Beer Rock is a great little bar at Shimokitazawa. Not only does it have around 7+ beers on tap – including various Hitachino Nest beers and usually some Rogue – but it also has an excellent range of bottles and good prices. Expect a US pint to cost around 1000 yen.

Good range of Japanese craft beers at Beer Rock

In fact, you’ll find some of Japan’s best craft beers here – on draught you have Hitachino; in bottle there’s Shiga Kogen, Hakusekikan, and Ezo Beer (made by Rogue). There’s also Minoh, Iwate Kura, Yoho, and imports from Anchor, Pilsner Urquell, Erdinger, and Fuller’s.

Food is decent for a pub – with the owner making it all himself. The food and drinks menus are in English, though I have seen times when some of the guest beers are written in Japanese only (that’s happening more and more these days – but the staff speak some English).

Inside Beer Rock

Most of the time Beer Rock is quiet, with just a handful of regulars. That’s probably because Shimokitazawa is also home to Ushi Tora which has 30+ beers on tap, but also has significantly higher prices. The busiest I’ve seen Beer Rock is a Saturday night when there’s a free acoustic live set.

Outside Beer Rock

Beer Rock is relatively easy to get to: The Keio-Inokashira line runs from Shibuya to Shimokitazawa and takes around 5 minutes. From Shimokitazawa station, take the south exit, go straight past the McDonald’s and Game Zone, then take a right at Mister Donut, and first left. Beer Rock is on the second floor.

Beer Rock’s website is here. Phone number is 03-3414-9049. Closed Sundays.

My opinion? Beer Rock is the kind of bar I’d like as a local. Quite, reasonably priced, friendly staff and owner, and an excellent selection of Japanese craft beers on bottle. One of my favourite places in Tokyo.