The Den

About

Opened Feb 10, 2024, The Den is Ben’s Koenji clubhouse: a French expat who got hooked on bar-side conversation and built his own. It’s up a side alley off the PAL arcade, spread across two 60m² floors. At the 1F, the bar with Six taps rotate fast, backed by one refrigerator holding many cans and bottles; the menu stays bare—brewery, name, style—so you actually commit. Their flagship beer is brewed with Kaigan Brewery in Chiba, and one co-owner runs breweries in Taiwan and France. Concerning the food, you can enjoy some delicious smash burgers and snacks. On the 2F: compact stage for jazz nights, bands, DJ sets. Also hosting chess nights, retro gaming parties, cinema nights and comedy performances. If you want guidance, ask for a left-field style; they’ll steer you without the sales pitch.