Tokyo has no shortage of American-style diners serving up burgers and milkshakes, but finding proper American barbecue is a more challenging proposition.
A spacious restaurant on Cat Street between Harajuku and Shibuya, Smokehouse is a haven for barbecue lovers, with plenty of outdoor seating and a generous selection of craft beer on tap. Most importantly, though, the restaurant delivers on the BBQ front with a hearty selection of smoked meats and all the classic fixings.
One signature item is the espresso-rubbed short plate brisket (¥3,280) made with US beef, which is slowly cooked for up to ten hours before being served in generous slices. Smoked with ten different spices and coffee grounds from the café downstairs, the juicy and flavourful brisket can be enjoyed by itself or with a sampler of four proprietary sauces – the Carolina Vinegar; the Porter Pepper, made with the restaurant’s own dark beer; the mildly piquant House Pit; and the spicy Voodoo Hot. The combo platters, paired with sides like creamy mac and cheese, are also crowd favourites.
To elevate your meal, browse the drinks menu for craft beer. Smokehouse serves up pale ales, IPAs, Belgian-style wheat ale, and a comprehensive line-up of seasonal and guest brews such as the Sakura Matcha Ale. The coffee shop downstairs is run by the same crew as Smokehouse and is perfect for a post-meal wind-down over single-origin coffee and some quality Harajuku people-watching. Don’t forget to pick up freshly roasted beans to take home.