Smile Burger — Restaurant in Kyoto

Great local spot for a different kind of burger. If you know what to expect before coming you won't be disappointed. Please ignore the 1 and 2 start reviews and just read this one. Again, like mentioned before, the burger isn't your typical western style burger. This one has a meatball style taste and texture. So if that isn't for you then go somewhere else. The chips are what is listed, potato chips. The buns are local fresh, soft and chewy. Vegies are fresh and a great touch. Plenty of additions you can have as toppers like bacon, avocado, etc. Great fresh banana shake also. If you do read that the price is pricey I assure you it isn't that bad at all and definitely a better price than America or anywhere in the UK. A table of 4 with three entrees, everyone getting a drink and a few extra toppings, it still was only 41 dollars for dinner. Plus no tip because it's Japan. Find me a better deal. Can you get a dinner for 4 at another local Japanese place, yes, but you aren't getting any drinks besides water. The best thing is the owner/cook who was very courteous and respectful. Please support local smaller joints like these. And yes, getting burgers is fine in Japan, still locals cooking it, local ingredients and it's great to break up the same old, ramen, sushi, rice, and common...

Going to multiple restaurants and bars on the smaller side around Japan I notice the owners design them around topics they enjoy and want to explore. Smile Burger is car-themed, American 50s diner-themed, and plant-themed.

It is so eye-opening to travel outside of the United States and experience what fresher food can taste like. At Smile Burger the bun is a combination of a bao bun and a hamburger bun, the meat is softer and more tender than any I have ever had, and is also somehow light and fluffy. The tomato and lettuce are extremely fresh, flavorful, and add key secondary flavors to the burger. The burger comes with chips and two pickles on the side, which were on the sweeter side. My thought process is that these were placed here to be your dessert! And they did curb my sweet craving after a meal.

My group hypothesized that the restaurant is called Smile Burger because when you take a picture you say "cheese" to signify you should smile for the picture. So instead of calling the restaurant Cheese Burger, "cheese" was replaced with "smile". Who...

I am from America, and the burgers I ate here beat 90% of the burger joints back home.

The owner is clearly in love with his craft, and the Americana theme really hones it in.

I tried the salsa burger with avocado, while my wife had a cheeseburger with bacon. The salsa was messy as to be expected, but that didn't matter as I devoured everything and cleaned my plate afterward. My wife claims it to be in the top 5 burgers she's ever had.

For bonus points: He served Dr. Pepper!! Besides the random vending machine here and there, my wife and I had been searching keenly for a restaurant to serve our favorite beverage and we finally found it after finding Smile Burger.

It's also very close to Kiyomizudera, so if you're dying from the summer heat like we were, then you'll definitely find excellent service, and much needed refreshments at...