Wayback Burgers is the latest vegan-friendly offering to hit Tokyo. Conveniently positioned a short walk from Omotesando station, the chic and spacious burger joint is the first to open in Japan for the 30-year-old American company. In addition to their signature beef burgers and shakes, the store serves as a collab with Japanese company Next Meats, adding their world-leading plant-based meat products to the menu.

Overlooking Omotesando Hills, the first thing that stands out is the outdoor dining area in front of the store. Spacious and pet friendly, this deck is a welcome addition to Jingumae for those looking for a new place to bring their dog or soak up the sun while eating lunch. Entering the store, the minimalist design is reminiscent of a modern American diner and the menu (in English and Japanese) offers everything you’d expect from an American Wayback outlet such as their Classic and Cheeeesy Burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes as well as an exclusive Japanese menu which includes the vegan-friendly Next Burger Set. 

Part of the collab with Next Meats, the Next Burger is a plant-based (soy and pea) burger that closely resembles the look and taste of a beef patty sandwiched between green buns. When ordered as a set, the burger comes with Next Meats’ vegan tuna salad and Next Milk, Next Meats’ signature oat milk. Continuing the store’s focus on sustainability, the store utilizes plant-based straws and cutlery in order to minimalize its carbon footprint. Replete with spacious booths and free wifi, Wayback Burgers is also a great place for a lunchtime meeting or to catch up on some emails away from the office. 

With the menu soon set to expand to offer breakfast and tea-time options, as well as alcoholic drinks with dinner, Wayback Burgers is a great new environmentally conscious and pet-friendly option for vegans and pet owners in Tokyo.