I love you, Bizen Beer Bar. So fresh and so tasty - their made-to-order crunchy warm seaweed handrolls are such a textural treat. I haven't ventured there on a weekend as I am usually too hangry to wait in long lines, but weekdays have been a breeze. I know this is silly, but the presentation of their takeout packages (cut rolls) are really lovely if you don't feel like waiting around.
Jessica C.
Bizen Beer Bar is located right next to Okayama Kobo Bakery. They're connected inside and operated by the same owners. Unfortunately, due to Covid, Bizen Beer Bar is currently not opened, and is only used as a space for Okayama Kobo's collab pick-ups. But I will still write this review in hopes of it opening back up soon.There are 3 reasons why I keep coming back to this place:1) Cheap beer2) Delicious bar snacks3) Dog-friendly!It's pretty empty on weeknights, so that's when I like to come, but I have brought a few friends here on weekends, and everyone loved it. I wouldn't say their beer is my favorite, but their food is something I always find myself craving. No lie, I literally order their entire menu every time. There are no bad items, but if I had to list them from most favorite to least favorite, it would be: Mochi Cheese, Dynamite, Takoyaki, Aji-Tama, Yukari Fries, Karage, Edamame (free with Yelp check-in!). All these are even cheaper during Happy Hour!
Kurtis C.
Equipped with a backpack and some homework to chip away at, I wandered up and down the Promenade in search for a place that seemed laptop-friendly. I noticed others working on their computers inside Bizen, so in I went. Beer maaaay or may not have played a role in making my decision. Honestly, I dislike beer, but very rarely do I get into a beer mood. However, when the mood strikes, I have certain ones I like to go to, like 805. The bartender let me sample Black Plague and another which were similar in flavor to 805. Black Plague's flavor profile seemed closest to 805 to me. Bizen is small, but offers a cozy vibe, and was average in terms of noise. I had my AirPods in bumping some serious bangers, so I honestly didn't really pay attention to the noise too much. It seemed other people didn't have trouble hearing each other when I had my AirPods off. It's attached to a coffee shop and bakery, which you are able to bounce between. If there isn't a bartender available to pour for you or close out, any of the employees can assist you. They offer small Japanese snacks like takoyaki or karaage which are perfect for snacking on while you drink! The prices were reasonable too at $5 a pop, but I can't speak on the portion size. I think the cheapest snack were the fries at $3.50. The time spent here was productive and the experience was the perfect vibe. I didn't want to get sloshed alone (how I typically spend my Sunday Fundaze with friends). I just needed a nice mellow buzz while listening to my favorite tunes in a cozy little shop. Happy Hour starts at 4PM until close throughout the week! They also validate up to 2 hours if you plan on chilling here for a bit.
Ivy T.
Bartender was not there. No one was there as a matter of fact. We waited 30 mins and no one still showed up. What a joke. There was only 3 menu items available even though it was 1:30pm. Apparently it's not uncommon for the bartender to be "out". Don't waste your time like we wasted ours.
Jazel G.
Super friendly and welcoming staff! The drink options are great! Highly recommend drinking their Wednesday Cat or Hitachino. They have food too and it's absolutely amazing!
Chris Shaw
Cool, intimate atmosphere rocking a Japanese inspired vibe
A Lyn P.
Came here on Friday for a mommy night off. Not a lit of people which was great. Me and my friend was able to relax and chitchat for few hours. The server was nice and very accommodating.
Heather H.
I went here in the area since I go to school nearby. Was my first time here and was debating between different versions of pastries. As I was leaving one of the workers gave me a pastry to try for the next time. Service was amazing and I DEFINITELY will come back!!!
John B.
The bread and pastries here are always fresh and if they're not hot the staff can heat them up for you. Coffee here is also great and I've never had burnt espresso here. It's a great place to get breakfast or brunch because everything here just tastes amazing. The store also validates parking which makes parking here hassle free,
Christy G.
All I can say is Salt & Butter roll. If you come when they're hot out the oven - they literally melt in your mouth with buttery deliciousness (they are so popular they are hot a lot of the time). The curry pan was unexpected but a good try. It has a yellow curry with potatoes and other bits inside. Coffee is the nicest in my block from work (few others including Starbucks). I recommend the Matcha Sea Salt Cold Brew - yum!!!
Bizen (and Okayama Kobo) was such a pleasant place to spend a few hours this afternoon! All of the staff were so friendly. The custard creme pastry was delicious, a vanilla cloud. And they had a nice little selection of brews, especially from Japan. Highly recommend! Support this great cafe!
Alexis L.
First time here and got their best selling items : cream pan, salt n butter rolls, cream cheese red bean, soft cream bread. I ate the salt n butter roll as soon as I got to my car because it was fresh and hot from the oven. It's soooo delicious. Once you get to the butter, it tastes like heaven. I finished the roll within minutes. Guys, please try the salt n butter roll. You'll thank me. My husband tried the soft cream bread and he said it was really good. This place definitely will be our go to bakery besides Sunmerry and 85 degree. Love the service too. One of the employee gave me a complimentary bread to try. I was so touched. Been to many bakeries, no one ever did that.
Jeff M.
I took stroll down the street after work and checked out this place. I got a strawberry tart and almond croissant. Both were yummy, fresh, and not overly sweet. I enjoyed it with an iced tea. Location is great and staff were pleasant. It is a nice place to hangout and get a small bite to eat.
Amy N.
Salt & Butter roll. Spicy Curry Pan. Oyaki Takana. S'mores Danish. GREAT SERVICE! Freshly baked Japanese bread!! Give it a try. Love at Oh! And throw in a croque monsieur & japanini while you're at it.
Josh C.
Pretty good pastries. Good quality and price. I will be back to this place definitely to taste other items they have. Americano is better than coffee. Must try their signature bread. Very good texture and tasty.
I love you, Bizen Beer Bar. So fresh and so tasty - their made-to-order crunchy warm seaweed handrolls are such a textural treat. I haven't ventured there on a weekend as I am usually too hangry to wait in long lines, but weekdays have been a breeze. I know this is silly, but the presentation of their takeout packages (cut rolls) are really lovely if you don't feel like waiting around.
Bizen Beer Bar is located right next to Okayama Kobo Bakery. They're connected inside and operated by the same owners. Unfortunately, due to Covid, Bizen Beer Bar is currently not opened, and is only used as a space for Okayama Kobo's collab pick-ups. But I will still write this review in hopes of it opening back up soon.There are 3 reasons why I keep coming back to this place:1) Cheap beer2) Delicious bar snacks3) Dog-friendly!It's pretty empty on weeknights, so that's when I like to come, but I have brought a few friends here on weekends, and everyone loved it. I wouldn't say their beer is my favorite, but their food is something I always find myself craving. No lie, I literally order their entire menu every time. There are no bad items, but if I had to list them from most favorite to least favorite, it would be: Mochi Cheese, Dynamite, Takoyaki, Aji-Tama, Yukari Fries, Karage, Edamame (free with Yelp check-in!). All these are even cheaper during Happy Hour!
Equipped with a backpack and some homework to chip away at, I wandered up and down the Promenade in search for a place that seemed laptop-friendly. I noticed others working on their computers inside Bizen, so in I went. Beer maaaay or may not have played a role in making my decision. Honestly, I dislike beer, but very rarely do I get into a beer mood. However, when the mood strikes, I have certain ones I like to go to, like 805. The bartender let me sample Black Plague and another which were similar in flavor to 805. Black Plague's flavor profile seemed closest to 805 to me. Bizen is small, but offers a cozy vibe, and was average in terms of noise. I had my AirPods in bumping some serious bangers, so I honestly didn't really pay attention to the noise too much. It seemed other people didn't have trouble hearing each other when I had my AirPods off. It's attached to a coffee shop and bakery, which you are able to bounce between. If there isn't a bartender available to pour for you or close out, any of the employees can assist you. They offer small Japanese snacks like takoyaki or karaage which are perfect for snacking on while you drink! The prices were reasonable too at $5 a pop, but I can't speak on the portion size. I think the cheapest snack were the fries at $3.50. The time spent here was productive and the experience was the perfect vibe. I didn't want to get sloshed alone (how I typically spend my Sunday Fundaze with friends). I just needed a nice mellow buzz while listening to my favorite tunes in a cozy little shop. Happy Hour starts at 4PM until close throughout the week! They also validate up to 2 hours if you plan on chilling here for a bit.
Bartender was not there. No one was there as a matter of fact. We waited 30 mins and no one still showed up. What a joke. There was only 3 menu items available even though it was 1:30pm. Apparently it's not uncommon for the bartender to be "out". Don't waste your time like we wasted ours.
Super friendly and welcoming staff! The drink options are great! Highly recommend drinking their Wednesday Cat or Hitachino. They have food too and it's absolutely amazing!
Cool, intimate atmosphere rocking a Japanese inspired vibe
Came here on Friday for a mommy night off. Not a lit of people which was great. Me and my friend was able to relax and chitchat for few hours. The server was nice and very accommodating.
I went here in the area since I go to school nearby. Was my first time here and was debating between different versions of pastries. As I was leaving one of the workers gave me a pastry to try for the next time. Service was amazing and I DEFINITELY will come back!!!
The bread and pastries here are always fresh and if they're not hot the staff can heat them up for you. Coffee here is also great and I've never had burnt espresso here. It's a great place to get breakfast or brunch because everything here just tastes amazing. The store also validates parking which makes parking here hassle free,
All I can say is Salt & Butter roll. If you come when they're hot out the oven - they literally melt in your mouth with buttery deliciousness (they are so popular they are hot a lot of the time). The curry pan was unexpected but a good try. It has a yellow curry with potatoes and other bits inside. Coffee is the nicest in my block from work (few others including Starbucks). I recommend the Matcha Sea Salt Cold Brew - yum!!!
Restaurantji Recommends
Bizen (and Okayama Kobo) was such a pleasant place to spend a few hours this afternoon! All of the staff were so friendly. The custard creme pastry was delicious, a vanilla cloud. And they had a nice little selection of brews, especially from Japan. Highly recommend! Support this great cafe!
First time here and got their best selling items : cream pan, salt n butter rolls, cream cheese red bean, soft cream bread. I ate the salt n butter roll as soon as I got to my car because it was fresh and hot from the oven. It's soooo delicious. Once you get to the butter, it tastes like heaven. I finished the roll within minutes. Guys, please try the salt n butter roll. You'll thank me. My husband tried the soft cream bread and he said it was really good. This place definitely will be our go to bakery besides Sunmerry and 85 degree. Love the service too. One of the employee gave me a complimentary bread to try. I was so touched. Been to many bakeries, no one ever did that.
I took stroll down the street after work and checked out this place. I got a strawberry tart and almond croissant. Both were yummy, fresh, and not overly sweet. I enjoyed it with an iced tea. Location is great and staff were pleasant. It is a nice place to hangout and get a small bite to eat.
Salt & Butter roll. Spicy Curry Pan. Oyaki Takana. S'mores Danish. GREAT SERVICE! Freshly baked Japanese bread!! Give it a try. Love at Oh! And throw in a croque monsieur & japanini while you're at it.
Pretty good pastries. Good quality and price. I will be back to this place definitely to taste other items they have. Americano is better than coffee. Must try their signature bread. Very good texture and tasty.