Shakey's Pizza Buffet; Lalaport, Shibuya, Ikebukero

Any Chicagoans remember Shakey's Pizza?  I do.  I specifically remember there being one in Merrillville on Route 30 not too far from K-Mart, where the Panda Express is now.  Well, they still are here in Japan.  Japan is funny in that way as chains that have disappeared at least in the Midwest are still here like Mister Donut, Sizzler, El Torito and Shakey's. 

We were at Lalaport in Minami Funabashi and decided to bring the kids for some pizza buffet action.  This wasn't the first time we were at Shakey's.  I remember going to the Ikebukero one a lot with my friends and future wife during 2001-2003. 

Here it is.  They completely remodeled the interior from the last time we went here like three years ago.

Honestly, I can't remember what the Shakey's pizza tasted like in the U.S.  I'm quite familiar with the Shakey's here in Japan though.  It's very similar to CiCi's pizza if any of you have had it, really thin, almost cardboard crust.  The crust is really thin because the pizzas are cooked on a conveyor belt to allow them to be made quickly to serve high volume crowds.  When I talk about CiCi's, my cousin Brandon makes a gag face, so you might guess where this review is going.  We had the pleasure of enjoying CiCi's in Orlando together when I was working for the Mouse.  CiCi's pricing is an amazing under 5 bucks (well at least as of 2004 or so).  Shakey's is a little bit more pricey due to being in Japan.  For holidays and weekends it is 1650 yen for adults (15 bucks), 1000 yen for elementary students (9 bucks) and 500 yen for younger kids (around 4.50).   A family of four set me back 4,800 yen.  I'm sure the prices are cheaper on weekdays.

Not sure why they needed to call it Holiday Buffet.  There's really nothing more special about the buffet .

  We expected cardboardy pizza so it didn't bother us.  However if you are looking for Lou Malnati's or Giordano's, this place really isn't for you.  There is a great varieties of pizzas here though.

Creamy Mayonnaise, Leafy Greens, Tuscany Potato, Shrimp Primavera and Cheddar Bacon

 

Pepperoni and Green Peppers, Seafood Basil and Cheesy Ham 

 

In addition, they had a variety of average tasting pasta, curry rice and fried foods.

Fried chicken and grilled potatoes

Nacho chips and chili con carne

Meat sauce spaghetti

Curry rice

They also had a decent salad and fruit bar too.

Typical greens

Pineapples and oranges

And what would a meal be without dessert?

Dessert pizza!!!

Homemade sundae

As you can tell, there was a decent selection of food.  The price is not bad for Japan.  One thing nice is we automatically had 90 minutes to eat.  For buffets in Japan, you are generally limited to 60 minutes of table time starting from when the server seats you.  Extra time can be bought for more money.

For the selection and extra time, I give Shakey's three slices of pizza out of five slices of pizza.  The food is passable and the price is O.K.  So if your stomach is growling for thin, greasy pizza, this is a good place for you.  Have a good rest of the weekend!