Fodor's Expert Review Otaru Beer Leibspeise

One of Japan's first successful microbreweries, Otaru has made a name for itself for hiring a foreign brewmaster named Brian Dishman, formally trained in brewing techniques in Germany. Take advantage of the outdoor seating terrace in summer, but be aware that you might have to work harder to get the staff's attention. Their downtown outlet Leibspeise restaurant serves sausage, pretzels, sauerkraut, and various experimental varieties of lagers and stouts. If you're already bored with indistinguishable Japanese beers designed more to clean the palate than be an adventure for it, drop by this bar on the third floor.