Marion S.
Yelp
Some of the best things are born out of necessity and others through evolution...but what happens when something born of necessity evolves? You get Yellow Paper Burger.
Started as a pop up during the lockdowns, their white van, canopy, and fold up tables now have roots in Eagle Rock, on that eclectic stretch of Colorado Boulevard. Yellow Paper Burger 1.0 was punk rock and Michelin quality all rolled into one. So what happens when the anti-establishment gets established? Thankfully, it's more of the same.
There's always a fear that when things change, they might not always be for the better, but I'm glad to say they've kept the vibes going in the new spot. In some ways the new spot is too clean...a lot of white counter tops and walls...a little bit sterile, but it also evokes classic burger stand motifs. While it lacks the grittiness of their dive bar/brewery/side of the road set ups of the past, it is made up with a great collection of characters behind the counter and of course the menu remains mostly untouched. With all the smash burger spots popping up, what separates Yellow Paper from the rest? Simplicity.
It's just a well seasoned patty (or two) that's just the right crispiness on the edges, perfectly melted American cheese, some freshly chopped veggies, a little bit of mayo on a soft toasted potato bun, some pickles, chopped yellow chilis for a bit of a kick, and of course, wrapped in yellow paper. There's no secret sauce to overpower the other flavors. It's not a vehicle to deliver you onion mush or truffles or whatever else doesn't belong on a classic burger. While an avocado or bacon might be great on this, it doesn't need it. That's what makes it great. It's a burger that's a burger.
If there is one complaint I have about the move to the brick & mortar...the burgers kinda don't taste as good. I mean, this is still one of the best burgers you can get in the city, but there's some drop-off from the last time I had these burgers in the wild. I think it's just a matter of seasoning their new flat top so I guess that means coming back more often.
The one aspect they've kept from their rock and roll days is the outside patio. It may be a huge drawback on that day or two it rains in LA, but there's no indoor or covered seating...but the patio is a great place to enjoy a drink, a burger, and some of the other things on their menu.
The pickled egg is an amazing little snack. They reuse the brine from the yellow chilis and it gives the egg this nice yellow tinge on the outside. Served with some chips and a hit of salt and pepper, it's tangy, salty, and if it wasn't 5 bucks an egg, completely crave-able.
The hand pies are also another reason to come here. I believe the fillings change with what's in season. Apple is the usual go to, but I've had berry and I think peach was an option at some point too. No matter the filling, it's the flaky crust that makes it great. It helps that one of the co-founders was an executive pastry chef.
Yellow Paper may be relatively new, but it already feels like a classic. Get a double, a hand pie, a cold one...sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.