Ushi-tora

While I do enjoy a glass of wine with dinner sometimes, I think beer will always be my number one, especially craft beer. This place has plenty to choose from too, both domestic and imported. It’s a little pricey to get sloshed here at about 1,000 yen a pint, but it’s a great place to drink if you appreciate a more flavorful beer.
The food isn’t bad either. When I went recently, they had a special curry dish made with beer and lamb that was very delicious, though a bit small for how much it was (about 700 yen I believe). We also ordered lamb sauté which was amazing. I think it was all about the seasoning that was on it, but whatever it was, it made me want to order a second plate (I refrained).
This place isn’t so big and can get quite busy, so if you want to ensure you have a table, I recommend making a reservation. If not, your party may have to stand until a table becomes available.
This place is all about the beer though, so if you are looking for a place to drink, but aren’t a fan of beer, this place probably isn’t for you. My friend can’t drink beer and ordered a glass of sake, but she said it was just OK. But I guess with a name like Beer Bar, what can you expect?
All in all, I recommend checking it out, but I don’t know if I could be a regular here. I love craft beer, but don’t want to go broke drinking it. I’ve been other places where it’s a little more reasonable of a price.

Great beer bar in Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa neighborhood. Friendly staff and unique appetizers. I’m vegan and in Tokyo that can sometimes be a problem, but there were actually interesting options on this menu! I had the avocado sashimi along with my beer. It was simple and delicious.

They have decent beer selections, and caution foreigners traveling in Japan: they have WiFi available! That’s amazing in Tokyo, sadly…

I know that craft beer is becoming more and more popular in Japan, but when you’re used to it being everywhere (as it is in California), it seems far and few between in Japan.
Fortunately, Ushitora is ready to satisfy all your cravings with one pint after another. Conveniently located in Shimokita (that is, if you’re staying there, which I was), Ushitora is a nice place to just hang out and drink casually for hours. It’s also smoke free, which you don’t often find in Japan.
I’ll definitely be coming back here on my next trip.

Ushitora has great selection of beer and pretty good food.
As mentioned there are 2 stores adjacent. The one on right hand side has a limited menu of food, but the Oden is pretty good. It is a bit more casual and open feeling, with some toys for customers to play with and a central table to chat around. Left side is more traditional seating, both bar and tables, with more extensive food.
Beer has been excellent every time I have gone. One time I went they were having a nihonshu night, with sake from several local producers (see photo). Wow that was tasty!

Any list of the best craft beer pubs in Tokyo will invariably contain Ushi Tora in Shimo Kitazawa near the top. It’s easily in my top 5 and I am there about once a month. Ushi Tora is actually two pubs in one. Ushi Tora #1 is a sit down restaurant that opened in 2006. Ushi Tora #1 is fairly spacious and offers a fairly wide range of interesting pub food. Ushi Tora #2, which opened in 2009, is located a couple of doors away, is much smaller, is standing-​only, and offers oden and kushiage. Both have 15+ craft beers on top, predominately domestic, but with a few international selections mixed in. Though the pubs are very close to each other, the beers are different and customers are not allowed to bring a beer from one shop to the other.
Because I prefer to sit down while sipping (and sometimes gulping) my beer, I usually go to Ushi Tora #1. As you enter the pub, you will quickly notice the line of taps to the right of the bar. All different types of beer are offered — ales, porters, stouts, German styles, Belgian styles, etc. The beers are all served at the perfect temperature and in appropriate glassware, and can be ordered either full-​size or half-​size. If you are undecided amidst such a large beer selection, ask the staff for a recommendation. They are extremely friendly and knowledgeable and will lead you in the right direction.
At Ushi Tora #1, the salad of the day and pizza of the day are always worthy. The house-​made pickles are very good, as is the fish&chips. Lastly, the miso pizza is surprisingly delicious and addictive.
Ushi Tora is just a short walk from Shimo Kitazawa station. Go out the South exit, turn left and go through the tunnel. Turn right at the supermarket. Ushi Tora is on the 2^nd floor of the building on the street to the right of the supermarket.