As the craft brew scene of Tokyo’s western suburbs matures, Gambrinus remains a leader in its class, with top-of-the-line brews on tap, including several imports, and some satisfying edibles on the menu. Subdued track lighting and simple but swank décor create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and intimacy. If every neighborhood could have a local bar like this, there’d be a lot of good neighborhoods to live in.

Servings of craft beer come in several sizes at Gambrinus. The standard ones are small (UK half pint at 284ml), regular (420ml) and large (UK pint at 568ml); snifters (160ml) for barley wines and 1300ml glasses for those masquerading as Vikings are also available. Prices for small sizes range between about ¥700 and ¥750 for domestic draft, and are about ¥850 for imports; regulars are ¥900 to ¥950 for domestic and ¥1200 for imports; larges, ¥1200 to ¥1300, and ¥1600, respectively. These prices place Gambrinus right around the Tokyo average, while the selection is always decent and the condition of the beers, great. Cheerful, smiley owner Shin knows his selections well and is happy to offer suggestions. Do check the import selections for some rarer beers.

The food includes classier-than-usual pub fare. Simple munchies like chips, nuts and pickles are ¥500 or less, but if you’ve got a little extra change in your pocket, go for cheese plates between ¥700 and ¥980 and pair with your beers. Mini pizzas for only ¥750 are always a good call, and we highly recommend the blue cheese and honey. Fried food and rice items are equally affordable, and if you do have a hankering for something heavier, get some smiley fries or fish and chips. Sweets, to pair with a nice porter or stout, are ¥400.