A&W hamburgers are a classic in Okinawa; they have a rich texture, and the cheese is flavorful, perfectly paired with ROOT BEER. The fries and onion rings that come with the meal are crispy, making it suitable for those who enjoy bold flavors.
The ambiance in the store is nostalgic and full of American style, making it a classic representative of Okinawa, attracting many locals and tourists.
The service efficiency is high, the ordering process is smooth, and the free refills of ROOT BEER are a pleasant surprise.
When you arrive at Kokusai Street in Okinawa, you can't miss the local classic – A&W hamburgers. This restaurant is almost a representative brand of American burgers in Okinawa and holds many childhood memories for locals. Interestingly, it's the only location still operating in Japan, and even globally, the only places where you can enjoy it are Okinawa, Malaysia, and Singapore, making it a rare find.
This time, I ordered their classic A&W hamburger set, paired with the famous ROOT BEER. At first, you might think it's beer, but it's actually a strongly flavored soda that I personally love, and the best part is – you can refill it for free, which is really satisfying!
The hamburger itself did not disappoint either; it has rich cheese, a special sauce, and is filled with bacon, a thick meat patty, and fried onion rings, creating a rich layer of textures. Each bite captures the essence of American fried food, making it very satisfying for those who love bold flavors. The fries and onion rings that come with the set are also fried to a crispy perfection. Personally, I'm in the "no salt, no dip" camp, simply enjoying the taste of the potatoes themselves.
Overall, A&W is the soul of classic nostalgic American fast food. Compared to the familiar McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC in Taiwan, it offers an entirely different flavor system. Though you may not be able to tell how special it is based on appearances, once you order a classic set and sit down to eat, you'll understand why this restaurant has stood the test of time in Okinawa. I highly recommend it to all American burger enthusiasts – you definitely shouldn’t miss it when in Okinawa.
This is the A&W International Street Matsuo Store located on Kokusai Street in Okinawa. The store is set on the second and third floors and specializes in unique burgers that can only be found in Okinawa.
It was a Monday evening, and there were quite a few people, mostly tourists, but the food was served very quickly. The ordering process is manual; you need to place your order at the counter with the staff, as there are no self-service kiosks, but the process went smoothly 😂.
We ordered two meals:
Overall, it’s an American burger place worth trying when you visit Okinawa.