Katsu Burger (Federal Way WA)

Date: May 1, 2025

Location:1706 S 320th Street, Federal Way WA

Website: https://www.katsuburger.com/

Katsu Burger is a Japanese fusion joint with a fresh spin on the Great American Cheeseburger. Their secret? It’s right there in the name. The Japanese word “katsu” (カツ), a shortened form of katsuretsu, refers to a lightly breaded, miso seasoned, and deep fried slice of pork, chicken, or beef. Katsu is also slang for “victory” or “to win.”

I chose The Wabi Wasabi, a 100% natural grass-fed beef katsu, with melted pepper jack cheese, cabbage, tomatoes, pickles, red onions, wasabi mayo, and tonkatsu sauce, on a toasted brioche bun.

1 Aesthetics — A very tall, handsome sandwich, thanks to the giant mess of shredded cabbage. And I love the look of the glistening katsu and peekaboo veggies. 7

2 Flavor — Wow! So yummy! The traditional taste of a high quality cheeseburger, intensified with two amazing enhancements: the satisfying crunch of deep fried food (Southern Squatch approved), and the savory umami flavor of Japanese spices and sauces. 8.5

3 Mouthfeel — Amazing! I have to admit, for all my bitching about shredded lettuce, the shredded cabbage in this masterpiece adds an even more crunch to the already crispy (yet tender and juicy!) texture of the golden brown katsu. 9

4 Quality/Freshness — They use the high quality fresh ingredients, and you can tell. Even the sauces are made in house daily.  8

5 Integrity — For so tall and towering a creation, this sandwich was quite structurally sound. Lost some sauce and a little renegade cabbage, but otherwise held together nicely. Extra credit for careful, balanced assembly on a sturdy bun. 8

6 Atmosphere — Just your basic strip mall cafe, minimally decorated with Japanese pop culture flourishes. Bonus points for having games and an art-making table to occupy the kiddies. 6.5

7 Service — Excellent! Fast, friendly, efficient. 9

8 Satisfaction — A great experience. 8.5

9 Creativity/Uniqueness — I’m knocked out by the success of this bold variation on the cheeseburger. The katsu, cabbage, and savory Japanese spices and sauces, are all wonderful enhancements. 9

10 Value — At $11, this is a gourmet burger at a fast food price. Outstanding! 9

True to its name, Katsu Burger is a winner. I will most definitely be back. Highly recommended!

Total Score: 82.5