Why Come Here? Some of NYCs best burgers & fries
Right Amount for 2? 2 burgers, 1-2 orders of truffle fries (probably 2)
The Original with Truffle Fries and Beer
Umami Burger is an LA-based chain known for bringing umami (aka the “fifth taste”) flavor to burgers. Since landing their first New York location earlier this year, it’s been a surprisingly polarizing place with most people loving it but a few well known critics bringing the hate. Then again, you didn’t really expect an Angeleno to walk in here without feeling some heat, did you?
Personally I’m a fan of everything about the place. It comes in right in the sweet spot between trendy and fast food. On the trendy side, they some weird decorations that feel sorta old-school LA including neon lights, Japanese newspaper art and swirling lamps. They also a nice rotating selection of craft beer. But take away all the fanciness and you could believe you’re in McDonald’s or Five Guys, save for the waiter service. A perfect blend of cool, fast and casual.
Then there are the burgers, which are certainly not fast-foody. The meat is ground in-house and uses a proprietary blend of two types of steak. And assuming your order the recommended medium-rare, you get a pink interior and crumbling patty that’s reminiscent of something hot off a backyard grill. To me, it’s everything a burger should be. The patty is then placed on a Portugese bun that’s received an umami infusion and slathered with Umami Master Sauce, adding a sweet tanginess. The unusual toppings include the likes of parmesan crisps, truffle butter and bacon lardons. The result is a solid contender for the best burger in town.
The Royale
The Classic 
As I mentioned, the meat is delicious. Here it comes topped with roasted tomatoes, a parmesan crisp, shitaake mushrooms and cramelized onions which magically combine to create a unique flavor combination that enhances without overpowering the burger.
The Royale 
Covered in short rib, garlic aioli and truffle cheese this is the ultimate savory bomb. While the short rib is meaty and succulent, the beef-on-beef got to be a little much about half way through. Still delicious, but I may just go for the normal truffle burger next time.
Truffle Fries These are basically a perfected version of McDonalds-style thin crisp spears, which in my book is the way fries are meant to be made.* Topped with a mind blowing umami cheese sauce, these are the only ones in this city where I consistently finish my order. It comes with a trio of tasty sauces, the best of which is the jalapeno.
*That, or curly.
Umami Burger
432 Sixth Avenue (9th & 10th Streets)
New York, NY
&
225 Liberty Street (West & South End)
New York, NY
