Set beneath the faded awning of an old 100-yen shop, Alley Cats brings a fresh dose of diner culture to Yutenji. From 8am to 3pm, six days a week, it serves smash burgers, avocado toast and breakfast plates with a rare kind of finesse.
Chef-owner Tetsuya Sonoda opened the spot in May 2023 after spending 14 years at Nakameguro’s cult burger joint Golden Brown. The dining room is bright and relaxed: high ceilings, a long counter, and easy chatter between staff and regulars. The energy is casual but youthful, fuelled in part by the buzz Alley Cats has recently enjoyed on social media. By the weekend, the queue spills into the street.
Start with the avocado toast. Thick milk bread, both crusty and pillowy, comes layered with generous slices of avocado fanned out. Beneath, a silky pumpkin puree adds unexpected depth, amplifying the richness. Crushed nuts, sesame seeds and a dusting of spice give the dish some texture. On the side is a kale salad dressed in a bright, cumin-laced balsamic vinaigrette and topped with slivers of almond – a clean, zesty counterpart to the toast’s richness.
But the burger is where Alley Cats really shines. The patty comes smashed to a perfect crust, juicy without being greasy, tucked into a bun that holds together bite after bite. Order it straight or try the signature Alley Cats burger: a molten blue cheese and mushroom sauce with pickle chips to cut through the richness. No matter how you play it, there are no wrong answers here.
To dodge the lines, come early and on a weekday if you can. Just don’t forget: they’re cash only, and seats go fast. One visit for the toast, another for the burger, and you’ll understand why Alley Cats already feels like a neighbourhood classic.