BAKER BOUNCE a review by tHE eMERY

Finally I was introduced to my new favorite Burger Place in Tokyo, Baker Bounce. Well, here's the official review:

Photos Courtesy of Bakerbounce.com

To discuss Baker Bounce, one has to first describe Sangenjaya. Merely two stations away from Shibuya, one of the busiest burrows in all of Tokyo, Sangenjaya is a not so secret escape from the fast pace life style of Tokyo. It's like living in the suburbs but still having all the major convenience of the big city. And believe me, it's easy to get used to that kind of convenience. I am currently living a five minute walk from just about every thing I could want... grocery store, movie rental, dozens of restaurants, and of course the subway station. My poor girl friend actually has to walk four minutes all the way to StarBucks every day :(

Well, hidden away in one of those narrow streets that make up Sangenjaya is Baker Bounce. Of course the place has become so popular these days that they have opened a new more modern location in Ropongi Midtown, one of the more upscale districts in the city. But the heart and soul of Baker Bounce is still here in Sangenjaya and it's made up of a lot of that local flavor that makes this such a great place to live.

There is a sort of classic feel once you're inside. From the worn out stools at the bar, to the framed 1950's car advertisements on the wall, it feels like an American style diner in a legit way, that no other restaurant I have visited in Japan has been able to duplicate. In fact, the official slogan is "The Best Diner in Tokyo". I did feel it while I was there, but although there are sandwiches, soups and salads on the menu, it's really all about the beef. Baker Bounce is more of your classic burger joint than it is a diner. Actually under the main slogan there is another claim;

"Charcoal Broiled & B.B.Q. Burgers, Sandwiches have Real American Flavour"

I guess some one forgot to tell them that in America there is no 'u' in 'flavor'.

As for the food, the burger I got was awesome! I could have gone with the standard hamburger (945yen), or conversely, the more exotic 'Red Eye Bull' burger (945-1,522yen depending on the type of beef patty you want). Instead I chose the more moderate approach and ordered the Bacon Cheese Burger at 1,102yen and I was not disappointed.

The Portion size was generous. I was only mildly disappointed at the size of the side dishes, i.e. french fries. As is the custom in Japan, you don't really get a lot of fries with your order. I soon forgot about that after I saw my burger. I believe the word is "ginormous" (I recently read that ginormous will appear in the newest edition of Webster's collegiate dictionary so I'm using it)!

A fork and knife are a good method for those afraid of dislocating their jaw on the massive burgers.

I was impressed by more then just the size. The 'flavour' was indeed fantastic. The toppings on my Bacon Cheese Burger were top notch. The Veggies like tomato and lettuce tasted fresh and light, and the bacon was cut from a side of pork before my very eyes. And the beef itself was juicy and thick. It was delicious in all aspects.

Compared to say, McDonald's or Burger King it is a bit pricey, but then consider I spent about $10 on my meal and you are going to spend about the same at any upscale burger place in the U.S. like Ruby Tuesdays or TGI Fridays.

So Two Thumbs up for Baker Bounce. I'll be back again many times this summer I'm sure. My mission is to try to get my hands on a t-shirt or some other merchandise although it doesn't look like they sell any thing like that. I still need to try. The world needs to know about Baker Bounce.