Bashamichi Taproom serves an enticing mix of authentic American-style barbecue and top-of-the-class craft beer in a beautifully handcrafted restaurant centered in one of Yokohama’s liveliest districts, Bashamichi. The fourth installment of Baird Brewing’s taprooms, this one is currently their largest and most ambitious so far, with three floors, all offering something different and exciting for the customer.

Bryan Baird has won numerous awards for his beers, including several World Beer Cup gold medals, and the tap selection here could not possibly disappoint any craft beer enthusiast. With close to 30 taps, including two hand pumps, the Taproom serves all of Baird’s flagship beers, a few seasonals, some guest selections typically from the U.S., and their own Bashamichi ale which is a lovely, smoked brown ale. Pint prices, at ¥900 for most flagship beers, are greatly affordable and if you get a “Baird Beer Pint Card” for ¥9000, you get credit for twelve pints, bringing your cost basis to a ridiculous ¥750 per pint! (imports not applicable; some Baird beers may cost an extra ¥100 or not be applicable). Half pints are also available, while some beers may come in lager or snifter glasses. Draft imports are about as cheap as you’ll find anywhere for about ¥1000. If you need some brew for the road, there are two large refrigeration units on the first floor stocked with bottled standards, as well as select seasonals.

For a great number of guests, the food menu is as much an attraction as the beer. Pit master Chuck Morrow brings decades of passion and experience to the art of barbecue. Slow-cooked in an oven brought all the way from America, the meats possess extra Japanese flavor achieved through his use of local Japanese wood, especially sakura (cherry). The result is succulent meat whose flavor he allows to emerge by using just a rub of spices. Chuck does, however, offer three barbecue sauces to augment the flavor. The meat it sourced internationally: Australian beef, American pork and Japanese chicken and pork. Meat lovers will want to grab a platter or certainly the ribs. Those less inclined to pure barbecue may want to try the barbecue pizza. Other selections include chili, side dishes and salads. A thousand yen will more than cover most items on the menu, making for a very affordable meal.

The interior deserves some words of praise. The wood décor was handcrafted by an experienced carpenter who is, himself, a lover of craft beer. The second floor features an area for darts as well as a wide-screen TV; the third floor has an outdoor patio area for smokers, and two Japanese-style rooms for private functions. Just want a pint? Sit at the curved wooden bar on the first floor.