Beer Club Popeye

Beer Club Popeye in Ryogoku is the bar that helped put Japanese craft beer on the map. Founded in 1985 as a Western-style izakaya and pivoting to craft beer a decade later, it has grown to 70+ taps rotating through an extraordinary roster of Japanese microbreweries. The selection spans yuzu IPAs, smoked porters, farmhouse ales, and barrel-aged stouts, with barely a repeat across the entire tap list. At the heart of the operation is the cellarman team — dedicated beer specialists who manage every barrel's gas pressure, temperature, glassware, and pour individually to serve each beer at its peak. A 10-beer tasting flight (around ¥3,000) is the classic way to explore the breadth of the selection. The bar occupies a traditional izakaya-style space just a three-minute walk from Ryogoku Station. The vibe is lived-in and no-frills, with izakaya dishes available to pair. Happy hour runs weekdays 5–8pm and Saturdays and holidays 1–8pm. **Opening Hours** Monday – Saturday: 3pm – 11pm Sunday: Closed