It was Labor Day weekend. We just finished a two night stay at Mauthe Lake, North Kettle Moraine. We decided we would stop in Mayville for lunch. It was a bit off course but, we haven't been through Mayville in several years. Quaint little place just down the road from the Horicon Marsh.
Our first thought was the Audubon Inn. A historic hotel that has been restored over the years. All they offered was a "All U Can Eat" brunch. Brunch wasn't on our minds. We were looking for a burger.
We asked the girl at the desk at the Audubon. She said Richie's was the place for the best burger in town. For all we know, the only place that had a burger that day.
About two blocks down Main Street was Richie's Up Ur Alley. A four lane bowling alley. Actually, the bowling alley area had all the full size features, just four lanes. Really cool. They had a host of arcade games and a pool table. Amazing there was room for people dining a bar and an area dedicated to cook what is rumored (at this point of the story) to be the best burger in town.
We grabbed a table and were promptly greeted. She got a beer, I got Root Beer. I would like to say there is something special about the root beer. It's a local product. Just can't recall. No menu online.
Alright, the burgers arrive.
Cooked perfect. Just a slash of pink. Juicy. The pretzel roll is fresh as ever. I'm normally not a fan of the pretzel roll, often served sort of stale. All the flavors mixed together. The nicely seasoned patty, sweetness from the roll, condiments etc. The fries were fresh cut and cooked perfect also.
Is this a "hole in the wall" or "hidden gem"?
The results:
4.5 of 5
Quick and responsive staff. Actually, very nice folks. Quaint setting. Clean enough for me. How cool was it that they only have four lanes and run leagues! Price wasn't crazy off the charts, especially since it was great food.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Keg Steak House, Irving TX
I needed a place to grab a bite to eat. It was Sunday night, Irving TX and far away from the regular city life. Strip malls and office buildings with a couple of Extended Stay places sprinkled in.A little upscale for grabbing a bite but, not many other choices, I stopped at the Keg Steakhouse.
Why didn't I have a steak? Sure, steak at a steak place is a no-brainer. But, I like my burgers.
The Keg Classic. Keg's own fresh blend of chuck, brisket and sirloin. Crisp lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles, Jalapeno maple aioli, applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese.
Served with Keg fries.
The great thing about having a burger at a place that is all about meat, it's usually as good as the steak. Decent size, not too monstrous. Cooked near perfect for my taste. Could have used a bit more seasoning but, I think that's what the jalapeno sauce is for. I had it brought out on the side so it wouldn't interfere with the flavor. After a couple of bites I tried some of the sauce with the burger. I didn't think it did much for it. Maybe even took away from the taste a bit.
Rated:
4 of 5
Not that it wasn't excellent. A bit pricey. I would say it's on the way towards a 4.5
Why didn't I have a steak? Sure, steak at a steak place is a no-brainer. But, I like my burgers.
The Keg Classic. Keg's own fresh blend of chuck, brisket and sirloin. Crisp lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles, Jalapeno maple aioli, applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese.
Served with Keg fries.
The great thing about having a burger at a place that is all about meat, it's usually as good as the steak. Decent size, not too monstrous. Cooked near perfect for my taste. Could have used a bit more seasoning but, I think that's what the jalapeno sauce is for. I had it brought out on the side so it wouldn't interfere with the flavor. After a couple of bites I tried some of the sauce with the burger. I didn't think it did much for it. Maybe even took away from the taste a bit.
Rated:
4 of 5
Not that it wasn't excellent. A bit pricey. I would say it's on the way towards a 4.5
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Fast Food Challenge: P.Terry's Burger Stand
It's always difficult to not be a little affected by other people's listings for the "Best Burger" in Austin, TX. P.Terry's showed up on a couple lists. Their story is one that makes me want to assure they stay around. If they are that good maybe some day, they will be opening stores in the Midwest.
In the heart of downtown Austin, on street level, right next to a parking ramp you can find the P.Terry's Burger Stand.
I sort of wish I had gone to the original location. Although the shop was clean and clever, I didn't get the "burger stand" feeling. It was more like a food court location.
The burger was good, could have been a little warmer. Not sure if the air conditioning cooled it fast or maybe it sat for too long before I got it. The fries were obviously fresh cut. Just a small remnant of the peel, which I like. Matter of fact, while we sat and ate, a guy brought around a bunch of potatoes and began the process of cleaning, tumble and slice.
Everything on it was fresh. No complaints there. Decent size and price.
No flame but, that's okay. The patty was probably mechanically formed but, according to the story, same day.
I had fries and a shake to finish off the challenge. Both were excellent.
Ratings:
4 of 5
In the heart of downtown Austin, on street level, right next to a parking ramp you can find the P.Terry's Burger Stand.
I sort of wish I had gone to the original location. Although the shop was clean and clever, I didn't get the "burger stand" feeling. It was more like a food court location.
The burger was good, could have been a little warmer. Not sure if the air conditioning cooled it fast or maybe it sat for too long before I got it. The fries were obviously fresh cut. Just a small remnant of the peel, which I like. Matter of fact, while we sat and ate, a guy brought around a bunch of potatoes and began the process of cleaning, tumble and slice.
Everything on it was fresh. No complaints there. Decent size and price.
No flame but, that's okay. The patty was probably mechanically formed but, according to the story, same day.
I had fries and a shake to finish off the challenge. Both were excellent.
Ratings:
4 of 5
Fast Food Challenge: WHATABURGER
I'm in Texas. Where everything is BIG. Whataburger didn't let me down on that. My choice was to go with a classic Whataburger with cheese. Fries and a drink to complement.
Well, it was tasty. I can't say it's the best I've ever had nor the worst. They didn't claim to grind it daily, hand pack the patties etc. It was a prepared patty. Cooked right. Fresh bun.
The fries were actually quite tasty also.
I would go to a Whataburger if I were on the road in the South.
Truth told, I'm a fan of flame broiled/cooked.
My only critique might be to lighten up on the mustard. That may have been the employee's choice to add over the top.
Price didn't seem too crazy.
I will be kind and say, for Fast Food, Whata does a good job.
Ratings:
3.5 of 5
Well, it was tasty. I can't say it's the best I've ever had nor the worst. They didn't claim to grind it daily, hand pack the patties etc. It was a prepared patty. Cooked right. Fresh bun.
The fries were actually quite tasty also.
I would go to a Whataburger if I were on the road in the South.
Truth told, I'm a fan of flame broiled/cooked.
My only critique might be to lighten up on the mustard. That may have been the employee's choice to add over the top.
Price didn't seem too crazy.
I will be kind and say, for Fast Food, Whata does a good job.
Ratings:
3.5 of 5
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Jonesing for a burger? try Burger Jones Minneapolis MN
Disclaimer, I saw a clip on Youtube that showed this incredibly crazy burger, "Meat your Maker" that the folks at Burger Jones built. Onion rings, chicken fried bacon just about everything in the kitchen.
Put that visual aside. To make the most of my visit to the Minneapple, Jones seemed like a must have kind of place.
Upon arrival, the place looked like it might be fun. A patio/deck area outside on the road side of the building was packed. The inside was neatly laid out. Just inside the door, I was greeted by two staff that suggested I might like to grab a spot in the bar. Not because they were judging me. It was because I was alone and just wanted a burger and not a big sit down experience. Business to take care of, you know?
The bartender was over right away. Pleasant, fun. Ready to answer all my questions. Coke, fries and the original Burger Jones with American cheese.
The order came out quick. Juicy, seasoned and of course the bun was branded with their logo. Pretty cool.
3.5 of 5
The restaurant/bar was just another eatery. Some cute display items. I can see hanging out afterwards for a drink. The staff was on task. Prices weren't crazy. The burger was very good. I'd go back/suggest it to others. I picked the location closest to where I was. Turns out, the area is quite nice. A lake, Uptown district.
Burger Jones
Put that visual aside. To make the most of my visit to the Minneapple, Jones seemed like a must have kind of place.
Upon arrival, the place looked like it might be fun. A patio/deck area outside on the road side of the building was packed. The inside was neatly laid out. Just inside the door, I was greeted by two staff that suggested I might like to grab a spot in the bar. Not because they were judging me. It was because I was alone and just wanted a burger and not a big sit down experience. Business to take care of, you know?
The bartender was over right away. Pleasant, fun. Ready to answer all my questions. Coke, fries and the original Burger Jones with American cheese.
The order came out quick. Juicy, seasoned and of course the bun was branded with their logo. Pretty cool.
3.5 of 5
The restaurant/bar was just another eatery. Some cute display items. I can see hanging out afterwards for a drink. The staff was on task. Prices weren't crazy. The burger was very good. I'd go back/suggest it to others. I picked the location closest to where I was. Turns out, the area is quite nice. A lake, Uptown district.
Burger Jones
Crazy about Psyco Suzi's
Like most large cities, Minneapolis offers quite a few places to go enjoy some food or a drink. For me, it was a 350 mile drive and I wanted to make the most of it. Before heading out, I checked the internet for burger joints in the metro area. Suzie's popped up.
A match made in heaven. I love all things Tiki (most) and they have a decent list of burgers to boot! Even more interesting/challenging is the fact that the online reviews were all over the chart.
Time to see for myself.
Snuggled in the warehouse district and backed up against the Mississippi river, Suzie's Motor Lounge has an instant cool vibe.
I was greeted by two people that gave me the lay of the land. Lower lounge, upper lounge and two decks. I was by myself so I headed to the deck on the lower level. There is a seating area that runs the edge of the deck on the railing. Bonus, I had a perfect view of the river.
First order, a Mai Tai. The burger was simple "I'll have the Suzi Burger".
The burger came cooked perfect, just a little pink. First bite, flavors abound. It's almost a bit of a "heat" effect. The herb butter and caramelized onion combine and mellow together. I had the red pepper mayo on the side but found that it went great with all the other components. Tater tots complete the order.
The whole scene was well done. If you are looking for a bright, all corners are 90 degrees kind of place, don't stop here. If you want to do some crowd watching, spend a little cash and get a decent burger swing on through.
Prices were average to high. Normally, I would have sticker shock. I just enjoyed the staff and watching the river go by.
4 of 5.
Pricey yes. Service was responsive even when busy (super busy because there was also an artwalk that night) Burger was a special treat. I haven't had a burger with such punch. I'm inspired to try the herb butter treatment at home.
A match made in heaven. I love all things Tiki (most) and they have a decent list of burgers to boot! Even more interesting/challenging is the fact that the online reviews were all over the chart.
Time to see for myself.
Snuggled in the warehouse district and backed up against the Mississippi river, Suzie's Motor Lounge has an instant cool vibe.
I was greeted by two people that gave me the lay of the land. Lower lounge, upper lounge and two decks. I was by myself so I headed to the deck on the lower level. There is a seating area that runs the edge of the deck on the railing. Bonus, I had a perfect view of the river.
First order, a Mai Tai. The burger was simple "I'll have the Suzi Burger".
The burger came cooked perfect, just a little pink. First bite, flavors abound. It's almost a bit of a "heat" effect. The herb butter and caramelized onion combine and mellow together. I had the red pepper mayo on the side but found that it went great with all the other components. Tater tots complete the order.
The whole scene was well done. If you are looking for a bright, all corners are 90 degrees kind of place, don't stop here. If you want to do some crowd watching, spend a little cash and get a decent burger swing on through.
Prices were average to high. Normally, I would have sticker shock. I just enjoyed the staff and watching the river go by.
4 of 5.
Pricey yes. Service was responsive even when busy (super busy because there was also an artwalk that night) Burger was a special treat. I haven't had a burger with such punch. I'm inspired to try the herb butter treatment at home.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Got to the Cudahy Burger Joint
Purveyors of the burger are popping up all over the place. North side, downtown, western suburbs and now Cudahy!
Will our city soon be know as a place for beer, cheese and burgers?
Although I had the address, google maps and drive by visuals, The Joint is a little difficult to find. The sign is nearly flat to the wall and sort of blends in with the stone exterior of the building. The windows are high up and make it impossible to look inside from in a car or walking by. They are new, the building is old. Maybe the exterior isn't what's important. I'm not going to say that the front door screams let's eat burgers! Once inside, I found myself trying to figure out the decorating scheme. Eclectic? The one wall has a picture of Packard Avenue back in the day. Pretty cool. Then, random things like a guitar made from wire, pictures of Elvis and an old Pepsi clock. Again, just getting going, maybe they weren't able to find all the things they envisioned.
The menu was simple. None of the "build your own" stuff. Just the facts. The waiter was helpful and took our order shortly after we sat ourselves. (near the door to the street) I chose the All American Cheeseburger with fries. Cooked medium.
A short time later, we got our burgers. The bun was nice and shiny from melted butter. I'm already liking this. Big pieces of bacon hanging out the edges of the sandwich. Inside, cooked nearly perfect for my liking. I pinched a piece of just straight meat with a little cheese. I often do this so I can get as close to the true flavors. A little light on the seasoning. Cheese had a classic taste and texture.
Overall, it was good stuff. The price was appropriate.
I was temped to have a shake or malt but was quite full by the time I finished the burger and large order of fries.
I could see myself returning. I might try the blue cheese burger or something a little more crazy.
3.5-4 out of 5.
I didn't get the impression that I was at a "joint" or that the burger was everything. The decor didn't shout "You are in a burger joint". More like Subway sandwiches.
Will our city soon be know as a place for beer, cheese and burgers?
Although I had the address, google maps and drive by visuals, The Joint is a little difficult to find. The sign is nearly flat to the wall and sort of blends in with the stone exterior of the building. The windows are high up and make it impossible to look inside from in a car or walking by. They are new, the building is old. Maybe the exterior isn't what's important. I'm not going to say that the front door screams let's eat burgers! Once inside, I found myself trying to figure out the decorating scheme. Eclectic? The one wall has a picture of Packard Avenue back in the day. Pretty cool. Then, random things like a guitar made from wire, pictures of Elvis and an old Pepsi clock. Again, just getting going, maybe they weren't able to find all the things they envisioned.
The menu was simple. None of the "build your own" stuff. Just the facts. The waiter was helpful and took our order shortly after we sat ourselves. (near the door to the street) I chose the All American Cheeseburger with fries. Cooked medium.
A short time later, we got our burgers. The bun was nice and shiny from melted butter. I'm already liking this. Big pieces of bacon hanging out the edges of the sandwich. Inside, cooked nearly perfect for my liking. I pinched a piece of just straight meat with a little cheese. I often do this so I can get as close to the true flavors. A little light on the seasoning. Cheese had a classic taste and texture.
Overall, it was good stuff. The price was appropriate.
I was temped to have a shake or malt but was quite full by the time I finished the burger and large order of fries.
I could see myself returning. I might try the blue cheese burger or something a little more crazy.
3.5-4 out of 5.
I didn't get the impression that I was at a "joint" or that the burger was everything. The decor didn't shout "You are in a burger joint". More like Subway sandwiches.
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