hamburger

Jumbo’s Win Win, Philo, CA., 5/9/25

~ hsnixon ~ 3 Comments
exterior – 8651 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466

Jumbo’s Win Win was a roadside burger spot that opened in August 2024.   Scott Baird, a James Beard nominated bartender and his wife Molly moved to the Anderson Valley in 2020, escaping the hectic living of San Francisco.  They wanted to offer a limited but well composed menu and interestingly chose the building which is a 120-year old former saloon.  The name Jumbo is for the owner’s son, named by his brother who also suggested the name Jumbo’s Win Win.  The fairly large spot had a long counter where you placed and picked up your order.  Next to that space a large window opened into the kitchen where the food was passed through and your name called out with a microphone.  Tables and chairs filled the rest of the room and there was an outside patio if you wanted.  Multiple windows added to the already bright room with just a few decorations.  Actually, the bathroom had more visuals with custom-made tiles.  Music was in the background and the counter person was very helpful.  They are open every day from 11-8 in the Anderson Valley.   It’s a cute family-run place that serves an okay burger and tasty dessert options.  Stop by when you’re on CA Hwy 128 and need to fortify before visiting another winery. Continue reading →

Webb Custom Kitchen, Gastonia, NC, 12/12/23

~ hsnixon ~ 6 Comments
exterior –182 S South St, Gastonia, NC 28052

Webb Custom Kitchen was in the space previously occupied by the Webb Movie Theatre.  Opening in 2016 after a year of renovation, it’s a large space with the second story still intact and movies still playing above the open kitchen.  Decorations are old projectors and movie equipment as well as walls covered with names of those who joined the Porterhouse Club by finishing their 40 oz. charbroiled steak.  The center of the big downstairs room is a large bar that also has seating.  Benches are used for wall seating and tables are in the middle.  Parking is available in public lots nearby as it is in the heart of downtown.  Music was in the background and the lighting was fairly bright, but we were there at lunch.  The dinner menu offered more options to choose from but our lunch was good enough to make me want to go back to try more things.  Service was friendly and they were happy to share some of the history of the building with us, even offering to let us walk around upstairs afterwards.  Thumbs, or should I say paws, up on this one. Continue reading →

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

~ hsnixon ~ 4 Comments
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 →

Dad’s Luncheonette, Half Moon Bay, CA., 8/11/23

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior – 225 Cabrillo Highway South at, Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Dad’s Luncheonette was in a historic train caboose on Highway 1, near a strip shopping center.   It was a dream of Chef Scott Clark, who we met when he was Chef de cuisine at a 3-star Michelin restaurant, to open something small and casual that also serves great food.  He wanted a lifestyle change after having a child with his partner, Alexis Liu.  When she saw this little train car he knew that was it.  That was 6 years ago and it’s still a successful business.   There are a few seats inside, where you order, and picnic tables outside, but many just eat on the hood of their car or get stuff to go.  The cooking is on the upper level of the caboose and bathrooms are in the shopping center.  Lo and behold when we entered we found he brought another friend from the close by San Francisco dining scene that we had also dealt with before, Anthony Keels (Eight Tables).  The place is surrounded by farms and they make the best use of that supply chain but have a small menu.  I didn’t get a photo of the menu but you can see much of it on their website or in the photos.  Unfortunately, they were out of the homemade chips today. Continue reading →

The Plaza Tavern & Grill, Madison, 5/10/23

~ hsnixon ~ 5 Comments
building – 319 N Henry St, Madison, WI 53703

The Plaza Tavern and Grill is the home of the “world-famous Plazaburger.”   The burger is dressed with a Plaza sauce which is a secret recipe from 1964.   The Plazaburger is ordered separately from a regular burger but they also offer a number of other food choices.  Inside is a long bar that runs the length of the long room and booths run along the opposite wall.  The middle of the room is open but you’ll find various game machines around the room.  A number of televisions were around the room and midday they were playing an old animated show.  It’s conveniently located by the capital and UW and open Wed to Sat from noon to 2 am.  Goggle wrongly said they weren’t open till 3 pm on Wed but that is not the case.  They were super friendly and cooked our burgers on the grill right behind the bar.  It is a cash only place. Continue reading →

Oakcrest Tavern, Madison, 5/9/23

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exterior – 5371 Old Middleton Rd, Madison, WI 53705

The Oakcrest Tavern opened in the 1950s and it’s famous for its burger made from “steak trimmings” but they offer a number of things on their menu, including a fish fry on Fridays.  It’s a casual place with the bar counter filling half of its space.  The cooking area is inside the bar area and a parking lot surrounds the building.  There were lots of TVs around the room but the sound was muted and music was playing.  Lots of beer paraphernalia decorated the wood walls.   The staff was all super friendly and they were quick with the food and you could see it was made to order.  We enjoyed Leinenkugel’s beer, which was served nicely cold in a bottle, with our lunch.  I suggest you give this place a try if you have a chance but be forewarned – it’s said to get quite busy at some hours. Continue reading →

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

~ hsnixon ~ 3 Comments
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 →

Baby Bull, Asheville, NC., 11/16/22

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior

Baby Bull has 3 interior rooms, one with the order counter and a large outdoor patio.  Once you order, you get a number to place on your table till they bring your food out.  They are open Wed to Mon and have very friendly people working there along with really quick, cooked-to-order food.  Baby Bull opened as a result of the success of Bull and Beggar’s burger.  Management wanted a place to satisfy the burger’s followers on a regular basis.  Baby Bull is a fast food option to get that particular sandwich.  They serve all the sandwiches “all or nothing” so you get their condiments on the sandwich or on the side.  There is no customization, except the doneness amount.  They also have shakes and other well-regarded sandwiches but we were there for the burger.  Sides are extra and we chose French fries but they do offer options of pork rinds or hushpuppies.  However, the guy at the counter said their fries continue to be voted best in town, and I can see why.  An excellent spot if you want quick tasty food. Continue reading →

Herb and Thelmas Tavern, Covington, KY., 4/21/22

~ hsnixon ~ 1 Comment
building – 718 W Pike St, Covington, KY 41011

Herb and Thelmas Tavern is just across the river from Cincinnati in Covington, Kentucky.   They are known for their burgers and cold beer – serving the area for 83 years.  They buy local ingredients and make the hamburger patties fresh daily.   In 1939 Henry “Heine” Boehmker opened Heine’s Cafe.  In 1965 his son and daughter-in-law renamed it Herb and Thelma’s Tavern, after themselves.  In 1969 another Boehmker began working at the tavern and then buys them out in 1982.  In 2015 the Fessler family became the owners, but a photo of the original Herb is still on the front door.  It is a small place with 2 rooms, one of which houses the cooking/bar area and the other just tables and the bathrooms.  The main room has seats at the bar area as well as tables.  The lights are lowered, there is either TV or music in the background and lots of memorabilia cover the walls.  They have a few draft beers as well as a full bar. The owner and patrons were all super friendly.  In fact one of the gentlemen stopped by on his way out to say hello and wish a good day. Continue reading →

Crystal Beer Parlor, Savannah, 3/3/22

~ hsnixon ~ 1 Comment
Exterior

The Crystal Beer Parlor building was the “Gerken Family Grocery Store” in the early 1900’s, with the owners living above it.  It sold in the early 1930’s  and was one of the first American eating establishments to serve alcohol after the repeal of Prohibition.  Rumor was that they had been selling illegal liquor as a speakeasy during Prohibition.  The walls were covered with scenes from Savannah’s past and portraits of people.  In one room were blown up copies of the original menus.  It’s a fairly large place in a wedge building on a ‘corner’ with a huge tented area in the back, where parking used to be.  Inside is a counter room with stools and some booth seating and other rooms are a mix of tables and booths.   Service was prompt, efficient and friendly.  They are known for their burgers and housemade onion rings.

Continue reading →

Kopp’s Frozen Custard, Milwaukee, 12/4/21

~ hsnixon ~ 3 Comments
building

Kopp’s Frozen Custard started in the 1950’s and now has 3 locations in the Milwaukee area.  It specializes in frozen custard and large burgers.  You could watch the large stainless makers extruding 3 different custards as we waited for our order.  It was a huge place with no chairs or tables.  Outside was a concrete patio with benches but also no tables.  It struck me as odd to have such a huge place and do only takeout and this didn’t seem to be a Covid reaction.  They also do a good business in takeout bulk orders of custard.  Elsa Kopp opened the place after her husband Karl developed Parkinson’s disease.  Initially it was just vanilla and chocolate custard but gradually she began experimenting with other flavors. Her son Karl now runs the chain and has opened out of state locations. Continue reading →

Little’s Food Store, Atlanta, 11/9/21

~ hsnixon ~ 3 Comments
building

Little’s Food Store is in the Cabbagetown section of Atlanta and has a grill as well as a small shop for basics.  Right now they are not offering inside dining but there is an open lot next to it that is set with 8 picnic tables.   Located on a really narrow steet, it is a neighborhood staple and when they thought about shutting down due to the costs to fix their kitchen the neighborhood fundraised the money needed.  They also have a 15 year old cat that sits outside and when it needed vet care the community once again rallied.  It opened in 2010 and been serving burgers and selling grocery essentials since that time.  Development in the neighborhood and surrounding areas have brought in more restaurant customers than shoppers and so their shelves have less fresh produce and their hours have them open later and longer.  Their menu has burgers, dogs and sandwiches as well as sides but they do offer breakfast sandwiches.  The place is funky and food was well made using quality ingredients.  Parking is as you can find it. Continue reading →

Slabtown Burgers, Traverse City, 10/2/21

~ hsnixon ~ 4 Comments

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 →

The Bird, Jackson, WY., 9/9/20

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment

entrance

The Bird is a large place, located a bit out of town that opened in 2010.  Inside are 2 large rooms, one containing the oval shaped bar and outside is a good sized deck with a spectacular view of the mountains.  There are no umbrellas or heaters outside.  The bar offers all mixed drinks as well as a ton of tap beers.  The room with the bar is decorated with tap handles from those beers they no longer carry.  They are mounted on metal bars all over.  It’s mainly a burger bar but also is known for its wings.  Country music plays prominently and service is friendly.  They wore masks for the most part and limit the number of people that can be in at any time.  You must wait at the door to be let in by the server.  They don’t take reservations and are popular with locals. Continue reading →

Grumpy’s, Ketchum, Idaho, 9/4/20

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment

exterior

Grumpy’s opened in May 1978 in Ketchum, Idaho and is a favorite of tourists and locals.  It’s a simple menu but it has evolved to now offer tuna, salmon and ham & cheese sandwiches.  It’s frequented by many ski folks as well as the bike crowd in summer.   The walls and ceiling inside are covered with items that each have a story.  You order inside and then can choose one of the booths inside or tables outside.  Inside there is a plexiglass between each booth and outside the tables are distanced and many have umbrellas.  We got there around 3 in the afternoon and there were no empty tables outside.  It’s popular and does not take reservations but does do to-go orders.  They now even have a phone which apparently they didn’t for some time.  They are open daily 11 – 8.  Inside the first thing you notice are the beer cans lining the walls and up the ceiling.  You can easily spend the time waiting for your order checking out all the interesting items or finding obscure cans. Continue reading →

Bugerlich, Hamburg, 9/18/19

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment

IMG_4981
building

Bugerlich is a large modern place that offers mostly hamburgers but also other options like pulled pork, steak, sweets and salads.  They have a full bar.  Their feature is that there is no server but rather the menus are on pop up screens that rise out of your table.  On that screen you select your choices as well as the options for the preparation of your burger, pay and then wait and they deliver the food to your table.  Some of tables are high tops but there are also regular height tables and some outside (where you must get a printed menu or order at the counter).   The logo is a heart in a circle and they are on the exterior of the building, the business cards and on the rough wood ceiling.  The walls are tile and there are windows to the street on a couple sides which allow the room to get very bright.  Flatware, napkins and condiments are on each table and music is in the background.   Otherwise the walls are decorated with drawings, sayings and liquor bottles.  They also have lots of draft beers. Continue reading →