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Yellow Monkey Brewing : The Bottom Line
The inside of Yellow Monkey Brewing might be more functional than comfortable, but after having given this place some time, it’s a welcome addition to a part of Yokohama that has need some injection into the area. The beers at Yellow Monkey Brewing are better than I expected, and while the seating arrangements could do with some work, I am looking forward to the warmer months when the bay doors are open and it’s a tad warmer. The whole place is non-smoking and has no table charge, alongside with some wifi. Moreover, it’s pet friendly, as long as you sit out the front.
Yellow Monkey Brewing : Background
After helping start up Number Nine Brewery and also working at Quays Pacific Bar & Grill in Minatomirai, Yokohama, Saito Kengo moved over to help start Yellow Monkey Brewing in early 2024, with the brewpub opening in May of the same year. Located in the Nakagawa area of Yokohama, which is on the Yokohama Blue Line, it was a strange choice to open up a brewpub in this part of town.
A little personal aside here, having worked in the area at a school 15 years ago, I was reminded when I got off the train that there was nothing to do in the area. Each time I finished work, I would rush back to the station, with the aim of getting back to Yokohama and finding something to do. Since then, the only time I’ve ever been recommended to go to Nakagawa again was a friend strongly advising me in the direction of a dentist in the area that they used. So it was a bit of a time shift when I got off at Nakagawa, and walked out, to see an area that has not changed in 15 years.
Back to the write up, Yellow Monkey Brewing is located less than two minute walk from Nakagawa station, though when you leave the station, make sure you take the foot bridge over the road to the left, else you’ve literally got a long walk around the houses to get to the brewpub.
Yellow Monkey Brewing : Atmosphere & Interior
As you approach Yellow Monkey Brewing, you can’t help but notice how much it stands out from the area. With it’s massive bay windows – closed on the day we went but usually wide open in warmer months – the bar stands out from the drab and dour paintwork and buildings around it.
The inside space is more functional than comfortable, with seating for around 16 people on the day we went, though I am hoping that there are some more tables in storage. There were 4 seats outside, and then a few seats at the counter by the bar. The whole place is non-smoking and they also allow dogs, though you do have to be seated at the front of the store for them to be allowed. Moreover, there is some free wifi as well, without needing any login details.
Yellow Monkey Brewing : Beer & Tap Information
There are eight taps of craft beer on at Yellow Monkey Brewing, with all the taps dedicated to in-house beers. However, on the day I went, two taps had run out. The beers come in two sizes : 240 ml from ¥800 and 380 ml from ¥1,200 though prices do include tax, it’s still a tad on the pricey side, especially as you’re not getting at least US pint sizes. The beers were generally well made though there is no option for a beer flight or any all you can drink plan. At the entrance to the store, there is a large fridge with cans available for takeaway, and plenty of customers were buying them.
Yellow Monkey Brewing : Food & Menu Information
On the day I went to Yellow Monkey Brewing, I didn’t order any food – wasn’t hungry really – but the menu was simple enough food with some fried stuff on the menu, and a few side dishes to order as well. There wasn’t much option for vegans or vegetarians besides some chips either, so it’s probably a good idea to get something to eat before you get here. There were also some tubs of Pringles and chocolates, aimed at families with kids.
Yellow Monkey Brewing : Bar Details
- Open : Weekdays 15:00 – 20:00 Weekends + Holidays 13:00 – 20:00 (L.O Food 19:00 Drink 19:30)
- Closed : Mondays & Thursdays
- Happy Hour : –
- Phone : 050-5593-6859
- Homepage (in Japanese) : https://yellowmonkeybrewing.com/
- Social Media : Instagram
Yellow Monkey Brewing : Location
