In Japan, there are countless yakiniku or Korean-style barbecue joints. You may have already sampled high-end wagyu beef yakiniku with a spicy garlic flavor. The fatty karubi (short rib) or roosu (sirloin) with hot garlic sauce are very satisfying, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t missing full-flavored, smoky American-style barbecued meats with sweet and sour sauces.

If you are in Tokyo and craving American-style barbecue, head to BZQ at the New Sanno Hotel. The new restaurant on the hotel’s second floor will not disappoint with its hearty servings of authentic smoked meats and classic sides like potato salad and mac n’ cheese.

When my coworker and I visited BZQ recently, the spacious joint big enough to accommodate over 30 guests, was abuzz with others seeking a taste of the many smoked meats on the menu. The interior offered a variety of seating options, from booths and tables to a standard wooden high-top share table like you’d find at a barbecue spot in Texas or Nashville.

The decor had a touch of Americana, including old license plates from the States, making us feel at home and reminding us of a typical KC country house with a backyard pit.

After we placed our orders at the counter, two pit masters skillfully went to work on the line of trays they piled high with juicy meats, sides and bread. I had plenty of options from brisket, ribs, chicken, lamb shoulder, pulled pork or sausage to choose from, but I decided to go with a two-meat and two-side combo for $16.

I selected brisket, ribs, jalapeno potato salad, baked beans and corn bread. Hot dogs and burgers are also on the menu, so my coworker chose the Smokehouse Burger and BZQ Wedge Salad for $12, making it a slightly lighter lunch than mine.

After a short wait, our order was ready. My metal tray lined with a butcher brown paper was loaded. The healthy serving of brisket was tender and smoky. The thick rack of ribs had a nice crust of rub on the surface and the meat easily came off the bone. I sampled the meat without sauces first and the flavors were good but slightly less seasoned so BZQ’s six signature sauces can really shine.

Each table had its own set of six sauces named after famous barbecue sanctuaries across Texas, Missouri, Tennessee, the Carolinas and a surprise Tokyo Miso sauce. I sampled each first alone, then dipped small bites into each to see the variances on how each would change the flavors of the meat. I enjoyed this because I felt like I was traveling along with my taste buds to all the famous BBQ spots in the States.

My favorites were the sweet, mustard-based “Carolina Gold” and hot and sour “Tennessee Red” sauces, as they added a nice kick and charm to my full-bodied smoky meat.

The “Tokyo Miso” sauce is a New Sanno original and features a deep soy and sweet flavor. It was a great addition to the sauce lineup.

The portion sizes of my platter weren’t too much of a surprise if you’re used to BBQ restaurants in the States, but my coworker’s Smokehouse Burger was also large by Tokyo standards. It was loaded with a juicy patty, coleslaw, pimento cheese and slathered with miso sauce. The wedge salad was also an impressive size with dressing, plenty of bacon bits and tomatoes. She said the burger was as tasty as it looked, but she called it quits after finishing her salad and half of her burger. She took the rest home to enjoy later.

Don’t skip this taste of home in the center of Tokyo. You’ll leave with your stomach full and your taste buds well-traveled thanks to the careful preparation of tender meat and flavorful sauces.

Things to know

• Address: 4-12-20, Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo; : 2F New Sanno Hotel

• Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (L.O. 9:30 p.m.)

• URL

• Tel：(DSN)229-8003 or (CML) 03-6868-2333

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