Draft Stand Basil : The Bottom Line
No doubt that you’ve walked past Draft Stand Basil without realising in the past, but it should definitely be on your list of places to visit, drink at, and enjoy when you’re in the Nogecho area of Yokohama. It ticks off all the things that a craft beer bar should have, and some more. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming both inside and outside, though there isn’t much space in either place. Perhaps the main downside though is that the outside area is sometimes used by smokers; however, it’s for e-cigarettes only, so at least you won’t get a dose of tobacco in your nose.
Draft Stand Basil : Background
Draft Stand Basil opened in July 2024 in Yokohama’s Noge district, becoming the latest addition to the long-established Basil group of bars and restaurants. The story of Basil dates back to 2007, when owner Yu Okuyama opened the original Italian Bar Basil in Noge after gaining experience in the local restaurant industry. Over the following years, the Basil name expanded into several different venues, including Italian restaurants, wine bars and casual drinking establishments, each offering its own interpretation of the group’s approach to food and drink.
Draft Stand Basil is convenitently located between Sakuragicho station as well as Hinodecho station, making it perfect for adding it to a craft beer crawl around the area.
Draft Stand Basil : Atmosphere & Interior
The atmosphere is very much part of its appeal. Located on the third floor of BASIL BASE ONE, the bar has a deliberately informal feel, with a long counter forming the centre of the interior. It is a small space, with limited seating for around five people and some standing room, while terrace areas provide a little more breathing space. It’s worth noting that the stairs up to the third floor are steep, so it’s not really accessbile to those with disabilities.
The compact counter also makes it an easy place for solo drinking, while the friendly, casual layout encourages conversation between customers and staff. It feels particularly suited to dropping in for a beer or two while exploring Noge, although the food selection means there is no need to rush away. However, the outside space does have an area for people to use e-cigarettes, or other heated smoking variants. Rather than feeling like a polished, formal craft beer bar, it has the relaxed, slightly rough-around-the-edges character that suits Noge particularly well.
Draft Stand Basil : Beer & Tap Information
Due to space, there are only four taps of craft beer; however, there are some taps of regular macro lagers, so you can bring your non-craft beer drinking friends along for the ride here. The tap list on the day I went was all domestic breweries, though there are some imports from time to time. The beers come in two sizes : small (265 ml) from ¥900 and pint (473 ml) from ¥1,400 with prices including tax. There was some variety of beer on tap, though there was a heavy leaning towards IPA-style beers so best take your chances before coming here. Finally, there is a three beer flight of 110ml beers at ¥1,300, with any beers on the menu available.
Draft Stand Basil : Food & Menu Information
There are straightforward snacks such as mixed nuts, alongside more substantial options including pizza, sausages, fried dishes and pasta. The pizza and pasta gives Draft Stand Basil enough substance for a proper meal, while fries, nachos, sausages and snacks make it particularly well suited to sharing alongside the beer. The menus are in Japanese though so you may need some help with them. Moreover, all the prices include tax.
Draft Stand Basil : Bar Details
- Open : Monday to Saturday 16:00 – 01:00 (L.O Food 0:00 Drinks 0:30)
- Closed : Sundays
- Happy Hour : –
- Phone : 0453-15-2008
- Homepage (in Japanese) : –
- Social Media : Instagram
