Standard Deli (Shinjuku - Sandwiches/burgers). 5367-0185
You've probably seen it as you walk from Shinjuku station to Takashimaya Times Square - a nicely landscaped terrace, a bright yellow sign, and a metallic, retro-50s trailer home that's been converted into a grill. [See FULL REVIEW.]
Shinjuku 4-1-7, Journal Standard 3F. Open 11:30am-8:30pm (LO) daily.
A convenient department-store outlet of the legendary Sangubashi burger shop, this Shinjuku branch of Arms offers smaller, picnic-size burger as an option. Besides the usual bacon, cheese, etc., the menu generally includes some interesting special seasonal toppings.
Nishi-Shinjuku 1-1-5, Lumine 1, B1F. Open 10am-10pm daily.
American-style sandwiches and burgers are served here in a comfortable cafe setting. The sandwich menu features double grilled cheese (made with cheddar and mozzarella), tuna melt, and grilled chicken, and the burgers come in over twenty varieties. Lunch (served until 4pm) is Y1000, with your choice of sandwich or burger, french fries and coffee or tea. American-style sandwiches and burgers are served here in a comfortable cafe setting. The sandwich menu features double grilled cheese (made with cheddar and mozzarella), tuna melt, and grilled chicken, and the burgers come in over twenty varieties. Lunch (served until 4pm) is Y1000, with your choice of sandwich or burger, french fries and coffee or tea.
There are nine different wines starting at Y2600/bottle, and you'll also find some interesting Belgian beers and a few local microbrews. The large outdoor terrace, furnished with a wooden deck, rattan furniture and lots of cactus plants, is popular during the spring and fall months. [Show more] [Show less]
Jingumae 3-22-14, 2F. Open 11:30am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
The burgers at this popular Hawaiian chain are indeed rather big - flat and wide rather than thick - and charbroiled to order. A regular-size burger (5 ounces) is Y880, or Y1200 with fries and a soft drink. The surfboard-decorated shop interior is fairly fast-foodish, but they have a pleasant five-table outdoor terrace area looking out over central Harajuku.
Jingumae 6-28-5, Miyazaki Bldg 2F. Open 11am-8:15pm (LO) daily.
Premium burgers, with Y1000 lunch sets till 4pm (2pm weekends).
Jingumae 6-12-7. Open 11am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Zip Zap (Harajuku - Sandwiches/burgers). 3499-1150
The inside may look like a Harajuku cafe, but the menu is straight out of an American diner - good (though pricey) burgers, big sandwiches, Mexican favorites and simple starters like fried calimari. Lunch specials are served until 3pm weekdays and 5pm weekends.
Jingumae 6-9-11. (from the La Foret intersection walk towards Shibuya on Meiji-dori, take the first left, then right; it's on the left) Open 11:30am-10pm daily.
Gourmet burgers served with organic vegetables and fresh smoothies. Bacon cheeseburgers are Y590; other toppings include pureed edamame beans and avocado-wasabi.
Gourmet burgers, sandwiches and upscale American diner fare at this tiny burger cafe. It's run by Chef Michi, of the celebrated Michi's Manhattan Beach near Los Angeles. The Kobe beef burger is their flagship sandwich, but our favorite is their amazing Cajun lamb burger (Y1300 for a double burger). Gourmet burgers, sandwiches and upscale American diner fare at this tiny burger cafe. It's run by Chef Michi, formerly of Michi's Manhattan Beach near Los Angeles. The Kobe beef burger is their flagship sandwich, but we love their Cajun lamb burger (Y1300 for a double burger) even more.
There are lots of fantastic salads, hearty soups, and appealing vegetarian options (like the eggplant, zucchini and avocado sandwich). Daily specials abound. Everything is ready to take out, and the menu is in English. Open Sundays 11:30am-sundown. [Show more] [Show less]
Kita-Aoyama 2-12-27, Hale Kalani Kita-Aoyama 1F. Open 11:30am-3, 5:30-10:30pm (Sun 11am-5pm) daily.
Chef Michi, formerly of Michi's Manhattan Beach, serves up good, upscale American diner fare - gourmet burgers (including the very appealing Cajun Lamb Burger), sandwiches, burritos, salads and milkshakes.
Shibuya 2-21-1, Shibuya Hikarie 7F. Open 11am-10pm (LO; Fri, Sat -3am) daily.
Charcoal-grilled steaks from dry-aged beef range from Y3150 (7 oz. fillet) to Y12,600 (32 oz. porterhouse); they also offer a half-pound classic burger.
The second branch of the Shiroganedai-based burger shop, serving gourmet sandwiches as well as American-style burgers. The pastrami sandwich (Y1100) is exclusive to this branch.
Minami-Azabu 5-15-25 2F. Open 11:30am-10:30pm (LO) daily.
Japanese-style premium burgers in this otherwise burger-deprived Tokyo quarter. Burgers start at Y1000, and topping variations include fried egg, pineapple, and chili beans as well as the usual cheese, bacon and avocado. All are smothered in a smoky barbecue sauce and come with fries. The menu also offers chicken and fish burgers, hot dogs and milk shakes.
Ningyocho 2-28-5. Open 11am-9:30pm (LO; Sun -7:30pm) daily.
This casual neighborhood spot serves up gourmet burgers, upscale diner fare and assorted vodka cocktails. They bill themselves a New York-style bar-restaurant, and accordingly the menu features tasty Brooklyn Lager on tap, the ubiquitous NY cheesecake, and a credible rendition of a chocolate egg cream - a soda-fountain favorite at New York diners. This casual neighborhood spot serves up gourmet burgers, upscale diner fare and assorted vodka cocktails. They bill themselves a New York-style bar-restaurant, and accordingly the menu features tasty Brooklyn Lager on tap, the ubiquitous NY cheesecake, and a credible rendition of a chocolate egg cream - a soda-fountain favorite at New York diners.
At lunchtime Y1000 will get you a Martiniburger with one side dish. The burger is a thick, juicy 200-gram all-beef patty, grilled to a nice medium rare. It's served on an English muffin with just a simple tomato slice and choice of fancy dressings like blue cheese or mustard aoli. (Extra toppings like bacon and guacamole can also be added on.) Among the options for side orders are herb-roasted potatoes; a tangy macaroni and cheese bowl; or a substantial portion of rather creamy creamed spinach.
At night the menu expands to offer daily specials from the grill ("meat and poultry prepared in American regional styles") and comfort food like chili or meatloaf in mushroom gravy. Vodka cocktails are Y700 each; among them are Cosmopolitans and exotic creations like chocolate- and lemon-lime-flavored martinis. The dining room is simple but stylish - and bright and cheerful at lunchtime - with a six-stool bar area in back and a good selection of blues and jazz on the speakers.
On Saturdays and Sundays lunch service runs until 3pm (LO). Take-out is available every day. [Show more] [Show less]
Nakazatocho 31. Open 11am-10pm (LO; 9pm Sun). Closed Mondays.
They really do serve some of the best gourmet burgers in Tokyo at this rustic little shop. The mozzarella mushroom burger (Y1200) is one of our faves. Sandwiches are no longer on the menu, but can be found across the street at sister shop Qino's (03-6231-5527).
Hongo 4-5-10. Open 11am-10pm (LO; Sun. 7pm) daily.
Good, solid American diner fare is the draw at Fatz's - tasty burgers, hearty sandwiches, tempting mozzarella sticks, milkshakes and banana splits. The menu lists eight burger variations with names like The Corleone (with zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, mozzarella and meat sauce) and The Longhorn (topped with home-made chili, Cheddar and Havarti). Or you can create your own custom burger with over a dozen optional toppings such as mushrooms, grilled vegetables, jalapenos and various cheeses. Good, solid American diner fare is the draw at Fatz's - tasty burgers, hearty sandwiches, tempting mozzarella sticks, milkshakes and banana splits. The menu lists eight burger variations with names like The Corleone (with zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, mozzarella and meat sauce) and The Longhorn (topped with great home-made chili, Cheddar and Havarti). Or you can create your own custom burger with over a dozen optional toppings such as mushrooms, grilled vegetables, jalapenos and various cheeses.
While you're waiting for your burger to be grilled, the nachos con carne (Y600) are a great side dish - tortilla chips covered with two types of melted cheese, fresh salsa, guacamole, and some kick-ass chili. Non-beefy menu options include Pacific salmon burgers, shrimp-avocado sandwiches, and a grilled chicken of the day sandwich, prepared with an ever-changing list of pre-grill marinades.
At lunchtime there's a smaller menu - just plain burger platters with cole slaw, fries and a beverage for Y850; optional cheese, bacon and avocado toppings are Y100 each. There's also a nice beer selection, with US microbrews from Brooklyn Brewery, Kona Brewing and Anchor. And for just Y500 a bottle, four very drinkable Kirkland-brand microbrews - amber ale, pale ale, IPA and Belgian white.
In addition to counter seating there's one picnic table out front in the courtyard. Everything on the menu is available to take out. [Show more] [Show less]
Koenji-Kita 3-21-19, Lions Plaza Koenji E. Open noon-3, 6-10pm (Sun noon-6pm). Closed Mondays, 3rd Tuesday.
This simply named shop sells freshly made Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches in several enticing varieties, including roast pork (our current favorite), grilled chicken with honey and lemongrass, ham and liver paste, shrimp avocado, and vegetable-cheese, all served on fresh-baked bread with crunchy, not-too-sour pickled vegetables. This simply named shop sells freshly made Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches in several enticing varieties, including roast pork (our current favorite), grilled chicken with honey and lemongrass, ham and liver paste, shrimp avocado, and vegetable-cheese, all served on fresh-baked bread with crunchy, not-too-sour pickled vegetables.
Sandwiches are Y500, and you can spring for extra coriander, liver paste, etc. for a little more. They also sell fresh-baked rolls in various flavors for Y130. There's a tiny open-air seating area out front, but most customers are here for take-out. [Show more] [Show less]
Takadanobaba 4-9-18. Open 11am-7pm (Sat -6pm). Closed Sundays, Mondays.
Perhaps the best deli counter in town, with a huge selection of cold cuts, pates and salads. Lunches are priced from around Y1000, and breakfast is served on weekdays from 8 to 10:30am. The outdoor terrace seating is pleasant in warmer months. [See FULL REVIEW.]
Nishi-Shinjuku 3-7-1-2, Park Hyatt Hotel 1F. Open 11am-8pm (Sat, Sun -7pm) daily.
Better Days (Kita-Sando - Sandwiches/deli). 3403-7809
Good panini and other Italian-style sandwiches, desserts, coffee, tea, and wine by the glass. There's a small counter area, but business is mostly take-out. No smoking.
Sendagaya 3-15-12. Open 8:30am-midnight. Closed Sundays.
The last surviving Japan branch of the former cult favorite coffeeshop, Anna Miller's serves a variety of pies and American-style breakfasts.
Takanawa 4-10-18, Wing Takanawa 2F. Open 7:30am-3am daily.
David's Deli (Shirogane-Takanawa - Sandwiches/deli). 5441-1211
This Jewish delicatessen serves traditional items like corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, kasha varnishkes, matzo ball soup, chopped liver and gefilte fish. Plus, there's a big menu section devoted to Israeli specialties like falafel, hummus and lamb kebabs, and delicious baked burekas and pastries. The second-floor dining room offers a full dinner menu.
Mita 5-13-13. (on Sakuradadori 2 min. north of Takanawa-Shirogane subway station) Open 10am-10pm daily.
Appetizing sandwiches and burgers, deli items and interesting drinks like raspberry soy milk, from the Homeworks burger shop. Take-out and local delivery available.
Roppongi 6-4-1, Metrohat B1F. Open 9am-10pm (LO) daily.
You'll find American-style burgers, meatloaf, chili and regional Cajun and Tex-Mex specialties here at this Tokyo branch of a Seoul-based restaurant. Their weekend brunch starts extra-early at 9am. Happy hour is 5-7pm weekdays. This bustling American eatery brings the buzz of weekend brunch in Manhattan to Tokyo. The interior, simply decorated with black-and-white photos of New York and slim cab-yellow lamps, makes use of the large windows at the front of the restaurant to create an open feel; in the warmer months, customers spill out onto the deck to dine al fresco.
During brunch hours (from 9-4 on Saturdays and 10-4 on Sundays), the place is packed, and, between her frequent trips to Seoul, owner Suji Park can be seen flitting about the dining room, delivering orders and flashing a brilliant smile.
The staff and clientele are a melting pot of nationalities, but the food is all-American. The brunch menu features classics like Eggs Benedict, country-style pancakes, and steak and eggs (Y2200, Y1700, Y2400), and the food can be washed down with a bottomless cup of coffee (Y600).
Portions are enormous. The omelets are as big as your face, and eating the Jason Burger (Y1700) - stacked with bacon, cheese, and fried onions - requires careful strategy. The New York cheesecake topped with blueberry sauce is decadently dense, and should probably not be consumed by one person alone. Drinks are half price from 5-7 on weekdays during Happy Hour. [Show more] [Show less]
Gourmet burger pioneers in Tokyo, they still grill up some of Tokyo's better burgers in town, and also assemble great sandwiches (including an inspirational shrimp and avocado combination) and voluminous baskets of French fries. (Delivery within the neighborhood until 8:30pm, until 5:30pm Sundays and holidays.)
Azabu-Juban 1-5-8. Open 11am-9pm (LO), Sundays to 6pm. Open every day.
A large assortment of open-faced sandwiches and other Danish specialties. Sandwiches range from Y800-Y1,200, and at lunchtime (11:30-2:30) they come with salad, wine, and dessert.
A branch of the original Yoyogi-Uehara cafe, with far more space and a larger menu. Dinner items include rotisserie chicken (Y1,400 for a half chicken) and grilled swordfish (Y1,700). There's a small selection of California and Australian wines, by the glass or bottle. Service can be hit or miss.
Nagatacho 2-14-3, Akasaka Tokyu Plaza 2F. Open 11:30am-10pm (LO) daily.
The sandwich menu includes a few impressively overstuffed deli-style sandwiches - Y1700 for a large Reuben, Y2000 for a large turkey breast. The grilled feta and vegetable on focaccia (Y950) is also recommended. Lunchtime delivery in the neighborhood.
Akasaka 3-15-10, SP Japan Akasaka Bldg B1/1F. Open 11am-9:30pm (LO). Closed weekends.
Great sandwiches, American-style burgers and substantial salads (from the same management as Homework's in Hiroo). They deliver over a wide area from Nihonbashi down to Shimbashi/Uchisaiwaicho.
Reliable rotisserie chicken, sandwiches and deli items. There's also a popular weekend brunch featuring rotisserie chicken and various breakfast-y dishes.
Marunouchi 2-4-1, Marunouchi Bldg. 5F. Open 11am-3, 5-10pm (LO) daily.
Tucked away in the rather institutional-looking basement of the Athenee Francaise, this branch of the French-based cafe serves a range of good, made-to-order French-style sandwiches.
Kanda Surugadai 2-11, Athenee Francais B1F. Open 11am-7:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Gourmet Hawaiian-style burgers and mahi-mahi sandwiches, plus Kona microbrew beers.
Daiba 1-7-1, Aqua City 4F. Open 11am-11pm daily.
West Park Cafe (Yoyogi-Uehara - International). 5478-6065
The menu includes California-style sandwiches, salads, rotisserie chicken and some 50 New World wines, including 20 wines by the glass. There's an excellent weekend brunch (served till 5pm Saturday and Sunday) featuring delicious homemade breads and cakes as well as H&H bagels imported from New York. (Weekday lunch is also served till 5pm.) The open-air seating is very pleasant during the warmer months.
Moto-yoyogi 23-11. (between Yoyogi-Koen and Uehara stations) Open 11:30am-10pm (LO) daily.
The main drag from Kamakura station to the beach is lined with cafes, fast food and family restaurants. Kua-aina stands out by virtue of its terrace and its reliable mahi-mahi sandwiches.
Shinjuku 4-1-7, Journal Standard 3F. Open 11:30am-8:30pm (LO) daily. 
Hohokan Cafe (Harajuku - Burgers). 5775-5708
