Wait, a Patty Melt? that's not a burger!-Birchwood, Up North (08.2019)

A Fall tradition, pulling the pier out for the season. It's one of those events you don't look forward to for a couple of reasons. It's a lot of work and it also means that the warm season in Wisconsin is coming to an end. It's a family project.
Part of the day's events is lunch at the bar that's down the road a piece. The same place we go to pull the boats out. They have a boat launch that is public access.
We usually grab our favorite beverage, shoot some pool and grab a bite to eat. I usually get the burger. This time I thought I might try the Patty Melt. Why not? It' and open face burger on rye. (less carbs!) They always do right with their burgers and other food.
The melt arrives. Looks good. Tastes even better! Now I'm really glad I decided to go with the melt.
Rate it:
4 of 5
Dang good stuff. Funky place on a lake. Up North. Always great eats.

Snug in the woods. (not my photo)

Quaint throwback in Plymouth-Chester's (07.21.2019)

Each year my brother and I make sure we attend at least one race event at Road America in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin. We also include at least one night of tent camping at Long Lake State Park in Fon du lac County, Wisconsin. A chance to hang out, watch races during the day and cook over the fire at night. Often, as is common during Summer in Wisconsin, the weather doesn't cooperate with what is planned. The night at camp was challenging. Storms with gusting wind, rain and thunder passed through several times during the night. The morning offered sunshine and the opportunity to cook breakfast. Then, off to the races! Within 45 minutes of our arrival, another storm came through. This was a big one. The sky blackened. Temperatures dropped. Winds picked up to the point where a Port-A-Potty got flipped. We decided to split.
As we left the area, we passed through the city of Plymouth. Near the edge of town is Chester's. It's one of those places I've always wanted to stop at but, never had a real need. This day, I needed to get some food for lunch. Perfect.
A double cheese burger. Sounds good. We pulled in under the canopy. A young lady approaches and takes our order. Anticipation.
The food arrives. Nice and hot, fresh. Great overall taste. I will go as far as maybe saying it had a "classic" taste to it. Maybe the type of cheese or the bun? No matter, good stuff.
Rate it:
4 of 5
Prompt service. Decent prices. Fun venue. Small town all the way.

Old school. (not my photo)

Cars, Family and Burgers!! Georgie Porgie's Treehouse, Oak Creek WI (07.2019)

July, 2019
It's a car show destination every Saturday during the Summer. It's also a playful, fun place to grab a burger. My birthday falls on July 5th. Sounds like a perfect storm.
Celebrating made easy. We threw a birthday get together in the middle of the weekly car show. Friends and family that attended were encouraged to grab a burger etc. and join us in the show field.
I did the Shroomy. It looked to be the most straight forward burger on the menu. If you've read any of my other blogs, you will know I'm not big on flashing toppings and all that. Such distractions can take away from the burger's true taste.
The burger came fresh and tasty. Nice portion of fries too. Everything worked well together. Not too much condiments, tasty bun. The patty had enough flavor/seasoning for me.
Price and environment make it a great outing for the family. The car show is a bonus.
Rate it:
3.5 of 5
This isn't gourmet. It's decent quick food. Not fast, not sit down. Just quick and tasty.

The guys at the Treehouse Car Show & birthday celebration.

 

AJ's Not Bombing-AJ Bombers Mayfair Collection (06.2019)

Well, I'm way behind on my blog. The season has been very busy. A lot of burgers to write about. That's Summertime in Milwaukee.
06.2019
AJ Bomber's was my Burgers With Brothers choice. I wanted to try the Big Boy Tribute.
Marc's Big Boy was a family restaurant in the Milwaukee area back when I was younger. By the late 70's maybe the early 80's, the Big Boy was no longer available. Then, recently, AJ Bombers got the rights to share a burger that pays homage to the Big Boy. It had been more than 45 years since I had a real Big Boy. Would I recognize it? I didn't have to pay for it in the old days so, I would just scarf it down, with a shake, of course. I've seen pictures of what the original looked like. The photos were taken at an angle to make the sandwich seem huge. Back then, relative to my person, it was huge.
When it arrived, I did my normal burger snob stuff. Pinched off a piece that was condiment free. It was fine. Not heavily seasoned. Then, the combination of just the burger and bun. Better. Finally, I got to chomp a bite of the complete ensemble. I liked it. Does it scream Big Boy on spec? I have to believe they have done everything they could to replicate the experience. (Dave Marcus talks about the recipe)
I don't regret the choice. I'm not running out to tell Milwaukee and the world to get it while they can either. It's a decent burger. I think that daily, several other venues serve a similar burger. Nostalgia gives this one a bit more value.
Rate it:
4 of 5
AJ's does burger well. Price is in the ballpark. Service can sometimes be a bit challenging. Glad I did it. Glad to share with my brothers.

Kopp's (no robbers!)

Late June of this year, I found myself back at one of my favorite places of any kind. They just happen to have burgers!
Yes, I've been to Kopp's before. Kopp's goes way back for me. There was a Kopp's, the original, in my neighborhood at N 61st and W Appleton Avenue. It was Jumbo burgers and custard. They've got 3 or 4 locations plus a fancy place downtown, Elsa's named after the founder, Elsa Kopp.That's a whole different burger down there.
It was a date night and a chance to take our 1960 Oldsmobile out for a cruise. It's always cool to pull in at a burger stand with a classic convertible.
This night, I'll split a cheese burger with "the works".
The staff is hustling to get the orders ready for all the folks waiting. A separate line cranks out all things Custard. It's great to see that all the staff wear the customary Kopp's uniform, including the paper caps, aprons etc.
Our number gets called. As we step towards the counter, another of the crew brings over our custard order, fresh made for our order.
It's all I expect of the Kopp's Jumbo Cheese Burger. Some grease oozes, cheese squashes out a bit and the over the top quantity of condiments. And of course, the pickle set on top of the bun, getting warmed. (Dill) It's all good. Flavor is still great. The bun, no doubt the same or similar to what is has been for over 60 years.

Rate it: 4.5 of 5
I'm not going to claim it to be the best burger in the area but, Kopp's delivers a quality sandwich at a decent price.
Don't fix what ain't broke.

Staff at Kopp's. Black bow tie and all!