YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — All along Route 16 in front of Yokota Air Base is a variety of restaurants that serve all sorts of food. But only at Hawaiian-themed Zago can you find the most delicious of canned meats on their menu. I’m talking, of course, about Spam.
Served in a variety of dishes — including the interesting-sounding Spam rice balls — Spam is only a small portion of what Zago serves.
On the menu is everything ranging from Asian fare, including noodles and curry, to Western dishes such as onion rings, pizza and burgers. For the health-conscious, there are several salads and tofu dishes available.
Like a few other restaurants in the area, Zago offers a 1,000-gram (2.2-pound) “Big Tower” hamburger for around 3,000 yen for anyone up to the challenge.
But most of the food is much more accessible — in terms of portion size and price. Appetizers are priced between 400 and 700 yen, and most entrees cost between 800 and 1,500 yen.
Drink prices are high, but well within the norm for many Japanese bars. Of note on Zago’s drink menu are several types of Kona brand beers, which are brewed in Hawaii.
Part of what makes Zago worth checking out is the overall atmosphere. Tiki masks, torches and all sorts of tropical and beach-themed decorations are displayed in the restaurant, generating a laid-back vibe. The two-story restaurant offers plenty of space and even has a balcony dining area on the top floor, perfect for relaxing on a warm summer night.
Zago is open every day at 11:30 a.m., with the last food order accepted at 10:00 p.m. The bar stays open until 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and is open until the last customer leaves, they say, on Friday and Saturday.
See previous After Hours reviews here.
Zago
Prices: Food is between 400 and 1,700 yen, beer is 500 to 780 yen, mixed drinks cost around 580 yen.
Specialties: Hawaiian cuisine, but also burgers, pizzas, curry, salads and seafood.
English menu: Yes.
Dress: Casual.
Clientele: Crowd of 20- to 30-somethings, a mix of American and Japanese.
Location: From Yokota’s Supply Gate, Zago is across the street, about 100 yards away to the right.
Web site: None.
