Charcoal Grill & Bar Green
Anyone who has been reading the Seasider for any length of time knows that Charcoal Grill and Bar Green in Ishikawacho is one of our closest sponsors and friends. And we also love their food! We weren’t paid to say that; we actually drop in about once or twice a week. The reason is simple. They make excellent food in a pleasant atmosphere for reasonable prices. Obviously, much of their food is cooked over an open charcoal grill, and barbecue is a feature of their menu. Their barbecue pork is soft, juicy and full of flavor. The buffalo wings (which we jokingly call “sex wings” when we order) are, in our opinion, the best in the city. And the big lamb chops are a meal in itself. There are of course other barbecued items on the menu, but these are a few of the highlights. One of the owner/chefs, Yosuke, says that they use special smoking techniques from the grill to get full flavor. Barbecue purists, they admit, might frown on their use of an open grill (instead of a pit), but the Green chefs claim to have achieved such rich and unique flavor this way. We’re not complaining! As an interesting challenge, compare their baked mac-n-cheese with the Taproom’s.
CHARCOAL GRILL & BAR GREEN
Address 住所:
中区石川町 1-8
Naka-ku, Ishikawacho 1-8
Tel: 045-662-5993
Hours/営業時間:
月/Mon〜金/Fri 17:00-26:00
土/Sat 日/Sun 16:00-26:00
定休日/closed: 火/Tuesdays
greenyokohama.com
The Bashamichi Taproom
The Bashamichi Taproom is the fourth establishment opened by Bryan and Sayuri Baird, a couple actually known for their superb craft beer made in Numazu. Last year, Baird Beer won three gold medals at the World Beer Cup! But the barbecue at the Taproom is as much a feature as the beer, with a special oven brought all the way from America. Pit boss Chuck Morrow explains that he started to take barbecue seriously in his 30s when he used to frequent a place called Pratt’s in the Pittsburg Hill District (famous for barbecue). It has been his dream to recreate that flavor. After decades of tweaking his recipes, he believes he has it in his red sauce. His Taproom barbecue menu, however, features a range of styles. The most popular item so far is the “fat boy,” as Chuck calls it, a variety of domestic ribs that is particularly succulent. They also serve ribs and chicken from the US, and brisket from Australia. Grab a sampler platter if you simply can’t decide on one. The Taproom itself is spacious (3 floors!) with a lively, international atmosphere. An outdoor patio, darts and widescreen TV add to the entertainment. Drop in for good cheer, good beer and barbecue galore.
THE BASHAMICHI TAPROOM
Address 住所:
中区住吉町 5-63-1
Naka-ku, Sumiyoshicho 5-63-1
Tel: 045-264-4961
Hours/営業時間:
月/Mon〜金/Fri: 17:00-0:00
土/Sat 日/Sun 祝/Holiday: 12:00-0:00
年中無休
Website: bairdbeer.com
Benny’s Place
Benny’s has been a popular neighborhood sports bar, especially among the international community, since 1995. Prior to that, Benny (the proprietor) spent a long career in the U.S. navy, living in Japan on and off since 1973. A native of St. Louis, he’s been making barbecue most of his life. Says Benny, “My father had a good recipe and I’ve just added to it over the years. In the last 25 years, though, I haven’t changed the recipe a bit.” His philosophy about barbecue takes it back to its earliest roots in America, “It’s a good way to take cheap meat and make it taste good.” In Japan, chicken is very affordable and Benny’s barbecued version is slightly spicy and grilled just right. The proportions are also huge—a half-size (see photo) is usually plenty enough. But the most popular barbecue item is the hot buffalo wings—you can even get a bucket of 24 for only 2300 yen. The BBQ pork sandwich and the grilled ribs also feature Benny’s secret sauce.
The bar-restaurant is spacious and often filled with friendly, gregarious regulars. Sports broadcasts are always playing on the screens, and there are several dart machines in the back. Benny and staff are also active in community charity events—another reason to patronize them!
BENNY’S PLACE
Address 住所:
中区石川町1丁目25 みつぼビル 2F
Naka-ku, Ishikawacho 1-25 Mitubo bld. 2F
Tel: 045-671-0818
Hours/営業時間:
火/Tue〜木/Thu・日/Sun: 18:00-1:00
金/Fri 土/Sat: 18:00-2:00
定休日/closed: 月/Mondays
Website: www.bennysplace.net