Osaka¡¯s Minami-Ibaraki is noteworthy for (at least) two things: a vertiginous lattice of train tracks and elevated highways topped by a monorail, and ¡°Until Sun Child Rises,¡± a giant statue of a yellow anime-like astronaut boy that stands outside the train station. To this list, add Berry¡¯s Cafe, which does one of the best burgers this side of space.
The theme of Berry¡¯s is Americana: surfboards and registration plates on the wall, glass Coca-Cola bottles and wood paneling reminiscent of a log cabin. It¡¯s kitsch, but who cares when the burgers are this good.
If Berry¡¯s burgers were an American political party they would be conservative for their ingredients (tomato, lettuce, cheese, bacon, a great big patty and those all-important pickles) ensconced in meaty bread bun. This is the quintessential American classic ¡ª not quite yet on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list ¡ª served with super-waif fries. If your eyes are bigger than your belly, try the Volume Burger, which you¡¯ll need a crane to steady.
Also on the menu are hot dogs, Spam caesar salad, sandwiches, loco moco (a burger and egg rice bowl) and a decent selection of beers from around the world (discounting the inclusion of Budweiser). If, like Jules Winnfield from ¡°Pulp Fiction,¡± you ¡°do love the taste of a good burger,¡± make haste to Berry¡¯s.
2F, 1-1-13 Sawaraganishi, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka; 072-638-9999; http://r.gnavi.co.jp/k670800; open daily 11:30-a.m.-3 p.m., 6 p.m.-3 a.m.; nearest station Minami-Ibaraki; smoking OK; burgers from ?750; no English menu; no English spoken.
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