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ZipPicks Awards
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Master Critic Review
Black Sheep Burgers
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Family Friendly Favorites
A Japanese-fusion burger counter on Sawtelle that tops beef patties with crab, nori, and wasabi—the signature Katsu California Roll burger is the draw, not a gimmick. The format is order-at-the-counter with a free parking lot and outdoor seating, built for a quick hit rather than a lingering meal. It works best when you lean into the fusion specials; the soft shell crab and teriyaki cheesesteak reward curiosity more than the straight-ahead options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Katsu California Roll, Teriyaki Cheesesteak, Veggie Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Sushi-meets-burger fusion from the creators of Chef Katsu's Original California Roll Hamburger, topping beef patties with crab, nori, and wasabi
Who should go: Burger fans craving bold Japanese-fusion twists
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter waits and full menu
What to order: Lead with the Katsu California Roll, add the Teriyaki Cheesesteak to split, and don't overlook the Veggie Burger
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot adjacent to the restaurant—enter off Mississippi Ave, look for the YAMAGUCHI sign on the lot
Dress code: Very casual—counter-service burger joint, come as you are
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Veggie Burger ($11.95) on the menu; can also swap any burger's patty for a veggie patty ($3.95)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date — this is a casual counter-service burger spot where you order at the register, grab a number, and find a seat. The space is small with limited indoor seating (a couple of small tables plus counter barstools). That said, the decor is surprisingly stylish for a burger joint, and the outdoor tables offer a relaxed vibe. Could work for a very casual, low-pressure first meetup, but not for a date where ambiance matters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there's no reservation system. It's counter-service, so you walk in, order at the register, and grab an open seat. Seating is limited (only a few indoor tables and a handful of outdoor ones), so during peak lunch and dinner hours you may need to wait for a spot or take your food to go. Off-peak times you should have no trouble finding a table. Free parking lot adjacent to the restaurant with entrance on Mississippi Ave.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual, laid-back atmosphere is well-suited for families with kids. The counter-service format means no waiting for a server, and the food comes out quickly, which helps with antsy little ones. No dedicated kids menu, but the burger-and-fries lineup is inherently kid-approved. The outdoor seating gives kids a bit more room to be kids. Best for families who want a quick, easy meal without fuss.
Is it good for groups? Difficult for larger groups — the indoor space is very small with only a couple of small tables and some counter barstools. There's no private dining or large table option. A group of 4 could manage by grabbing an outdoor table, but anything over 5-6 would struggle to sit together. Better for pairs or small groups who are fine with a casual, grab-and-go format. No group reservations available since it's counter-service.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — there are several tables outside for al fresco dining. The outdoor area is partially covered and offers a pleasant spot in good weather, which is most of the year in Sawtelle. Not heated — details on exact capacity not confirmed, but expect a handful of tables (roughly 4-6). The outdoor seating is the more appealing option given how compact the interior is. Dog-friendliness not confirmed — call ahead at (424) 372-9210 if that matters.
Best For
Better for: Quick, creative burger fix—counter service with inventive fusion options like the Katsu California Roll and Yuki Spicy Tuna burgers
Skip if: You want a spacious sit-down experience—the interior is quite small with limited dine-in seating
Hours
Monday11am - 9:30pm
Tuesday11am - 9:30pm
Wednesday11am - 9:30pm
Thursday11am - 9:30pm
Friday11am - 10:30pm
Saturday11am - 10:30pm
Sunday11am - 9:30pm