Poogan's Smokehouse-Charleston, SC - 04.05.2026

 It's our first night in Charleston, SC. We had a long day of driving from Atlanta the area. Heavy rain and traffic makes you weary. The hope was that temps would be warm enough in the evening to find a rooftop restaurant. It was windy and cold. Luckily, on the way to our first choice for dining, we stumbled into the Poogan's Smokehouse. We circled back and grabbed a booth inside. The building is pretty cool. Sort of old time manufacturing site mixed with stables. They had the smokehouse vibe down. I was thinking I might just order a pulled pork sandwich. I don't what I was thinking. The burger sounded pretty good. 8-oz. patty, poblano queso, pork belly, bacon, Carolina bbq. Normally, I'm not a big fan of all kinds of stuff loaded on my burger but for some reason, I trusted this one.

Upon arrival I noticed that it was quite tidy, considering it had all that stuff on it. Handmade chips on the side. The burger is hand formed and substantial. A pinch off the side to test for seasoning, yep no fear. Flavor came from everywhere! All of the toppings actually enhanced the overall flavor. The cook temp was near perfect for me. I think one of the things it had going for it was a very simple white bread roll. Nothing fancy. Something you might want to use to soak up some of the juices.

Rate It: 4.5 of 5 Really good. Juicy, seasoned, cooked near perfect.

 

Burger Bus-Ball Ground, GA - 04.02.2026

It's Thursday, my wife and I had been on the road since early morning when we left Bowling Green to head to Ball Ground Georgia. What's in Ball Ground Georgia? you might say? There is quite a bit going on in Ball Ground but what was important to a guy like me was the building that has a bus infused into the walls. Even more interesting for a guy like me, they make burgers in the building and serve them to you on the bus! The bus has been modified to accommodate dining. Very well done redesign of the interior. Stools along a bar that looks out the driver's side, smaller tables for two and a larger picnic table for families to sit together. If there isn't room onboard the bus, there are tables on a covered patio. It was my niece and her fiance' that suggested we meet them for lunch at the bus. My niece was getting married on Friday.Call it an "obligation" to share time and enjoy a burger with them.

My choice was the "1386". (1386 is the bus number) The basic burger. Cheese, onions, lettuce and tomato. I ordered fries as a side. My wife got the "Angry Swiss". Jalapenos, fried mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Prices were fair. The inside of the building is decorated with "nostalgic" images and kept my interest while waiting to order. The bus was pretty full so we went out to the patio. The food arrived in Styrofoam containers stacked inside a bag. Like it was "to go". Okay. It did heighten the suspense. I was very pleased to see that the cheese covered the burger completely. Decent portion of fries on the side. Let's talk about the burger. At a 1/4 pound it's not a big burger, per se. Big enough. It was cooked bit more than I prefer but it was juicy. Overall flavor, not bad. The bun, sweet finish. I didn't add any toppings. Pretty darn good.

Rate It: 4 of 5. It didn't blow me away but, it was pretty good flavor etc. Definitely a lot of fun.