If you’re searching for one of the best burgers in Tokyo, THE GREAT BURGER in Harajuku should be at the top of your list.
Located along the famous Cat Street, this popular American-style diner is known for its freshly baked natural yeast buns, juicy beef patties, and authentic California atmosphere. Long lines are common, especially on weekends.
The restaurant also gained attention after Sho Hirano, a member of Number_i, visited and enjoyed one of their signature burgers.
During my visit, I experienced the weekend crowds firsthand. In this review, I’ll cover:
- Weekend wait times
- Restaurant atmosphere
- My honest review of the Bacon Lettuce Burger
- Recommended menu items
- Store information
- Tips before you visit
Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time or you’re a burger lover looking for hidden gems, here’s everything you need to know.
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What is THE GREAT BURGER?
THE GREAT BURGER is one of Tokyo’s most famous gourmet burger restaurants, located in Harajuku’s trendy Cat Street area.
Inspired by Southern California, the restaurant serves authentic American comfort food including:
- Gourmet Burgers
- Hot Dogs
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Steaks
- Homemade Desserts
Their burgers are made with natural yeast buns and thick, coarse-ground beef patties, making them a favorite among both locals and international visitors.
If you’re looking for an authentic American-style burger in Tokyo, this is one of the best places to visit.
Weekend Wait Time
I visited on a Saturday at 12:25 PM.
When I arrived, there were already nine groups waiting outside.
I was seated at 12:50 PM, meaning the wait was about 25 minutes.
While waiting, I noticed a steady stream of customers joining the line, and by the time I left, the queue had become even longer.
If you’re planning to visit during lunch on weekends, expect to wait anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes.
For a shorter wait, visiting right after opening or later in the afternoon is recommended.
Atmosphere
Walking into THE GREAT BURGER feels like stepping into a classic California diner.
The warm wooden interior, spacious seating, and relaxed atmosphere make it feel more like an American café than a typical burger restaurant.
The customers were a mix of:
- Families
- Couples
- Friends
- International tourists
It was lively without feeling overcrowded, making it a great place to relax after exploring Harajuku.
Bacon Lettuce Burger Review
For my meal, I ordered the Bacon Lettuce Burger.
The first thing I noticed was its impressive size.
It looked every bit like the kind of gourmet burger you’d expect from a top-rated restaurant.
Then came the first bite.
The natural yeast bun immediately stood out.
Soft, fluffy, and full of rich wheat flavor, it was easily one of the best burger buns I’ve had in Tokyo.
The thick beef patty was incredibly juicy.
Every bite released flavorful beef juices while maintaining a satisfying meaty texture.
Fresh lettuce added a nice crunch, while the tomato balanced the richness with refreshing sweetness.
However, the real highlight was the bacon.
Perfectly crispy around the edges, yet still juicy inside, it added a smoky flavor that elevated the entire burger.
I’ve tried many gourmet burgers across Tokyo, but this one easily ranks among my favorites.
It’s not just popular because of social media or celebrity visits.
The food alone makes the wait worthwhile.
Don’t Skip the French Fries
The thin-cut French fries were surprisingly memorable.
Served fresh and piping hot, they had an addictive crispy texture.
The seasoning was simple but perfectly balanced, making them the ideal companion to the burger.
They’re much more than just a side dish.
If you’re a fries lover, you won’t be disappointed.
Canada Dry Ginger Ale
To go with my burger, I ordered a Canada Dry Ginger Ale.
Unlike stronger ginger ales, this one was smooth and refreshing.
It paired perfectly with the rich, juicy burger and helped cleanse the palate between bites.
Recommended Menu
If it’s your first visit, these are some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
Burgers
| Menu | Price (Before Tax) |
|---|---|
| Hamburger | From ¥1,350 |
| Cheeseburger | From ¥1,600 |
| Avocado Burger | From ¥1,600 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | From ¥1,850 |
| Avocado Prosciutto Burger | From ¥1,900 |
| Japanese Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger | From ¥2,550 |
Side Dishes
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| French Fries | From ¥700 |
| Sweet Chili & Sour Cream Fries | From ¥900 |
| Chili Cheese Fries | ¥1,200 |
| Poutine with Bacon | ¥1,200 |
Soft Drinks & Cream Sodas
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Canada Dry Ginger Ale | ¥550 |
| Sprite | ¥550 |
| Classic Cream Soda | ¥1,000 |
| Red Cream Soda | ¥1,000 |
| White Cream Soda | ¥1,000 |
| Blue Cream Soda | ¥1,000 |
The colorful cream sodas are especially popular for Instagram photos.
Craft Beer
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Budweiser | From ¥800 |
| Brooklyn Lager | From ¥800 |
| White Ale | From ¥800 |
| THE GREAT BURGER IPA | From ¥1,000 |
Sho Hirano Visited THE GREAT BURGER
THE GREAT BURGER became even more popular after Sho Hirano visited the restaurant.
According to fan reports, he ordered:
- Avocado Prosciutto Burger
- Hot Dog
- Cream Soda
Many fans now visit the restaurant to enjoy the same meal.
Store Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 6-12-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Access | 5-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station or Harajuku Station |
| Hours | Weekdays 11:30 AM–10:00 PM / Weekends & Holidays 11:00 AM–10:00 PM |
| Reservations | Available after 4:00 PM on weekdays only |
| Payment | Credit Cards, IC Cards, PayPay |
| Seats | 50 |
| Takeout | Available |
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for one of the best gourmet burgers in Tokyo, THE GREAT BURGER absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Even though I waited about 25 minutes on a weekend, the quality of the food exceeded my expectations.
From the fragrant natural yeast bun and juicy beef patty to the crispy bacon and perfectly seasoned fries, every element was thoughtfully prepared.
The restaurant’s relaxed California-inspired atmosphere also makes it a wonderful place to take a break while exploring Harajuku.
Whether you’re a foodie, a burger enthusiast, or simply visiting Tokyo for the first time, THE GREAT BURGER is well worth the wait.
