Holiday Dinner at the Mason Street Grill (Pfister Hotel MKE)

 Keeping with tradition, a group of us headed to the Mason Street Grill for dinner after a showing of "A Christmas Carol" at the beautiful Pabst Theater in downtown Milwaukee. I'm always temped to order something different off the menu but once I see their burger listed, I can't help myself. A restaurant known for top level meat and fish will very often have an excellent burger. Also, I know for a fact they do a burger justice. (Previous blog 12.11.2021) 

The Mason Street Grill is such a great setting for a special dinner outing. The staff is usually hustling around making sure everything is on point. It's the kind of place you feel like you should be dressed a bit more formal. Not tuxedos but make sure your shirt has a collar and if you do wear jeans, make sure they don't look like you schlepp around the house in them. 

I ordered the Mason Street Grill Burger, a 10 oz. Black Angus Chuck and Sirloin, Honey Glazed Onions, Muenster Cheese, House Relish. Still priced at $18 and served with fries. I ordered medium as I often do. No fear of the meat being a bit pink at this level. The food arrived. I cut the burger in half to check the insides. Pretty decent. I was psyched. A small pinch off the side to test the meat without all the stuff, okay. The overall flavor of the combined cheese, relish and onions was pretty good. I felt like the seasoning on the burger may have been too heavy. The meat didn't have the charbroiled flavor. Hmm. The roll was fresh and soft.

Rate it: 4 of 5

I don't think it's as good as it used to be. Still, it's one of the better burgers I've had. Returning to places can sometimes be a let down. Sort of like a sequel. Priced at $18 it should be a bit above the others.

 

So Many Burgers, So Little Time... "Burger Round Up"

 It's been some time since I wrote about chowing down a burger. Hey, I'm a relatively busy guy. Anyway, I have had several let's say, not amazing burgers in the past month or so. Some were places I'd been before. Others were new and I probably won't return to. I'd rather not "bash" anyone for a bad burger day. Maybe it was me? Was I expecting something that can't be delivered? My memory might be off on some. Who knows. I will say that I was glad that I stopped and grabbed a burger with a friend or family member.

Here are some random photos for your enjoyment:

Cary Ale House serves a "Smash" Burger (and I liked it!) 09/08/23

I'm not sure if I've ever had a "smashed" burger or at least it may not have been referred to as such. No matter, I was pleasantly surprised. 

We traveled to Crystal Lake IL for an Oldsmobile car show at the Holiday Inn. We always like to get a group of Olds club members and check out some local eats. There's a place in Cary, IL that fit the bill. They've got a little of everything Fish, Ham, BBQ and Burgers. I chose the Smash Burger, A double patty pressed thin, with smashed onions, chipotle remoulade, house pickles, candied bacon, butter lettuce and American cheese. I had no idea what I ordered but man, I'm glad I did.

The whole sandwich just fit together perfect. Enough of everything listed but not of it excessive. Flavor, spot on. Juicy patties, fresh bun.

Rate it: 4 of 5 (very strong 4)

I don't know why but this really hit the spot. Overall flavor worked so well.

Cary Ale House

 

 

 

Iron Horse = It's Weight In Gold! 08/24/2023

 The Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee is known for it's top notch service and food. They lived up to their reputation. Great scene on the patio area. Fireplace, lounge like couch and tables. We stopped by for a drink and a late night bite. (8:30pm-ish) My friend Scott was looking at the burger. He knows that I write about them and consume them in quantity. We had already dined earlier in the evening so we decided to split the IHH Burger (house blend beef, aged cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, secret sauce) 

Beautifully presented and cooked to perfection. 

Rate It: 4.5 of 5

Everything about this was wonderful. Price was on par for quality. Seasoned and cooked near perfect (for me)

Harbor House Does it Right! 09/07/23

 The Harbor House in Milwaukee is known for fish and steak dishes. Wedged in the menu you will find the Harbor House Burger. Pretty straight forward, Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Sciortino’s Bun.

I built it the way I like it, onion then tomato and lettuce. Just a little ketchup. No mustard. I do like stone ground brown mustard but this time I decided to keep it simple.

Thick and juicy. Seasoning was just enough. Fresh roll and veggies. That's a great sandwich.

Rate It: 4.5 of 5 

It's been some time since I had a burger that made me glad that I skipped eating a different dish. 

 

Leff's @ Tosa Tonight 06/28/2023

 It's that time of the year again when all of Wauwatosa attends the "Tosa Tonight" events at the Rotary Performance Pavilion. Warm Summer nights, great music and food.

There are a few different vendors ranging from pizza by the slice to down home southern cooking. I landed somewhere in the middle at Leff's Luckytown. Leff's offers some straight forward options, hot dogs, brats and burgers. Simple fare at a reasonable price. You know that I went for the burger. (Duh)

Trust me, the other vendors offer up Jambalaya, Mac & Cheese, Pulled Pork Sandwiches etc. but, if you follow my blog, you will know that I'm a fan of Leff's burgers. This time I got a cheeseburger. Leff's doesn't dumb it down for the outdoor event, it's still up to standards. Priced at $9, potato chips included. The flavor was on par with the brick and mortar version. 

Rate it: 4 of 5

It was very tasty, fairly juicy, just a bit of the "kept warm until sold feel". Otherwise, great deal for the buck. It would be hard to find such a deal and taste from any other mobile kitchen.

Let's Go To Sluggo's! 06/27/2023

So many burgers, so little time!

For 40 years, Sluggo's in Brookfield Wisconsin has been cooking up grub for it's loving public. The proof is verified by the large crowd on a Tuesday night in Summer.

My brother-in-law had driven past Sluggo's several times and noticed that, no matter what day or time for that matter, Sluggo's lot was pretty full. They must be doing something right to make them that popular. For that reason, he wanted to celebrate his birthday there. His vision, a Sluggo Burger. My kind of vision!

I chose the Cheeseburger with bacon. (there isn't a bacon cheeseburger) It's a 1/2 pound patty, hand formed as far as I could tell. Nicely charred on the outside, pink inside. Just the way I like it. I ordered it Medium Rare. Everything about it was on spot. Just enough bacon and cheese leaving the burger to shine. The seasoning was really good, done with confidence that it would enhance the flavor and not over power it. The brioche roll was fresh and buttered up a bit, yum.

Prices have gone up quite a bit over the past couple of years at Sluggo's but the burger stepped up to the plate. At $14.99, it isn't a cheap burger but, I've had less tasty ones for just as much or more. The bar/restaurant itself is a throw back, nothing fancy but well kept. The crowd added to the experience.There's a lot of hungry people in our town.

Rate it: 4.5 of 5

It's one of the better burgers I've had recently. Sorry, I didn't get a picture.