burger

Sandy Shores, Ashland, WI., 5/24/24

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back entrance – 2524 Lake Shore Dr W, Ashland, WI 54806

Sandy Shores Cafe took over the building that used to house the Lake Shore Cafe and although the new owner, Sandy Marsland and her partner Bob Truchon have made changes you’ll easily recognize it.  Even some of the staff are still working there, which is a good thing when you know how welcome Priscilla makes all the guests feel.   A coworker suggested that Marsland could name a restaurant Sandy Shores should she ever open one and in July 2021 she and Truchon did just that.  They’ve tried to keep the prices low and portions generous but it’s a difficult challenge, however whatever they’re doing it seems to be working by the  number of folks patronizing the place.  They’ve kept the menu similar to before and offer daily specials which they publicize on their Facebook page.  They have a combination of seating options with counter stools, free standing tables and booths.   Along the window wall is a direct view of Lake Superior.  It’s comfortable with lots of parking available around the outside of the building.  The food is good, simple and plentiful and along with the great service you can bet I’ll be back.  Hope you try it if you are in the area.

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Country Skillet, Cumberland, WI., 5/18/24

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building – 1233 2nd Ave., Cumberland, WI., 54829

Country Skillet is a medium sized place that serves all day breakfast and lunch everyday except Wed (when it’s closed) and offers dinner on Thursday and Friday till 8 pm.  They do have daily specials and lots of baked goods.  The main room has a few tables but mostly has counter seating and the service area.  A second room had more tables and the corridor to the bathrooms.  New owners took over in 2023 and have worked to update the place, food and staff.  They did pretty well in my opinion.  Service was a bit slow but it was pretty crowded and only one server seemed to be taking orders, delivering food and cleaning tables – so with that in mind service was good.  She was very pleasant and efficient.   The walls have lots of signs with cute sayings and one TV was above the bar but it was muted.  The food was good enough that I look forward to going back and trying more options and maybe a baked item.  Let me know what you think if you get there. Continue reading →

That Guy’s Bistro, Bend, OR., 5/3/24

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exterior – 61147 Bend Parkway, Bend, Oregon 97702

That Guy’s Bistro has 3 locations, one of which is in Redmond.  It started as a food truck in 2018 and now has a brick and mortar location, where we ate,  in addition to the 2 food trucks.  They serve salads, pizzas, burger and Philly sandwiches – which are offered with a variety of fillings.  In addition to the large menu they also have a variety of liquors.   It was a medium sized place in a shopping center that felt to me a little like a “bubba bar”.  Several large TV screens were on each of the walls, mercifully silent, playing a variety of sports and a life guard show that seemed to focus on bikini clad women.  It got a good crowd of working men.    The counter people were very friendly.  We wanted to try the basic TG Burger which was a 1/4 pound beef patty with American cheese, onions, tomato, lettuce, pickle and TG sauce on a grilled brioche bun.  The burger comes with fries or mac salad.  We chose fries and they were a fun curled variety that were dusted with seasoning and nicely crisped.  The burger was cooked to ‘pink’ and loaded with other ingredients.  The bun was nicely toasted and tasty but too big for the patty.  They gave you extra sauce which did have a nice spice to it.  A fine burger, but next time I’ll try one of the Philly options. Continue reading →

Americana Burger, Bend, OR., 5/1/24

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food truck  – 536 NW Arizona Ave, Bend, OR 97703

Americana food truck is in The Podski Lot,  a small lot with several food trucks and one brick and mortar place where you can buy drinks or grab a glass of water.    A bunch of colorful picnic tables are on a combination of artificial grass and concrete for a place to eat.  Parking is tricky as it’s just what you can find on the street, but most have a 2-hour free parking zones.  Owner Joe Franco wanted to offer an affordable burger where anybody could come out and eat and opened this venture in 2020 then moved to the Podski in Nov. 2022.  The basic OG Burger is only $8 and includes caramelized onions, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato and secret sauce and is served on a toasted brioche bun.   Each burger includes two 2-ounce patties which are only cooked on one side to form a crust on the bottom of the patty yet keep the beef moist.    For the vegetarians he offers a grilled cheese and for burger lovers there are variations including BBQ or jalapenos.   It made a great lunch. Continue reading →

Charcoal Pit, Wilmington, DE., 4/3/24

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exterior – 2600 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803

Charcoal Pit has been serving burgers and ice cream creations since 1956.  It has long been a favorite of President Joe Biden, according to Food and Wine magazine and was listed in a Road Food book by Michael Stern as a place to find mid-century Americana.  Opening with just 4 tables it was so successful the founder had to expand to a space with room for 115 customers.  Now there is also a second location but we went to the original “Big Pit” which was being re-modeled inside.  According to our server, the remodeling has been going on for some time but they have not shut down one day for it. Booths are small and slightly larger varieties and hug the walls while tables fill in the rest.  On one end were openings into the kitchen and on one side of it was the round to-go waiting area.  Another portion of the interior was the ice cream counter which looked to usually have seating but today the counter was being resurfaced.  Large squares of linoleum are on the floor and the booth seats are bright red.  Small individual jukeboxes are at each table with free choices but all choices are added to the queue played on the overhead speakers.  The menu offered lots of choices and specials for seniors which seemed very popular.  Our server didn’t flinch at any customizations of the burger order. Continue reading →

Choo Choo Grill, Grand Rapids, 9/28/23

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exterior – 1209 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Choo Choo Grill is a family owned place that has been running for over 60 years and open 6 days a week for breakfast and lunch.  Inside is a step back in time with 8-10 seats at the wrap-around counter and 2 booth-like tables.   The cooking is on the griddle just in front of the bar and they’re known for their olive burger – a Grand Rapids tradition.  Rick Mack bought the place from his father in 1997 but now is tired of the 2 a.m. mornings and the daily grind.  So the place was listed for sale and no one knows if a buyer will keep it the same or what.  It’s obviously filled with regular customers where much of the talk centered on the possible sale and how that will change life.  The tiny place is actually next to the railroad tracks and it’s filled with train photos and replicas.  You’d hate to see a place like this change but profit and big rule our world.  Meantime you can still hurry in and enjoy a fresh made burger and malt.  They do a lot of take out and have parking so I encourage you to grab a stool while they’re still in business. Continue reading →

Louie’s (update), Dallas, July- August 2023

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building – 1839 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas, TX., 75206

Louie’s has been written up here before but it was time for an update.  It’s one of our favorite spots, we probably go weekly.  The ambiance is dark and friendly and the martinis are first rate.  All the staff know us and that probably helps but the food is good, although there have been some changes since Covid came through.  They are now closed Monday and Tuesday as well as most major holidays.  You must be over 21 to enter and parties cannot be larger than 6.  The school building nearby has remodeled their parking lot but for now seems to be a regular spot where you can still park, as street spots are limited.  The pork chop is totally different from before and not as juicy and the baked potato is off the menu.  Menus are by icon/link to be viewed on a smartphone rather than printed.   They are still fairly busy but now often have a waiting list at the door which helps.  We generally eat sandwiches there rather than the pizza and if we eat pizza we ask for it to not be heavily browned on the edge.  It’s hard for me to judge how it would seem to a stranger but for newbies or singletons,  I’d recommend sitting at the bar.  Casey, one of the bartenders will help guide your journey and he’s suggested many new options for us to try, food-wise. All the table servers are friendly and helpful too if you go as a couple.  It’s not a great wine spot but they have it.  I encourage you to go for the martinis and strike up a conversation with whoever is sitting next to you.  I hope you like it as much as I clearly do. Continue reading →

Parkview Lodge and Grill, Toilvola, MI., 7/30/23

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exterior – 32423 State Hwy M-26, Tiovola, MI, 49965

Parkview Lodge and Grilll is a large place in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  The lodge has 16 rustic rooms ready to house those enjoying the snowmobile and ATV trails nearby.  Attached is a large bar and restaurant open 11 to 9, seven days a week.  It was opened in 2005 by two sisters and their husbands, but after 10 years they closed for 2.  In the middle of being closed, it was taken over by their brother, Scott Johnson who started doing renovations.  The bar and restaurant can hold up to 200 people and one new feature was the addition of some cutout trees dividing the bar and restaurant.  They are fabric covered to help with noise.  We didn’t have any noise issues as it was empty when we stopped but the middle of the afternoon would be prime time for the explorers to be outside.  The bartender took our order, helped with suggestions and was very friendly.  I don’t know about staying here but it’s definitely a place I’d recommend for a good burger. Continue reading →

The Workingman’s Friend, Indianapolis, 4/20/23

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building – 234 N Belmont Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222

The Workingman’s Friend is said to be the “best blue-collar burger place in town.”  Founded around 1918 by Louis Stamatkin, an immigrant from Macedonia, who was helped by his fellow Macedonian immigrants to open the place.  He served lunch to local railroad workers and other factory workers and called his place Belmont Lunch.  Beer and liquor were a big draw for customers.  When the workers were on strike he let them run a tab for which the place was given the nickname “The Workingman’s Friend.”  When he died at the young age of 46 his sons (Carl and Earl) took over and renamed the place in his honor, but they also added some more expensive items to the menu and live entertainment.  Carl’s daughter Becky started working there in 1978 and by 1980 the live music and steaks were gone.  The place again focused on burgers and beer, of which the burgers are thin with a crispy edge.  The expansion the sons planned never happened but it is still a large place filled with small closely spaced formica-topped tables.  There are a number of lots around to park in and they were all pretty much full at 1:30 as was the interior.  At one point a line formed waiting for the tables.  It took close to an hour to get our food but the wait was worth it.  It is a fantastic burger.  The service was friendly but the noise level is loud from conversations.  Televisions over the long bar were turned off, but a full bar of liquors is available. Continue reading →

Riverstreet Family Restaurant, Spooner, WI., 2/22/23

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exterior – 519 River St, Spooner, WI 54801

Riverstreet Family Restaurant is a fairly large place divided into 2 rooms by a partial wall.  The good-sized tables are mostly in one room with the other having the bar facing the service area and opening to the kitchen,  Plenty of parking surrounds the building and music from the kitchen radio bleeds into the dining areas.  The interior is a combination of wood, brick, shingles, metal and windows to the outside covered with blinds.  A couple of deer head mounts and various signs complete the eclectic interior.  The large menu features breakfast all day, a lot of burger variations and is supplemented by daily specials.  The portions are large and the staff quite efficient and helpful as well as knowledgable of the names and situations of many of the regular customers.  Coffee comes as a pot on the table and overall the food was good but regular.  In other words, I would go again but not go out of my way to get there. Continue reading →

Cranberry Over Superior, Herbster, WI., 8/26/22

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exterior – 86985 Lenawee Rd., Herbster, WI, 54844 

The Cranberry Over Superior is so named as it overlooks Lake Superior and is on the Cranberry River. One block from the Herbster beach, they have drinks from a full bar as well as non-alcoholic choices, lunch and dinner. The regular menu has lots of fun-sounding options but they also have daily specials. Seating is at the bar, on the patio or in 2 inside rooms.  We sat on some bar stools looking out at Lake Superior and listening to the radio music from the kitchen.  Lots of memorabilia is on the walls for other visual entertainment.  The owner, Lacey Lynn Lueth, was tending the bar and taking orders but later moved into cooking in the kitchen.  She opened the place in Feb. 2022 and you can visit Thursday – Sunday.  All the people working there were super friendly and welcoming and the food is good – give it a try. Continue reading →

Sky Rocket Burger, Dallas, 5/31/22

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exterior – 111 S. Hall St., Dallas, 75226

Sky Rocket Burger now has 4 locations in the Dallas area.  I visited the Deep Ellum spot and you can’t miss the bright red and yellow building at Hall and Main.  It started in Frisco and moved here about 3 years ago.  It’s a simple concept selling fresh, made to order smash burgers, fries, tots and milkshakes.  They offer a grilled cheese for the non-burger eating person in the group.  They come with an option of 1, 2 or 3 patties and all-the-way includes lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickle and secret sauce.  Options include cheese, bacon, onions or even a fried egg.  I tried the double cheese all the way with large fries and with tater tots.  The burgers seem pricey but they are Angus beef, never frozen and ground at the place. They are smashed on the grill to give them a nice crispy edge but not enough to dry them out.  The bun is soft and the lettuce cut in pieces.  The secret sauce has a bit of spice in it that is tasty but most importantly the meat is really good. I preferred the tots to the fries.  I’ll go again. Continue reading →

King’s Sandwich Shop, Durham, 3/30/22

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exterior – 701 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701

King’s Sandwich Shop is a family-run business that is an icon in Durham, symbolizing the simplicity of days gone by.  The original shop opened shortly after WWII, but closed in 2007 needing major rehabilitation.  It was bought by the McDermott family in 2009 and re-opened in 2010.  The corner building has limited parking out front but street parking is available.  They serve burgers, hot dogs, lots of other sandwiches,  breakfast, vegetarian hot dogs and fries along with milkshakes at at walk up counter with another window to pick up your food.  They have picnic tables and bathrooms around the side to eat at if you want to stay on site.  Many seemed to take the food to-go.  It is only open for lunch.  The place was a real throw-back and this time the food was good too.  The shake was amazing. A fun stop on your tour of the area. Continue reading →

Matt’s Bar, Minneapolis, 10/8/21

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exterior

Matt’s Bar & Grill opened in 1954 as a regular burger bar until founder Matt Bristol created the “Jucy Lucy” from customer requests for 2 patties and 2 slices of cheese in the middle.  Upon eating this option he said, “that’s one juicy Lucy” and the name and legend were born.  Minneapolis now has many imitations but this was the original.  When you enter the smell of frying beef and onions engulfs you.  The burgers are made with fresh beef and filled with molten hot cheese.  They even warn you about a spurt when you get the burger.  They offer a regular burger but from the look of the grill the Jucy Lucy is the thing to get.  Fries are by full or half order.  It is cash or local check only and there are no reservations.  Parking is on the street and expect a line.  While you wait you can look around at the memorabilia and pictures on the walls.  Besides a full bar they have a number of tap beers. Continue reading →

Sleder’s Family Tavern, Traverse City, 10/2/21

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exterior

Sleder’s Family Tavern, in Slabtown, is Michigan’s oldest continuously-operated restaurant. It began when a Bohemian immigrant named Vencil Sleder wanted to build a tavern where men could relax after work.  Louie Sleder (1909-1993) and his mother turned the place into a ‘good will’ business.  Prior to 1930 women weren’t allowed in the barroom with its 21 foot solid mahogany sided and cherry wood bar and 12 foot ornate stamped tin ceiling, so they entered through a special back room door.  After 1930 they opened up both rooms to all.  It was sold in 1975 to the Classens who re-finished the woodwork and added a Victorian-styled side porch that is popular for private parties.  It was sold again in 1992 to the Cairns who held their own wedding there and now their son and daugther- in-law own it.  Numerous hunting trophies line the wall, in particular the moose named Randolph that you kiss for good luck.  The history in the place is amazing but the food is good too. Continue reading →

Slabtown Burgers, Traverse City, 10/2/21

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exterior

Slabtown Cafe and Burgers offered indoor and outdoor seating with a variety of burgers and sides.  Slabtown was a part of Traverse City where lumber mill workers built their houses from leftover slabs of lumber from the mills.  This place is known for their grease factor, which the owners swear by, and the evidence can still be seen on your bag of food.  They serve homemade, hand pattied burgers and fresh cut fries and were rated at number 5 on TripAdvisor’s Top Ten Burger restaurants in America.  According to that report they serve 800 pounds of burger meat a day. There are several indoor tables but also a patio that runs around the house with tables.  The inside is decorated with photos of Slabtown residents and their homes and other historical things.   Music is in the background and the place is very popular.  I was not sold on their burger nor the fries. Continue reading →

Delta Diner (update), Delta, WI, 5/3/21

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exterior with coffee shop showing

Almost 2 years ago we visited the Delta Diner and that was an update on their new addition of a Chicken Shack and Tin Tap House to the left as you look at the Diner. Five years ago we looked at a lot of the food and some of my consistent favorites to order there, like the Deli sandwich.  But today we visited on a Burger Monday and that’s what they serve all day every Monday.  There are a number of ways to have your fresh meat patty prepared or you can enjoy the vegetarian option of a black bean burger.  All are served on soft, fresh griddle toasted buns.  After a long year of Covid closures and curbside service the Diner is finally open for limited inside seating.  New additions of partitions are between booths and stenciled with a drawing of the Diner.  They are incredibly tasteful and fit right in.  No plastic partitions and the staff are all properly masked and vaccinated. The counter stools are limited and space is left open between customers.   There are plenty of picnic tables with beautiful settings if you want to order and carry your food outside. Continue reading →

Artic Roadrunner, Anchorage, 8/1/18

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exterior
exterior

Artic Roadrunner was started by Richard Sanchis in the mid-1960’s.  He recently passed away and one of his last wishes was to have the location on Arctic Blvd. to close.  However the location on Old Seward Hwy. would continue, so even if you can’t go to the location where we did you can still get the food.  It was a funky place with a drive-through window and indoor eating area.  It was a ‘line up and order’ and then they call your number when your food is ready for you to pick up, system.  There was a condiment bar where you could dress up what you get as you wish and I bet the system is similar at the other location.  They offer a variety of burgers, specialty sandwiches, fried foods and ice cream drinks.  No checks or credit cards were accepted.   Continue reading →

Super Duper Burgers, San Francisco, 3/10/18

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exterior
exterior

Super Duper Burgers is owned by the same company that owns The Bird but this spot is way better.  It is also an approach-the-counter-and-order place but the crowd here included more variation in age groups.  There was also more seating and a better beverage selection.  Here iced tea is served in glasses not cans.  You get a buzzer to let you know when your order is ready to pick up instead of having to hear the person yell your number.  The menu includes ice cream drinks and cones as well as salads, chicken and some breakfast options if you don’t want a burger.  Most importantly, though, the burger is delicious.  Drippy, cheesy and full of beef flavor on a nice fresh, soft bun, the burger is a superior version of a standard.  The fries are crisp and taste of potato.  I would visit here again. Continue reading →