Beer O’Clock The Bottom Line
If you don’t mind paying a lot for your beer, then you’ll be happy at Beer O’Clock, but it’s hard to recommend when thinking about the price alone. While the prices are high, they do include tax, and there is a decent selection of beers on tap. The whole place is non-smoking, has no table charge, and even has a beer flight – something that seems to be becoming rarer. Beer O’Clock is also vegetarian friendly and the food is pretty good there; however, the majority of the menus are in Japanese only.
Beer O’Clock The Full Review
After visiting three other bars in the “area” – which was actually quite a big one, Beer O’Clock was the last stop on a small crawl through Chiba. Beer O’Clock has an up-and-down history to it, that saw the low point of having a car plough into the front of the shop back in 2017. The bar didn’t have insurance for this kind of accident – let’s be honest, who does? – that potentially saw it closing down for good. However, the craft beer community came together to help fund raise for Beer O’Clock to be repaired and open up again back in 2018. Time flies, doesn’t it?
Beer O’Clock originally opened in June 2013, and since then, has actually become the oldest craft beer bar in Chiba city itself. With it being located less than a 5 minute walk from Chiba station, it’s pretty easy to find in such a grey area.
Beer O’Clock Interior and Atmosphere
Not having been to Beer O’Clock before the accident, you’d be hard pressed to notice anything had happened. Even with pictures in the crowdfunding page link above, it seems that the repair work was done to a very high level. Inside Beer O’Clock, there is space for around 40 people, with the front part of the bar having space for around 25 people – either at tables dotted around the bar or at the counter – and then another 15 people in the room at the back of the bar, which had been reserved on the day for a group party. The whole place is non-smoking, has no table charge, and also has free WiFi too.
Inside Beer O’Clock is pretty cosy and also quite light inside, in spite of there being only one main window for light to come in. The tables are quite high, and after a few beers beforehand, I did feel like I was about to fall off the chairs – but that says more about me than it does about the bar.
Beer O’Clock Approach to Covid-19
Like other bars in Chiba, Beer O’Clock isn’t bound by such strict guidelines as in Tokyo; however, the staff all wear masks and there is alcohol spray for those that want it. However, I didn’t notice any form of social distancing in the bar, nor were we encouraged to do so by the staff.
Beer O’Clock is also offering up takeaway beer, which gets you any beer off the menu, in either half pint or US pint size for the same price as happy hour beers.
Beer O’Clock Taps & Beer Information
Beer O’Clock take an interesting approach to their 10 taps of craft beer with a split between domestic and imports. While Beer O’Clock does indicate what beers are on tap, and what is coming up, each tap is dedicated to a specific purpose; with either a local beer from Chiba on tap, another 2 or 3 for regional beers, and then another couple for imports only. The beers come in two sizes: half (235ml) from ¥750, and US pint (473ml) from ¥1,100 – which does put it on the expensive side for beers, but the prices do include tax.
There is also a beer flight on at Beer O’Clock which gets you three 100ml glasses for ¥1,250 but it is limited to one set per person per visit. It’s an expensive option as well. On the other hand, Beer O’Clock does have a happy hour on weekdays from 15:00 to 18:00 with ¥50 off half pints, and ¥200 off a pint, making it a bit less painful. The beers were well-served in clean glassware and with a miniscule amount of head.
Beer O’Clock Food
I was a bit full up by the time I reached Beer O’Clock but the thought of having some chicken tikka and some Belgian fries pushed me over the edge. The prices weren’t bad, but like the beer, were a little on the pricey side for the portion sizes. The menus had the basic amount of English for only half of the food on the menu. Moreover, there were plenty of vegetarian options if you can get through all the Japanese on the menus.
Beer O’Clock Details
- Open: Weekdays 15:00 – 23:00 (L.O 22:30) / Weekends and Holidays 12:00 – 22:00 (L.O 21:30)
- Closed: See social media
- Happy hour: Weekdays 15:00 – 18:00 ¥50 off half pints, and ¥200 off a pint.
- Phone: 043-215-8426
- Homepage (in Japanese): N/A
- Social Media: Facebook
