Billy’s Beer Store : The Bottom Line
I’m biased. Billy’s Beer Store has the same name as the family Labrador twice over (Bill and Billy) so there’s no chance of me giving this place a bad writeup. It’s got everything you could possibly want from a craft beer bar – a great atmosphere, a decent selection of beers, along with some snacks and free wifi, with some brilliant service. I don’t have a local but if I could, then this place would be it.
Billy’s Beer Store : Background
Higashi-rinkan has a craft beer bar before my town does. That’s adding more salt to the wound after our visit to Creative ArTwork BREWing in Minami-Urawa. The universe really does work in weird and mysterious ways that this could happen. That’s not a bad thing though as it means I get out and about, rather than sitting at a local craft beer bar, and then forgetting about this site.
Billy’s Beer Store is located less than a five minute walk from Higashi-rinkan, on the Odakyu Enoshima line. Opened in September 2022, the store offers a curated selection of over 60 domestic and international craft beers, with the lineup frequently changing to provide new experiences for customers.
Billy’s Beer Store : Atmosphere & Interior
As you approach the bar, you could easily walk past it, if you go early enough in the day. On the day I went though, there were already a couple of people drinking beers inside, as well as some people coming out with their craft beer purchases. Billy’s Beer Store features a standing bar area where customers can sample beers on tap. The store also offers original apparel and accessories under the “BEERHOLIC BILLY®” brand, available to purchase at the front of the store.
The space inside is narrow, so you’ll be rubbing shoulders with others as you drink. And as for standing there and being quiet, that’s not possible, so if you’re adverse to talking to others, best get some space along the wall instead. As this place is a standing bar, there’s no table charge but there is some free WiFi that you can use. Moreover, there’s a continual stream of music from a small TV, with a mix of 80s rock, and some of those random karaoke cover videos that can be found on YouTube – Ed Sheeran songs but it’s not Ed Sheeran. A good thing or a bad thing? Well drink a few beers and find out.
Billy’s Beer Store : Beer & Tap Information
Billy’s Beer Store has three taps of craft beer on, with all beers in plastic cups of 420 ml. The bar is tiny, and with so little space, I guess it’s a good way to make sure all of the space is purposefully used. The beers are from ¥900, with prices inclusive of tax.
As mentioned, there is a large selection of craft beer in cans and in bottles, though if you don’t buy a pint, then there is a ¥200 corkage fee. If you do buy a draft beer, then the corkage fee is waived on subsequent purchases. A nice little system to encourage people there. All of the beers can also be bought to takeaway – as I found out after a couple of drinks.
Billy’s Beer Store : Food & Menu Information
There’s a small selection of food available, with some small snacks such as hot dogs, eda mame, and some nachos. I didn’t order any – I wasn’t hungry but next time I’m here, I’ll definitely get something to eat. The menus are all in Japanese though so you may need some help to order off the menu.
Billy’s Beer Store : Bar Details
- Open : Daily 14:00 – 21:00 (L.O Food 20:00 Drinks 20:30)
- Closed : Thursday but check social media
- Happy Hour : –
- Phone : 050-8884-9120
- Homepage (in Japanese) : https://www.libertasbeer.com/
- Social Media : Instagram
