The Best Gourmet Burger in Orem: How Fancy Burger Brought Japanese Cloud Buns to Utah County

There's a moment when you bite into Fancy Burger's signature creation that the entire Utah County burger scene suddenly makes sense. The house-made Hokkaido milk bun—they call it their "cloud bun"—compresses gently under your fingers, releasing that distinct sweet-cream aroma that Japanese bakeries get right. Then comes the crispy-edged smash patty, a proprietary steak blend mixed with local bacon, and you realize this isn't just another burger joint trying to be fancy. This is the real thing.

"Hands down the best burger I've ever had," one out-of-state visitor shared after trying their May special. "The bun is soft, the meat is flavorful and cooked perfectly. The rosemary fries are the best texture and flavor."

When Fancy Burger opened in May 2023 at 37 W University Parkway in Orem—directly across from Utah Valley University's campus—it filled a gap that nobody in Utah County knew existed. Between the $5 fast-food burger and the $25 upscale experience in Salt Lake City, there was... nothing. Just a long stretch of ordinary.

The Two-Year Journey to North America's Best Burger Blend

The family-owned team behind Fancy Burger didn't stumble into this. They spent two years developing what they confidently claim is the best burger blend in North America, maybe even the world. That's not just marketing talk—it's what happens when you're willing to grind meat in-house daily, experimenting with ratios and cuts until you land on something genuinely different.

The blend itself is a closely guarded recipe: premium steak cuts combined with local ground bacon for enhanced umami depth. It's the kind of detail that makes beef cattle farmers—who visited and reviewed the restaurant—actually pause and pay attention. "As beef cattle farmers, we are picky about our meat and how it's prepared," they wrote. "One of the best smash burgers in the state and I'll stand by this."

But the genius isn't just in the beef—it's in understanding that smash burger technique is where science meets art. When that beef ball hits the screaming-hot flat-top griddle and gets pressed down hard, the Maillard reaction kicks in. Sugars caramelize. Proteins transform. You get that crispy, lacy edge while the center stays impossibly juicy. It's the difference between a good burger and one that has people driving from Provo, Salt Lake, even out of state.

Co-owner Jared Terry brought serious operational expertise to Fancy Burger, having spent 11 years at Waffle Love climbing from entry-level to operations manager overseeing multiple locations. That restaurant industry experience shows in every detail—from the streamlined menu that allows for quality control to the open kitchen where you can watch chefs work the griddle with precision timing.

The Hokkaido Milk Bun Revolution Utah County Didn't Know It Needed

Here's where Fancy Burger does something nobody else in Utah is doing: baking authentic Japanese Hokkaido milk buns from scratch, every day, in-house.

If you've never experienced a Hokkaido milk bun, think of the softest, most pillowy bread you've ever encountered, then add a subtle sweetness and a richness that comes from the milk and butter in the dough. The Japanese call this technique "tangzhong"—a water-roux method that creates an impossibly tender crumb structure. The result holds together perfectly under burger weight without getting soggy, while staying so light it practically floats.

"Ok folks...truly best burger ever," one reviewer wrote. "I've had a lot of burgers around the world and this one is right there, probably the best. Smashed patties with bacon mixed in. Luscious lettuce and tomato. Amazing cheese with real flavor. And the bun!....my god the house-made bun. Sooo good."

They're not exaggerating. Fancy Burger calls them "cloud buns" for good reason—the texture is ethereal. Slightly sweet, creamy-flavored, with a golden crust that's been brushed with butter. Some versions even have tiny flecks of gold leaf worked into the dough, because why not? If you're going to make a luxury burger experience, commit to the bit.

And then there's the kewpie mayo. Every burger gets a swipe of this Japanese mayonnaise, which tastes completely different from American mayo—richer, slightly tangy, with more umami punch from the MSG and rice vinegar. It's the kind of detail that makes food people lean forward and say, "Wait, what is that?"

A TikTok review that went viral with over 1,400 likes nailed it: "The burgers also all come with kewpie mayo - which lends a really great flavor profile and elevates it from the classic mayo you normally find on a burger."

The Fancy Burger Experience: From $5.50 to $48

Fancy Burger's menu philosophy is beautifully simple: do a few things exceptionally well, and let customers choose their price point.

The Plain Luxury starts at $5.50 for a single—just the cloud bun, custom beef blend, cheese, and kewpie mayo. It's affordable enough for UVU students between classes but elevated enough to feel special. Double it for $8.50, triple for $12.50, or go full quad for $14.50.

The Classic adds local tomatoes and lettuce, bringing fresh vegetable brightness to balance the richness. Again, scale up as your appetite demands.

Then there's the monthly masterpiece that gives the restaurant its name: The Fancy Burger.

This is where the chefs flex their culinary training. Every month—sometimes twice a month—they create a completely new burger that reimagines fine dining classics as handheld experiences. We're talking fennel-crusted roasted pork belly with quail eggs and prickly pear hollandaise. Whole roasted garlic prime rib with house-pickled fennel and aged cheddar Mornay sauce. Heirloom tomatoes with burrata, garlic confit, and balsamic glaze.

Prices range from $27 to $48 depending on ingredients, and yes, sometimes there's literal gold leaf involved.

"If you want a killer experience, try the high-end special. It will knock you out," one regular customer advised. "One other thing I love is that the owners, chef, and employees are dedicated to providing a great experience and also make you feel like you are helping them to fulfill their culinary vision."

It's an inspired strategy. The rotating monthly special creates urgency—miss it and it's gone forever—while keeping regulars coming back to see what's next. It's also Instagram and TikTok gold, which matters when you're building buzz in a college town.

Don't skip the Rosemary Fries, available in both thick and thin cuts. They're cooked in beef tallow—the traditional way, the way your grandparents' generation did it—which gives them a richness and crispness vegetable oil can't match. Fresh rosemary isn't just a garnish; it's cooked right into the fries, perfuming them with piney, savory aromatics.

"The rosemary fries are the best texture and flavor," one visitor noted. The thick-cut versus thin-cut debate is purely personal preference—both deliver that perfect golden crisp.

The Utah County Upscale Dining Gap Fancy Burger Fills

Location matters, and Fancy Burger's position at 37 W University Parkway (also listed as 1132 State Street after their recent move) is strategic genius. They're in the Barnes & Noble shopping area, near Crumbl Cookies, directly across from UVU's 48,000-student campus.

That's 48,000 potential customers within walking distance—students who want something better than fast food for date nights, graduation dinners, or when parents visit. Young professionals in Orem and Provo who are tired of driving to Salt Lake City for upscale dining. Families looking for a special occasion restaurant that doesn't serve alcohol.

Because here's the thing about Fancy Burger that makes it uniquely positioned in Utah County's LDS-heavy demographic: they don't serve alcohol. Not at the bar, not anywhere. Instead, kids can sit at the bar and watch the chefs work the open kitchen, and families can experience fine dining without the awkwardness of navigating liquor menus.

"I love that they don't serve alcohol!" one reviewer enthused. "This means the kids can sit up at the bar and eat while watching the cooks grill their burgers."

The atmosphere reinforces this approachable luxury concept. A baby grand piano sits in the corner where live musicians perform—often jazz trios—at a volume that enhances conversation rather than overwhelming it. There's a suggested $5-per-person donation for the musicians, which feels generous rather than obligatory.

Gold silverware shaped like something royalty would use. Elegant lighting. Local art on the walls. An open kitchen where you can watch your burger being smashed to order. The decor walks that fine line between high-end and hip—"cozy, hip, modern, and the vibe was just on point," as one Friday night diner described it.

What Utah County's Food Scene Says About Fancy Burger

Fancy Burger has generated the kind of organic buzz that money can't buy. The TikTok and Instagram attention has been substantial, with food influencers declaring it among Utah's best burgers. UtahChefsKiss's viral TikTok called it "one of the best burgers in the state" with "elegant and understated" presentation that "drives the focus on the flavors and textures of the food."

Even more telling are the reviews from people who know burgers. The beef cattle farmers who dissect every aspect of meat preparation. The world travelers who've eaten burgers across continents. The family from out of state whose relatives insisted they had to try it.

"Walked in for lunch with my friend and the waitress was immediately kind and helped us feel welcome," another customer shared. "The ambience here is incredible, feels like high-end dining without ridiculous prices. Music wasn't too loud, easy to have a conversation. And the food was unbelievable. Without exaggerating, I honestly don't think I've ever had a better burger."

That last bit—"without exaggerating"—is the kind of qualifier people use when they're surprised by their own enthusiasm. When something exceeds expectations so dramatically that you feel compelled to clarify you're not being hyperbolic.

The burger consistently delivers what the restaurant promises: a luxurious experience eating burgers. The "cloud bun" nickname isn't marketing fluff. The custom beef blend isn't just good beef—it's a proprietary formula they spent two years perfecting. The smash burger technique creates that ideal crispy exterior and juicy center. The Japanese touches (Hokkaido buns, kewpie mayo) aren't gimmicks; they're thoughtful choices that elevate familiar American comfort food.

Planning Your Visit to Fancy Burger in Orem

Address: 1132 State Street, Orem, UT 84058 (previously 37 W University Parkway—they recently moved to a new location with their distinctive gold food truck parked out front)

Hours:

• Monday-Saturday: 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM
• Sunday: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
• Weekend Brunch: Saturday and Sunday mornings (exclusive brunch menu)

Phone: (801) 900-7719

What to Order First Time: Start with the Double Classic to experience the core burger concept—that incredible Hokkaido bun, the smash-burger technique, the kewpie mayo difference. Add rosemary fries (thick-cut if you love potatoes, thin-cut if you prefer maximum crisp). If you're feeling adventurous and it's a special occasion, go for the current month's Fancy Burger—but know you're committing to the $30-40 range.

Best Times to Visit: Arrive before the dinner rush (before 6:00 PM) to snag a table without waiting, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when live music draws crowds. UVU students pack the place during lunch hours and late afternoons.

Parking & Location: Easy parking in the Barnes & Noble shopping area. Walking distance from UVU campus. Look for the distinctive gold food truck out front.

Instagram: @myfancyburger (they post the monthly Fancy Burger reveals here)

Why Fancy Burger Matters to Utah County's Food Story

There's a reason foodies from Salt Lake City are making the drive south to Orem. Fancy Burger has proven that Utah County can support elevated dining that respects both culinary ambition and family-friendly accessibility. They've shown that Japanese baking techniques can enhance American classics without feeling forced. That smash burgers can be fine dining. That $5.50 can get you something genuinely special, and $40 can get you an experience you won't forget.

In a state where burger culture runs deep—from pastrami burgers to fry sauce—Fancy Burger has carved out completely original territory. They're not trying to be Lucky 13's provocative creativity or Crown Burger's utilitarian satisfaction. They're something Utah County didn't have before: approachable luxury, family-friendly fine dining, and the best Hokkaido milk buns you'll find anywhere between Tokyo and the Wasatch Front.

"I really do think this is one of the best burgers in the state and the restaurant really is something special," that viral TikTok review concluded. "It's quickly becoming one of my favorite burger places for sure!"

For once, the hype is justified.