Located on the first floor of Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu near Toyosu Station, this dog-friendly cafe allows you to dine with your beloved dog. Opened in 2006 when dog cafes were not yet common, it was renovated in 2023 with the slogan "Have a nice WAN!", becoming a dog-centered establishment. The glass-walled interior and terrace offer views of the sea and a dog run, allowing both dog owners and non-dog owners to enjoy meals in the same space.
— Horse and deer, stupid burger
The signature item is the "Baka Burger," a hamburger with a patty made from a blend of organic horse and deer meat. As the name suggests, it's the shop's original creation, combining two types of meat, and the buns are baked in-house. They also offer the "Baka Double Cheeseburger," which features extra cheese. This dish has transcended the boundaries of a typical dog cafe and has become the signature item that makes this shop famous.
Even before I was into gluten-free food, I vaguely remembered this shop having rice flour bread, but I thought it was irrelevant to my household since we don't have a dog.
Recently, I happened to pass by and saw rice flour bread in the display case at the entrance. I started using their takeout service, and then I learned they also serve gluten-free burgers, so I decided to try eating in this time.
It always seems crowded, and being the weekend, I waited in line with six other groups before being seated.
All the food I ordered was gluten-free, but there was no confirmation regarding allergies, and because it was so crowded, I couldn't ask detailed questions, so I ordered based on my own judgment. (I've added more details after confirming with headquarters and receiving a response.)
I had previously asked a staff member about the burgers when I bought rice flour bread, but the answer was vague and unhelpful, so I don't have clear information at this time.
From the atmosphere in the shop and the movements in the kitchen, I felt there was a possibility of cross-contamination.
The buns are said to be 100% rice flour and wheat-free, but I get the impression that the sauces and other ingredients might contain wheat.
The fact that pasta can be made gluten-free is a welcome bonus.
However, since it's always busy, those with strict dietary restrictions might want to check in advance. (I personally completely eliminate wheat at home, but when eating out, I often tolerate trace amounts of wheat in seasonings and other ingredients based on my own judgment, depending on my physical condition.)
On the other hand, the 100% rice flour buns weren't too light and had a satisfying texture. The patty had a slightly unusual flavor that might not appeal to everyone, but the umami of the horse and venison patty was noticeable, and it paired well with the sauce. I was very satisfied that I got the full "satisfaction of eating a hamburger" even though it was gluten-free.
The Baumkuchen for dessert was moist and light, with a gentle sweetness. It was enjoyable with seasonal fruit and cream.
Because they offer gluten-free menu options, I felt that a brief explanation or confirmation from the staff would make customers feel more at ease.
*Added after directly calling the head office and confirming details:
The patty itself is wheat-free.
However, since the sauce uses regular soy sauce, it's unfortunately not completely gluten-free. They can prepare it without the sauce upon request.
On the other hand, since regular pasta and pizza are also prepared in the kitchen, completely avoiding cross-contamination is difficult.
Safety Assessment
Safety Rating★★★Uneasy
I felt somewhat uneasy because there was no confirmation from the staff, and I couldn't get detailed information from previous inquiries, making the scope of their support unclear.