Today we’re moving on to Miyagi. There is a slight problem though in that I have already done posts for places in Sendai which is in Miyagi. Rather than delete and repost or move stuff around, I’m just going to list those places on here with links to the other blog posts. Hope that’s not too annoying. Compared to the loads of places I’ve been in Iwate, this post is going to be pretty short I think. But like I said, new places will be added as and when I visit them or hear about them.
Kesennuma
Black Tide Brewing
It takes quite a long time to get to Kesennuma. Well, about an hour from Ichinoseki on a not so regular train. If you’re a Black Tide fan it might be worth a trip though. The tap room is pretty small and is basically at the end of one of those kind of tourist food shop things if you know what I mean. So it’s more like a mini food court feel with a counter with a few tables that are probably shared with the other food and drink outlets. They had six taps on when we went but it wasn’t exactly tourist season and they had probably the same amount off. There is also a fridge of cans with different selections to what is on tap (which was a blessing as there were a lot of hazy IPAs on when we went. If you’re in the town, I recommend the Kesennuma City Memorial Museum. It is obviously pretty heavy going though.
Website
Sendai
Amber Rondo
Legendary!
See separate post here
Argon Brewing
Not strictly in Sendai but close enough. And in a town that is unlikely to get it’s own section on this Miyagi breakdown so that’s why it’s included here. It’s about 30 minutes on the train from the centre of Sendai. Not as far as it sounds, but the train is quite a slow one. Exterior makes it look like an Irish pub but inside it feels more Japanese. Small brewery at the back of the building and a nice arrangement of seating. Had five taps of their own beers on when we were there. Very reasonable pricing (¥800 for a UK pint and ¥500 for a half). Their Mars Laser sour was VERY NICE! Serves nice looking food too (judging from their Facebook) but we were on something of a mission to get to a few places and also were totally stuffed from a very cheesy pizza beforehand. Well worth the trip if you’re in the city. And also I much prefer going to these places than more identikit places you might find. Not pointing any fingers at other places mentioned in this post particularly, just speaking generally.
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Batsuji Brewing
Very swish and fairly new city centre brewery which seems to have some serious cash behind it. Situated in a restaurant cafe space in what seems like a multi purpose building. It’s big with lots of tables but not so many people in it of an evening. Beer tends towards the more fashionable styles with some hazy stuff on the menu. They had six of their own beers on and three guests. Amazingly massive double wall big video screen that shows different aspects of the wonders of Tohoku. It was actually quite captivating and felt like being at a cinema. As you’d expect from it being in a restaurant, it serves food. We had a couple of little dishes and they were very nice.
Website
Butcher Republic Sendai Chicago Pizza & Beer
Used to be a Delirium Cafe. As far as I can tell only the name and the food have changed so the old post should still be reasonably accurate. Guess Belgium isn’t cool anymore…
See separate post here
Craft Beer Market Sendai
It’s a Craft Beer Market! But it’s in Sendai!
See separate post here
Craftsman Sendai
It’s a Craftsman! But it’s in Sendai!
See separate post here
Dabos
I haven’t actually been here but my friend demanded I put it on as it was something of a Belgian beer pioneer in Japan and is apparently a great place. I definitely want to go next time now.
Website
Tregion Sendai
Fun place to visit. Daytime opening, much like the other Tregion bars. Focus on Tohoku beer and food. I like these places. Check the post on the Akasaka branch here to get an idea what to expect. Think they had six taps here, one from each Tohoku prefecture, with some unusual stuff in there. It’s pretty much in the JR station on the third floor of one of the S-PAL buildings near the east exit of the station.
Website
amnt
When I discovered amnt after a recent web search I was very excited. A craft beer place with Tohoku beers and vegetable based food. Perfect, right? Of course I should have realised that in Japan there is almost always some ‘bonus’ meat added. In fact everything in the lunch menu was meaty or fishy. I didn’t see the regular menu so maybe that is more vegetarian friendly. But this is a beer website so I shouldn’t be writing so much about the food, should I? They have six taps of Tohoku beer (well one was from Tochigi which isn’t Tohoku but I think the general aim is Tohoku beers) and a couple of fridges of bottles and cans. Not sure if these are for on the premises or takeaway or both. The website says takeaway beer is coming soon, but I don’t know if the website is up to date or not. Small counter and a few tables. Really good prices for the beer. And a nice atmosphere. Will definitely go back next time I’m in Sendai.
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(Blockquote is not an approved HTML tag on Blogspot – although it should be – so I have to paste in this text beneath.)
Butcher Republic Sendai Chicago Pizza & Beer
Used to be a Delirium Cafe. As far as I can tell only the name and the food have changed so the old post should still be reasonably accurate. Guess Belgium isn't cool anymore…
Ohmigawd! Chicago has supplanted Belgium as a desirable food and beverage destination?!
This could be the case; but I would appreciate more Kansai venues offering Chicago Hot Dogs, and italian beef sandwiches, besides quote unquote deep dish pizza.
The beer hasn't changed, only the food. So Belgian beer is apparently still ok!