Umami Burger (California & More) + Pumpkin Spice Latte Burger!

Umami Burger (California & more) on The Episodic Eater

As you might remember from my last Umami Burger post, this is a small chain that knows how to do burgers (and everything else) right! Last time, I went to the opening of the Irvine location, but after seeing this Umami Burger across from the Anaheim Packing District, I was itching to check this spot out!

One shot of the interior before we get to the food! This location was converted from the old Packard Building, which was established in 1925. A bit of history, which they weaved into the surroundings and atmosphere. I loved it!

I was invited to try the newest offering here, the Pumpkin Spice Latte Burger (ohmyohmyohmy!), but I couldn’t help but sample a few more treats as well. 🙂 For one thing, the Welsh Rabbit Burger, exclusive to the Anaheim location was calling my name…

Now, to the food! I started with a Bundaberg Ginger Beer, which was recommended to me. Definite score!

Tempura Onion Rings

thick cut & malt battered

Smushed Potatoes

double-fried creamer potatoes, roasted garlic aioli

Um, these are just about the best potato that I’ve ever had. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and spiced to perfection. And for an extra kick, scoop up some of the delicious roasted garlic aioli!

Pumpkin Spice Latte Burger

Signature beef blend, pumpkin pie spiced mascarpone, tempura Japanese kabocha, coffee molasses drizzle, and roasted garlic aioli

We were told that it was easiest to take the burger down by smashing the kabocha squash down, which I happily did! Now, I am not one of those people who eats pumpkin everything once fall hits and I half expected this to be just a gimmick.

Consider me embarrassed, because I was absolutely wrong! I adored this burger! My dining partner was just as skeptical, but we agreed that this was a fabulous burger that we would love year round! The wonderful sweetness of the kabocha and molasses was tempered by the beef patty and the aioli. Also, I adored the creamy mascarpone, which was not overwhelmingly pumpkin flavored. Also, I have to say that the burger was surprisingly light considering how huge it looked! Such a winner!

The Original

Parmesan frico, shiitake mushroom, roasted tomato, caramelized onions, Umami house ketchup

Since the Pumpkin Spice Latte Burger was such a beast, we decided to go for the one that started it all… The Original! Now, if you are thinking that this is plain, you would be wrong. Each of the components is amazing, with my favorite mushrooms atop the whole thing!

Welsh Rabbit Burger

signature beef patty smothered in a broiled vintage English cheddar cheese sauce with bread & butter pickles

Now I have to be very clear here that this burger is not made with rabbit. I repeat, NOT made with rabbit! It is based off of the Welsh Rarebit dish, which might be the spelling you are more used to. The cheddar cheese sauce is sooo amazing that you could probably cover a shoe with it, and I would consider eating it. The simple pickles atop the burger are just the right finishing touch!

Ice Cream Sandwich

Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream with a chocolate chip cookie

I love that the ice cream sandwiches by Coolhaus are just right for sharing. Yet another small (but growing) California chain that is supported by the folks at Umami Burger, I was satisfied yet again. Yum!