Friends Grill

I had heard from a great number of people that Friends Grill is a great place to have a drink and some good food. Beef Boy and I have wanted to go there literally for about a year. We have tried to go several times, by ourselves and with Mr. and Mrs. Maples, but to no avail, arriving in their parking lot when it was closed. I found out that they had a hamburger, so this really made us committed to go and I finally called for their hours of operation. We thought that since the establishment had "Grill" in its name, it was portentous in it serving a great burger. We were really excited! In the car we went...

Beef Boy and I decided to take a trip over. Upon arriving, we were amused by the schizophrenic signage. Note the indecision of the word "Grille" ... "Grill"? Upon entering, we experienced the atmosphere is that of a bar, which is fine with me!

On their menu, there was a section called "From the Grill". There listed was a "Quarter Pound Burger" at a cost of $3.95. Add ons were cheese for .50, bacon for $1, fries for $1.25, or sweet potato fries for $1.75. Typically it comes with chips and a pickle. We ordered our regular, a hamburger with American cheese and I opted for sweet potato fries, while Beef Boy ordered the traditional fries. We were not given the opportunity to have our burger cooked to order.


Our order arrived as you see above. The sourdough bun was griddle toasted and the server answered our query that it was baked in house. As you can see two slices of American cheese were provided. The burger was a typical preformed, fast food burger. We think it was purchased from a place like Wohrle's Foods Inc, which is a local food supplier for restaurants. It was a thin, well done patty that was cooked on a griddle without much sear. As you can see, no lettuce or tomato was provided. The burger was "fine", nothing special. Just a Joe burger.

The pickle had a nice crisp. The sweet potato fries and crinkle cut fries Beef Boy got were fine, but obviously frozen and again probably from Wohrle's Foods Inc. The server confirmed that they were not made on the premises. We suspect much isn't.

The bottom line is the best thing was the bun and the generous cheese. I could have easily been happier with about five of those buns and a vat of butter.

*SIGH*

We gave it a rating of 2 1/2 burgers. I apologize for the lackluster review, but it was a pretty lackluster, disappointing burger experience. In fact, it was the most disappointing experience we have had to date.

Unfortunately, it is not a Coca-Cola establishment.

Friends Grill
117 Seymour Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 443-4477

Kneebone's Steakhouse

This experience was just sad...

Kneebone's Steakhouse is located in the Allendale Shopping Center in Pittsfield. It previously was Truffles and Such. Before then, I think it was part of Sears before they moved to the Berkshire Mall in Lanesborough. The establishment's interior looks like a typical hotel restaurant. There is even a hallway that looks like it would go into the lobby. Just odd, since it is actually in a strip mall.

Beef Boy and I have never eaten here. I was reluctant to bring it up to my darling because he is after all Beef Boy. This applies to all beef, so I always thought if we have steak there once, I would be a goner. Avoidance is a great thing. Well, we were looking for a place to rate and I decided that it would safe going in knowing we would just be having a burger and not dealing with BB wanting a zillion dollar steak.

Kneebone's indeed did have a burger. Their menu lists an "8 oz. Sirloin Burger served on a bulky roll with American, Blue Cheese, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for $9. All light fare items are served with your choice of fries or homemade coleslaw. Add sautéed vegetables of the day for $1.50". We ordered the burger with American cheese. We went with fries instead of the coleslaw, which was vinegar and mayo based.

Our order arrived as you see above. The roll was very lightly grilled and was ridiculously too big for the burger. As you can see, it just dwarfed the patty. There were 3 small pieces of romaine lettuce along with 2 medium slices of tomatoes. The veggies were not particularly fresh, but not over ripe, just kind of "eh". As you can see, the piece of cheese was a nice thick slice. The burger itself did have an excellent sear with beautiful grill marks. After putting it all together to take a taste, upon biting into it, I discovered a nice, juicy pink surrounded by the appropriate charred brown. Beef Boy's was done more than mine. There had been some confusion when he ordered and it arrived just past medium at no fault of the chef, but it was still moist and tasty. The flavor of the burger was outstanding and the waiter answered our query by letting us know it was indeed seasoned and cooked with wine.

Both of our bulky rolls disintegrated acting like a sponge to all the lovely juiciness. We both agreed that the meat itself was outstanding. This hearty burger didn't merit the weak bun it was served on. The roll and vegetables really were an insult to the fabulous piece of meat that was prepared. This really ticked us off and we really were so angry at the disrespect we felt that was given to the beauty of the burger. I know it probably sounds ridiculous, but Beef Boy and I make a serious concerted effort to respect the sacrifice that animals give. The lovely beef, chicken, pork, seafood, fish that we partake in is really appreciated. We don't take their gift lightly.

The French fries were made in house and were shoe strings with skin. They weren't crispy, but a bit greasy and soggy.

We did mention to the waiter that the chef really should think about a better, heartier bun. So very sad. With a heavy heart and righteous indignation, we agreed on a rating of 3 3/4 burgers.

Unfortunately, it is not a Coca-Cola establishment.

Kneebones Steakhouse
Allendale Shopping Center
61 Cheshire Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 442-9537