Hitachino Nest Beer to Open Japanese Izakaya in the Tendernob

In the past few years, Hitachino Nest Beer has established an increasingly strong following in the United States. Now, fans of the 200-year-old Japanese brewery will be overjoyed to learn that Hitachino is opening its very first U.S. restaurant right here in San Francisco. Called Hitachino Beer & Wagyu, it will be an izakaya in the Tendernob helmed by chef/partner Noriyuki Sugie, formerly of the now-closed Nombe in the Mission.

Now, Sugie is overseeing the new project, which will have ten exclusive Hitachino beers on tap, brewed specifically for this location, and this location only. There will also be five to eight sakes from Kiuchi Brewery, plus local wine. On the food side, it will be a fairly straightforward izakaya, or Japanese tavern, with a lot of wagyu from both Japan and the U.S., as well as a jarred pickle section. The idea is to serve the snacks — pickles, braised meats, and meatballs — in jars that can be opened at the table and eaten cold.

The space, at 639 Post St., is 45 seats with an eight to ten seat bar (made from wood from a vintage sake press), and will heavily pull influence and furniture from Japan, naturally. Hitachino Beer & Wagyu is slated to open by the end of July. Stay tuned for more details.