I Fell in Love with Tex-Mex in America. I Never Expected to Find It in Yokosuka.
When I was younger, I spent some time living in the United States.
And on Friday nights, there was one thing I always craved: Tex-Mex.
Burritos.
Tacos.
Cheesy, messy, satisfying food.
I loved that whole “Friday night in America” feeling.
But after coming back to Japan, I could never quite find a place that made me think, “Yes, this is it!”
Especially when it came to burritos.
So many times, I thought, “Hmm… this is good, but not quite what I remember.”
And then, I finally found it.
A real Tex-Mex spot in Yokosuka:
“DOO’s DELI.”
The moment I took a bite, I honestly thought,
“This is it!!”
Today, I’m sharing everything I loved about DOO’s DELI.
Highlight #1: A Serious Burrito You Can’t Hold with One Hand
The first thing that surprised me was the size of the burrito.
I ordered a pork-based burrito.
Inside, I chose the full combination:
Mexican rice, beans, lettuce, corn, and cheese.
I also added salsa and jalapeños.
And wow, it was heavy.
It was so packed that I could barely hold it with one hand.
With rice and beans inside, it was even more filling than it looked.
The tortilla had that slightly thick, chewy texture that felt wonderfully authentic.
Later, I learned that the shop spent months testing and refining their tortillas, adjusting the recipe depending on the season and humidity.
It’s rare to find a place in Japan that recreates this “American Tex-Mex” feeling so well.
“This weight… I missed this! This is exactly what American burritos felt like!” I got so excited.
Highlight #2: The Fried Chicken Was Dangerously Good
I also ordered the fried chicken and fries.
And honestly, this was dangerous.
Because it was so good.
The coating was incredibly crispy, while the inside stayed juicy.
It was junky in the best way, but not careless or heavy.
There was a nice spice flavor, but it wasn’t too greasy. Before I knew it, I couldn’t stop eating.
The portion was also very generous.
To be honest, ordering this with a burrito makes for a very filling meal.
But somehow, it still leaves you thinking, “I want to eat that again.”
They also offer takeout, so even if you can’t finish everything, you don’t have to worry.
Highlight #3: A “Very Yokosuka” Atmosphere Filled with International Energy
One of the best things about DOO’s DELI isn’t just the food.
As soon as you walk inside, the atmosphere feels almost overseas.
English conversations fill the room, and there are many international customers.
It reminded me all over again that Yokosuka really is a unique port town.
I also loved that it didn’t try too hard to be stylish.
It has the easygoing comfort of an American fast-food shop, where you can relax and just enjoy the food.
You order casually, grab your food, and dig in.
That relaxed style matches Tex-Mex perfectly.
“It felt completely different from Hayama — more international, more energetic, and very Yokosuka.”
Highlight #4: The Owners’ Commitment to Recreating Authentic Tex-Mex
DOO’s DELI was started by chef Hiroki Ando together with his brother and sister-in-law.
His sister-in-law, who is Japanese-American, grew up eating Tex-Mex in the United States, and they wanted to recreate those flavors in Japan.
What impressed me most was their dedication to the sauces.
The smoky chipotle sauce — one of the restaurant’s signature flavors — was created after countless rounds of testing and experimentation.
Apparently, Hiroki-san is always thinking about the sauce.
And honestly, I think you can taste that kind of obsession in the food.
That’s probably why the flavors are so addictive.
※The owner story above is based on information from a Newcal feature article and has been rewritten for this blog.
Highlight #5: Perfect for Takeout and a Walk by the Sea
DOO’s DELI is also very popular for takeout.
Mikasa Park is nearby, so taking your food to the waterfront is highly recommended.
The portions are large, so sharing with friends is part of the fun.
You can mix and match tacos, burritos, taco rice, and more, making it a great spot for groups.
Many customers — especially younger guys — were ordering large portions, so this is definitely a place for hungry people.
Kids & Family Note
The restaurant has a casual and spacious fast-food style atmosphere.
Stroller accessibility is currently unconfirmed, but the easy takeout style makes it feel approachable even for families with small children.
The portions are generous, so sharing dishes is also a good option for families.
Dog Information
Dog-friendly seating information is currently unconfirmed.
However, since takeout is very convenient, grabbing food and enjoying it with your dog at a nearby park or waterfront area seems like a perfect match.
Access Information
DOO’s DELI
Address: 23-1 Ogawacho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Mikasa Heights 1F
Open:
Tue-Sat 11:00-20:00
Sun 11:00-18:30
Closed: Mondays
Parking: 2 spaces available in front of the shop
Access: About a 10-minute walk from Keikyu Yokosuka-Chuo Station
Instagram: @doosdeli
Summary: A Place That Brought Back My “American Friday Nights”
DOO’s DELI turned out to be much more than just a Mexican restaurant.
The chewy tortillas.
The heavy, satisfying burritos.
The spicy sauces.
And the lively mix of languages inside the restaurant.
Together, they created an experience that genuinely felt like a taste of America.
I love Hayama’s calm and peaceful atmosphere, but sometimes it’s nice to dive into something louder, more energetic, and a little messy in the best way.
If you’ve been craving something different lately, this is absolutely a place worth visiting.
Please join the Hayanavi community and follow along!
I post on Instagram almost every day, and I’d love to share more local discoveries with you.
【Sources & References】
・Newcal “Authentic American Tacos in Yokosuka! DOO’s DELI, Loved in a Multinational Port City”
・Tabelog reviews
・DOO’s DELI Instagram (@doosdeli)
Hello, this is Peli from Hayanavi!
Hayanavi shares lovely spots around Hayama and nearby areas.
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