The moment you crave for an All-American burger in Japan. Let’s face it. It’s difficult to find and I completely understand why. But, I still find myself whining about it. Just when I have given up hope on having a fresh grilled American gourmet burger customized to my liking, I come face to face with J.S. Burgers Café in Shibuya. Do I risk spending more than 1,000yen on what possibly is just another mediocre burger? Or do I stick to what Japan does best, sushi and ramen? Based on the picture menu and the number of customers inside and out on the patio, I decided to make my donation. Best decision ever!
For starters, the restaurant offers a nice open design with plenty of seating, enough room for elbows and shopping bags. The ceiling is covered with burger slogans like, “Life is Burgers.” You’re immediately greeted and escorted to a table with menus in hand and good ole American classic icons, HEINZ ketchup & mustard, are within arms reach. It’s a sign of good things to come!
The menus are large with a simple selection of twelve gourmet burgers topped with your basics and more. Just like a Combo meal in the states, order as a Set to include fries and a drink. I thought it was going to be a quick and easy decision, but the mouth-watering photos made it tough. Starting from 900yen, choose from your classic Cheeseburger or something more exotic like an Avocado Salsa Burger. The standard drink menu offers coffee, tea, soda, or juice. Try the Homemade Honey Lemonade or alcoholic beverages are also available.
To our delight the order was delivered to us within ten minutes. Wait! Don’t touch it. I’ve got to take a photo first! Now you may proceed with the first bite. “Mmm, oh my goodness!” The all beef patty was everything I had imagined and more. Juicy with a generous amount of black pepper and cooked well done. The fluffy warm bun wasn’t overbearing and the toppings were so fresh and crisp. The cheesy goodness melted over to perfection, and the grilled onion, lettuce, tomato, avocado, with a hint of relish, were just icing on the cake. The side of French fries was tasty. The entire meal was on point! Do I dare say it was better than a burger in America? Let me just say I went back for another cheeseburger a week later.
From 10:00am to 3:00pm on weekdays, J.S. Burgers Café offers a Set lunch to include an all-you-can-eat Salad Bar. I highly recommend trying the apple coleslaw and tossed Penne. On orders for Take Out, customers will receive a 10% discount.
J.S. Burgers Café is serving in just three other locations: Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro. J.S. stands for Journal Standard, a clothing shop that develops various café’s adjacent to their stores. Established in 2000, you will enjoy every bite of an All-American burger at this establishment, which is right in the heart of Tokyo, Japan!
To access J.S. Burgers Café in Shibuya, it is a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station (Hachiko Exit). Head up the hill and turn left at the 2nd stoplight. Look for PARCO (Part 1) building across the street from the Apple store and the café is on the first floor.
Consumer Tip: Place your burger into the paper wrap provided in the utensil can to avoid juicy fingers!
