Burger

Burger is a place that has been recommended to us by a couple of people. For informational purposes only do I state that the inside decor is 1950s retro, but the type of retro a "shi shi" restaurant thinks the 50s should have been as opposed to what it really was. Not the genuine burger joint a la Arnold's on Happy Days or Mel's in American Graffiti. But, I transgress... it's all about the burger.

The Burger menu states "Our 100% all American beef burgers and sandwiches are served on a toasted pressed bun with lettuce and tomato on the side.". After being told that it was their signature burger, we ordered the classic 1/4 lb. with onions at a cost of $3.99. We were not asked how we wanted it cooked, so what we got was what we got. Available toppings were Sauerkraut, Chili, Raw Onion, Onion Jam, Mayo, Cranberry Mayo, Tomato-Garlic Mayo, Barbeque Sauce, Tomato Dip, Cucumber Yogurt & Tahini.

I ordered a side of combo fries, which consist of "dirty" (their spice mix) fries, sweet potato fries, and eggplant fries that were cut in the typical string fry way. Beef Boy ordered dirty fries.

Beef Boy wanted to point out that they offered an American Kobe Beef burger at $14.99 that was 1/2 pound wagyu beef. If you wanted double meat add $7.99. He was adamant that at some point in the future he MUST try one. My opinion is that if it isn't hand delivered to him by at least three dancing girls and he needs a cigarette afterward, it isn't worth it!

The burger and fries arrived as you see it above. The roll was huge and was like a potato bun, if you know what I mean. It was not toasted or grilled, but the outside of both sides of the bun appeared to have pressed marks, like it was put whole in a panini press that had a plate with grill marks close together. We determined that these marks were for show as opposed to having a grilling purpose. There were 5 leaves of iceberg lettuce with 2 slices of tomato (1 thin, 1 medium thickness) and a slice of red onion. The burger itself was cooked on a griddle, showing the dark edges fried. The center surface of the burger was lighter in the center with no sear. Biting into the burger showed it to be cooked well. Not a hint of pink. If they were going for a drive-in burger, then they succeeded. It was tasty, but not what our criteria demands.

Once again, the real star of the show were the fries. They came with some skin on, lightly salted with kosher salt and a lovely crisp. Absolutely a yummy. The tomato garlic mayo was a great change of dip from ketchup and really was delightful.

All in all, we decided that it receives a rating of 3 burgers for it's value and us being a bit kind about it being a drive-in style burger, which was what they purported to be. Also, I did feel a bit guilty about being so pissed off at the atmosphere that seemed so phony to me. *SIGH* We are happy to report it is a Coca-Cola establishment.

Burger
297 North Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 997-9797