Big Boy Restaurant in Hachinohe, Japan. April 4, 2019. Photo by Greg Vessar
Driving around in Hachinohe the other day I came upon a restaurant I remember from childhood: Big Boy! Or sometimes called J.B.’s Big Boy. I had to stop and check it out. Although the exterior of the restaurant seemed familiar, it was not the Big Boy restaurant from my childhood. In fact, I knew it would not be the same. After all, it is in a city in northern Japan.
First, take a look at the menu.
On the menu I found many American food choices, but they all had a Japanese spin (as one would expect in Japan). Stuffed hamburg steaks, cheese stuffed chopped steaks and chicken, grilled teriyaki meats, sirloin steaks with chopped garlic and a teriyaki sauce, pasta dishes, fried chicken, and french fries. Also available was a buffet style all you can eat salad, soup, rice, and curry bar.
Second, I was discouraged to find that there was no Big Boy’s cheeseburger with fries on the menu. No milkshakes or apple pie ala mode. I know where I am, but it was still a bit of a disappointment. Let’s be real, I was walking into an American institution, at least in the Midwest, called Big Boy! Of course I craved a big, juicy American style cheeseburger!
Third, I did have a pretty good lunch. I love Japanese corn soup and to my excitement I found plenty of that soupy corn goodness at the soup bar! The salad I ate was very fresh and plenty of toppings were provided. The curry and rice was delicious and is a Japanese staple.
All in all, my experience at Big Boys in Hachinohe was a good one. I had a very satisfying lunch at a pretty economical price for Japan. Would I go back? Most definitely…especially when I start craving a delicious bowl of corn soup!
© 2019 Gregory Vessar. All Rights Reserved.
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