One of the disappointments of spring was the demise of the brilliant, buzzy Mikkeller Tokyo craft beer bar in Shibuya, a mere nine months after it was launched. The problem was administrative, and certainly not due to a lack of customers or problems with the beer. So it's cause for celebration to see the same inimitable, idiosyncratic brews back in circulation for a pop-up bar just in time for summer.
From now through Sept. 11, each Friday to Sunday, the Mikkeller crew are taking over the spacious terrace outside Garden House Crafts, at the lower end of the Daikanyama Log Road complex. They will have five or six taps on offer, including full-flavored lagers, fruit-based Belgian-style lambics and deep, dark, dangerously alcoholic imperial stouts.
During the day, Garden House will be offering its usual array of light, wholesome salads, soups and lunch specials. In the evening, there will be a limited menu of burgers and tacos (chicken; and pork) — and there's also talk of barbecue later in the summer. And all in one of the best open-air locations in the city.
Garden House Crafts, Log Road Daikanyama, 13-1 Daikanyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; 03-6452-5200; open Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (L.O.) through Sept. 11; beer from ¥600, tacos ¥500; nearest station, Daikanyama; no smoking; major credit cards accepted for purchases more than ¥3,000 (but not accepted for beer tickets); English menu; English spoken. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/mikkellerbartokyo.