4.5 STARS
Me…read more*contemplating* how I'm going to fit this Astro Burger in my mouth is like me *contemplating* what the hell I'm going to do with the rest of my life.
IDK but let's dive right into it, face first. Or, at least attempt to without ruining the burger by giving it CPR.
More on that later...
Rocket Burger Station opened in late February 2024, shared space with Vons Chicken. They're open for takeout, delivery, indoor dining, and outdoor dining.
Not sure why they merged listings with Vons but the reviews prior to February 2024 are for Vons, not Rocket Burger Station.
O R D E R I N G
Contactless ordering via two kiosks but you can also order with the cashier. If you're going to make a lot customizations, order with the cashier since not all options are shown on the kiosk.
After ordering and paying, staff will deliver your food to you.
M E N U
Korean-Japanese fusion burgers. Burgers start at $8.99. And, you can BYOB or customize one to your liking (e.g. extra patty, sub cheeses, add bacon/avo/fried egg, beef temp).
--PROTEIN: 5.33 oz angus patty, impossible patty, or fried chicken breast
--CHEESE: American, cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or swiss
--TEMP: Rare, medium rare, medium, or well-done
Lettuce wrap available.
You can also order Vons chicken.
For drinks, there's shakes and fountain sodas. Self-serve water available.
F O O D
I'm aware of the TikTok drama but unfortunately, I can't get to Oakland to try the original one.
* The Astro Burger w/ cheddar, bacon, fried eggplant, lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo, astro sauce, tonkatsu sauce ($14.99) // 4.5 stars: https://tinyurl.com/3hfte4mc
--Requested medium rare
One of the rare occasions where reality met expectations, and the actual burger looked like the menu pic.
The STACKED burger was composed of a grilled beef patty, two layers of panko fried eggplant, tomato, red onion, and green leaf lettuce...between a sesame studded toasted bun that held its shape. I had to remove two layers (layer of eggplant + tomato) to get the burger to fit in my mouth.
The beef patty was tender and beefy with a good smoky char flavor. Cooked medium but at least it wasn't well done. As someone that puts fries in their burger, I enjoyed the crunch from the fried eggplant. It may not be for everyone but the mayo or one of their sauces, I think it's cut with condensed milk which adds a delicious sweetness to contrast the saltiness of the bacon and tang of the tonkatsu sauce. Condensed milk works in K toasts/drop egg sandwiches so why not a burger?
The result was a gut-busting, delicious burger with good flavors and textures. While it wasn't a greasy burger, I couldn't finish it. Bring a hooman vacuum to dine with you.
(Please note: Since my visit about 6 weeks ago, they've discontinued the Astro Burger but you can BYOB with the same ingredients to match the it).
* Earth Burger w/ lettuce, tomato, red onion, thousand island sauce ($8.99) // 4 stars
--Requested medium rare
--Add extra patty (+$5.99)
--Add bacon (+$2.49)
--Add avocado (+$1.99)
Not my burger but my friend inhaled it and said it was "good".
* Fries ($4.99) // 4 stars
Hot, golden brown, and lightly seasoned.
S E R V I C E
Cordial and prompt. Visited around opening time (weekend lunch) with a handful of customers dining in. Placed our order at the kiosk and our food was delivered to us in about 10 minutes.
A M B I A N C E
Casual and modern with 6-7 tables inside and 5 tables outside.
P A R K I N G
Parking can be difficult in the plaza (Mitsuwa) during peak times.
Overall, I usually don't gravitate towards American cuisine or burgers when dining in the South Bay, but Rocket Burger Station is bringing something different with their Korean-Japanese twist to the classic American burger. Always a plus when there's dog-friendly outdoor seating!