Another place that has opened during the recent explosion of good beer places in Tokyo. iBrew’s big selling point is their very low prices. However, that’s not the only reason to go there. The food is pretty good too, a mix of Japanese and international stuff, and once again at good prices. It’s a very small place in between Ginza and Tokyo station area. There’s not much room here, apart from a little bit of standing space and the seats at the counter area. Although there is also an outside standing area, but I guess this will be not so useful in Winter. It’s a friendly place with a good atmosphere and helpful staff. Oh, and I should mention the prices again.
They have 10 taps, all of Japanese craft beer. Some people might find that the selection does not have anything new for them, and that it veers towards ‘mainstream’ micro breweries, but I always find there is something good to drink there, whether it is a new discovery or not. They serve in regular and large sizes. Regular is 230ml and large 410ml. Barley Wines, of which they seem to always have one on tap, come in 180ml glasses. So, the prices. Regular is ¥390 and large ¥690. Barley wines are also ¥690. Just to let you know, the sales tax is added on when you get the bill, but this is only 5%. So, not a massive difference. This is cheaper than even Craft Beer Market, which is saying something.
So, maybe not somewhere for tourists, given how many places there now are with more difficult to find Japanese micros, but that is not to say it is not worth visiting. It feels very Japanese to me, and the prices are near unbeatable. If you are in the area, it’s definitely worth popping in for one, and if you do, you might end up staying for a few.
Update: Jan 2019. They now have over 40 taps here! They have also extended the bar area back into the building behind greatly increasing the capacity and adding some tables to what was previously a bit of a tight space. And of course, they have some great stuff on tap at very reasonable prices. And there are now beer flights too. You can choose 3, 4, 5 or 8 beers in 90ml servings, priced at ¥690, ¥890, ¥1090 and ¥1790 respectively. It’s definitely now a must visit for tourists and locals alike.
Japanese breweries on tap when I visited:
Baird
Baeren
Beer Buddy
Kure
Iwatekura
Tazawako
Ishikari Banya
Fujizakura Kogen
Harvestmoon
Coedo
Opening Hours:
(Please note, these seem to change quite often, so maybe best to check their facebook posts for up to date info)
Daily, 13:00-23:30
Location/map
ます美ビル１F, 八重洲 2-11-7, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0028
Directions:
This place is in the middle of so many stations that it is probably best to look at the map and find which one is best for you. However, the closest station is Ginza Itchome. Leave by exit 3 and carry on down the road, under the expressway bridge. Immediately after you come out from under the bridge, take a right turn down the side street. iBrew is on your left, about 50m down the street.
Telephone:
03-3281-6221
Links:
Not open from one anymore. Found out today when I went there with friends… Fixed it by going to Swan Lake
Ah, sorry for the misinformation! I have updated the site. Thanks for your help. This information is very important for me to keep this up to date.
Cheers!
Unfortunately the opening hours have changed again, 5pm opening on a weekday. Typing this whole sat on the kegs outside at 425pm. PS Thank you for all your research has made our stay in Tokyo that little bit washer and interesting.
Ahem, "while sat on the kegs" and "easier and interesting"
Thanks for the info Jose. Judging by their facebook page it seems that their hours are kind of fluid from month to month at the moment. Will update now. Hope you weren't too inconvenienced and that it was worth waiting. And thanks for the kind words about the blog.