The only place I’ve found is Tokyo Kitchen where the food is passable and decent but not amazing, but the Asahis are so crispy and delicious that I literally go back for the Asahis alone. (If you don’t believe me, go get an Asahi on draft there and report back.)
It looks like they have some special Asahi-branded machine and it’s not just a standard keg and tap setup. Whatever it is, divine.
Where else can I get that?! Ideally with better ambience. I need a crispy Asahi list.
Edit: the machine looks like this
And bonus points if it’s in the east end (but not necessary)
by OceanPanini
13 Comments
Black Dice on Dundas West has incredible ambiance and a special Asahi keg and tap machine that sounds similar to what you describe. It is a rockabilly theme and so amazingly kitschy. Also a huge selection of sake.
You’re specifically looking for Hoshizaki draft beer machine. They’re the leading refridgeration brand in Japan, super reliable speaking as someone in hospitality. Also regularly cleaning their lines matters.
[https://www.totalapex.com/shop/beer-bar/towers/hoshizaki-draft-beer-dispenser-serves-cold-beer-from-an-ambient-keg-c-tap-has-a-separate-beer-pour-spout-and-foam-spout-perfect-for-portable-bars-special-events-caterers-golf-clubs-microbreweries-and-home-use-115v-60hz-12-99-w-x-25-43](https://www.totalapex.com/shop/beer-bar/towers/hoshizaki-draft-beer-dispenser-serves-cold-beer-from-an-ambient-keg-c-tap-has-a-separate-beer-pour-spout-and-foam-spout-perfect-for-portable-bars-special-events-caterers-golf-clubs-microbreweries-and-home-use-115v-60hz-12-99-w-x-25-43)
I feel like Mhel may have the machine you’re referring to?
Chotte Matte.
Zakkushi on Carlton near Parliament has the Asahi where the head is like microfoam and creamy, almost like a Guinness. It’s so good and I have been trying to find another place that does it.
And a bonus, the food is great.
Going to comment so I can check back in later!
It wasn’t as good as draft for sure, but I miss the Japanese produced Asahi cans we used to get. Ever since we started getting the Peroni brewed ones they haven’t been close.
I just got back from a Japan trip and I had way more Asahi than I intended because I didn’t know when the next time I’d have a crisp one would be.
Black dice cafe
Crisp asahi 👌 always amazing
Perhaps Imanishi at Dundas and Dovercourt?
I don’t know for sure if they have precisely what you’re looking for, but with the care they take in other things, it would surprise me if they didn’t have.
Black dice, or han moto
Sampo Japanese at College & Borden. They’ve got the machine and great Izakaya food with 1:30am last call kitchen.
Kintaro – they have frozen draft beer.
Is the food really not that good??? I have been looking for a good Japanese curry place in town. This place was next on my list to try out.