Nakano Beer Kobo

Nakano Beer Kobo is a super-hidden-gem brewpub tucked down an alley about a 5-6 minute walk from the north exit of Nakano Station. It opened in 2015 and is the fourth location in the Beer Kobo group.

It all started with Koenji Beer Kobo, which Natsuoka Nomura launched in Koenji in 2010. From there it expanded to Ogikubo, Shinjuku, Nakano, Asakusa, and Soshigaya, and the defining feature of each shop is that it has its own brewing equipment inside.

The main area is standing-room counter seating, with loft-style tables and raised seating, all in a warm wooden space. The playful layout is fun. The manager, Masashi Haruhara, handles the cooking, beer brewing, and even the naming.

They brew three times a week and always have more than five varieties of unpasteurized, unfiltered "fresh from the brewery, day-zero beer" on tap. One signature is "Kiwi Weizen," whose fruity aroma is popular with women. Another is the pale ale "Sunny Brian," which has 6.8% alcohol and balances refreshment with richness.

What's more, almost everything on the beer and food menu costs a flat 500 yen. The food was devised by a chef with a French background, and they pair naturally with beer, like anchovy fries and kakuni pork belly simmered in house-brewed beer.

Mr. Haruhara says he wants people who aren't familiar with craft beer to try it, and that approachable feel is very Nakano. You can also take it home in a growler.