Dark Kitchens — Restaurant in Santa Ana

The location has been upgraded, the lot is nice and pleasant to hang out in. Service was friendly and efficient.

The burger is excellent (we tried the California). There's now a few great smash burger style places here in the Central Valley, so it's nice to have DK representing a different style and doing it well. Whereas places like Burga and Charles are following in Shake Shack's footsteps, the inspiration here (especially for the California) is more In N Out. Would definitely come back for burgers.

The pizza on the other hand was just ok, despite looking excellent. This is my kind of pizza in terms of style. But the sauce was heavy on the tomato paste flavour as opposed to fresh or canned crushed tomato, which is a massive downgrade (note, this could be about brand rather than actual paste vs tomato); and the crust (which is good texture, cook, and basic taste) was significantly under-salted, which takes away a lot of the balance and flavour of the whole pizza. Overall it was still fine/ok, but given the number of excellent pizza alternatives in the same vein (Oliva and Nana to name just two), it's hard to imagine a scenario where we come back for it.

This was our second visit; it took more than a year for us to give it another try, as the first time we went we waited for a table for 20 minutes, and when we sat down were only then told there was no more pizza for the day (one person in our party was a vegetarian, leaving them with...nothing...so we left). Things seem to have improved since then, as it was a very pleasant overall experience despite the mixed...

I was going to give them a 5 star review, but as a burger enthusiastic, it’s hard for me to figure out a burger that has its meat patty 30% smaller than the bun. I mean, it’s burger basics. What happens when you finish the meat first? There’s no taste left eating only bread and sauces. Let’s hope the restaurant is not trying to save costs by reducing the size of the burger or just trying to make it look bigger.

Aside of that episode, I’d say the DK Burger (the one I tried) is great, good flavors, juicy, easy to eat. Comes with fries or Camote for those who want a little sweet in the plate.

Pizzas are awesome! The dough makes me remember some pizzerias in Italy.

Service is great!

In rain season, the creek besides the place smells funny.

Will come back for the pizzas only unless they restore...

Pizza was excellent quality. Robust Pepperoni, unique flavor profile and artisanal bread made for unique experience. 5*

In terms of value, however, it falls well short in a saturated market. Others offering same quality at 2 for 1 medium pizzas of DKs retail price. 3*

I got mine at an UberEats discount which enticed me to try, but not coming back at full price.

Most ratings emphasize the burgers, another saturated market at the CRC 7-9 mil range, but will consider at UE discount.

*90/10% premium beef is CRC 5mil per KILO (2.2 pounds) at any Carneceria... Cost of beef on a traditional 1/4 pound burger is ~$1.50... why is everyone charging $15-$18...