means exhaustive. However, it will provide you with some valuable insights and ideas. If you’re looking for more suggestions, consider one of the following options:
MyaBrew, Ozone Brewpub, Butterfly Brewing, Kariya75, Marble, Chicken Boy, Midtown BBQ, Talk2U, Nagoroba, and Nagomiya Wake.
Next Next Steps? OK!
BeerTengoku
For even more, see BeerTengoku, a comprehensive website dedicated to Japanese craft beer, bars, and breweries. It offers detailed reviews of various craft beers, both bottled and draft, as well as insights into a wide array of bars and breweries across different regions of Japan. The site also provides information about brewery tours, interviews with brewers, and guides for beer enthusiasts. The content is regularly updated, featuring recent reviews and insights into the evolving craft beer scene in Japan.
BeerTengoku