Enjoy juicy American spare ribs with a Japanese twist at this subterranean carnivore haven in Bakurocho. After studying the art of barbecue in the American Midwest, owner Asakawa returned to Japan to put his insights to practice. Ever sensitive to local feedback, he’s kept refining his take on the classic ribs ever since, with the result being a bold yet balanced Japanese version of the dish.
The smoky, fall-off-the-bone signature ribs with a juicy pari pari crispy finish (from ¥2,145 for regular size) are slathered in a house-made sweet chilli and shoyu sauce that hits all the right notes –sweet, savoury, umami. Don’t worry about getting your hands dirty—gloves are thoughtfully provided so you can savour the experience hands-on, mess-free. But Asakawa doesn't stop at pork: the menu also features tender beef roast and richly flavoured lamb chops, each cooked to perfection, which keeps regulars coming back. With generous portions, fair prices and a cosy, retro American diner vibe, Howdy delivers a satisfying meat fix that stands out in Tokyo’s BBQ scene.