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Umami Burger
Master Critic Review
Umami Burger
8.5
Pioneering the umami-bomb burger movement since 2009, this flagship serves 6-ounce Wagyu beef patties with parmesan crisps and shiitake mushrooms until midnight weekends. The late-night happy hour from 10:30 PM features two-for-one cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Umami Burger, Truffle Burger, Impossible Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Invented the gourmet umami burger category
Who should go: Burger aficionados seeking elevated flavors
When to visit: Late-night happy hour after 10:30 PM
What to order: Original burger, truffle fries, craft beer
Insider tip: No substitutions allowed - trust the process
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 7pm, paid lot across street $8 flat rate after 6pm
Dress code: Trendy casual - designer jeans and nice sneakers fit right in
Noise level: Loud - expect energetic buzz, harder conversations after 9pm
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, 30 min at bar
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, grab bar seats immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - impossible burger and portobello options
Vegan options: Limited - impossible burger can be made vegan, ask for no cheese/sauce
Gluten-free options: Yes - lettuce wrap option, dedicated fryer for fries
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - it's loud, hands-on eating, and no-substitutions policy can be awkward if they're picky
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes if you arrive before 7pm or after 10pm. Weekends unlikely - use the bar or make a reservation 3+ days ahead
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - no kids menu, loud atmosphere, late-night crowd. Better for teens who appreciate gourmet food
Best For
Better for: Umami depth and creative toppings you won't find at In-N-Out or Shake Shack - worth it for adventurous eaters
Skip if: You want simple classic burgers, need quick service, or dining with picky eaters who like customization