11.20.2017
It was another night of "Burgers with Brothers", a new tradition that my brothers and I have decided is an important thing to do. There are going to be burgers but honestly, it's all about the three of us getting together with each other to catch up, hang out and share some time as brothers. So far, no spouses or children are invited.
The most recent outing was at Oscar's Pub & Grill, West Pierce St, Milwaukee.
The eldest of the three chose it.
For me it would be the third time. The past two times, very satisfied. Let's see what happened this time.
The place was hoppin' when we met up at 6PM on a Monday. There were a couple of drink specials listed on the white board. No burger specials. No problem, prices are decent anyway.
The burger choices went like this:
Younger-The Hongo (
8 oz. Premium Black Angus Burger, Chipotle Jack, Smoked Gouda, Hickory
Bacon, Chorizo, Fried Onions, Jalapeños, Side of House Guacamole) & Sweet Potato Fries
All of us agreed that the burgers were cooked near perfect, fresh roll and all the sides were above par.
When we arrived the music was just background noise. A song by Pearl Jam came on and all of the sudden the volume went up! We mentioned to the waitress that it was a bit loud to talk over. A short time later, the basketball game sound was coming out of the sound system. Screeching shoes on a basketball court, right in our ears!
We wrapped up our conversation outside. Just some advice when choosing a table, avoid the speaker hanging in the corner of the bar area.
During nice weather, there is an outside deck that's a great place for larger groups.
Rate it:
4 of 5
Price is right on. Service better than ok. Great food. Fresh & relatively fast.
Noise level in the bar area is not suitable for conversation. (at least this night)
Although I said 4 of 5, it's a 4+. This may be my new "go to" burger. Very consistent.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Deschutes Public House (Portland, OR)
11.11.2017
When in Portland...
If you find yourself in the Northwestern part of the U.S. you better take some time to check out the beer being produced in the region.
A great place to start is the Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House in downtown Portland, OR.
She was thinking beer and I was thinking burgers.
We were familiar with the Black Butte Porter but wanted to check out some other brews that were on tap. We grabbed a flight while we waited for our burgers to arrive. Each of the beers in the flight were tasty but, that would be a different blog.
We split the Pub Burger with an order of Garlic Fries.
The burger arrived cooked perfect. Just a little pink and juicy. The roll, fresh and shined up with a little butter. I've been so used to bland burgers. The cook had no fear of seasoning it just right. As I mentioned, we split the burger. I got my fill. This was a decent size burger.
I need to make special mention of the Garlic Fries (Hand-cut Kennebec potatoes, rosemary-orange aioli, manchego cheese).
The ketchup was also special. Organic and local. We brought home a bottle, it's that good. Very similar to a sauce for a Margherita pizza. Yummy!
Located in the heart of one of the busiest parts of downtown Portland the Public House is a place worth checking out. The interior is full of carved wood rafters and there's a view in to the area behind the scenes if you like that kind of stuff.
Rate it:
4.5 of 5
Yum. Yum. Oh, great staff, delicious everything. A bit pricey for my Midwest budgeted mind. Plan to wait if you go on the weekend.
When in Portland...
If you find yourself in the Northwestern part of the U.S. you better take some time to check out the beer being produced in the region.
A great place to start is the Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House in downtown Portland, OR.
She was thinking beer and I was thinking burgers.
We were familiar with the Black Butte Porter but wanted to check out some other brews that were on tap. We grabbed a flight while we waited for our burgers to arrive. Each of the beers in the flight were tasty but, that would be a different blog.
We split the Pub Burger with an order of Garlic Fries.
The burger arrived cooked perfect. Just a little pink and juicy. The roll, fresh and shined up with a little butter. I've been so used to bland burgers. The cook had no fear of seasoning it just right. As I mentioned, we split the burger. I got my fill. This was a decent size burger.
I need to make special mention of the Garlic Fries (Hand-cut Kennebec potatoes, rosemary-orange aioli, manchego cheese).
The ketchup was also special. Organic and local. We brought home a bottle, it's that good. Very similar to a sauce for a Margherita pizza. Yummy!
Located in the heart of one of the busiest parts of downtown Portland the Public House is a place worth checking out. The interior is full of carved wood rafters and there's a view in to the area behind the scenes if you like that kind of stuff.
 | |
| Pub Burger, Garlic Fries, Beer flight |
Rate it:
4.5 of 5
Yum. Yum. Oh, great staff, delicious everything. A bit pricey for my Midwest budgeted mind. Plan to wait if you go on the weekend.
Hello Fatburger! (Issaquah, WA)
11.07.2017
En route from Seatac Airport to Kennewick Washington.
When we left Seatac Airport, we still had a couple of hours of driving ahead of us. The plan was to get on the road for a distance and then stop for some food before heading into the mountain passes.
We kept an eye on the exit signs for something we might like. Hopefully something lighter. The usual food listings for McDonald's, Denny's etc.
Then, a sign listing Fatburger! What? I wasn't even sure that Fatburger was still in business. The one and only time I had Fatburger was in New Orleans, maybe a decade ago. The store was down near the famous Cafe' Du Monde. The staff was interesting and the names for the burgers even more interesting. Baby Burger, Mama Burger and Papa Burger. The burger was decent for "fast food".
The names have been changed but Fatburger is still putting out a decent burger.
The location we went to was part of a cluster of businesses. The store itself was set up to feel like an old time diner or drive-in. Juke box, booths and all.
Burger names are Small, Original(1/3lb), Large(1/2lb), XXL(1lb) and XXXL(1-1/2lb). I'm not sure if back in the day they offer it but now you can have a lettuce wrap instead of bun. Cleaver.
So, you place your order. Because the burgers are cooked for your order and not sitting waiting for you, the cashier gives you a number stand and you pick a booth.
The burger arrives. I start my scrutinizing. Nice bun, fairly thick burger. Decent amount of fries.
First bite. Very good. Fries the same. Very fresh.
It's not gourmet but, I would say in the category where I would include places like Five Guys I might rather go to Fatburger. One problem, they are only out West.
Also, I bought a new shirt to replace the one I got so many years ago. It's not as neat. The original one had the Fatburger logo. This one just has Fatburger with the date. Still cool. Representing the burger!
Rank it already:
4 of 5
It was tasty, fresh and priced right. The fries were very good. Overall, a good value.
En route from Seatac Airport to Kennewick Washington.
When we left Seatac Airport, we still had a couple of hours of driving ahead of us. The plan was to get on the road for a distance and then stop for some food before heading into the mountain passes.
We kept an eye on the exit signs for something we might like. Hopefully something lighter. The usual food listings for McDonald's, Denny's etc.
Then, a sign listing Fatburger! What? I wasn't even sure that Fatburger was still in business. The one and only time I had Fatburger was in New Orleans, maybe a decade ago. The store was down near the famous Cafe' Du Monde. The staff was interesting and the names for the burgers even more interesting. Baby Burger, Mama Burger and Papa Burger. The burger was decent for "fast food".
The names have been changed but Fatburger is still putting out a decent burger.
The location we went to was part of a cluster of businesses. The store itself was set up to feel like an old time diner or drive-in. Juke box, booths and all.
Burger names are Small, Original(1/3lb), Large(1/2lb), XXL(1lb) and XXXL(1-1/2lb). I'm not sure if back in the day they offer it but now you can have a lettuce wrap instead of bun. Cleaver.
So, you place your order. Because the burgers are cooked for your order and not sitting waiting for you, the cashier gives you a number stand and you pick a booth.
The burger arrives. I start my scrutinizing. Nice bun, fairly thick burger. Decent amount of fries.
First bite. Very good. Fries the same. Very fresh.
It's not gourmet but, I would say in the category where I would include places like Five Guys I might rather go to Fatburger. One problem, they are only out West.
Also, I bought a new shirt to replace the one I got so many years ago. It's not as neat. The original one had the Fatburger logo. This one just has Fatburger with the date. Still cool. Representing the burger!
Rank it already:
4 of 5
It was tasty, fresh and priced right. The fries were very good. Overall, a good value.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Milwaukee Burger Co.
A Monday night in Milwaukee. Burgers with Brothers. I'm liking this burger outing thing.
This time, we celebrate my day. Dasburgereater turns one year older.
I've been wanting to get to the MKE Burger Co since they opened a couple of years ago. So, when it came my time to choose the joint, I went for it.
I chose the Bacon Bleu. Applewood smoked bacon, Pabst onions, sour cream and bleu cheese on top of the burger.
I was ready for this.
It arrived in all of it's glory. Well, not too glorious. It look nice and neat.
I cut it in half. Sauce oozed. First bite. I thought there was bleu cheese involved. Well, maybe the second bite. Nope. I could taste the sour cream plenty. The bacon was a bit too crispy for my liking.
Right, whining again. I can't just agree and say all is well in burger town.
Still, a decent burger overall. Maybe on a different day, it would scream bleu cheese.
The scene was a bit too sport bar with booths. We didn't sit on the patio. That might have been a bit noisy. The highway is just above the restaurant. Another distraction may have been the Home Depot blocking the view to the West.
In a different location, this might be a place to return to, just to test the theory about the cheese.
All the food was tasty. They may have been a bit scarce on the seasoning.
Our appetizer, Portobello Fries, was a decent portion. Again, seasoning was scarce.
4 of 5
Price, taste, scene were all at least about average. Location was a drawback.
This time, we celebrate my day. Dasburgereater turns one year older.
I've been wanting to get to the MKE Burger Co since they opened a couple of years ago. So, when it came my time to choose the joint, I went for it.
I chose the Bacon Bleu. Applewood smoked bacon, Pabst onions, sour cream and bleu cheese on top of the burger.
I was ready for this.
It arrived in all of it's glory. Well, not too glorious. It look nice and neat.
I cut it in half. Sauce oozed. First bite. I thought there was bleu cheese involved. Well, maybe the second bite. Nope. I could taste the sour cream plenty. The bacon was a bit too crispy for my liking.
Right, whining again. I can't just agree and say all is well in burger town.
Still, a decent burger overall. Maybe on a different day, it would scream bleu cheese.
The scene was a bit too sport bar with booths. We didn't sit on the patio. That might have been a bit noisy. The highway is just above the restaurant. Another distraction may have been the Home Depot blocking the view to the West.
In a different location, this might be a place to return to, just to test the theory about the cheese.
All the food was tasty. They may have been a bit scarce on the seasoning.
Our appetizer, Portobello Fries, was a decent portion. Again, seasoning was scarce.
4 of 5
Price, taste, scene were all at least about average. Location was a drawback.
Jake's Burger-Brookfield WI
I should really post in a more timely manor.
04/05/2017
Burgers with Brothers again. This time celebrating my brother Robb's day.
He called Jakes Burger in Brookfield. I still haven't figured out if it is related to the classic restaurant just over the hill from the burger spot.
No matter, I should stay on task.
Sticking with trying to get a "solid" taste for a place, I took the Classic. I didn't want to upset the cart by having a specialty sauce on the side. Just give me cheese, meat and a couple of vegetables. Right?
The restaurant was pretty cool/cozy. It is part of a strip of stores so, there was a chance it could be like a Starbuck's or something. I think the people did a nice job with the layout and interior.
I suppose I should cover the burger now.
From memory, it was really good. No fear of putting some seasoning on it. As for the medium rare, just a bit more rare than I prefer but, it didn't mess with me too much.
The brothers enjoyed their selections also.
4 of 5
Price was average for modern dining out. Burgers. Clean and cool scene. If I drank beer, I think this place would have made me happy. Like other burger restaurants these days, they also have "spiked" shakes! That could be fun!
04/05/2017
Burgers with Brothers again. This time celebrating my brother Robb's day.
He called Jakes Burger in Brookfield. I still haven't figured out if it is related to the classic restaurant just over the hill from the burger spot.
No matter, I should stay on task.
Sticking with trying to get a "solid" taste for a place, I took the Classic. I didn't want to upset the cart by having a specialty sauce on the side. Just give me cheese, meat and a couple of vegetables. Right?
The restaurant was pretty cool/cozy. It is part of a strip of stores so, there was a chance it could be like a Starbuck's or something. I think the people did a nice job with the layout and interior.
I suppose I should cover the burger now.
From memory, it was really good. No fear of putting some seasoning on it. As for the medium rare, just a bit more rare than I prefer but, it didn't mess with me too much.
The brothers enjoyed their selections also.
4 of 5
Price was average for modern dining out. Burgers. Clean and cool scene. If I drank beer, I think this place would have made me happy. Like other burger restaurants these days, they also have "spiked" shakes! That could be fun!
I Got the Point. Point Burger Bar MKE/Pewaukee
Hey, I'm not sure if I've ever done a "double" review/post. I guess there's always a first time.
Time passes so quickly when Summer arrives in my part of the world. (WI)
Some time back, my two brothers and I decided to we would do something called "Burgers with Brothers"
It guarantees that we will at least get together three times a year, once for each birthday, as brothers to eat and talk. One in March, July and November. Burgers had to be the choice of food. We all love trying out new places and versions of the burger.
Point Burger Bar in Milwaukee, located at highway 45 and Good Hope Road was our first outing as the group.
My first choice was The Point Burger. Prime Angus, Sarvecchio Montamore Cheese, Nueske’s Bacon, Truffle Mayo, Brioche Bun.
I didn't end up getting it because the chef won't allow a "specialty" burger to go out with the Truffle Mayo on the side. I would need to Build My Own. Really?
So, I went with the Classic. Prime Angus, American Cheese, Lettuce, Onion, Tomato, Pickle Chips, Kaiser Bun.
I'm a Medium Rare kinda guy. Just a little pink. No pink in this one. Still, it wasn't a dry piece of meat. Pretty decent overall.
I was still a bit put off by the chef's request.
08.13.2017
Fast forward to just last Sunday.
It's my great nephew's birthday. They choose Point Burger Bar, Pewaukee. Partially because there is an indoor go-cart track in the same building and a full blown game room!
I went with the Au Poivre. Prime Angus, Blue Cheese, Cracked Black Pepper, Green Peppercorn Mayo, Onion Bun
Again, a little to well done for my taste. The fries were greasier than I recall from the previous visit in Spring.
I'm not going to tell a person not to go to Point Burger Bar because I think they do a decent burger. I guess I'm not a fan of the BYO, Sports Bar, large venue.
I'm being nice because I think I'm letting my feelings skew things.
4 of 5
Average price for modern dining out, especially burgers. The food is good. Most all the people enjoyed what they ordered. Onion string appetizer was huge. Very accommodating for the party group.
Time passes so quickly when Summer arrives in my part of the world. (WI)
Some time back, my two brothers and I decided to we would do something called "Burgers with Brothers"
It guarantees that we will at least get together three times a year, once for each birthday, as brothers to eat and talk. One in March, July and November. Burgers had to be the choice of food. We all love trying out new places and versions of the burger.
Point Burger Bar in Milwaukee, located at highway 45 and Good Hope Road was our first outing as the group.
My first choice was The Point Burger. Prime Angus, Sarvecchio Montamore Cheese, Nueske’s Bacon, Truffle Mayo, Brioche Bun.
I didn't end up getting it because the chef won't allow a "specialty" burger to go out with the Truffle Mayo on the side. I would need to Build My Own. Really?
So, I went with the Classic. Prime Angus, American Cheese, Lettuce, Onion, Tomato, Pickle Chips, Kaiser Bun.
I'm a Medium Rare kinda guy. Just a little pink. No pink in this one. Still, it wasn't a dry piece of meat. Pretty decent overall.
I was still a bit put off by the chef's request.
08.13.2017
Fast forward to just last Sunday.
It's my great nephew's birthday. They choose Point Burger Bar, Pewaukee. Partially because there is an indoor go-cart track in the same building and a full blown game room!
I went with the Au Poivre. Prime Angus, Blue Cheese, Cracked Black Pepper, Green Peppercorn Mayo, Onion Bun
Again, a little to well done for my taste. The fries were greasier than I recall from the previous visit in Spring.
I'm not going to tell a person not to go to Point Burger Bar because I think they do a decent burger. I guess I'm not a fan of the BYO, Sports Bar, large venue.
I'm being nice because I think I'm letting my feelings skew things.
4 of 5
Average price for modern dining out, especially burgers. The food is good. Most all the people enjoyed what they ordered. Onion string appetizer was huge. Very accommodating for the party group.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Fontina in Foenix
As part of our family's vacation in the Phoenix area Wednesday was scheduled as a spa day for the girls and a visit to Desert Valley Auto Parts and a burger at Joe's Farm Grill for the guys.
My nails looked fine.
Joe's was recommended by a friend from Waukesha WI. They saw it on Diners, Dives and Drive Inns.
I never heard of Fontina cheese before I saw it listed on the menu at Joe's.
The description read like this:
6 oz., roasted red pepper, grilled mushrooms, field greens, farm made pecan pesto and imported fontina cheese
Wow, what a combo. If the burger is good to great, these flavors are going to make it outstanding.
The place was packed when we got there. Maybe not too surprising, it was around 1:15PM. Upside of a crowd, fresh food!
We put in our orders and then took a seat outside in the little grove of trees out back of the restaurant. The farm was our back drop.
A short time later, the buzzer went off. Time to find out.
Fries and onion rings looked excellent. The burger, stacked and beautiful. I snitched a piece of just burger off the one side. Mmm. Pretty tasty. A little overcooked for my liking but, seasoned nicely. As I thought, the flavors all really came together.
The price was a bit steep but, it's really fresh everything. I won't pick at it too much. The staff was very helpful. They seemed to understand that not everyone has been to Joe's before. The outside area was clean and really just a great place to sit and take in the scene.
4 of 5.
Price and a little too done had an effect on my rating.
My nails looked fine.
Joe's was recommended by a friend from Waukesha WI. They saw it on Diners, Dives and Drive Inns.
I never heard of Fontina cheese before I saw it listed on the menu at Joe's.
The description read like this:
6 oz., roasted red pepper, grilled mushrooms, field greens, farm made pecan pesto and imported fontina cheese
Wow, what a combo. If the burger is good to great, these flavors are going to make it outstanding.
The place was packed when we got there. Maybe not too surprising, it was around 1:15PM. Upside of a crowd, fresh food!
We put in our orders and then took a seat outside in the little grove of trees out back of the restaurant. The farm was our back drop.
A short time later, the buzzer went off. Time to find out.
Fries and onion rings looked excellent. The burger, stacked and beautiful. I snitched a piece of just burger off the one side. Mmm. Pretty tasty. A little overcooked for my liking but, seasoned nicely. As I thought, the flavors all really came together.
The price was a bit steep but, it's really fresh everything. I won't pick at it too much. The staff was very helpful. They seemed to understand that not everyone has been to Joe's before. The outside area was clean and really just a great place to sit and take in the scene.
4 of 5.
Price and a little too done had an effect on my rating.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Super Bowl & Burger at the Attic Ale House, Phoenix AZ
Our team wasn't in the Super Bowl this year but, we thought that we would like to see the game and get some eats and local craft beers. There are many choices in the Phoenix, Scottsdale area.
We actually saw the Attic while heading to the Stand Burgers & Tacos earlier in the day. It's upstairs in a kind of deck porch space. Plenty of televisions to view the game. There's a fireplace with a seating area and a table to set your drink on. Camelback mountain is the backdrop view. Nice especially when the sun began to set.
On to the burger.
I chose the Ivan Burger. I didn't get the background on the naming. Sorry.
No regrets with this one. The pretzel bun was toasted just right, meat was almost perfectly cooked and all the stuff piled on, excellent. It was quite large so, I cut it in half and took some home with me. Here's a different kind of test, as a leftover-warmed again, it still tasted great. Actually, maybe even better.
Our Brie Buschetta appetizer was incredible. My son and his girlfriend shared a pizza. Also excellent.
These guys get a thumbs up for atmosphere, staff, view of the mountains. The list goes on. Even though we were part of a fairly large crowd, our space felt private.
Only one thing didn't go well. The first three beers that my wife wanted, although listed, were not available.
4 of 5 or more.
We actually saw the Attic while heading to the Stand Burgers & Tacos earlier in the day. It's upstairs in a kind of deck porch space. Plenty of televisions to view the game. There's a fireplace with a seating area and a table to set your drink on. Camelback mountain is the backdrop view. Nice especially when the sun began to set.
On to the burger.
I chose the Ivan Burger. I didn't get the background on the naming. Sorry.
No regrets with this one. The pretzel bun was toasted just right, meat was almost perfectly cooked and all the stuff piled on, excellent. It was quite large so, I cut it in half and took some home with me. Here's a different kind of test, as a leftover-warmed again, it still tasted great. Actually, maybe even better.
Our Brie Buschetta appetizer was incredible. My son and his girlfriend shared a pizza. Also excellent.
These guys get a thumbs up for atmosphere, staff, view of the mountains. The list goes on. Even though we were part of a fairly large crowd, our space felt private.
Only one thing didn't go well. The first three beers that my wife wanted, although listed, were not available.
4 of 5 or more.
The Stand: Phoenix AZ
The Stand has a cool throw back kind of vibe. The staff is a lively group that works their, well you know what I mean off. They take your order quick and get you moving on.
The menu is quite expansive considering the size of the shop. Everything looked great. But, I had to have a burger. All the stories on the internet, Triple D etc.
The one thing that really attracted me was the fact that they grind the meat fresh daily.
I chose the Standard with cheese.
One of the staff brings the food right to the table for you, no need to get up when your number is called.
The sandwich arrives in a paper carrier. Looks great! Fresh veggies, enough juice. The side of fries is almost too much (I said almost).
The burger was a little too well done for my liking. Flavor fell short. The bun was fresh and tasty. All the other condiments, etc were fresh and complimented each other well.
The fries were yummy. Like I said, large order. I forced myself to eat the majority of them.
Price on the order was very reasonable for what I got. Especially with the way so many other burger places are jumping on the "craft" pricing.
I didn't get one myself but, I'm not sure that charging $1.89 for a gluten free bun is valid.
3.5 of 5
Great vibe, decor. Staff was friendly and working hard to get orders out in a timely manor. Clean dining room/patio.
My son and his girlfriend had tacos and thought they were pretty decent.
The menu is quite expansive considering the size of the shop. Everything looked great. But, I had to have a burger. All the stories on the internet, Triple D etc.
The one thing that really attracted me was the fact that they grind the meat fresh daily.
I chose the Standard with cheese.
One of the staff brings the food right to the table for you, no need to get up when your number is called.
The sandwich arrives in a paper carrier. Looks great! Fresh veggies, enough juice. The side of fries is almost too much (I said almost).
The burger was a little too well done for my liking. Flavor fell short. The bun was fresh and tasty. All the other condiments, etc were fresh and complimented each other well.
The fries were yummy. Like I said, large order. I forced myself to eat the majority of them.
Price on the order was very reasonable for what I got. Especially with the way so many other burger places are jumping on the "craft" pricing.
I didn't get one myself but, I'm not sure that charging $1.89 for a gluten free bun is valid.
3.5 of 5
Great vibe, decor. Staff was friendly and working hard to get orders out in a timely manor. Clean dining room/patio.
My son and his girlfriend had tacos and thought they were pretty decent.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Gallery Nite and Rumpus, a new tradition (01.20.2017)
I swear, each time I go to the Rumpus Room, the burger gets better.
Taste, texture and color are spot on.
Maybe the idea of a Friday night in downtown Milwaukee just before heading out for yet another Gallery Night in the 3rd Ward makes it that much better. No clue.
All I know, the venue, staff and food keep me coming back.
Only one suggestion, for the staff, don't put a large group next to a couple at a small table if there are other tables open.
4 of 5 or better.
Price is still within the range for this kind of dining.
Taste, texture and color are spot on.
Maybe the idea of a Friday night in downtown Milwaukee just before heading out for yet another Gallery Night in the 3rd Ward makes it that much better. No clue.
All I know, the venue, staff and food keep me coming back.
Only one suggestion, for the staff, don't put a large group next to a couple at a small table if there are other tables open.
4 of 5 or better.
Price is still within the range for this kind of dining.
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