Barbecue fans are lining up to try this American smokehouse in Tokyo

A roomy American barbecue restaurant, just a short distance from U.S. Embassy Tokyo, boasts Iowa-raised black pork and reasonable prices.

Situated near a busy strip in the Roppongi district, Big Iowa BBQ, which opened in 2021, is a long way from the American Midwest, but seems to fit well here in Japan.

The restaurant originated from a collaboration with Berkwood Farms, an heirloom Berkshire pork producer and part of an alliance of independent family farmers in Des Moines, Iowa, according to the Berkwood website.

Its tasty pork is 100% pure and free from antibiotics, it says. Iowa is a top producer of American pork.

Historically, the Iowa capital has had a mutual connection to Japan. It became the sister city to Kofu city in Yamanashi prefecture more than 65 years ago. Iowa pork found a place in Japan after Yamanashi crops and livestock were devastated by two typhoons in 1959.

At the time, Air Force Master Sgt. Richard Thomas, an Iowan, saw the damage and urged and coordinated with his state to assist, according to Iowa’s official website.

The state sent 36 breeding hogs and an abundance of corn the following year to help the prefecture, solidifying the relationship between the two cities.

History aside, Big Iowa BBQ seems to be living up to its name.

Reservations are required to secure a place at the high wooden tables with chairback stools. The restaurant seats up to 78 people, including bar seating and outside lounging.

The meat is slowly smoked there daily.

Big Iowa is open for dinner only, according to its website. My family’s evening visit started with a large pile of chili beef Mexican-style nachos, which we set aside for takeout when the main dishes arrived so quickly. Other starters include chicken wings in five and 10 pieces, and a few salad options.

A three-meat combination served on a metal tray consisting of pulled pork, two pieces of smoked sausage and a slice of beef brisket was an excellent choice at 4,200 yen, or about $27.

The side of Texas beans for 600 yen stood out nicely. It’s made with pinto beans, kidney beans and chickpeas, with sliced green and red peppers, and a sweet and tangy sauce. Creamy coleslaw with chunks of apple and buttery cornbread completed my entrée.

I found the Iowa black pork, known as Kurobuta in Japan, to be tender and delicious with or without any added barbecue sauce, which was available at the table in four flavors, including Tangy Carolina.

A Big Iowa Burger was handled effectively by my son, who raved about how good it was. Burgers are served with pickles and fries. We added a few beverages from the menu that includes sodas, juices, coffee and tea for 500 to 600 yen. Both non-alcoholic and alcoholic types are available.

For dessert, a thick slice of New York-style baked cheesecake was available with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and strawberry puree drizzled on the plate. I bought three slices, with some consumed there and the rest to go. No complaints — it came close to an authentic New York cheesecake experience.

Prices are good enough. Our two meals, a few beverages plus more to go came to about $84.

Big Iowa BBQ

Location: 1/F, Aoba Roppongi Bldg., 3-16-33 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0032

Hours: Open daily, 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Reservations recommended.

Prices: Single meat plates start at 900 yen; combination plates start at 4,200 yen. Credit cards accepted.

Dress: Casual

Directions: About a 5-minute walk from Roppongi Station.

Information: Online: bigiowabbq.jp