Baird Nakameguro Taproom (Nakameguro / Tokyo)

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Baird Nakameguro Taproom : The Bottom Line

Nakameguro Taproom is well worth visiting if you’re in the area, with good beer at reasonable prices and a decent atmosphere conducive to a fun night out drinking. Paired with pizza, Nakameguro Taproom is a viable alternative for other pizza places in Tokyo, as long as you can get over the amount of wood in the bar. It’s non-smoking across the whole bar, tax is included in the price and it doesn’t have a table charge either, so no nasty surprises at the end of the evening. There is also free Wi-Fi if you ask behind the bar for the password.

Baird Nakameguro Taproom : Background

Baird Nakameguro Taproom opened on 10th May 2008, as Bryan and Sayuri Baird looked to expand their pub business beyond Numazu and into Tokyo, where much of their existing customer base was located. The couple had established Baird Brewing in 2000, opening the original Fishmarket Taproom in Numazu before developing their brewing operation and selling to pubs, restaurants and specialist retailers.

By 2008, the brewery had built up enough production capacity and experience running its original taproom to take the next step. Tokyo was the obvious choice, offering access to a much larger market, and Nakameguro became the location for the company’s first taproom in the capital. It officially opened on 10 May, coinciding with Sayuri’s birthday.

The idea behind the taproom was straightforward: give customers a place to experience the brewery’s products directly, rather than relying entirely on distribution through other bars and restaurants. It also allowed Baird to develop its own pub business alongside brewing, with greater control over the food, service and overall experience. The Nakameguro location was the first of several taprooms that would follow in the greater Tokyo area.

Baird Nakameguro Taproom : Atmosphere & Interior

Baird Nakameguro Taproom has the feel of an old-school beer hall, with brick walls, plenty of dark wood and chunky wooden tables that give the place a slightly rustic look. The long communal tables are a prominent feature, so expect a more sociable pub setup than an intimate little bar where everyone keeps to themselves. There’s also a substantial wooden counter, a sofa area for smaller groups, and a large TV screen for showing sporting events.

The interior is fairly spacious, with warm lighting and enough room for groups to settle in over food and drinks. It’s not particularly subtle with the woodwork, but that’s part of its character. The layout works well for a casual evening with friends, watching a match, or grabbing a table and ordering a pizza rather than spending the night perched at the bar.

The taproom is entirely non-smoking, which is always welcome when you’re trying to enjoy a meal without someone lighting up nearby. There’s also no table charge, so you won’t find an unexpected seating fee added to the bill at the end of the evening.

Baird Nakameguro Taproom : Beer & Tap Information

The taplist at Baird Nakameguro Taproom features a broad selection of Baird beers alongside guest beers from other breweries on occasion. The lineup typically includes familiar names such as Rising Sun Pale Ale, Teikoku IPA, Numazu Lager and Kurofune Porter, with seasonal releases adding some variety depending on when you visit.

Prices are in line with the other Baird taprooms, including Harajuku. A standard 500ml, alongside a 400 ml, pour costs ¥1,200, while a smaller 250ml, or 200 ml for stronger and seasonals, glass is ¥600. If you can’t decide what to order, there’s also a beer flight, which lets you sample several beers in smaller pours rather than committing to a full glass of each. It’s a useful option if you’re unfamiliar with the brewery’s range or simply want to compare a few different styles during your visit.

The selection can change depending on what’s pouring, and guest beers provide an opportunity to try something from outside the Baird range. Prices may vary for certain beers, particularly seasonal releases and guest taps, so check the menu when you arrive. With several beers available and smaller pours on offer, it’s easy to try a few different options without turning the visit into an expensive exercise in indecision.

Baird Nakameguro Taproom : Food & Menu Information

Food at Baird Nakameguro Taproom centres on pizza, with New Haven-style pies forming a major part of the menu. Originating in Connecticut, USA, this style is known for its thin crust and characteristic charred edges, making it a good option for something more substantial than the usual bar snacks.

There’s a selection of pizzas with different toppings, making them suitable for sharing with friends or ordering as a meal in their own right. The food menu also includes smaller options for those who want something to nibble on while working their way through the taplist.

One useful point for overseas visitors is that the menus are available in English, and some members of staff speak English too. That makes ordering food and drinks considerably easier if your Japanese is limited, although English-speaking staff may not always be available. The relaxed pub setting and straightforward menu make it easy to settle in for a meal rather than just stopping for a quick drink.

Baird Nakameguro Taproom : Bar Details

• Open : Monday to Friday 17:00 ~ 23:00 Saturday, Sundays, and Holiday 12:00 ~ 23:00 (L.O Food 22:00 Drinks 22:30)
• Closed : –
• Happy Hour : –
• Phone : 03-5768-3025
• Homepage (in Japanese) : English / Japanese
• Social Media : Facebook / Instagram