Located on the second floor, hidden behind a vending machine facade to give the impression of a speakeasy, God's Diner has about 20 seats. The decor screams Americana, with pez dispensers, 10-cent cola posters, and other nostalgic items. American hip-hop plays in the background, some of which is unsuitable for children due to racial slurs and cussing.
There were about three to four kitchen staff and one server. The service left much to be desired—the staff were inattentive to refilling water, slow to take orders, and did not provide cream or sugar with the coffee. While this would be forgivable elsewhere, Japanese service is often touted as some of the best in the world, and this unfortunately fell well short of it.
I ordered the chili cheese burger, which came with a side of fries, for JPY 1870, and a mint chocolate ice cream sundae for JPY 1210. The burger was made with a perfect height and, despite being a little messy, had an ideal size and balance of ingredients. The patty, while juicy, tender, and soft, did have a few bits of cartilage and gristle. The ingredients also included a few slices of jalapeño, which gave a very mild spicy kick. The chili was moderately flavorful and kept everything moist. The buns were lightly toasted to prevent them from becoming soggy, but the crumb was still soft and fluffy. Overall, it was a great burger. The fries seemed a little over-salted for my taste but were fine.
The mint chocolate sundae featured generous scoops of ice cream served on a traditional sundae dish on a bed of cornflakes (a typical Japanese ice cream ingredient). It was topped with two large dollops of whipped cream, Smarties or M&M's, and a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup. It was a bit big for one person but would be great for sharing and was a nice reminder of being in the US, with the exception of the cornflakes.
Although the service wasn't the greatest, the food is worth bragging about and is offered at...
Read moreWe stopped by The God Diner and had an awesome meal. Between our group, we ordered the teriyaki burger, bacon cheeseburger, and avocado cheeseburger — all with fries. Every bite was excellent. I’m pretty sure they season the beef with soy sauce or something similar, and the tartar sauce on my burger was a standout.
For dessert, we shared a cookies & cream sundae and a mint chocolate sundae. Both were delicious, and the corn flakes at the bottom were an unexpected but welcome touch.
The staff was super friendly and accommodating. The man with the beard, who I assume is the owner or manager, checked on us a few times and made us feel very welcome. Sadly, they didn’t have any t-shirts in sizes large enough for anyone in our group, but that didn’t take away from the experience.
The menu has a solid variety, and the decor is bright, fun, and packed with classic Americana. Also, the hidden entrance behind a fake vending machine is such a fun detail — we even saw a local couple try to use it while we were waiting outside. When they realized it was a door, we all had a good laugh together.
Highly recommend checking this place out if you’re in the area and craving a great burger in a unique,...
Read moreThe God Diner in Ueno Ameyoko is a hidden treasure that offers an unforgettable dining experience! The moment you walk in, you’re transported straight back to the nostalgic vibes of the 90s. The retro theme is beautifully executed, with every detail contributing to its warm and inviting atmosphere.
What makes it even more exciting is the speakeasy-style entrance—hidden behind a vending machine! It’s such a creative and fun concept that sets the tone for the experience ahead.
I visited with my family, including two infants and five adults, and was genuinely impressed by how accommodating and helpful the staff were. They made sure we were comfortable and well taken care of, which added a personal touch to our visit.
The food was equally impressive. The burgers were massive, packed with flavor, and absolutely delicious. Each bite was a testament to their attention to quality and taste.
If you’re in Ueno Ameyoko, don’t miss the chance to dine here. The combination of 90s nostalgia, a unique entrance, a great vibe, and exceptional food makes The God Diner a standout spot that I can’t...
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