Softies Burger

Founded by first-time restaurant owners Sam Hong and Josh Kim, this Oklahoma-style smashburger pop-up that debuted at Smorgasburg back in 2022 has finally graduated to the permanent location. While I wouldn’t necessarily pick Softies' classic smashburger (the Cali) out of a lineup in a blind taste test, Hong and Kim truly distinguish themselves with their must-try Aji. This unique smashburger pairs griddled onions and pickled jalapeños with a punchy bright green cilantro mayo full of two of my favorite things: garlic and lime juice. The airy new location right next to Yobesoyo Superette inside USC Village includes two hours’ free parking, plus newer menu items like a chopped cheese sandwich, a dairy-free Orange Bang made with oat milk and a Caesar salad topped with fried chicken. On the burger front, however, the newest highlight is Crispy Shroom, which tops your smashburger with a whole enoki fried mushroom (it can also be made vegetarian if you forgo the patty entirely).

Time Out tip: Order the key lime pie for dessert—and look out for Softies’ new breakfast menu come fall.