B H.
Yelp
I heard the brilliant chef behind Ramen Kazama was opening a Japanese-influenced burger spot behind his original spot and had to try it out! The food was great, the rest needs to work itself out a bit.
The menu I saw online looked intriguing, unfortunately I found out it's only the limited brunch menu during the day on weekends. Honestly, I think the idea of doing "brunch" at a burger joint seems like a clunky fit - that trend should stick in the lane of pretty instagrammy spots (where food is secondary), not places like this.
The process of getting food is okay, but needs refinement: For in-restaurant dining in you grab a seat and use QR codes to order (they seem to realize it's not working great so also offer to just take it at a counter or via paper). The QR codes are at least tailored to each table, but the interface is a little clunky if you need to edit something you already ordered (ex. when deciding to swap a salad for fries, I had to delete an item and then add it again because the site would crash in editing an existing item in the cart). I am patient enough with tech to trouble-shoot, but I could see how that would not go well with some less digitally inclined (plus, you know... it's nice to talk to a human).
This indecisiveness on the ordering process manifested in my order: the best item I tried wasn't on the printed brunch or regular menu, but instead only in the online QR ordering menu on Toast. I realized on my way out it was a special that was only shown on a small laminated sheet by a register (which I skipped because they said go ahead and sit down and use a QR code). No one told me about it, I accidentally stumbled upon it.
The cocktail options were confusing because nowhere do they describe anything that might be unusual; e.g. what is a "Miomosa" versus their existing mimosa (neither paper or online menus told me), my Bloody Mary had something deep fried at the end... didn't know what it was going to be (chicken)... this just seems to be forgetting to do that sort of thing. In a normal live-person service you would ask the staff... but this is a QR code place.
The actual service when food was delivered was pleasant and knowledgeable. The QR codes seem to waste their talent.
I was curious how the "house made Japanese hamburger blend" was going to be in practice, and it was a good beef patty. Nothing overwhelming in one way or another. The Tokidoki Burger is what they describe as a "normal" burger with traditional restaurant fixings. Everything on it was fresh. They have some more interesting options on their regular menu... but this was the brunch menu so burger options were in short supply *at a restaurant with burger in the name*... {sigh} (3 burgers: TokiDoki, an eggs benedict burger, and a veggie burger). The side-salad option has a pleasant sesame dressing. They include refreshing pickled cucumbers on the side.
We got a side of the Purple Rain Fries, which were tossed in a purple shiso seasoning and topped with fresh shiso. Like the patties, it was flavorful without being overwhelming. A good sharing item.
Back to my accidental discover of the special, the Curry Melt was excellent: it took a sourdough patty melt and added fukujinzuke (a Japanese kind of relish) and served it up with a bowl of Japanese curry to dip it. Let me be clear: I *love* Japanese curry, fell in love in LA's Little Tokyo & Sawtelle and had it in Japan. I knew what it should taste like, savory (often not spicy) and rich. This curry was right on the money for what they were using it. It enriched the flavor of the sandwich. I hope they make it permanent. I also hope they to a traditional curry, katsu, and rice dish someday (the classic dish is one of my favorite comfort foods, but I digress). I'm glad I stumbled upon it. Get it if they have it.
My only other critique is as solvable as the indecisive service method: The interior design is let down. I remember watching this structure being built so I'm surprised the interior is so undercooked. It appears no actual architect or interior designer had a hand in the space, it's comprises random ideas slapped together in so-so manners that don't match the volume of the space: a too-small chandelier, live-edge tables in only the booths. Empty spaces. Empty walls. The original Ramen Kazama next door had a cool old space to work with and that created its own character with some limited decoration. This is is a white box that feels like it was barely decorated by someone who was not up for the task. It makes it look cheap. My bill told me it wasn't! (thankfully the quality of the food also told me that, haha)
All of my critiques are from wanting to see this place succeed. The food is good, I can't wait to get back to try its full menu someday - but I do recommend checking it out.