Bubba's Place - The Best Steaks in the World. Stripes Magazine, April 2009

Bubba slices steaks at his restaurant, Bubba's Place, in Yokosuka, Japan. Customers can get a 21-ounce steak for around 3,000 yen.

"It's been a while since I've walked into a restaurant and ordered tater salad, but also a while since I've been in a place where I felt comfortable doing so. "

However, when one of the regulars grabbed a banjo off the wall and began an impromptu performance, I knew I had found the right spot. 

Bubba's Place in Yokosuka features not only tater salad, but a wide array of southern dishes, from baby-back ribs to Carolina barbecue. 

Nestled in the Yasuura Cho district of Yokosuka, Bubba's is a great place to spend a few hours after work filling your stomach and sampling a nice variety of beers and mixed drinks, all served by friendly bartenders. 

The multistory establishment features two separate dining rooms and a bar area. Start this summer, Bubba's will also have an open-air beer garden on the roof. 

Surprisingly, the Monday night that I visited the restaurant offered plenty of entertainment. With customers packing the main dining room and music filling the air, Bubba's proved to be a popular social spot for many to start their week. 

I had the pleasure of experiencing the Bubba Burger.  At 800 yen, the half-pound classic hamburger had all the fixings at a reasonable price for city dining. If the southern-driven menu isn't your thing, a limited list of Philippine, Thai, Chinese and Japanese selections are also available. 

If you ask Bubba himself, though, he takes particular pride in one specific genre of food.  "It's about the steaks," he says.  "They're the best in the world."

Witnessing first-hand the thick-cut ribeyes, I can attest to the serious manner in which Bubba approaches red meat.  Chances are you'll have a hard time finding steaks like Bubba's anywhere in Yokosuka. 

Good food and socializing added up to an enjoyable evening at Bubba's. With my stomach full and my wallet left undamaged, I made the more than manageable walk back to base in about 20 minutes.