1. Lucky Pierrot, the pride of Hakodate

Nice to meet you. I'm Nao Takai, a kimono-loving gourmet writer who adores Hokkaido. I have traveled to and eaten at over 5,000 restaurants across all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido (including four remote islands)! I continue to share the appeal of Hokkaido's gourmet scene primarily through various media such as television and magazines, as well as on my website "MOGTRIP" and social media.

The place I will be guiding you to is Hakodate's pride, "Lucky Pierrot." Ever since I first visited 26 years ago, I have been irresistibly drawn to this enchanting local restaurant every time I visit Hakodate. While their hamburgers tend to get all the attention, there is actually so much more to discover.

Almost all the ingredients used, from rice and vegetables to meat, eggs, and dairy products, are sourced from Hokkaido (depending on the season). They use lettuce and tomatoes from Hokuto, valuing their strong connections with producers in the southern Hokkaido area.

Its appeal goes beyond just the food. For instance, they employ an "order-made system" to ensure everything is served freshly made, and each location features a unique "theme restaurant" concept, creating different worlds to keep customers entertained. While it is not uncommon to see lines, the sight of locals and tourists waiting together has become a typical part of the Hakodate scenery.

In an era where you can get gourmet food from all over the country through events and mail order, Lucky Pierrot is a special presence that can only be experienced by visiting in person. Let's start by looking at their must-try signature menu items to discover the charm of Lucky Pierrot, which makes you want to visit again and again the more you learn about it!

2. The classic "Chinese Chicken Burger" you absolutely cannot miss

When it comes to Lucky Pierrot, their undisputed No. 1 popular menu item, the "Chinese Chicken Burger" (commonly known as "Chaichiki"), is an absolute must.

Chinese chicken is the restaurant's original menu item consisting of fried chicken dipped in a sweet and spicy sauce, offering a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. Three pieces of this chicken and lettuce grown near Hakodate are sandwiched between buns topped with plenty of white sesame seeds. The addition of a generous amount of mayonnaise sauce transforms it into an exquisite flavor that everyone agrees on. You can't help but smile at its perfectly calculated deliciousness.

If you want more volume, we recommend upgrading your Chinese Chicken Burger. In fact, there are variations such as "Take" (Bamboo) with a fried egg, "Matsu" (Pine) with cheese, and "Tokujo" (Special) which luxuriously includes both. Choose your favorite flavor to match your mood that day.

3. Surprisingly addictive: the power of the side menu

The melty sauce is irresistible. "Original Lucky Potato"

While hamburgers tend to get all the attention, the side menu is also full of unique items. Among them, the "Original Lucky Potato," topped with plenty of meat sauce and white sauce, is a must-try. Its appearance in a mug is also highly impactful.

A must-have for dessert! The refreshing "Silk Mix Soft Serve"

The "soft serve ice cream" is also actually a popular menu item. Even when you are full from a hearty meal, it is not too rich, so it goes down easily. It is a well-balanced treat that you can finish deliciously even when you are full.

4. Surprisingly deep: ways to enjoy it other than hamburgers

Including store-specific limited menus, Lucky Pierrot offers over 140 different items. Honestly, it would be a waste to leave after just having a hamburger!

The "Chinese Chicken Omelet Rice" that I highly recommend

Aside from the hamburgers, my top recommendation is the "Chinese Chicken Omelet Rice," which is served at 13 of the 17 locations. It is a hearty dish featuring 330 grams of ketchup rice wrapped in an omelet made with four eggs (the size of an L-sized portion). Of course, it is not just big; it is so delicious that you won't be able to stop eating! It also comes with their popular Chinese chicken, making it incredibly satisfying.

Since this volume is a bit too much for me to finish, I always order the "Ladies' Set" for the omelet rice. For the same price, the portion is reduced to three eggs and 200 grams of ketchup rice, but it comes with an (S) size oolong tea instead.

5. There are plenty of other recommended menu items!

Recommended Menu Item 1: Lucky Katsudon

It might come as a surprise, but Lucky Pierrot, a hamburger specialty shop, also has a Japanese menu item called the "Lucky Katsudon." It features a crispy fried pork cutlet and plenty of onions, gently bound together with egg, offering a somewhat nostalgic flavor. A nice point is that the sauce is not too sweet, making it relatively light and refreshing.

The value for money for such a hearty bowl is so good that you might find yourself doing a double-take at the price. I'm sure many people who visit for the hamburgers find their eyes drawn to the katsudon on the menu. It is a dish I highly recommend even those who prefer hamburgers to try at least once.

Recommended Menu Item 2: Hamburg Steak

The "Hamburg Steak," served at 12 of the 17 locations, is another one of my favorite menu items. It is smothered in the same combination of meat sauce and white sauce used on the popular side dish "Lucky Potato." It offers a unique flavor that is distinct from the hamburg steak you would find at a Western-style restaurant, something only Lucky Pierrot can provide.

It comes with a side of french fries, onion rings, and even rice. The more you think of it as just a hamburger specialty shop, the more surprised you will be by the depth of their menu.

Recommended Menu Item 3: The overwhelmingly popular No. 1 Draft Beer Set

You can also enjoy draft beer at three of our major tourist spot locations: the Suehiro Marina, Hakodate Station Front, and Goryokaku branches. After 5:00 PM, we offer a great value set featuring draft beer and Chinese Chicken, so if you enjoy a drink, be sure to try a "Lappy-nomi" (Lucky Pierrot drinking session).

6. Also, check out the souvenirs that are exciting just to look at!

The appeal of Lucky Pierrot goes beyond just the food. In fact, we also sell souvenirs inside our stores, all of which are original products. The variety is surprisingly extensive, ranging from snacks like manju, cookies, and potato chips to original merchandise such as T-shirts, hoodies, and mugs.

Our number one most popular item, "Lucky Guarana," is a massive hit, selling 120,000 cans annually. It features a design of our mascot, "Hi! Lucky-kun," and makes a striking impression.

When it comes to souvenirs, people often tend to choose sweet treats, but many are also looking for non-sweet options. Perfectly meeting those consumer needs, our "retort curry" and "packaged ramen" rank second and third, respectively.

Our curry lineup includes five varieties: Medium Spicy, Spicy, Keema, Butter Chicken, and Medium Spicy Soup Curry. The ramen comes in four varieties: Salt, Soy Sauce, Miso, and Tantanmen. The Salt Ramen, in particular, is said to have been endorsed by the late celebrity chef Zhou Futoku, who was famous for his appearances on television programs.

7. Recommended stores for travelers (including hidden gems!)

Lucky Pierrot operates 17 stores, mainly in Hakodate, but the menu, seating capacity, and interior atmosphere vary by location. Here, we introduce three recommended stores for your trip.

1. "Marina Suehiro Branch," a rare location where you can drink draft beer

Located in the "Bay Area," the heart of Hakodate tourism, this store is right in front of the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse complex. It is also within walking distance of the Hakodate Ropeway and the Motomachi area, making it convenient to use if you are visiting these spots together.

The interior is designed with an old American theme, and the view outside the window offers a prime location overlooking Hakodate Port. It is also one of the few rare stores where you can enjoy draft beer. Spend a luxurious moment with a cold beer and a hamburger while gazing out at the beautiful sea.

It also features an even larger souvenir corner with one of the best selections in the area. It is a highly recommended spot that kills two birds with one stone, allowing you to take your time browsing original merchandise and gourmet items.

While stores near tourist spots are bound to have long lines, this is a large establishment with 154 seats, so you can usually get in relatively smoothly. It is a reliable backup to head to if the Bay Area Main Store (32 seats), located about a 2-minute walk away, is full.

2. "Hakodate Station Front Branch," which opens from 8:00 AM

This is the closest store to Hakodate Station, located right in front of the Hakodate Morning Market. It has the longest operating hours of all 17 locations, opening at 8:00 AM, which is a great plus. It is the perfect place to stop by for breakfast, while waiting for a train, or to start your sightseeing.

The interior is themed around the color "red," which was beloved by the French painter Henri Matisse, creating a passionate and retro space. Like the Marina Suehiro branch, it is also one of the few stores in the chain where you can enjoy "draft beer."
Although it is a spacious store with 74 seats in total, it is always bustling due to its prime location right in front of the morning market. From its 8:00 AM opening until night, it is always filled with a pleasant, lively atmosphere whenever you visit.

3. My recommended hidden gem, the "Jujigai Ginza Branch"

This is the only store among all the branches where the seating area is on the second floor. It is a hidden gem recommended by the author; despite being only a 7-minute walk from the aforementioned Marina Suehiro branch, I have strangely never encountered it being overcrowded. With many local customers, it is a well-kept secret and a relaxing spot where you won't feel the hustle and bustle of the tourist area.

The theme of the Jujigai Ginza branch is "Christmas." Inside the store, where a Christmas tree shines all year round, you are welcomed by a total of about 5,000 Santa Clauses. The green color inspired by fir trees and the decorative lights add color, creating a very romantic and photogenic atmosphere.

With a total of 24 seats, it is a particularly compact store, and the only drawback is that you have to climb stairs to reach the seating area, but I secretly think this might be the most popular store among women.

8. A column of deep affection by gourmet writer Nao Takai

This is my first trip to Hakodate in about three years. It had been a while since I last visited Lucky Pierrot, but the commitment to ingredients and the overwhelming volume were just as charming as ever. Maintaining a consistent, delicious taste is something that seems simple at first glance but is actually the most difficult thing to do. When I think about the corporate efforts behind that, even the time spent waiting in line becomes endearing.

What I felt once again is that, beyond just being delicious, it is particularly excellent in terms of "entertainment value." With limited-time menus that differ by location, an overwhelming variety of souvenirs, and atmospheres based on specific themes, the place is overflowing with various gimmicks that keep you from ever getting bored, no matter how many times you visit. I haven't even experienced everything it has to offer yet.

That is precisely why it is no exaggeration at all that some die-hard fans say, "When staying in Hakodate, I eat three meals a day at Lucky Pierrot!" I find myself strangely convinced by this. Every time I visit, the reason why it has been loved by both tourists and locals for so many years deeply resonates with me.

Please try visiting various locations and find your own favorite way to enjoy it!

Enjoy 120% of Hakodate! OMO5 Hakodate, a city hotel recommended for sightseeing

Located just a 5-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station, this hotel is perfect for enjoying everything Hakodate has to offer. After a full day of exploring the city, warm your body in the amber-colored free-flowing hot spring and enjoy a relaxing moment. The next morning, a luxurious breakfast buffet, including a seafood bowl you can customize with your favorite ingredients, will brighten the start of your special day.
Why not head out to the city of Hakodate, where both your stomach and heart will be satisfied?