Midtown BBQ Tokyo — Restaurant in Tokyo

Some pretext: I had not eaten all day and arrived at about 3:30pm after walking 5km from Takadanobaba for exercise. So that in mind my body was ready for some good food and anything short of ash would have tasted great to me.

I got the big boy plate and was frankly very surprised at the price. BBQ is expensive of course, I lived in Texas for 10 years after all, so I expected it to be on the high side. But for what I got it wasn’t worth the price. Everything was wonderful the first 10 bites or so, but after my initial hunger faded I started to realize all the meat tasted almost the same. Based on other reviews it seems like I was supposed to get to other sauces with my meal- I didn’t. I feel that would’ve helped immensely to not feel like I was eating different textures of the same thing. And the Coke Zero was almost certainly Diet Coke, but I don’t hold that against the score.

The vibe inside was very American, 8 Mile playing on the T.V. and all. The staff were all workers I’d expect to see in America as well. You’d never know you were in Japan at all, which for me I actually don’t like. But it did feel like I was being ignored in some ways- maybe because I was sitting alone. Who’s to say?

Overall I’d say if you are and expat who misses America then this is a good place to go. I’d go again and try something more on the “bar and grill” side of the menu instead for that experience, especially because the prices seem reasonable outside of barbecue.

P.S.: I also grew up in southern America, so I’ve been in the BBQ capital for 30 years of my life and have a lot of BBQ to compare it to. For those less exposed to American BBQ this is a pretty good first...

Midtown BBQ Tokyo just opened up in March, but they still bring the exact flavors and formula of the other locations. They smoke and cook their meat, in house, using Japanese Oak. The pieces of wood outside are not just for decoration, the cooks once in a while will get some to keep the smoking going!

Depending on the meat 🍖, they have a standard time limit they'll slow cook the meat. For the A5 Wagyu, it boasts a 20 hour slow cook time.

Because they've only opened in March, the staff is very young. They're still getting used to the technology to take orders and close people out. The managers are diligently training them. Regardless, they are extremely welcoming and helpful. Most speak a good amount of English.

On the menu they have chicken, pork, beef, ribs, brisket, all of the standard American style BBQ-fare. They also do burgers and steaks. They have signature dishes and specialties. One is called the Big Boy...I viewed it more as like a large sampler! One person could probably eat all of it in one sitting, but could be easier to handle with a friend. But don't worry, they'll have to-go boxes ready if you need! The manager mentioned about 20% of customers ask for boxes (makes sense, Japanese meal portion sizes are typically smaller).

This place has huge potential for growth. It offers BBQ in a way that you typically wouldn't find in Tokyo. I felt transported back to the US. The interior has a smooth wood cabin feel, nice bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and 80s music on the speakers....

Brisket was disappointing; underdone, not juicy, or well seasoned, and a fairly small portion - for the price. Like another reviewer has said: "Good bbq if you're not from Texas" 😆

... It might have been an off-day for them, but more likely it's a lack of proper barbecuing equipment and/or low standards - because the brisket is reliably EXCELLENT at the Yokohama branch, and I assume they both use the same supplier.

Tacos were the unfortunate highlight of my meal today; they're tex-mex style, with some great smoky / zesty flavors, and a medium level of spiciness.

The service was nothing to complain about, but it would have been nice to have a check-in now and then during my meal, and perhaps some water? No hot towel either, unlike at the Yokohama branch. So I sipped on one of their in-house beers (an IPA) anyhow - which was great, but it's probably the only item that isn't made at this location...

The side-dishes seemed a little uninspired and not up the Midtown standards I'm accustomed to at the Yokohama branch; with the coleslaw lacking in piquancy, saucing & texture, whilst the fries were a little dried out and weren't seasoned at all.

I will give them one more shot to get the brisket right at this location, and I will report back here - otherwise I'd only recommend the non-barbecued meats, and advise you to make the trek down to Midtown...