Tabelog ratingBakushu Club Popeye (麦酒倶楽部 ポパイ) is a pioneering Tokyo craft beer bar, celebrated for its staggering selection of around 70 taps. Located in the sumo district of Ryogoku, it has the energetic feel of a sports pub, with games often playing on large screens. What makes it a true destination for beer lovers is the combination of its vast, constantly changing tap list—which includes its own 'YOKOZUNA' house brews—and a unique happy hour system.
Guests consistently praise the breadth and quality of the beer, from IPAs and stouts to sours and experimental batches. The happy hour, which runs until 8:00 PM, is a major draw: ordering a beer marked with a crown gets you a complimentary small dish. The bar food is designed to pair well with beer, with reviewers frequently recommending the Kitaakari potato fries, fish and chips, and chicken karaage. Staff are often noted as being helpful to international visitors.
The venue's popularity means it gets very loud and crowded, so it's not suited for a quiet evening. Some visitors have found the food quality to be uneven, and a few have reported firm service regarding the cover charge and minimum order policies. The mobile QR code ordering system has also confused some guests, particularly with its automated prompt for a tip, which is not customary in Japan and can be declined.
A typical evening visit costs between ¥3,000 and ¥3,999 per person. Reviewers recently paid a table charge of around ¥470. Beers cost about ¥1,230–¥1,276 for a half-pint or 9oz pour, with full pints ranging from ¥1,463 to ¥1,674. Food items like a gratin or a confit dish were priced around ¥1,375–¥1,540. For beer aficionados, the selection and happy hour perk offer good value.
- Booking: Reservations are highly recommended as the bar fills up quickly, especially around happy hour.
- Getting There: It's a 2-minute walk from the JR Sobu Line's Ryogoku Station or a 7-minute walk from the Oedo Line's Ryogoku Station.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), electronic money (transportation IC cards like Suica), and QR code payments (PayPay) are accepted.
- Table Charge: Expect a cover charge of around ¥470 per person, which includes a small appetizer.
- Atmosphere: The bar is non-smoking inside, with a designated smoking area near the entrance. It is lively and often noisy.
- Family: Children are welcome.
- Ordering: Orders are placed via a QR code system on your phone; an English menu is available.
