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Two Thumbs Up for Thumbs Up Live House in Yokohama

Yokohama Beer Food Building Music style Wine Work Yen Entertainment

Two Thumbs

The bar at Thumbs Up

Thumbs Up Live Show

Thumbs Up live house in the Sotetsu Movil Building near Yokohama Station (the same building that houses a 109 Cinema) is quite possibly the best live house in Yokohama. Thumbs Up provides energetic musical entertainment as well as some really good American-style food. The genres of music played there vary widely, but mostly include rock or roots-style (blues, reggae, acoustic grooves, etc.). Accomplished underground bands are a common sight. Occasionally, international acts come through to put on sizzling shows. Either way, you're not likely to be disappointed by the skill of the musicians on any given night. You may be surprised to discover just how much talent is off the radar of mainstream TV and radio.

You could drop in Thumbs Up only for the live music, but what a waste that would be. The food is almost a reason alone to go. Several varieties of juicy hamburgers, most 1000 yen or less, kick off the menu. The pizzas, also priced around 1000 yen, are good and big enough to share. For a smaller meal, opt for the chorizo or seafood soft-wrap tacos, both only 600 yen. Several salad selections under 1000 yen go nicely as sides, especially the calamari salad. Other good snacks and sides include the nachos (850 yen) and homemade sausage (750 yen). Do leave room for dessert! Thumbs Up apple pie is simply a work of art. They also have a standard bar for cocktails, whiskys, wine and beer (or juice and non-alcoholic cocktails if you aren't drinking).

The acoustics are excellent and the stage is easy to see from wherever you are in the semi-circle seating area. There's a lower floor with tables near the stage and an upper floor with booths and plenty of standing room. On boisterous nights, fans take to the center of the lower floor for dancing. Thumbs Up can accommodate 140 with seating, or 250 if all the tables and chairs are pulled (usually only for special events).

Thumbs Up hosts live events almost nightly; check their website (see ACCESS below) for a full listing.