Hyperlocal Tokyo

It must have been about twenty years since I last came here… I enjoyed a classic hamburger 🍔 in a store where nostalgic music videos from the late 70s to early 90s played. The portion was a bit too much for me, but the patty was juicy and delicious, and before I knew it, I had finished it all. However, the service ★★ was expensive! I wonder if it’s due to the weak yen and rising labor costs? Over ¥3,000 is too much. I wish it could be under ¥2,000… This is the cry of a country bumpkin on a sightseeing trip💨

Hard Rock Cafe Ueno Station. While Tokyo isn't known for its morning culture, I researched places that offer breakfast. The top choice was a smoking establishment, making it off-limits for kids. This scenario is a common occurrence in urban breakfast spots. This location, with its convenient location and other factors, seemed like a good fit. The renowned "Hard Rock Cafe." This was my first time visiting. The interior, as expected, exuded an American vibe, adorned with guitars and scarves representing iconic rock artists. Breakfast is served from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. I arrived around 9:30 AM on a weekday, finding the place empty. The breakfast menu featured five hot dog options. My kids opted for the sweet varieties: peanut butter, bacon, honey, and banana. I went for the spicy chili meat hot dog with jalapeño toppings. The hot dogs were decent, but the generous amount of drink was a pleasant surprise. And most importantly, the rock-n-roll-looking staff were all incredibly kind and courteous! Looks can be deceiving.

The pulled pork sandwich for lunch was delicious! The bread was crispy, and the meat was tender and had a good bite. The more you chew, the more you can enjoy the smoky flavor and the taste of the meat. It also came with potatoes, which was a plus 👍. The soft drink all-you-can-drink for lunch is also great because the staff pours it directly for you instead of a drink bar, which makes it easy! Plus, there's a wide variety of drinks to choose from 👍👍. The interior is also exactly my style, and they even play hard rock, so I definitely want to go back! It's a must-visit for hard rock fans! 🎸

**A Real Deal Burger at Ueno Station!** Hard Rock Cafe serves burgers that are a bit pricey. But what's most striking is that the homeless gather across the walkway, right in front of the restaurant. Don't get me wrong, the restaurant itself is fine, and this is a problem for the government to address. But customers seem to ignore the homeless and happily devour their expensive burgers. This scene feels like a symbol of the reality in Japan. The food at Hard Rock Cafe is definitely delicious, and the atmosphere inside is enjoyable. But when you see the reality outside, it leaves you with a strange feeling. I feel the government should do more to address this issue. This is the reality of Japan today. It's a place that makes you reflect on our lives as we continue our daily routines, even while feeling the distortions in society.

While the price is a bit steep, the taste is absolutely phenomenal. They generously cut the burger in half when you order it, making it easier to enjoy. They also provide a knife and fork, so you don't have to eat it with your hands. The accompanying fries were piping hot and incredibly delicious. They offer ketchup, but the saltiness of the fries was enough for me. Even when they cooled down, the fries remained incredibly tasty, making them addictive. If the price were a bit more reasonable, it would be perfect. However, the burger alone costs close to 3,000 yen, so it's not a place I can visit frequently.