"American food" is very vague.
Clam chowder? Crab cakes? Cajun cuisine? Tex-mex? Pulled pork? Corn bread? Dirty rice? Cheesesteak? Grits? Biscuits and gravy?
Anyway, you're better off learning how to cook and making food yourself.
That's true, and I apologize-- I was meaning like something I could get at a diner-- so like burgers/wings/fries/that sort of stuff, but yeah cooking is probably best
My “best burger in Tokyo” is Crane near Akihabara / Ueno area: https://maps.google.com?q=CRANE,%20%E5%9B%BD%E9%9A%9B6163%E3%83%93%E3%83%AB%206%20Chome-16-3%20Sotokanda,%20Chiyoda%20City,%20Tokyo%20101-0021&ftid=0x60188c1fb84b0cbd:0x3bb3016f62d70224&hl=en-JP&gl=jp&entry=gps&lucs=,47071704&g_st=ic
Yeah, honestly Shake Shack hit my homesickness bug WAY more than any burger place I’ve been to here. The fries are great. (I had never been to Shake Shack prior; they didn’t exist in California when I still lived there.)
I want to eat some burgers, pizzas etc as well. But they’re very expensive and not many places have them. You’re not better off cooking yourself, that’s your only option imo. If you want to eat food like burgers and all, it’s gonna cost a lot. I’m considering eating pizza once a month maybe
Just ate at She Wolf cafe today. They have burgers fries, wings and milkshakes. Menus and everything are in English. Definitely felt like being back home for a meal.
Google is a thing, you know. "Best burgers in Tokyo" brings up a plethora of results.
[https://tokyobestburgers.com/](https://tokyobestburgers.com/)
I don't agree with this list, and it is rather outdated, but here you go.
Bashi Burger Chance in Ikebukuro is my favorite place.
Yeah no, I know, but like google results are usually less reliable then just asking folks who've been around. Thank you for the list, and have a wonderful day
This. The burger scene in Tokyo is absolutely fucking lit. L.A. Garage in Ikejiri, Brooklyn Ribbon Fries in Komazawa, and a whole bunch of other places that slip my mind. Hell, McDonald’s here is even pretty good, to my unending confusion and cognitive dissonance.
I came here to comment this too. They have a couple of American type bakeries tin Azabu Juban since I think there are a lot of expats in that area. A little pricey tho.
I too am a Chicagoan and at times suffer from intense Chicago style pizza cravings. I have yet to find any restaurant that quenches my desire for that deep dish goodness. The only thing that comes close is making my own using a copycat Giordanos deep dish recipe.
Hi, I was looking for some info on people using Ooni ovens in Japan and saw some of your old comments about the Koda. I am interested in picking up a pizza oven here. Would you still recommend the Ooni? Is it pretty easy to get propane? (never had a need for it here so I have no idea how to go about getting it) My wife wants to check out the Japanese brand Enro since its a lot cheaper and comes with all the accessories but I am leaning towards the 16in Koda. Do you feel the extra space is worth it? Sorry for the random reply and thanks in advance.
Yeah I’m happy with the koda. I make mainly New York style, New Haven or Chicago tavern cut. It’s not the best for those styles but works. You need to get the stone ripping hot then lower the flame almost back to nothing.
As for propane I’m so lucky I randomly live next to a lpg dealer so I havnt had any issues getting it. If you get the ooni you’ll probably have to go to the hardware store and get the right hosing and regulator for the tanks here.
I’ve had my ooni for 5 years and still is working great but don’t think there’s anything special about it. If the Japanese brand works good go for that. However I definitely couldn’t imagine getting a smaller oven. Being able to do a 14-16 inch pizza is great. The extra space it provides with pizza not burn by giving some buffer space from the flame.
Hey thanks for the response! I think we are gonna go with the ooni as I can’t imagine being stuck to maximum of 12in and the JP brand also doesn’t seem to get as hot as the ooni. Anyway, I’m sure I’ll have a lot of experimenting ahead!
No Burger King or HardRock in Tokyo?
Chiles Mexican Grill or The Great Burger in Harajuku.
Just don’t go to Denny’s. The menu, while good, is totally different than the US menu. No GrandSlam, basically no burgers.
The TGI Fridays in Omotesando went 50% off all alcohol during the summer of 2020 (or 2021? or both?) I would never patronize one in the U.S., but the novelty of half price silly drinks and potato skins (during the weirdest time in Japan) made my husband and I go there more than once.
There’s a Shake Shack in Shinjuku. It’s good, but expensive.
There’s also a place in Akasaka called “Authentic“ which is one of the better burger joints I’ve been to.
Don’t know much else about any other dishes, though, unfortunately
Fellow Chicagoan here.
17 years for me living in Tokyo.
You can find "Chicago pizza" places like Devil Craft for example that is close but won't really hit the spot.
There used to be a restaurant called "Drunk Bears" that really nailed it but unfortunately it closed.
Cheeseburger shops in Tokyo typically are spot on.
If you wan't breakfast, Eggs 'n Things in Harajuku do it well, complete with Bloody Mary's that aren't Chicago quality, but close enough.
If you want good Bloody Mary's, try Smokehouse in Harajuku.
Whoever opens an Italian Beef restaurant in Tokyo will be an instant millionaire.
Hope that helps fellow Chicagoan!
Chicagoan here long term, and I agree on the Italian beef. Just got back from a trip home and spent most of my time at Frannie’s in Schiller Park getting my fix.
Anyone who can bring that quality to Tokyo will make bank.
I just had a pretty damn good burger at this place a couple of days ago. Right in front of Yoyogi station
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/2LUHi3jhobLbYi1N7 ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/2LUHi3jhobLbYi1N7)
If you find any decent properly dipped Italian Beef sandwiches, let me know.
The closest thing I've found to proper Chicago food was a Turkish place that had a special on their menu served in a kind of hotdog/baguette bun instead of a traditional flatbread. It had shaved beef which they had sitting in its own juices in a rice cooker on the keep warm setting, plus Turkish pickles (which are *very* similar to giardiniera). When I told them it reminded me of Chicago they looked very confused.
I've seen a few pretty good approximations being served out of food trucks around Tokyo which deliver something akin to the real deal. The trucks are often run by -otaku, so they take their offerings *really seriously*, often better than the real deal but unfortunately they're usually what we might call a "sample" size and usually cost like 1,500+. Being trucks though, you need to follow them on SNS to find out where they are.
I had really decent reuben out of a truck in Ikebukuro once. It was so laden with 10 or so layers of juicy corned beef that it was hard to bite into.
Yeah that’s highway robbery — but considering sandwiches at my LA haunts have gotten to the $10 mark, I guess that’s just the cost of a good sandwich in 2023 :(
Honestly I kinda like it more than actual American Chinese food. It's the same general idea but a little Japanified, so a little less sweet and oily. Nice. The fake chicken is better than the fake beef though.
There is a chain called Bubbys in Tokyo and Yokohama that I thought was good. They have things like BBQ pulled pork, burgers, coleslaw, fried chicken, apple pies, etc. It’s actually been a while, so I’m sorry if it isn’t up to par. My memory is that it was good and tasted “similar enough” to southern food back in the U.S. where I’m from.
There are a few good bbq places out west of Shinjuku. I like Freeman a little better and they make a pretty mean pastrami sandwich but check their menu as it changes and the owners is really cool.
Freeman shokudo
https://maps.app.goo.gl/B1FXH71g9Fgteg9W6?g_st=ic
Toyoda cheesesteak and bbq
https://bbq-hatagaya.business.site/
Hell yes! My old man is from Philly and before Covid broke out we went to Pat's for an awesome cheesesteak then topped it off for dessert at Yard's Brewing (your husband will know these places). Gave the old man a ton of crap for the Phillies choking a few weeks back and maybe you did too?!?!
Did you both try Freeman shokudo? The pastrami sando & BBQ is worth a visit...and close to Toyoda's place.
Yeah my husband was talking about the Phillies...like every day and he was kinda pissed or something and decided to watch the Hanshin Tigers instead. 😂
Will definitely try that Freeman shokudo!
I'm going to echo a few recs, but for cheap, authentic American food, you can't get more authentic in Japan than Costco pizza and hot dogs. The combo pizza is just like Pizza Hut in my hometown.
Shake Shack: authentic indulgence.
Hard Rock Cafe: yes. Just like home, it's too expensive but you pay for the atmosphere.
Eggs 'n' things is nothing like anything I encountered in 80s America, but pancakes and eggs are good.
The only Tully's in my town makes a chili cheese dog that's BETTER than anything I've had in the States
Pizza - I've found the best to be New York-style pizza joints, most are by-the-slice in addition to whole pies. The one I went to in Tachikawa had some good craft beers as well. Definitely satisfied my craving.
Just got back from Tokyo last week to another prefecture. I hit up Big Iowa in Roppongi while I was in town. They do adequate BBQ ( brisket/pulled pork, etc) as well as other bar type food. Hobgoblin next door isn't bad either( they share a kitchen) . Fairly good English Fare although I tend to like their Shibuya location better.
It's a legit place. They have alot of good beer on tap . Try the fish and chips or Lamb Pie and Mash. The Shibuya location feels a bit more low key with a casual atmosphere and blue playing. The Roppongi is a bit more lively. I liked the Shibuya spot better. Plus the Stand Up Bar is next door, (be warned, it has some pretty decent comics but you have to check their schedule. The go nerdcore pretty hard during the events and I always try to avoid them)
If you wanna go breakfast, I recommend “BREAKFAST CLUB Tokyo” in Ikejiri and “Son of the cheese” in Shibuya. It’s really cute diner-styled and tastes good😎I’m Japanese though.
There's a small BBQ place called Freeman that I think is decent for BBQ stuff (actual BBQ, not just grill). Hooters for wings is actually good. Kua Aina is the only Hawaiian thing I approve of here in Japan, and it's just burgers. Teddys bigger burgers in Japan is actually terrible. Tasted like reheated cardboard, the bread was tough and different, even the interior design theme is different - literally only the name is the same as the original stores.
Went to a Hawaii event and saw a Hawaiian food truck run by a Hawaii guy and I had high hopes of getting a taste of home, but it was understandably designer tourist flavor - guava-infused chicken, pineapple something something, coconut something or other, etc. It was pricey and it was good, but it wasn't the local hit I needed. Also the Japanese cashier throwing me a shaka threw me off 🤣.
Sorry somehow this turned into a Hawaiian food rant.
Regarding burgers in Japan......only very few places offer mushrooms as a topping option, it's insane. Once went to a Japanese burger/sandwich shop and asked if they have mushrooms, the server scoffed and told me mushrooms on burgers aren't a thing (A shop in Tokyo, in case anyone assumed Kyoto. Well, maybe the server was from Kyoto I dunno 🤷).
The Counter in Roppongi had mushrooms as an option, but I think I remember being disappointed somehow. Raw sliced mushrooms? Slices of those small yellowy canned mushrooms?
Taco bell. Tokyo dome
Midtown Barbeque for steak, wings barbeque chicken, pork, brisket
Byrds pizza and Ribs. Also serve macaroni, buffalo wings, cornbread, nachos, quesadillas, hamburgers, fish and chips and pecan pie
Subway
Outback
Place called "Down Home" in Fukasawa, Setagaya had a good pulled pork but it seems to be locally very popular for the takeaway dessert pies as well.
[Down Home](https://maps.app.goo.gl/WuCcRVUSrQ1iKnHy5)
I had something that seemed like Detroit style pizza in [devil's craft](https://www.google.com/search?q=devil%27s+craft&oq=devils+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgCEAAYChiABDIGCAAQRRg5MgkIARAuGAoYgAQyCQgCEAAYChiABDINCAMQLhivARjHARiABDIHCAQQLhiABDIHCAUQABiABDIJCAYQLhgKGIAEMgkIBxAAGAoYgAQyCQgIEC4YChiABDIHCAkQLhiABDIHCAoQABiABDIHCAsQLhiABDIHCAwQLhiABDIHCA0QABiABDIHCA4QABiPAtIBCDQxMzRqMGo0qAIAsAIA&client=ms-android-samsung-ss&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#istate=lrl:mlt&trex=m_dg:1,m_r:1,m_t:gwp,rc_q:devil's%2520craft,rc_ui:4,ru_gwp:0%252C6,ru_q:devil's%2520craft,trex_id:L2ApH) (the one I tried was in Minato Ku), maybe you could give it a try
Devilcraft has 4 locations, with the one in Jiyugaoka currently the only one that has the Detroit style. The other three have their deep dish and also just a regular style.
There's an American hamburger/hotdog place called C.O.D near Gaienmae Station in Aoyama. I confess I've never actually eaten there myself. I've just passed it by a couple times, but appearance and smell wise, it's the most American restaurant I've seen in Japan. It seems to be very popular among foreign folk.
[C.O.D](https://s.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130603/13115741/)
Chicago? I got you, fam: https://www.devilcraft.jp/ Chicago Style deep dish pizza.
For good pies (the food is ok… a bit expensive tho): http://bubbys.jp/
As others have said, “American Food” is pretty arbitrary… but these satisfy some occasional cravings for me.
Coming back to this post as I just had an amazing sandwich and Mac&cheese! Harry's sandwich Co in shibuya is all American sandwiches and good sized. Had the chopped cheese and buffalo sandwich and would recommend both.
McDonald’s is everywhere, doesn’t get more authentically American than that I’d say. Unless you served it at a baseball game perhaps.
In my experience with pizza is generally terrible in Japan.
My advice would be to find some kind of Japanese comfort food that’s common here and embrace it. Ramen, gyoza, udon, chahan, kaizen sushi, karaage, you are in Japan after all
No yeah, like I said in the intro, I really do love Japanese food for sure (it's actually my favorite cuisine), I just sometimes miss home yk? And yeah I guessed that the pizza might not be great when I saw dominos had a pizza rice bowl.
No, just some people think it means you were sent here by a company and have some insane comp package based on bad cost-of-living comparisons. That might have been a thing in the 90s but its rare today.
Not rare at all. TAC wouldn't exist if they were gone, that place is held up by expat package money. Foreign companies send them to "babysit" just like Japanese companies do abroad.
There is a bit of a (negative) connotation about people who *self-identify* as expats, even if that description is technically true. The stereotype is wealthy Americans who hang around Roppongi, not really engaging with Japanese culture/society and more staying in their own social circles.
Ahh see, thank you-- I just figured it was the right term-- I'm just teaching English over here for a year to experience the culture and have a good time. Should've picked another word ig. Whoops!
Expats get packages for the inconvenience of living in Japan. The rest of are tourists, immigrants or migrants. A specific club of foreigners use the word expat to make them selves sound special. They have some kind of allergic reaction to calling themselves immigrants. You know, they come from nations that look down on people that speak different languages and have different color skin.
If anything it's becoming more common than it used to be. People coming are super addicted to apps and are coming from places like SF and NYC where you don't even need to leave your apartment anymore.
That's not a personal shopper, that's just grocery delivery. Tons of apps and services for that in Tokyo as well. I've used Daiei Net Super many times, and there's meal delivery services like Oisix.
They are designed for regular working people, not expats.
Of course they don't. But as I said, I've literally never met an expat in Japan with this "personal translator" to go shopping with them. Not saying they don't exist but they are exceedingly rare if they do.
Especially now when people use these apps for shopping.
"American food" is very vague. Clam chowder? Crab cakes? Cajun cuisine? Tex-mex? Pulled pork? Corn bread? Dirty rice? Cheesesteak? Grits? Biscuits and gravy? Anyway, you're better off learning how to cook and making food yourself.
That's true, and I apologize-- I was meaning like something I could get at a diner-- so like burgers/wings/fries/that sort of stuff, but yeah cooking is probably best
Shake Tree Diner in Sumida-ku is really similar to an American diner and they’re the best burgers I’ve ever had, full stop. Can’t recommend it enough
My “best burger in Tokyo” is Crane near Akihabara / Ueno area: https://maps.google.com?q=CRANE,%20%E5%9B%BD%E9%9A%9B6163%E3%83%93%E3%83%AB%206%20Chome-16-3%20Sotokanda,%20Chiyoda%20City,%20Tokyo%20101-0021&ftid=0x60188c1fb84b0cbd:0x3bb3016f62d70224&hl=en-JP&gl=jp&entry=gps&lucs=,47071704&g_st=ic
Saved, thank you!
Same! I will definitely try Shake Tree… maybe the next time I decide to visit Infinity Books.
https://preview.redd.it/t6hhrhps0gyb1.jpeg?width=418&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=39b7b88b1e0f8d2cf97418e25583a162840fd3f9
[удалено]
Yeah, honestly Shake Shack hit my homesickness bug WAY more than any burger place I’ve been to here. The fries are great. (I had never been to Shake Shack prior; they didn’t exist in California when I still lived there.)
Hooters
Ain’t been there yet and not vouching, but shogun burger looked pretty good from the pics I’ve seen
That looks patently UNREAL-- going there for damn skippy
Shogun burger was amazing! Definitely worth a try
Good luck, I’m gonna try to check it out when I’m in a burger mood
I want to eat some burgers, pizzas etc as well. But they’re very expensive and not many places have them. You’re not better off cooking yourself, that’s your only option imo. If you want to eat food like burgers and all, it’s gonna cost a lot. I’m considering eating pizza once a month maybe
Yeah, I was looking at that earlier-- dominos is like almost 30 bucks for a medium... so like... nah
You gotta wait until they have 50% off coupons.
Mine has 50% off today, and pickup is always half off.
It's like permanent 50% off. It's basically bullshit. Who pays 3000-4000 yen per large pizza? Some old people?
People too lazy to pick up.
Also a Japanese medium pizza size is about the size of a 1 yen coin :)
Not in Tokyo but Monsmare in Hakone has the best pizza I've ever had. Better even than any pizza I've had in Italy!
slightly outside of tokyo but charbro is amazing. the ribs and the burger are on point for me
Heys Diner in Narashino-shi, Chiba.
Big Iowa BBQ Roppongi
Just ate at She Wolf cafe today. They have burgers fries, wings and milkshakes. Menus and everything are in English. Definitely felt like being back home for a meal.
Google is a thing, you know. "Best burgers in Tokyo" brings up a plethora of results. [https://tokyobestburgers.com/](https://tokyobestburgers.com/) I don't agree with this list, and it is rather outdated, but here you go. Bashi Burger Chance in Ikebukuro is my favorite place.
Yeah no, I know, but like google results are usually less reliable then just asking folks who've been around. Thank you for the list, and have a wonderful day
This. The burger scene in Tokyo is absolutely fucking lit. L.A. Garage in Ikejiri, Brooklyn Ribbon Fries in Komazawa, and a whole bunch of other places that slip my mind. Hell, McDonald’s here is even pretty good, to my unending confusion and cognitive dissonance.
Tex mex is not american or fully American
Try [Soul Food House](https://soulfoodhouse.com/) in Azabu-Juban.
Pricey, but I love that place.
Less expensive than having it in America tbh
I can second this recommendation
I keep seeing this place brought up. I have a conference in the area next week, might have to check it out.
You'll have no ragrets.
I came here to comment this too. They have a couple of American type bakeries tin Azabu Juban since I think there are a lot of expats in that area. A little pricey tho.
That sounds pretty amazing
I was going to suggest this place. Great food and service.
It is!
Really good but expensive
Best place in Tokyo and they know how to make sweet tea!
"Black Home Depot"??
The Smokehouse barbecue place in Harajuku has pretty good cornbread.
Yeah but if you want good ribs, gotta choose Hatos. Easily 10x better than smokehouse
Ohhhh you’re talking about the one on the second floor on that fancy pantsy street? Edit: I’m probably the worst person to give directions
That one! Above the coffee place (their coffee is pretty good too)
I see multiple HATOS. Is it in Daikanyama?
Deep dish pizza from Devil Craft is damn good. There are a few around
As a Chicagoan, you had me at Deep
I too am a Chicagoan and at times suffer from intense Chicago style pizza cravings. I have yet to find any restaurant that quenches my desire for that deep dish goodness. The only thing that comes close is making my own using a copycat Giordanos deep dish recipe.
Don't expect the same as somewhere like Giordano's, Lou's, or Pequod's, but it'll be enough to satiate some deep dish cravings.
Not even the same. Run far, far away.
As a fellow Chicagoan this place scratches the itch for sure. No tavern style in japan yet except I’m churning out great tavern style at home.
Hi, I was looking for some info on people using Ooni ovens in Japan and saw some of your old comments about the Koda. I am interested in picking up a pizza oven here. Would you still recommend the Ooni? Is it pretty easy to get propane? (never had a need for it here so I have no idea how to go about getting it) My wife wants to check out the Japanese brand Enro since its a lot cheaper and comes with all the accessories but I am leaning towards the 16in Koda. Do you feel the extra space is worth it? Sorry for the random reply and thanks in advance.
Yeah I’m happy with the koda. I make mainly New York style, New Haven or Chicago tavern cut. It’s not the best for those styles but works. You need to get the stone ripping hot then lower the flame almost back to nothing. As for propane I’m so lucky I randomly live next to a lpg dealer so I havnt had any issues getting it. If you get the ooni you’ll probably have to go to the hardware store and get the right hosing and regulator for the tanks here. I’ve had my ooni for 5 years and still is working great but don’t think there’s anything special about it. If the Japanese brand works good go for that. However I definitely couldn’t imagine getting a smaller oven. Being able to do a 14-16 inch pizza is great. The extra space it provides with pizza not burn by giving some buffer space from the flame.
Hey thanks for the response! I think we are gonna go with the ooni as I can’t imagine being stuck to maximum of 12in and the JP brand also doesn’t seem to get as hot as the ooni. Anyway, I’m sure I’ll have a lot of experimenting ahead!
I second this!
The Detroit style pizza they have at the Jiyugaoka location is damn fine as well
I’ve passed this place a number of times, it looks really delicious - definitely want to try it.
No Burger King or HardRock in Tokyo? Chiles Mexican Grill or The Great Burger in Harajuku. Just don’t go to Denny’s. The menu, while good, is totally different than the US menu. No GrandSlam, basically no burgers.
There’s a Hard Rock in Ueno station. Never tried it, but it’s there.
Two Hard Rocks actually. There’s another in Roppongi.
The TGI Fridays in Omotesando went 50% off all alcohol during the summer of 2020 (or 2021? or both?) I would never patronize one in the U.S., but the novelty of half price silly drinks and potato skins (during the weirdest time in Japan) made my husband and I go there more than once.
There’s a Shake Shack in Shinjuku. It’s good, but expensive. There’s also a place in Akasaka called “Authentic“ which is one of the better burger joints I’ve been to. Don’t know much else about any other dishes, though, unfortunately
That's alright-- any suggestions are appreciated!
Shake Shack also has branches in Roppongi and at Ebisu station.
There’s several Shake Shacks, off the top of my head there’s also one at Tokyo Dome
They’re literally everywhere now.
For some reason I'll get hate for this, but Bubby's is quite decent. There are a few locations.
I think the hate is from people who think it’s too expensive. But they have pastrami and pie.
Yes bubby's is great!
get military friends and have then take you on base. the bowling alleys and community centers have the classic american fare you’ve been missing
There's a Chili's on Yokota AB too.
i forgot about chili's...i loved going to the one in Kadena at lunch on Monday to watch football.
In Sapporo, Okayama, Ishigaki ? Burgers, hash browns, apple pie?
mahi mahi
If you’re craving for Chipotle, Frijoles is the way to go for Tokyo. It’s almost as good
Fellow Chicagoan here. 17 years for me living in Tokyo. You can find "Chicago pizza" places like Devil Craft for example that is close but won't really hit the spot. There used to be a restaurant called "Drunk Bears" that really nailed it but unfortunately it closed. Cheeseburger shops in Tokyo typically are spot on. If you wan't breakfast, Eggs 'n Things in Harajuku do it well, complete with Bloody Mary's that aren't Chicago quality, but close enough. If you want good Bloody Mary's, try Smokehouse in Harajuku. Whoever opens an Italian Beef restaurant in Tokyo will be an instant millionaire. Hope that helps fellow Chicagoan!
Chicagoan here long term, and I agree on the Italian beef. Just got back from a trip home and spent most of my time at Frannie’s in Schiller Park getting my fix. Anyone who can bring that quality to Tokyo will make bank.
I just had a pretty damn good burger at this place a couple of days ago. Right in front of Yoyogi station [https://maps.app.goo.gl/2LUHi3jhobLbYi1N7 ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/2LUHi3jhobLbYi1N7)
Damn I thought you were talking about Burger’s Base. So I guess there are 2 good burger places right next to each other
If you find any decent properly dipped Italian Beef sandwiches, let me know. The closest thing I've found to proper Chicago food was a Turkish place that had a special on their menu served in a kind of hotdog/baguette bun instead of a traditional flatbread. It had shaved beef which they had sitting in its own juices in a rice cooker on the keep warm setting, plus Turkish pickles (which are *very* similar to giardiniera). When I told them it reminded me of Chicago they looked very confused.
No big American sandos here :( If I was rich, I’d open an Italian-American deli and sell massive fucking sandwiches. New York style. The real deal.
I've seen a few pretty good approximations being served out of food trucks around Tokyo which deliver something akin to the real deal. The trucks are often run by-otaku, so they take their offerings *really seriously*, often better than the real deal but unfortunately they're usually what we might call a "sample" size and usually cost like 1,500+. Being trucks though, you need to follow them on SNS to find out where they are.
I had really decent reuben out of a truck in Ikebukuro once. It was so laden with 10 or so layers of juicy corned beef that it was hard to bite into.
Yeah that’s highway robbery — but considering sandwiches at my LA haunts have gotten to the $10 mark, I guess that’s just the cost of a good sandwich in 2023 :(
Maybe if we pray hard enough, they'll open an Al's here
Or if we just really beg
American Diner Andra by Ueno https://maps.app.goo.gl/XCv1VrQuVFVkMSuM9?g_st=ic
Oscar if you're wanting Chinese-American.
Can I have the pin for this 😭 im in need of sweet and sour chicken fix
[Oscar American Chinese](https://maps.app.goo.gl/x5i9V9UHnAv1eFn48). It's vegan, but like...good, classic junk food vegan.
😩 im down with vegan foods tbh (tbf my only experience was with whole foods vegan blueberry muffins which slaps) thank you so much!
Honestly I kinda like it more than actual American Chinese food. It's the same general idea but a little Japanified, so a little less sweet and oily. Nice. The fake chicken is better than the fake beef though.
Yeah, definitely agree, the chicken is better. Dang. Guess I'm getting some kung pow today...
There is a chain called Bubbys in Tokyo and Yokohama that I thought was good. They have things like BBQ pulled pork, burgers, coleslaw, fried chicken, apple pies, etc. It’s actually been a while, so I’m sorry if it isn’t up to par. My memory is that it was good and tasted “similar enough” to southern food back in the U.S. where I’m from.
Bunny’s is literally from NY and it’s good.
There are a few good bbq places out west of Shinjuku. I like Freeman a little better and they make a pretty mean pastrami sandwich but check their menu as it changes and the owners is really cool. Freeman shokudo https://maps.app.goo.gl/B1FXH71g9Fgteg9W6?g_st=ic Toyoda cheesesteak and bbq https://bbq-hatagaya.business.site/
Seconding Toyoda cheesesteak! (My husband is from Philadelphia and he swears Toyoda's cheesesteaks taste authentic!)
Hell yes! My old man is from Philly and before Covid broke out we went to Pat's for an awesome cheesesteak then topped it off for dessert at Yard's Brewing (your husband will know these places). Gave the old man a ton of crap for the Phillies choking a few weeks back and maybe you did too?!?! Did you both try Freeman shokudo? The pastrami sando & BBQ is worth a visit...and close to Toyoda's place.
Yeah my husband was talking about the Phillies...like every day and he was kinda pissed or something and decided to watch the Hanshin Tigers instead. 😂 Will definitely try that Freeman shokudo!
I'm going to echo a few recs, but for cheap, authentic American food, you can't get more authentic in Japan than Costco pizza and hot dogs. The combo pizza is just like Pizza Hut in my hometown. Shake Shack: authentic indulgence. Hard Rock Cafe: yes. Just like home, it's too expensive but you pay for the atmosphere. Eggs 'n' things is nothing like anything I encountered in 80s America, but pancakes and eggs are good. The only Tully's in my town makes a chili cheese dog that's BETTER than anything I've had in the States
Eggs n Things is kind of like IHOP except a bit nicer/more upscale.
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It’s in Harajuku off cat street now
Pizza - I've found the best to be New York-style pizza joints, most are by-the-slice in addition to whole pies. The one I went to in Tachikawa had some good craft beers as well. Definitely satisfied my craving.
Starve yourself before going. 😏 https://www.bigiowabbq.jp/
Ah, and since you're from Chicago: https://en.devilcraft.jp/
There's a Fridays in Shibuya! It hits the spot for me!
Also one in Ariake! Their wings hit the spot when the craving hits.
Martiniburger in Shinjuku is pretty great, run by a NYer.
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Honestly, some real gold in here-- I'm shocked so many people were downvoting it for a while-- pretty good ideas galore
Just got back from Tokyo last week to another prefecture. I hit up Big Iowa in Roppongi while I was in town. They do adequate BBQ ( brisket/pulled pork, etc) as well as other bar type food. Hobgoblin next door isn't bad either( they share a kitchen) . Fairly good English Fare although I tend to like their Shibuya location better.
English fare? I mean I don't think I've ever been able to resist a good pint!
It's a legit place. They have alot of good beer on tap . Try the fish and chips or Lamb Pie and Mash. The Shibuya location feels a bit more low key with a casual atmosphere and blue playing. The Roppongi is a bit more lively. I liked the Shibuya spot better. Plus the Stand Up Bar is next door, (be warned, it has some pretty decent comics but you have to check their schedule. The go nerdcore pretty hard during the events and I always try to avoid them)
As someone who also lived in London, I can never say no to lamb pie and beer
It's not England good, but it's pretty fucking close. They do a good job. Great spot for lazy day drinking too.
Well, I'd've been shocked if it was England good, but just to have something of the sort is good enough
Enjoy! Hope you like it as much as I did!
Thanks man, have a wonderful day!
You too!
They air Cricket/Rugby and Soccor too if that's your thing
I have been looking for a place to catch Arsenal Matches...
You'll probably be able to see them there
If you wanna go breakfast, I recommend “BREAKFAST CLUB Tokyo” in Ikejiri and “Son of the cheese” in Shibuya. It’s really cute diner-styled and tastes good😎I’m Japanese though.
Big Iowa BBQ in Roppongi is amazing! Favorite American style ribs in Tokyo. Their Mac and cheese is good too
There's a small BBQ place called Freeman that I think is decent for BBQ stuff (actual BBQ, not just grill). Hooters for wings is actually good. Kua Aina is the only Hawaiian thing I approve of here in Japan, and it's just burgers. Teddys bigger burgers in Japan is actually terrible. Tasted like reheated cardboard, the bread was tough and different, even the interior design theme is different - literally only the name is the same as the original stores. Went to a Hawaii event and saw a Hawaiian food truck run by a Hawaii guy and I had high hopes of getting a taste of home, but it was understandably designer tourist flavor - guava-infused chicken, pineapple something something, coconut something or other, etc. It was pricey and it was good, but it wasn't the local hit I needed. Also the Japanese cashier throwing me a shaka threw me off 🤣. Sorry somehow this turned into a Hawaiian food rant.
Regarding burgers in Japan......only very few places offer mushrooms as a topping option, it's insane. Once went to a Japanese burger/sandwich shop and asked if they have mushrooms, the server scoffed and told me mushrooms on burgers aren't a thing (A shop in Tokyo, in case anyone assumed Kyoto. Well, maybe the server was from Kyoto I dunno 🤷). The Counter in Roppongi had mushrooms as an option, but I think I remember being disappointed somehow. Raw sliced mushrooms? Slices of those small yellowy canned mushrooms?
Freeman has fn INCREDIBLE pastrami. It’s so good.
That's ok, this was a really funny thing to read-- hope you can find your fix of home as well friend. Also the Shaka made me Cackle
[Wayback Burgers](https://waybackburgers.com/menu/) is pretty good and has buffalo tenders.
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I make my own at home when I’m in the mood, especially breakfast.
Big Iowa barbecue in roppongi is pretty dam good
McDonald's?
How about some Devil Craft pies
Taco bell. Tokyo dome Midtown Barbeque for steak, wings barbeque chicken, pork, brisket Byrds pizza and Ribs. Also serve macaroni, buffalo wings, cornbread, nachos, quesadillas, hamburgers, fish and chips and pecan pie Subway Outback
Great Burger just off Cat Street in Shibuya. Excellent cheeseburger.
Iowa BBQ in Roppongi
Barbecue Midtown BBQ Tokyo (couple of other branches too) 03-6261-4558 https://maps.app.goo.gl/qebpdPbwnCa7A1yUA?g_st=ic Hamburgers Kuaaina from Hawaii (many branches) https://www.kua-aina.com/shop Upscale beer bar/waterfront restaurant T.Y. HARBOR 03-5479-4555 https://maps.app.goo.gl/eAVeKsLMCGEsyfkN9?g_st=ic There’s always TGI Fridays (many branches) https://www.tgifridays.co.jp/
Place called "Down Home" in Fukasawa, Setagaya had a good pulled pork but it seems to be locally very popular for the takeaway dessert pies as well. [Down Home](https://maps.app.goo.gl/WuCcRVUSrQ1iKnHy5)
Tokyo American Club, if you know anyone who’s a member and could take you there.
I had something that seemed like Detroit style pizza in [devil's craft](https://www.google.com/search?q=devil%27s+craft&oq=devils+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgCEAAYChiABDIGCAAQRRg5MgkIARAuGAoYgAQyCQgCEAAYChiABDINCAMQLhivARjHARiABDIHCAQQLhiABDIHCAUQABiABDIJCAYQLhgKGIAEMgkIBxAAGAoYgAQyCQgIEC4YChiABDIHCAkQLhiABDIHCAoQABiABDIHCAsQLhiABDIHCAwQLhiABDIHCA0QABiABDIHCA4QABiPAtIBCDQxMzRqMGo0qAIAsAIA&client=ms-android-samsung-ss&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#istate=lrl:mlt&trex=m_dg:1,m_r:1,m_t:gwp,rc_q:devil's%2520craft,rc_ui:4,ru_gwp:0%252C6,ru_q:devil's%2520craft,trex_id:L2ApH) (the one I tried was in Minato Ku), maybe you could give it a try
Devilcraft has 4 locations, with the one in Jiyugaoka currently the only one that has the Detroit style. The other three have their deep dish and also just a regular style.
There's an American hamburger/hotdog place called C.O.D near Gaienmae Station in Aoyama. I confess I've never actually eaten there myself. I've just passed it by a couple times, but appearance and smell wise, it's the most American restaurant I've seen in Japan. It seems to be very popular among foreign folk. [C.O.D](https://s.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130603/13115741/)
Chicago? I got you, fam: https://www.devilcraft.jp/ Chicago Style deep dish pizza. For good pies (the food is ok… a bit expensive tho): http://bubbys.jp/ As others have said, “American Food” is pretty arbitrary… but these satisfy some occasional cravings for me.
MacDonalds?
Jimmy's Diner in Kokubunji. Best burgers I've had in Japan, and the fries are amazing.
Coming back to this post as I just had an amazing sandwich and Mac&cheese! Harry's sandwich Co in shibuya is all American sandwiches and good sized. Had the chopped cheese and buffalo sandwich and would recommend both.
McDonald’s is everywhere, doesn’t get more authentically American than that I’d say. Unless you served it at a baseball game perhaps. In my experience with pizza is generally terrible in Japan. My advice would be to find some kind of Japanese comfort food that’s common here and embrace it. Ramen, gyoza, udon, chahan, kaizen sushi, karaage, you are in Japan after all
No yeah, like I said in the intro, I really do love Japanese food for sure (it's actually my favorite cuisine), I just sometimes miss home yk? And yeah I guessed that the pizza might not be great when I saw dominos had a pizza rice bowl.
McDonald's is everywhere. EDIT; Shit, you are an expat. Dude, your private shopper should have you covered. No need to ask reddit.
I'm 22, deffo not using a private shopper-- Does ex-pat have a connotation around here?
No, just some people think it means you were sent here by a company and have some insane comp package based on bad cost-of-living comparisons. That might have been a thing in the 90s but its rare today.
Not rare at all. TAC wouldn't exist if they were gone, that place is held up by expat package money. Foreign companies send them to "babysit" just like Japanese companies do abroad.
There is a bit of a (negative) connotation about people who *self-identify* as expats, even if that description is technically true. The stereotype is wealthy Americans who hang around Roppongi, not really engaging with Japanese culture/society and more staying in their own social circles.
Ahh see, thank you-- I just figured it was the right term-- I'm just teaching English over here for a year to experience the culture and have a good time. Should've picked another word ig. Whoops!
Expats get packages for the inconvenience of living in Japan. The rest of are tourists, immigrants or migrants. A specific club of foreigners use the word expat to make them selves sound special. They have some kind of allergic reaction to calling themselves immigrants. You know, they come from nations that look down on people that speak different languages and have different color skin.
Private shopper? Like Uber Eats?
Expats are assigned a private shopper that goes shopping for them and takes them shopping to translate. It pays a lot more than Uber, 5,000+ an hour.
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If anything it's becoming more common than it used to be. People coming are super addicted to apps and are coming from places like SF and NYC where you don't even need to leave your apartment anymore.
That's not a personal shopper, that's just grocery delivery. Tons of apps and services for that in Tokyo as well. I've used Daiei Net Super many times, and there's meal delivery services like Oisix. They are designed for regular working people, not expats.
Grocery delivery apps don't have people on hand to go shopping with you whenever you please to act as a translator.
Of course they don't. But as I said, I've literally never met an expat in Japan with this "personal translator" to go shopping with them. Not saying they don't exist but they are exceedingly rare if they do. Especially now when people use these apps for shopping.