Urban Earth BBQ (Shinjuku)

On a warm summer’s day — or evening — there’s no better feeling than having a BBQ with friends. But in Tokyo, where outdoor space is limited, hosting one isn’t always easy. That’s where Urban Earth BBQ comes in.

What is Urban Earth BBQ (Shinjuku) ?

This casual BBQ spot on the rooftop of Shinjuku Flags offers a relaxed grilling experience and mimics the feeling of being in a beer garden. Despite being in the heart of Shinjuku, it feels like a world away from the chaotic energy below.

The cool thing about this place is that they offer both set courses and an option to bring your own food and drinks. Everyone, from groups of friends to families with small children, can come and enjoy this outdoor BBQ experience.

Prices range depending on which course you pick — more on that below. Even if you are planning to bring your own stuff, you still need to pay for a course. This is how it works:

• Bring your own food and drink + all-you-can-drink alcohol and soft drinks: 2 hours 30 minutes. ¥3,960 per person.
• Bring your own food and drink + all-you-can-drink soft drinks: 2 hours 30 minutes. ¥3,410 per person.
• Bring your own food and drink + all-you-can-drink for children: 2 hours 30 minutes. ¥1,320.

Note: Utensils are included.

The food

There are few different types of sets to choose from. These include a casual BBQ set, thick-cut set, wagyu beef & seafood set, and kids set.

• Casual BBQ Set: Thick-sliced pork belly (100g), Dak galbi (150g), cheese, corn with butter, edamame, Frankfurters, tortilla chips, grilled vegetables (3 kinds of seasonal vegetables), and German potatoes. Price ranges between ¥4,950 and ¥5,500 (depending which drink course you select).
• Thick-cut Steak BBQ Set Beef steak (100g), pork steak (100g), chicken steak (100g), corn butter, edamame, Frankfurters, tortilla chips, grilled rice balls, grilled vegetables (3 kinds of seasonal vegetables, and German potatoes. Prices range from ¥5,830 to ¥6,380 (depending which drink course you select).
• Wagyu Beef & Seafood Set: Wagyu beef loin steak (100g), 4 types of yakitori, squid skewers, scallops, corn butter, edamame, Frankfurters, grilled rice balls, tortilla chips, German potatoes, grilled vegetables (3 kinds of seasonal vegetables. Prices range from ¥7,590 to ¥8,140 (depending which drink course you select).
• Kids Set: 100g Chicken Steak, corn with butter, Frankfurters, grilled rice balls. Price is ¥1,650.

Note: Children between the ages of 4 to 12 years old must order a course meal.

The drinks

The drinks selection is extensive. You can choose from two types of beer, Asahi Super Dry and Maruef, as well as make your own highballs, sours, and cocktails. There’s also soft drinks. Everything works on a self-serve basis, so you can really go all out.

Our experience

Though we are definitely not BBQ experts, we had a lot of fun grilling our own food. We also made the most of the drinks bar. Want to know exactly what menu items we tried?

• Wagyu steak
• Beef skewers
• Grilled vegetables (3 kinds of seasonal vegetables)
• Corn butter
• German potatoes (with bacon on top)
• Scallops
• Squid skewer
• Frankfurt sausage
• Grilled rice balls
• Tortilla chips
• Edamame

Our Social Media Creative Assistant, Aila, said her favorites include the wagyu steak and Frankfurt sausage. I agree with her about the wagyu steak, but I also liked the German potatoes and corn butter.

Pro tip: Stock up on those additional seasonings and sauces at the self-serve cart (you’ll also find the utensils there).

What to know before you visit Urban Earth BBQ (Shinjuku)

Do you need reservations for Urban Earth BBQ (Shinjuku)?

It is possible to walk in, but we recommend trying to make a reservation — especially if the weather is good.

Urban Earth BBQ has three daily sittings. These are:

• 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Note that you need to select which course you would like when reserving via TableCheck.

by Jane Pipkin