BEFORE9 — Restaurant in Kyoto

Living in North Kyoto, Before 9 is one of the best local spots around. A refurbished Machiya, the interior is peaceful and cozy with a minimalistic look. They have 8 or so beers each night, always a great selection, and priced at market value for craft beer here in Japan.

The food is excellent and reasonsobaly priced. Standing room downstairs and tables upstairs to fit a small party. This is not a rowdy place and not the best place to meet new people, better for a delicious beer or sake and a relaxing chat with friends.

The staff are friendly and gracious and take good care of their locals and...

Good but limited craft beer selection. We tried the hummus, which was decent. Watch your step on the first floor, there are multiple changes in elevation which are all a dull gray concrete color and blend in together. It is very easy to trip, it was a very poor choice by whoever designed the interior. They should at least paint the front of the steps to make them easier to see. Step up to get to the counter, then down, then up at least one or two more nondescript steps to get to a steep flight of stairs to the second floor. It's an accessibility nightmare for any...

A cool and very chill craft beer bar. Before9 has a very minimalist feel with less than average decoration compared to other taprooms in Kyoto and Japan for that matter. They have a mixture of eight local (Kyoto) and American craft taps on rotation. Very popular for American tourists and Japanese locals alike. One star off due to the place reeking of fried/grilled food which made my clothes stink after sitting on their second floor. This spot is somewhat more pricey as well even for...