Oh Man, Umami! A Visit to Umami Burger Anaheim

 Did you know there’s more to Anaheim than Disneyland? In fact, it’s the oldest city in Orange County! So, needless to say, the town has a lot of history. And in one corner of the city along a stretch of Anaheim Boulevard lies the Anaheim Packing District. This moniker applies to two historic buildings – a 1919 Sunkist packing house and a 1925 Packard showroom. While the packing house is still undergoing renovations, the Packard building has been fully restored and currently houses two establishments – Umami Burger and Anaheim Brewery.

Now you all know I love historic buildings so the other night when my friends and I were contemplating where to eat I suggested a visit to the ever popular Umami Burger.

The actual restaurant space is quite small with a number of tables surrounding a large bar in the middle. There is extensive outdoor seating but since it was a chilly night we opted to sidle up to the bar. But before I tell you about the eats, I must mention a bit about the decor. Much care is paid to the building’s past. Historic Packard signage is throughout and the wall art and fixtures consist of rusted license plates. Like so:
(Pardon the crappiness of the photos. An Iphone upgrade is long overdue.)

Now on to the food and drinks. I started off with a Black Velvet (if you please).

It’s a delicious concoction consisting of vodka, Velvet Falernum (whatever that is), ginger beer, blackberries, and lime. So, so refreshing.

Then, I went for the classic Umami Burger,

Ok, maybe that’s not the best angle. Lest you think it’s just meat and a bun be assured there’s actually mushrooms, carmelized onions, roasted potatoes, crispy parmesan and umami ketchup stuffed in there. Quite tasty I must say…quite tasty.

We decided to share sides so we got Tempura Onion Rings

and Smashed Potatoes.
Dang it! Those Smashed Potatoes are melt in your mouth deeeelicious! I had to hold myself back from scarfing down the whole plate.

So, if you find yourself in Anaheim avoid the tourist traps and take a trip to the Packing District. There’s only a couple of places for now but the packing house is set to open soon and it’s intended purpose? A food marketplace. CANNOT WAIT.

Umami Burger
338 South Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805

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