Sliding In at the Upper 90 MKE

I don't quite know if it was the long day riding in a Santa costume on a pub crawl (santa rampage)? or seeing the English Beat in concert at Turner Hall Milwaukee but I was hungry for some good eats at 9:30PM last Saturday eve.

After all that, my friend Jim and I were taking a walk around the block to burn some time until our ride home would arrive. We stumbled upon the Upper 90 on State street near North 4th. I've seen the establishment several times before but, never stopped in. I had time. Why not? Glad we did!

There was a sign outside that stated $1 burgers on Thursday. We peered in the front door. Frying pans piled high. They all had a patina that look like good food was cooked here.
Honestly, I only wanted a little information about what Upper 90 meant and what kind of fare they offered. (and more information on the $1 burger deal) The hostess was super helpful and fun.

The Upper 90 menu has an extensive breakfast offering and even more impressive beer list. What about those burgers? Not sure if we were up for the whole burger, we had limited time. So, maybe a cocktail or beer. Next thing we know, we are splitting an appetizer of the Taz Sliders! Hit the spot. Moist, fresh and stuffed with Nueske's bacon and cheddar cheese.
We walked away with a total bill of around $20 for the appetizer, beer and a drink. I think that's pretty decent these days.

Will I go back for a burger? Heck yes! It might be interesting to see if they change anything for Thursday burgers. Of course, that means I will need to have a burger on a different day also. I think I can manage that one. ;)

4.5 out of 5 stars
Quick service, server was fun, price reasonable for downtown (or anyplace) tasty

The fish that got away...

Call it a risk if you must, I ordered a cheeseburger at a fancy restaurant that is known for seafood. The menu includes steak and the restaurant group is know for quality meat and top notch chefs. That's why I took the gamble.

I ordered med-rare and for the most part, it was. My first bite let me know that the chef might not really care to cook a burger. An over abundance of salt and seasoning made it difficult to taste the meat. Maybe it was cooked on a grill that had not been cleaned and the seasonings from the previous dish was still present? I kept eating. Hey, it's a burger. By the time I finished, I was even less impressed. The bun was pretty good. I'm not going to say it was one of the best I've had.

Later, while I talked with friends about the experience, they said to me "really? a cheeseburger?" My reply was "sure, why not? does a chef at a restaurant that specialty is seafood only know how to cook seafood? a quality beef, grilled. not too complicated"

What I learned from this experience, don't tell your friends that you ordered a burger at a high-end restaurant that is know for seafood. ;)

Overall, the restaurant was really nice and the atmosphere and staff were wonderful. The people I went to dinner with enjoyed their seafood dishes. They too felt as though for the restaurant group and price the dishes were only very good.

I don't care to bash any particular restaurant so, I won't name names. This blog is mostly for my record. I'll know which place I went to. If you read these blogs please, always understand, they are my opinion, tastes etc.

My experience:
Location, atmosphere and staff were great. Price, not bad. Food, so-so. I went in expecting more. Maybe that is where I went wrong.
3.0 of 5.0

Muskie's a classic burger joint

My Wednesdays are spent driving around Chicago and the surrounding area delivering programs to theaters. I see quite a few places that draw my attention but, Muskie's called to me with their sign that states "the original charbroiled hamburger". The building is old school. Cash only. I got the jumbo cheeseburger with everything, medium rare. I turned out more rare but, still had great flavor. The relish was excellent and the bun tasty. I only wish I would have gotten fries.
Money well spent. $4.73
4 of 5 stars.
The scene is worth stopping for. I'm guessing the rest of the menu is as good. A lot of people outside on the patio area. Great neighborhood for discovering different shops etc.

Others said:
http://www.burgered.com/2010/08/muskies-hamburgers/

Return to the Nite Owl (a Milwaukee treasure)

So, it's one of those times when all things align. I was on the south side of Milwaukee, had some time and cash. Also (and not so unusual) I had a craving for a tasty burger.
Heading west from beautiful Cudahy, I can taste and smell a juicy Nite Owl burger. Again, it's cash only. Place your order and hang out in the little shelter attached to the front of the original building.  Just to add to the experience, there is a cool old LaSalle parked in the lot. It's chopped and shaved. The burger arrives. White paper bag and some napkins. I eat it before I sit down. Fantastic! Fresh and reasonable priced. Local character all the way and not so out of the way.
Keep the good eats going Nite Owl. Some day, I need to sit in the parlor and enjoy an ice cream treat.
What other's have written about the Nite Owl.
http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/whiteowldrivein.html

Known for Mexican food not burgers...

It's a Tuesday evening at the Highland House, Brew City Cruise Night. The orphan cars are the feature car tonight. I have an Oldsmobile. Orphaned in 2004 by General Motors.
Since this blog isn't about cars, I should get to the part about the burgers.
The patio at the Highland House is really quite cool. Three different areas to sit and chat. The staff is friendly. I feel sort of bad because the night I was there, the tappers went down. I'm not a big beer guy but, my friends are. The waitress brought out some chips and salsa. All made on location. The menu is mostly Mexican or Mexican inspired food. By now you know that I'm checking to see what they have for burgers. They have a whole separate page of burgers! 1/2 pound Angus, cooked to your liking. I went plain Jane with the Highland. (going with the namesake)
Well, it was good. Not going to lie. A little to much char flavor. I'm not sure if the fire had something on it or it just charred the edges too much. Fresh lettuce and tomato. The bun was a bit blah. Not crunchy or soft. Hmm.
Waffle fries were decent.

Over all:
3 of 5
A lot had to do with the nice patio. The burger isn't that memorable. A bit expensive.

McBob's Milwaukee, the Hunter becomes the hunted

I knew McBob's in Milwaukee is know for great Corned Beef or chili. What I didn't know is they have awesome burgers also! Normally, I'd be the lame-o and order just a plain burger. I felt a bit adventurous last night. I ordered the Hunter. Tell me if this doesn't make you want one right now. 1/2 lb Angus patty, 1/2 of a brat, sauerkraut, fried onions, sharp cheddar and brown mustard. Each of the components could stand on their own. I requested medium rare, that's what I got. Combined on a bun, splendid. Could it be that I was caught off guard? No matter, I was glad I didn't default to the Ruben (don't get me wrong, their Ruben is awesome) Served with potato chips instead of fries, that's okay. $7.75 is on target for value.

4.5 of 5 stars

Cooked just right, all components were excellent. Price makes a great value. Staff was a little off.

Burger was delicious, they had the fishes

Friday Fish Fry night in Milwaukee WI. A special night indeed. I'm not the biggest fan of the food but, I love the opportunity to hang out with friends on a Friday night.
A group from the neighborhood went out for a Fish Fry at the Firefly Urban Bar & Grill in Wauwatosa, WI. (a suburb of Milwaukee) I decided I'd go along with the crowd and just get the fish but, wait... The Firefly Burger? I felt like a dork ordering the burger. They didn't pick on me too much because they know I have a thing for burgers.
I got it cooked medium. I wasn't sure if it was because I adjusted my buds to the taste of fried fish or what but, awesome burger! Hand packed, cooked just right. The fries were peel on and tasty. Some fresh made Asian slaw on the side. $12 seems to be the going rate so, I wasn't too shocked. I took half home and warmed it up for lunch to relive the moment. ;)

4 of 5 stars.
Service was lacking. The waiter was not listening to anything we said. Had to repeat things. $$$ for drinks.

Airport Food, Ike's Minneapolis

I've been to Ike's at the Minneapolis airport once before. I'm sure I had a burger. I may have blogged about it.

This time was different. I had one of their signature burgers, Ike's Roadhouse Steak Burger. 10 oz. blend of ground Angus sirloin and Prime Rib, toasted onion bun, 4 yr cheddar, mushrooms and onion straws. I always break off a chunk of the patty that doesn't have all the junk on it. The edge was bit more cooked than I'd like but it was all part of sealing in the super juicy interior! Weew, what a burger. It was all I expected from the combination of meats etc. I still have half in the fridge waiting to be awakened.

I can't comment on price because I was at an airport so, prices are irrelevant. I will say that this patty did seemed to be hand formed. It was cooked just right, per the waiter's suggestion. All of the stuff loaded on only made it a mouthful of flavors that complimented each other. It was all enjoyed with a Jack and Coke. That's pairing.

Final thoughts:
I wouldn't suggest going to an airport for dinner but, if you are looking for tasty burgers this kicks any of the other chains. I am always shocked that Burger King and McDonald's get so much more $$ for the same old burger when purchased at the airport.
I would guess the burger I had might be $10-$12 in the outside world. I does come with a large helping of fries and some tasty slaw.

4 of 5 Stars.

Zen at the Zin Burger Tucson

Although I would rather go for the local more home grown burger joint it's always interesting to see what the chain places offer. Zin Burger in Tucson originally made me feel like I found just that. I didn't realize that they are part of a group of restaurants. No matter, we don't have them in Milwaukee so, it was burger time!
There were four people in our party. Each ordered a different item. I will cover those before I finish.
I got the Plain & Simple Burger. Medium so I could have some flavor. The burger does not come with fries. Zin does have a great selection of fries. Zucchini, Hand cut potatoes or Sweet potatoes. When my burger arrived I was delighted. Tasty bun and cooked almost perfect to my tastes. Flavor was pretty decent. A bit salty. I had the Hand cut fries and shared a delicious Cookies and Cream malt with my wife.

Just a side bar, while in Phoenix only two days before, I had a burger that tasted like they sprayed it with smoke flavor. Not cool.

The staff was friendly and fairly helpful.

My sister-in-law ordered a B.L.T. salad. Salads are offered in two dollar amounts, $5 & $8. She decided to select the more expensive. The salad was just Iceberg Lettuce with some bacon and tomatoes etc. Nothing too fancy.

The wife had a Turkey burger. I snagged a piece, very nice. Juicy alternative. My brother-in-law got the Ahi Tuna sandwich. $$ but tasty. I didn't try it. :)

By the time we were done, we all thought it was decent faire. A little on the pricey side for lunch but, good quality and ambience. We would do it again.

4 of 5 Stars.

Wicked Hop, Wicked Burger

This is the second time I've been at the Wicked Hop in the Third Ward, Milwaukee WI.

I wasn't in the bar proper so, things were complicated. I was actually next door at the Jackalope Lounge. Still, they serve all the menu if you request it.

The staff in the bar area were very accommodating. They took my order and later, when the order was ready, they tracked me down in the Lounge.

The group I was with had some appetizers out but, I had to have my Wicked Burger. Build your own for me. Medium rare. They cooked it spot on and tasty. The server from the main bar took care of everything without a hitch.

I will return during warmer weather for some outdoor seating and tasty food.
4 of 5 stars. Great service, great taste.

http://www.thewickedhop.com/

AJ Bomber's-Good But Not "the Bomb"

One of the places everybody says a person needs to go for burgers in Milwaukee is AJ Bomber's, on Water Street.

I finally made it to Bomber's a couple of month's back as part of a night out. The place was packed. Standing room only. The staff is a lot of fun and very accommodating. The crowd seemed rather prepared to wait for the experience. We grabbed a couple of refreshments, beer & soda. They have this wonderful system to reload peanuts. Little airplanes slide on rails across the room and hit a stopper that causes the peanuts to drop in to a dish at the final destination. Fun.

So, how about the burger? I had a Double AJ.

Tasty, yes. Awesome, not really. Maybe it was all the hype about the Food Channel etc.? Maybe the long wait really didn't make me crave it more? I'm not going to cut it down. It was decent. $$ was relative to the location/scene.

Overall, I think most people would enjoy the atmosphere, food and selection of beers.

I was expecting more of a hand formed, juicy burger on a bit more tasty bun.
3.5 of 5 stars. Mostly because the scene and then, the burger.

(http://ajbombers.com/milwaukee)