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.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
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.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
It pays to ask: "Richie's Up Ur Alley", Mayville WI
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.
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.
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
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