Green Bench Brewing Opens Japanese Bar at St. Pete's Webb's

Seminole residents can now explore a new craft beverage experience at Upstairs at Webb’s, a bar opened by Green Bench Brewing. The establishment, located at 1133 Baum Ave. N. in downtown St. Petersburg, began service Friday, Sept. 25.

The bar’s concept centers on texture, utilizing specialized pouring techniques inspired by Japanese methods to alter the carbonation, foam and mouthfeel of beverages. Owner and brewer Khris Johnson explained the menu encourages exploration, focusing on how texture enhances the drinking experience. "It’s supposed to be exploration-focused, a deep dive into not just products, but service and hospitality centered around beer that you just don’t get anywhere else," Johnson told St. Pete Rising.

Specialized techniques include the Matsuo-style pour, named for Tokyo bartender Kohei Matsuo, which creates a dense, creamy foam head, and a sharp pour designed to accentuate carbonation. The venue also features a house pour combining elements of both methods. The opening tap list includes Mega Crisp, a new rice lager developed as Green Bench's take on Asahi Super Dry, with its upstairs pour exclusive to this location.

Upstairs at Webb’s also offers cask-conditioned English beers, which continue conditioning in the vessel and are served warmer with less carbonation, drawn by hand using traditional beer engines. Johnson highlighted cask conditioning's importance for altering texture, noting these beers are naturally carbonated and served at a warmer temperature. Initial cask offerings include Goodwin Sands, an English-style summer ale made with Late Start Brewing, and Mighty Fragile, a London porter.

In addition to beer, the bar serves sparkling wines, ports, ciders and a small selection of wine-based mixed drinks. Webb’s City Cellar, located below the new bar, was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Bar in 2024.

Upstairs at Webb’s is open Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to midnight. Green Bench Brewing is owned by Khris Johnson, Nathan Stonecipher, Steven Duffy and Brian Wing, who also operate a taproom in downtown Tampa.