Eric R.
Yelp
"We're no strangers to love...
You know the rules and so do I" - Rick Astley
Summer in Tōkyō is no joke. I'm no stranger to love or to the land of The Rising Sun, but it's a first during humid summertime. Of course I had no personal fan or SPF 1000, however I do love my Biru and this is what saved me all summer. I had Beer in Kyōtō, Ōsaka, Nara, Kamakura, and everyday in Tōkyō, YŌ!
Mikkeller Tōkyō was my choice after wandering around Shibuya in crazy humidity. Shopping plazas, Shibuya Crosswalk, Harajuku Girls mistaking me for an Idol kind of day. 'Twas fun while it lasted, but my big energy level is on E and I'm sweating like Gaijin!
Mikkeller Tōkyō finds it's origins in Copenhagen, Denmark. Mikkel Borg Bjergsø was the man with the plan, but even though I've been to Copenhagen twice, it was my homie Rick Astley who introduced me to this very hip brewery. And not in Copenhagen, but instead in London. Never Gonna Give You Up? Yup, that Rick Astley who is also the owner of Mikkeller in the UK!
Together Forever? Well even Rick falters sometimes, yes even in the game of love lol, but hey nothing like a cold one with OG hipsters. Tbh I was surprised to find Mikkeller Tōkyō as this never crossed my mind here until I was in need of icy Biru with an edge! Located just a few blocks from the iconic Shibuya Crossing it's somewhat easy to find. If you see stylish Japanese women mingling at the entrance you've come to the right place. Open air seating and lots of natural light brings in a good ebb & flow to this popular spot.
I decide to sit at the end of the bar. I'm offered samples if I'm curious and I chose to taste Nara Brewing although I had it weeks ago in Nara. Followed by Tokyo Aleworks Leichtbier Kolsh. Both were refreshing, but I was feeling feisty and wanting something whack haha. First pour Dream Smoojee Nordic 4.7%. Lingonberry, Blueberry, Blackberry!
Chatting with Jin was like I was on one of those bizarre Japanese game shows. Jin was the bartender that was chaotically charming, yet efficient as well. He was the bartender, the one whipping up the bar bites, and taking payment. Just know there are no tabs, so you pay as you go. And the best part of Japan is no tipping! In fact, it can even be considered rude offering a tip!
Next round I chose Strawberries & Creme Crepes Smoojee Sour Goose 4.7%. As I sip away I can't help admiring "the spirit of wa" decor with very hip crowd. Mostly young Japanese women 20's to 30's, in groups of 2-3, and gossiping after a work day. A few scattered tourist couples and little ole Eric-san sipping away. 笑
In the end, thumbs up Mikkeller Tōkyō for those looking for a hipper more sophisticated scene. It's an interesting set-up with the full bar at one end and a coffee counter at the other end. I didn't style my Rick Astley turtleneck on this visit, yet felt comfortable and enjoyed solo idol time with my fanatics. Ja neじゃあね
Please follow my journey on IG: @eric_travel_guru