OVERWHELM HAMBURGER & BAR STAND - It's All In The Name
The name says it all: at Overwhelm, the burgers are nothing short of legendary. The pastrami cheeseburger that boasts a thick, juicy slab of pastrami atop a succulent beef patty, smothered in melted cheese, is a dripping masterpiece that's as messy as it is delicious.
One of the favorite songs of Riku, the owner of Overwhelm Hamburger & Bar Stand.
Killer Burgers in Tokyo's Gakugei Daigaku: Overwhelm Hamburger & Bar Stand
Located in the young and vibrant Gakugei Daigaku neighborhood of West Tokyo, just a ten-minute stroll from Gakugei Daigaku Station, lies a culinary treasure that's worth every step of the walk there. Welcome to Overwhelm Hamburger & Bar Stand, a haven for burger aficionados and lovers of American hip-hop culture alike, run by Riku (@overwhelming_force) – a man who loves vintage clothing, hip-hop, basketball, and above all, being his own boss. Tired of being told what to do by others, Riku opened his own shop, a passion project that combines his love for burgers with his affinity for American culture.
Riku the owner of Overwhelm Hamburger & Bar Stand, and the cool logo going with it.
A Burger Experience Like No Other
At Overwhelm, the burgers are nothing short of legendary. On my recent visit, I indulged in the pastrami cheeseburger, a creation that defies the conventions of your typical New York pastrami sandwich. Instead of thinly sliced layers, this burger boasts a thick, juicy slab of pastrami perched atop a succulent beef patty, all smothered in melted cheese. The result? A dripping, oily masterpiece that’s as messy as it is delicious. The secret to this flavor explosion lies in the beef, imported straight from America and cured for ten days by Riku himself.
But the pastrami cheeseburger is just the tip of the iceberg. With around 20 different burger varieties on the menu, from classic cheeseburgers to the signature Overwhelm Burger and more experimental offerings, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Prices range from ¥1,600 to ¥2,400, and the portions are generous, reflecting the high quality of the hand-minced beef and the substantial size of the patties.
Sides and Starters That Shine
The culinary delights don’t stop at the burgers. The fried potatoes are a revelation, small spuds fried to perfection and then smashed on the plate, creating a delightful mix of crispy exteriors and soft, fluffy interiors. For a starter, I highly recommend the deep-fried broccoli, marinated with a medley of herbs and served with a broccoli dipping sauce. It’s a unique and flavorful way to kick off your meal.
The Interior: A Labor of Love
The ambiance at Overwhelm is as captivating as the food. The interior, a labor of love built from scratch by one of Riku’s friends, features a striking red color scheme, a massive bar counter, and an eclectic mix of vintage and second-hand furniture. A standout piece is the enormous sofa, crafted from various individual vintage sofas, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail that permeates the entire space.
The walls are adorned with memorabilia celebrating American hip-hop and basketball culture, a nod to Riku’s passions. The soundtrack is exclusively US rap, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere that perfectly complements the food.
Not only are all the burgers custom made at Overwhelm, the whole interior is too.
The Man Behind the Burger Magic
Riku, the mastermind behind Overwhelm, is a fascinating character. A good friend of my buddy Taka, Riku grew up in the same neighborhood and shares a deep bond with his two university friends who work alongside him. A former basketball player and a huge fan of vintage and rare clothing, Riku even has his own clothing brand, featuring basketball-style shirts emblazoned with the Overwhelm logo. My friend Taka couldn’t resist picking up a couple of these high-quality, durable shirts during our visit.
Riku’s dedication to his craft is evident in every aspect of the restaurant. From his ten-day meat curing process to his passion for vintage fashion—evidenced by a legendary story of bargaining with a homeless man in New York for a rare vintage Polo shirt—Riku’s commitment to excellence shines through.
Burger chef and fashion hunter Riku (on the left). And my proud friend Taka (right) with his new Overwhelm Hamburger t-shirt.
A Must-Visit Destination
If you find yourself in Tokyo and crave a kick-ass burger, cool clothes, and a good time, make your way to Overwhelm Hamburger & Bar Stand. Open every day until 24:00, with hot food served until 23:30, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your hunger and soak in some authentic American vibes. Trust me, it’s a bit of a walk, but it’s worth every step.
Livio
Hungry for some more about awesome burgers in Tokyo? Read all about 3pm Cafe here.
Some more impressions of Overwhelm Hamburger & Bar Stand.
OVERWHELM HAMBURGER & BAR STAND, Gakugei Daigaku, Tokyo
Official Instagram account here
Online store selling their apparel here
📞 Phone: 03-6451-2400
📍 Address: 1 Chome-16-14 Chuocho, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0001 | Google Maps
Additional Information
- Reservations for after 17:00 are accepted by phone or via tabelog
Opening Hours:
Every Day: 11:00-24:00
Payment Methods:
Cash accepted
Credit card accepted
Electronic money accepted
QR payments accepted
Facilities:
Number of seats: 34 Seats (4 tables, 3 sofas, 7 counter seats, 1 private room)
Smoking and non-smoking: No smoking at all tables
Parking:
No parking on-site
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The content within this article is a product of various sources, including publicly available information on the internet, personal visits to the venue, and talks with staff, customers and venue owners. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, aspects like operating hours, menu items, and policies may undergo changes. It's also important to note that certain links within the article might be referral links, potentially leading to payments to our site. AI and translation tools may have been used for content creation and writing. If you notice any mistakes or inconsistencies please feel free to let us know at "contact [at] theusualjapan.com". You can support TheUsualJapan financially by either becoming a supporter (recurring subscription) or make voluntary one time payments at the end of articles to help us keeping this site running. For more details refer to our Commercial Disclosure page. We hope you enjoy the content on this site and your support is highly appreciated.
