I'm probably going to get some crap from people for this one.
I started a journal about burgers in 2006 and I've always tried to keep it positive. So, understand, this is not negative, just my opinion...
Tour buses stop here. People come from other cities and have to have a burger.
I feel like Sobelman's may be living on a legendary burger experience for days gone by.
This is my second time dining there. It might be my last.
The burger looks like it's preformed, not hand packed. I wasn't even sure if they were grilled or flat top griddle cooked. I always snap a little piece of just meat to see how it tastes without all the other flavors interfering. The patty lacked flavor.
The roll/bun, not interesting. It looked as though I was in for a treat, wonderful color and shiny from what I would guess is butter or oil of some kind. Nothing.
Fries, reminded me of Ore Ida fries.
Is any of this created on location? or is it just cooked/prepare there?
On the plus side, it looked like the staff was very attentive to the patrons. Our waitress made sure we had everything we needed and double checked to make sure the order matched what was requested.
The bar and dining areas are decorated with cool Milwaukee and Wisconsin items. I know that in Summer the outdoor seating area is always full.
Pricing is in alignment with the food style.
If you are a fan of Sobelman's, cool. This isn't a person attack on your favorite food. Maybe, I just don't get it.
Rating: 2 of 5
Good service, nice atmosphere and fair prices.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Peninsula Pub, Bailey's Harbor WI
What a weekend! Door County has so much to offer when it comes to food & drink.
Saturday evening we went to the Door County Brewing Tap Room & Music Hall. The seating arrangements make it impossible not to meet other people. Well, the people playing Sorry at the other table may have been a bit preoccupied. We sat with a couple from Indiana. They spend a lot of time in the Door and because of that they got some inside information about tasty eats around the peninsula. They suggested the Peninsula Pub, if we wanted a great burger.
The following night, we did just that.
The Pub offers the "Burger of the Day". No altering that burger. They also offer the "Build Your Own" variety. I didn't read the fine print and just ordered a Cheddar Burger with and order of Onion Rings.
The burger arrived exactly as requested. No nothing on it. Just a burger, cheese and a bun. I didn't think it was worth requesting all the other additional toppings. Just me and the cheese burger, intimate, right?
It was cooked just right. Seasoned a bit more than I like but, once my taste buds adjusted, it was all good. Served on a Kaiser roll, a nice compliment to the burger.
The onion rings we yummy, of course. Did I mention that the onion rings are served with a small dish of the Pub's Cajun Ranch Dressing. (additional yum!)
The rating:
4 out of 5
I was sort of set back by the stripped burger I ordered. I would think that staff might ask if you really want it without anything on it.
Flavor was decent. Service was fun. Dave is the guy with the personality.
The bar doesn't feel like it's in the middle of a tourist destination. I liked that.
Saturday evening we went to the Door County Brewing Tap Room & Music Hall. The seating arrangements make it impossible not to meet other people. Well, the people playing Sorry at the other table may have been a bit preoccupied. We sat with a couple from Indiana. They spend a lot of time in the Door and because of that they got some inside information about tasty eats around the peninsula. They suggested the Peninsula Pub, if we wanted a great burger.
The following night, we did just that.
The Pub offers the "Burger of the Day". No altering that burger. They also offer the "Build Your Own" variety. I didn't read the fine print and just ordered a Cheddar Burger with and order of Onion Rings.
The burger arrived exactly as requested. No nothing on it. Just a burger, cheese and a bun. I didn't think it was worth requesting all the other additional toppings. Just me and the cheese burger, intimate, right?
It was cooked just right. Seasoned a bit more than I like but, once my taste buds adjusted, it was all good. Served on a Kaiser roll, a nice compliment to the burger.
The onion rings we yummy, of course. Did I mention that the onion rings are served with a small dish of the Pub's Cajun Ranch Dressing. (additional yum!)
The rating:
4 out of 5
I was sort of set back by the stripped burger I ordered. I would think that staff might ask if you really want it without anything on it.
Flavor was decent. Service was fun. Dave is the guy with the personality.
The bar doesn't feel like it's in the middle of a tourist destination. I liked that.
Bayside Inn, Fish Creek WI (Repeat visitor)
I don't know why but, anytime I stop in Door County, I end up at the Bayside Inn on a Friday night.
Traditionally, Friday night is Fish Fry Night. That tradition must be someone else I was thinking of.
Cheddar cheeseburger for me!
The place was packed as usual but, a bit more this past Friday because the Brewers were on the televisions. We lucked out and found a small booth in the far back of the dinning area. No view of the game so I was sneaking a peek around the corner each time the crowd was cheering.
The food showed up pretty quick. I'm guessing the cook wanted to watch the game also.
As usual, the burger was nicely seasoned and cooked nearly perfect.
Looking back at my blog, I don't see a previous entry about Bayside. We were there last June and I just wanted to note that.
Atmosphere at the Bayside is always genuine. You get to chat with locals as well as folks from Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana etc. Just about every person we've met there is pleasant. Last year we met a family that camps each year, it's become a multi-generational event. Because the weather wasn't so great, they decided to hang out at the Bayside for awhile.
Price makes it an outstanding value.
The ratings:
4 out of 5.
Not the best burger I've ever had but, damn good and consistent.
Sure, I snitched a bit of the fish fry, it was tasty.
Traditionally, Friday night is Fish Fry Night. That tradition must be someone else I was thinking of.
Cheddar cheeseburger for me!
The place was packed as usual but, a bit more this past Friday because the Brewers were on the televisions. We lucked out and found a small booth in the far back of the dinning area. No view of the game so I was sneaking a peek around the corner each time the crowd was cheering.
The food showed up pretty quick. I'm guessing the cook wanted to watch the game also.
As usual, the burger was nicely seasoned and cooked nearly perfect.
Looking back at my blog, I don't see a previous entry about Bayside. We were there last June and I just wanted to note that.
Atmosphere at the Bayside is always genuine. You get to chat with locals as well as folks from Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana etc. Just about every person we've met there is pleasant. Last year we met a family that camps each year, it's become a multi-generational event. Because the weather wasn't so great, they decided to hang out at the Bayside for awhile.
Price makes it an outstanding value.
The ratings:
4 out of 5.
Not the best burger I've ever had but, damn good and consistent.
Sure, I snitched a bit of the fish fry, it was tasty.
Saturday, September 1, 2018
09.01.2018 Burger at the Bay
What a wonderful surprise, on the shore of Bass Bay there is an old school restaurant. In a previous incarnation the building was the Aud Mar Supper Club. The current owners kept all the personality of a supper club and brought a fresh look and some great food choices.
Well, that's all good but, how about a burger? Any place that serves prime rib, steaks usually does a decent burger.
My choice, the Cheeseburger Deluxe ($10). I'm not sure why it is called "Deluxe". Cheese, mayo, mustard, pickles, tomato, ketchup, red onion and shredded lettuce. Nothing fancy but, I guess deluxe.
It arrived surrounded by fries and a side of ketchup. Did they know I love dipping my fries in ketchup? Maybe that's just how folks around town go about it. It's a third pound of beef on a wonderful, fresh roll (bun?). The outside of the roll has sheen to it. Under, it was toasted on a butter covered flat top griddle, as far as I could tell.
First bite. Classic! The flavors all mixed together. Just enough of each topping. Nothing overpowering the other. Don't consider it a cut when I say it tasted like a George Webb burger on steroids. Maybe it was the cheese or the buttered and toasted roll? No matter, it was really tasty.
The only thing that could have been better, sitting lake side on the patio. It was raining so, that wasn't going to happen.
The rating: 4.5 of 5
Excellent flavor, fresh toppings. Priced right. Crispy thin fries.
Well, that's all good but, how about a burger? Any place that serves prime rib, steaks usually does a decent burger.
My choice, the Cheeseburger Deluxe ($10). I'm not sure why it is called "Deluxe". Cheese, mayo, mustard, pickles, tomato, ketchup, red onion and shredded lettuce. Nothing fancy but, I guess deluxe.
It arrived surrounded by fries and a side of ketchup. Did they know I love dipping my fries in ketchup? Maybe that's just how folks around town go about it. It's a third pound of beef on a wonderful, fresh roll (bun?). The outside of the roll has sheen to it. Under, it was toasted on a butter covered flat top griddle, as far as I could tell.
First bite. Classic! The flavors all mixed together. Just enough of each topping. Nothing overpowering the other. Don't consider it a cut when I say it tasted like a George Webb burger on steroids. Maybe it was the cheese or the buttered and toasted roll? No matter, it was really tasty.
The only thing that could have been better, sitting lake side on the patio. It was raining so, that wasn't going to happen.
The rating: 4.5 of 5
Excellent flavor, fresh toppings. Priced right. Crispy thin fries.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Classic American: Mainstream Bar & Grill, Waukesha WI
It was the last night for Friday Night Live in downtown Waukesha. We met up with a couple of people in the know, Jim and Jenny. Locals as they might be called.
We were to meet at the Mainstream Bar & Grill. Like usual, I went online before heading out for the night, to assure there might be a burger on their menu. Quite the list, actually. There is a "Build Your Own" offering but they suggest that if you "Don't feel like thinking? Select one of our best sellers to the right and relax we've done the work for you".
I am not a fan of the BYO. You may have caught that from other posts. I might be more of a strip back your best seller and call it BYO. I didn't ask them to remove anything. The list of toppings sounded just fine. No sauces, vegetables or other foods that shouldn't be on a burger.
My order, the "Classic American". American cheese, fried onions, pickle, mustard, ketchup, lettuce and tomato.
I asked for slight pink for doneness.
The burger arrived. 1/2 pound. Cooked perfect, just the smallest amount of pink. I had to cut it in half because it was super stacked with lettuce, tomato, onion and slathered with mustard and ketchup. They don't mention what kind of bun they use but, it was delicious also. It may have actually "made" the burger because it had a sweet edge to it. Sweet and savory, good stuff.
First bite, I was in. Really tasty. A bit messy because they did load it with quite a bit of mustard, something that might normally bother me, not this time. It was actually sort of fun trying not to make a mess. I wasn't successful. It was probably a 5 napkin meal by the time I finished. Fries were the choice for sides.
It sounded like all the other choices made were just as good.
Prices were within the norm for most burgers. Just a reminder, this was a half pound.
The waitress was very present and made sure we were taken care of at all times and the place was hoping. We sat on the deck out back, partially because the music was a bit on the loud side in the bar area. There is plenty of ample seating both in and out.
So, ratings...
4.5 of 5
Price for the portion, overall flavor, service and Jack N Cokes for $5!
Sorry I didn't get any pics. I was hungry.
We were to meet at the Mainstream Bar & Grill. Like usual, I went online before heading out for the night, to assure there might be a burger on their menu. Quite the list, actually. There is a "Build Your Own" offering but they suggest that if you "Don't feel like thinking? Select one of our best sellers to the right and relax we've done the work for you".
I am not a fan of the BYO. You may have caught that from other posts. I might be more of a strip back your best seller and call it BYO. I didn't ask them to remove anything. The list of toppings sounded just fine. No sauces, vegetables or other foods that shouldn't be on a burger.
My order, the "Classic American". American cheese, fried onions, pickle, mustard, ketchup, lettuce and tomato.
I asked for slight pink for doneness.
The burger arrived. 1/2 pound. Cooked perfect, just the smallest amount of pink. I had to cut it in half because it was super stacked with lettuce, tomato, onion and slathered with mustard and ketchup. They don't mention what kind of bun they use but, it was delicious also. It may have actually "made" the burger because it had a sweet edge to it. Sweet and savory, good stuff.
First bite, I was in. Really tasty. A bit messy because they did load it with quite a bit of mustard, something that might normally bother me, not this time. It was actually sort of fun trying not to make a mess. I wasn't successful. It was probably a 5 napkin meal by the time I finished. Fries were the choice for sides.
It sounded like all the other choices made were just as good.
Prices were within the norm for most burgers. Just a reminder, this was a half pound.
The waitress was very present and made sure we were taken care of at all times and the place was hoping. We sat on the deck out back, partially because the music was a bit on the loud side in the bar area. There is plenty of ample seating both in and out.
So, ratings...
4.5 of 5
Price for the portion, overall flavor, service and Jack N Cokes for $5!
Sorry I didn't get any pics. I was hungry.
Friday, July 13, 2018
06.30.2018 Late's Bar-B-Q in Manitowoc WI
If you are in Manitowoc Wisconsin and looking for a classic diner experience, Late's will cover all your needs.
I have to admit, if we weren't with our friends John and Jane (Jane grew up there) we might have missed it. Driving 10th street, you would look to the West because the Cedar Crest Factory and Parlor has a large cow statue out front. Nestled in between 9th and 10th streets, no enter or big sign that let's you know they are back there. I guess you could use GPS but that takes away from the adventure of discovering this gem.
The inside is done up with old photos from days past. What started out to be a little joint with car hops back in 1960, has expanded the dining area to accommodate more guests. They have also added catering to their offerings.
The menu has so many tasty looking offerings but, you know what I'm there for... burgers!
John and Jane jump in right away "I'll take a double (insert burger)". I looked at the menu again. Should I double? A cheeseburger is $2.85 for a single, $4.30 for a double. I'm thinking Bacon Cheese Burger. The menu doesn't list a double. So, I ask "can I double a Bacon Cheese Burger?" I get a look from all at the table. Without a hitch, the waitress says "sure".
It didn't take long and the food arrived. It was everything J and J had promised.
On our way out, we made sure to check what everybody else ordered. A table was enjoying a mid-afternoon fish fry. It look pretty substantial.
We left full of tasty food and for relatively low doe.
Plenty of parking, clean, great staff and priced right. I will be back if I'm in town.
4.5 of 5
My burger & fries, yum.
The inside is done up with old photos from days past. What started out to be a little joint with car hops back in 1960, has expanded the dining area to accommodate more guests. They have also added catering to their offerings.
The menu has so many tasty looking offerings but, you know what I'm there for... burgers!
John and Jane jump in right away "I'll take a double (insert burger)". I looked at the menu again. Should I double? A cheeseburger is $2.85 for a single, $4.30 for a double. I'm thinking Bacon Cheese Burger. The menu doesn't list a double. So, I ask "can I double a Bacon Cheese Burger?" I get a look from all at the table. Without a hitch, the waitress says "sure".
It didn't take long and the food arrived. It was everything J and J had promised.
On our way out, we made sure to check what everybody else ordered. A table was enjoying a mid-afternoon fish fry. It look pretty substantial.
We left full of tasty food and for relatively low doe.
Plenty of parking, clean, great staff and priced right. I will be back if I'm in town.
4.5 of 5
My burger & fries, yum.
07.12.2018 Burgers With Brothers @ Fuddrucker's
It was my birthday. (thanks for all the well wishes) and my turn to call where my brothers and I were to have burgers together. I chose Fuddrucker's.
If you are familiar with our Burgers with Brothers. Three brothers. Three birthdays. One in March, July and the other in November. So, we have a guarantee that at least three times during the year, we'll will get together, just the guys, for food and conversation.
It's been more than 15 or 20 years since the last time I was in a Fuddrucker's.
All three of us were not sure what to do upon entering. Lucky for us Wes was at the register and more than willing to help us through the process. It's something between a full-service and self-service place. More self than full.
We placed our order. 1/2 lb Mushroom Cheddar, 1/2 lb Mushroom Swiss and my 1/3 lb Cheddar Bacon. Two fries and one Onion Ring. They give you a cup for the beverage of your choice dispensed from a crazy machine. The choice of beverage was incredible. If you can't find what you want in the machine they have tea and coffee.
We grabbed a table in one of the dining rooms. The buzzer went off. Three plates with the burgers open faced to receive the topping of our choice. For toppings they have almost a salad bar. Jalapeño peppers, diced red onions, raw yellow and red onions, lettuce, tomato, pickle, relish to list what I can remember.
Sauces, about the same. Ketchup, mustard (5 kinds), BBQ Sauces and Mayo.
All of agreed that the burgers were delicious.
I don't know if I'm getting to be a burger snob but, the facility and the way you serve yourself most of the meal sort of got to me. It was noisy. A bit of a surprise, a guy came by and took our plates away for us. Were we supposed to leave a tip? I was concerned that it might not make it to that guy. I know that they are sort of going with the nostalgia thing but, dated is different. One thing I did like, the kitchen and grill. Older equipment but clean. The cook staff was working hard. Again, Wes at the register was very helpful without sound like he thought we were fools.
4 of 5
The burger was great. Price for the service, I'm not sure about.
If you are familiar with our Burgers with Brothers. Three brothers. Three birthdays. One in March, July and the other in November. So, we have a guarantee that at least three times during the year, we'll will get together, just the guys, for food and conversation.
It's been more than 15 or 20 years since the last time I was in a Fuddrucker's.
All three of us were not sure what to do upon entering. Lucky for us Wes was at the register and more than willing to help us through the process. It's something between a full-service and self-service place. More self than full.
We placed our order. 1/2 lb Mushroom Cheddar, 1/2 lb Mushroom Swiss and my 1/3 lb Cheddar Bacon. Two fries and one Onion Ring. They give you a cup for the beverage of your choice dispensed from a crazy machine. The choice of beverage was incredible. If you can't find what you want in the machine they have tea and coffee.
We grabbed a table in one of the dining rooms. The buzzer went off. Three plates with the burgers open faced to receive the topping of our choice. For toppings they have almost a salad bar. Jalapeño peppers, diced red onions, raw yellow and red onions, lettuce, tomato, pickle, relish to list what I can remember.
Sauces, about the same. Ketchup, mustard (5 kinds), BBQ Sauces and Mayo.
All of agreed that the burgers were delicious.
I don't know if I'm getting to be a burger snob but, the facility and the way you serve yourself most of the meal sort of got to me. It was noisy. A bit of a surprise, a guy came by and took our plates away for us. Were we supposed to leave a tip? I was concerned that it might not make it to that guy. I know that they are sort of going with the nostalgia thing but, dated is different. One thing I did like, the kitchen and grill. Older equipment but clean. The cook staff was working hard. Again, Wes at the register was very helpful without sound like he thought we were fools.
4 of 5
The burger was great. Price for the service, I'm not sure about.
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