USC Village is constantly welcoming and bidding farewell to fresh eateries to populate the center of the University’s commercial hub. However, once a place sticks, it sticks, and the hopes are high for Softies Burger, USC Village’s latest addition. Situated in Stout Burgers & Beers’ former location, Softies followed the classic Hollywood narrative of pushing out the old for the new, replacing artisan-style burgers with classic smashburgers with a twist.

The brainchild of former techies Josh Kim and Sam Hong — also former Dulce employees — Softies is made in the image of the two creators’ Korean American upbringings. The menu isn’t massive, but it’s varied enough for people of all tastes, featuring classic American smash burgers with Korean-inspired toppings. 

The burgers include the Cali and Aji for $9 each, the Crispy Shroom for $14 or $10 if ordered vegetarian-style, and the Lil’ Softie for $7.50 with a single patty and white American cheese. The vegetarian options are a chickenless Caesar salad, a meat-free Crispy Shroom burger and a plain side of fries or tots for $4 and $5 respectively. Customers can add patties to all burgers except the Crispy Shroom for $3.50 to $4 each.

The pricing is moderate compared to Softies’ predecessor but would likely only be entertained by someone desperate for a decent smash burger. The two non-burger options are the Chopped Cheese sandwich for a steep $13 and the Caesar Salad sans chicken for $9. Though with chicken for an extra $4, the salad is one of the best dishes on the menu.

Each burger was cooked well done and none of the patties were dry. Each of the buns was toasted before being placed on the burger. There were some clear winners in terms of American-Korean fusion and smash burgers.

The Aji burger won the day as a somewhat unexceptional but very satisfying eating experience with caramelized onions, cheese and pickles alongside the Aji sauce that has notes of sweet honey, dijon mustard and pepper — great for Chick-fil-A fans, especially with the fries. 

The Crispy Shroom was excellent with a patty and a decent vegetarian option without. Topped with lettuce, tomatoes, yuzu mayo and pickled red onions, it wasn’t completely filling without a patty but tasted great. It also wasn’t trying to be a veggie burger, a trap vegetarian options often fall victim to with varying results.

As for the Cali burger, for patrons wanting to try the combination of burger patties and Cali sauce — made with avocado, cilantro and lime, and sliced jalapenos — they should order the loaded fries or tots, which come with the same combo without a bun and without an overpowering amount of meat. 

The Cali sauce tastes best on the loaded tots, though vegetarians can order them loaded without the meat and still have a good meal. The best sauces for the fries are the Aji sauce and the yellow pepper ranch, while the yuzu mayo should only be ordered as a topping on a burger, considering it costs an additional $1 per side.

The Chopped Cheese sandwich is basically a burger in a French roll, poorly disguised as a sandwich but relatively inoffensive in taste, unlike its price. Though the roll is nice, sticking with a burger experience and price is recommended.

The Caesar salad is wonderful with added chicken tenders, which make a massive difference in flavor and texture. The Korean-style fried chicken simultaneously serves as croutons over a salad of greens lightly coated in Caesar dressing. The batter is beautifully seasoned, and the lemon in the dressing keeps the greens from turning mealy and thick over time, making it flavorful for the duration of the meal.

Softies’ drinks are unremarkable but nice, with options besides typical canned sodas and drinks, including a hot drip coffee, a cold brew with the added options of oat milk and brown sugar syrup, Limonada and Orange Bang. 

The drip coffee is fine but offensive when put in context with Dulce across the courtyard, while the cold brew is best with both oat milk and brown sugar add-ons and is a good, quick option for those looking to sneak in an iced coffee in the morning. The Limonada is like limeade with a splash of Yakult and is a better option than the Orange Bang, which tastes like flat, homemade SunnyD.

Softies is for those looking for a chill environment with a great playlist and grub to break a too-long fast. Service is great and fast, the food is filling and flavorful, and the drinks are refreshing — just keep an eye on your total if you plan for any add-ons.