Sabatora Liquor Store : The Bottom Line
I’ve been to Sabatora Liquor Store a few times now and that should tell you something – it’s a place worthy of your time and energy. Combine it with some other bars in the area, though if you’re picking up some beers here, then best leave this place until the end. However, you might end up spending more than you realise. Though there is a strong wine focus here, there’s plenty of craft beer on tap, as well as the fridges, though buying some does incur a corkage fee per person, so you’ve been warned. Finally, make sure you eat before you come here as there’s not much really to eat.
Sabatora Liquor Store : Background
Sabatora Liquor Store (鯖寅酒販) opened in Yoshidamachi, Yokohama, on 1st August 2018, developing from the same business behind the former Sabatora Kajitsu-shu Shoten in Ishikawacho. The concept combines a traditional Japanese kakuuchi, where customers can drink at a liquor store, with a specialist retail shop. Owner Aiba Kensuke has an unusually varied background. Born in Chigasaki in 1980, he was heavily involved in sport, including football, long-distance running and triathlon. His professional career subsequently took him through construction, Porsche sales and bicycle importing before he entered the wine industry.
Sabatora originally developed a strong reputation for natural wine, with the philosophy of allowing customers to taste unfamiliar bottles before deciding what to buy. The shop has since expanded its selection to include craft beer, particularly Japanese beer, alongside other specialist alcoholic drinks. There is also a notable connection to Yokohama’s beer scene through staff member Fujita-san, who previously worked at Brussels, a well-known Belgian beer bar, and is regarded as a knowledgeable figure among Belgian beer enthusiasts.
Sabatora Liquor Store : Atmosphere & Interior
As you finally step into Sabatora Liquor Store, you’re greeted by a loooong hallway. Just keep going through it and you’ll eventually reach the main drinking area. As this is a standing bar, there are very few seats, with just a couple tucked away in the corner. Get there more than an hour after opening, though, and they may already have been claimed by the regulars. The atmosphere is relaxed and wonderfully social, with plenty of talking, sharing and the occasional unsolicited life story. By the time I left, I’d made a few new drinking friends who, thankfully, had no experience with the British tradition of buying rounds. Things could have got messy very quickly.
And that really sums up Sabatora Liquor Store. It’s a place to come, talk and drink. A place to share stories, swap drinks, have a few laughs and inevitably end up deep in some wonderfully drunken philosophical discussion that you’ll completely forget about the moment you step back onto the street. Which, frankly, is probably exactly how a good standing bar should work. Table charge? There is none. Wifi? Probably…
Sabatora Liquor Store : Beer & Tap Information
There are usually three taps of domestic craft beer on at Sabatora Liquor Store, with all of them being domestic beers. The beers are served in 350 ml glasses though you’ll be getting a large amount of head in there, with the prices from ¥980, though for an extra ¥400, you can get a full pint, which I’m guessing is a US sized pint. There’s no beer flight option here, though there is a discount card system which needs explaining.
You pay ¥1,000 for the pass, and it gives you access to the discounted tasting prices displayed at the shop. Instead of paying the normal price for a glass, you pay the lower “pass” price. I’m not too sure about how it really works, which gives me a good reason to go back there. The beer fridges have a split stock between domestic beers and Belgian imports though be warned – there is a corkage fee of ¥300 per person for a drink. So a small can for one person is ¥300, but buy a bottle to share, then be prepared to pay the extra costs.
Sabatora : Food & Menu Information
None. There isn’t a food menu, but you’re welcome to bring your own snacks. This adds to the relaxed, almost house-party atmosphere, with customers sharing food as well as drinks. But be warned, because strong aromatic food will get you a warning as this is a place to appreciate the drinks.
Sabatora Liquor Store : Bar Details
- Open : Daily 13:00 – 22:00 (L.O 21:30)
- Closed : –
- Phone : 050-3483-1826
- Homepage (in Japanese) : –
- Social Media : Instagram
