I attempted to try Umami Burger on Monday, the first day it opened — but the wait ranged between 2 and 3.5 hours.
They don't take reservations and there were pages of names ahead of me, so I decided to try my luck at lunch the next day.
What do you know? The line was still down the block.
But I soon made my way inside.
And saddled up at the bar, where they could seat me the fastest.
First, I looked over the extensive drink menu that included 17 signature cocktails all inspired by the Greenwich Village neighborhood.
I decided on a Brazilian Sunset, which is made with rum, limes and ginger beer. The Smoky Michelada is a simple mix of mezcal, beer and ... a slice of beef jerkey.
I started to salivate over my neighbors' food.
Soon enough, the first burger arrived. This classic Umami burger is topped with shiitake mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted tomato, a parmesan crisp and special umami ketchup.
Not sweet, sour, bitter, or salty, "Umami" is best described as “the fifth taste," used to enhance foods.
I also tried the Hatch Burger, which is topped with 4 types of green chiles and house cheese. If you like spicy, this is the burger for you.
Then came The Greenbird, a turkey burger with avocado, sprouts and green goddess dressing.
Next, the Truffle Burger. The messy concoction is topped with house-made truffle cheese and a truffle glaze. This was my favorite.
The Manly Burger is made with beer-cheddar cheese, smoked salt onions strings and bacon lardon.
And each bun is topped with a giant "U" for Umami.
All burgers are 6oz patties, cooked medium rare, and made of steak freshly ground throughout the day. There are 6 secret burgers off the menu, so be sure to ask your waiter about the day's specials.
There are also a few sides dishes, such as beet salad, kale caesar salad, cheesy tater tots, truffle fries, pickles and smushed potatoes.
And for dessert, an array of The Good Batch ice cream sandwiches or a scoop of Brooklyn based Blue Marble ice cream.
Don't have an Umami Burger in your city?
