Burgerquest! Bobby’s Burger Palace - Philadelphia PA

Dallas Burger

Spice Crusted/Coleslaw/Monterrey Jack/BBQ Sauce/Pickles

Cooking Style/Temp: griddled/medium rare

Additions/Subtractions:  none

Burger: 

I was completely and happliy surprised at how perfectly medium rare the burger was. The meat tasted fresh and had the light texture that you get from freshly ground and properly handled beef. The seasoning was a bit overpowering to the rest of the toppings, but for whatever reason, it went outward into the toppings, letting the beef stand on it’s own.

Bun: 

Toasted sesame seed bun, soft overall, and while I could tell it was toasted, I might argue it wasn’t toasted enough. It made it 95% of the way, before falling apart.

 

Toppings

The coleslaw added a good crunchy texture but didn’t have any flavor at all, the other stuff, while fresh also blended into the background, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, because the meat was so good. The pickles were awesome.

Accoutrements: 

I ordered onion rings. The super thick type they serve is the total opposite of how I like my onion rings, so I’ll withold scathing judgement, they tasted pretty good though. If I go again, I’ll def try out the sweet potato fries with honey mustard horseradish sauce. They also have milkshakes, grilled cheeses and beer. The burger comes with a crisp spicy half pickle, that was also really good. You also have an array of condiments to choose from: Ketchup, Chipotle Ketchup, Yellow Mustard, “Burger Sauce” (which is kind of like A-1) and Jalapeño Hot Sauce. They pretty much checked off all the boxes of “burger joint”, and thats a good thing.

Atmosphere

One word: slick. This place is definitely the work of a well-oiled machine. The interior has all the charm of a burger place at Disneyworld. It’s like a burger counter transported itself from the 70’s, with the avocado and orange color motif and mid-century swivel chairs. The service was awesome, friendly and efficient.

Overall

A decidedly positive experience, when I thought it might be kind of a let-down. Even the prices were ok. The best part was definitely the perfectly cooked burger. Everything tasted good, the service was good, there’s really no complaints. The only thing I might watch out for are some dickheads from the Wharton School of Business, since it’s right across the street.

Burgerquest - Miracle of Science!

Wow Its been a while since I’ve done one of these. I’ve decided to do away with the scoring, but I still like the categories, they help break down what makes a spot awesome to grab a burger. Also, some photos going forward may or may not belong to me. Sometimes taking a photo isn’t appropriate or the lighting doesn’t make for a decent shot. So, yay, back in action. 

Miracle Of Science - Cambridge, MA

The Ronie Burger

Cooking Style/Temp: griddled/medium rare

Additions/Subtractions:  none

Burger: 

Looked like a 6oz patty, cooked to a good medium rare, had bits of jalapeño mixed into the meat. It really had a kick. Really unique and tasty. 

Bun: 

Toasted Kaiser roll had a good crusty exterior and soft interior, while still holding up for the duration.

Toppings

The side vegetables were kind of an afterthought, but the pepper jack cheese was outstanding and added to the spicy kick of the burger. 

Accoutrements: 

The burger comes with a side of roasted red potatoes, which would be great with a nicer entree but were a little too fancified for a burger of this ilk. Onion rings would be amazing.

Atmosphere

The bar/restaurant is one of those cool spaces where 3 streets intersect and the space kind of juts out like a peninsula (is there an architectural term for this?) with giant windows that open up all the way on nicer evenings like the one when I went. It feels very cozy and would make for a good spot to people watch. It’s basically on MIT’s campus so naturally going with the science theme the menu takes the form of the periodic table. Nerds. The only downside was the service was a little inattentive (they completely forgot that we ordered guacamole) and while one server was busting it to get things for lots of tables the other was just kind of shitty to everyone.

Overall

Miracle of Science’s Ronie burger is a solid burger and definitely something worth trying but I would probably put it in the middle of the pack as far as “must-try” spots in Boston. Save this for when you want some pre-drinking eats or are looking for a decent spin on a good burger.

I’m pretty excited about this new chapter of my life and all the new opportunities it brings (I got a job in Philadelphia, and packed my bags and headed east) including all the new burger spots to explore, plus day trips to NYC, DC, Baltimore & Wilmington! I’ve got a pretty extensive list and looking forward to checking spots out. If you know of some places in Philly that aren’t on my list, feel free to point me in the proper direction!

If you’re in Philly I’d even be interested in a once a week Burgerquest just to get out and meet some new people.

To eat:

Standard Tap

PYT

Johnny Brenda’s

Good Dog

Village Whiskey

Rembrandt’s

North 3rd

El Camino Real

National Mechanics

Sketch Burger

500º

South Philly Tap room

Butcher & Singer

The Dandelion

Gas Light Cafe

 

Bacon Cheeseburger: 1/4lb burger deluxe, topped with bacon strips

Cooking Style/Temp: griddled, medium well

Additions/Subtractions:  none

Burger: 2.5

Average. Tasted fine but didn’t seem like anything special. Just a basic fast-food style patty. Maybe I should’ve gotten the 1/2lb gaslight burger. I didnt realize there was a difference until just now. Whoops.

Bun: 3

Regular ol’ bun. It was buttered and toasted however which was a solid move on their part. 

Toppings: 3.5

The veggies were fresh and tasted good. They were placed under the burger which made it hard to make any adjustments like removing an extra onion, plus I like my ketchup to intermingle with the mayo. The bacon was crisp-chewy, but was lacking a little in flavor.

Accoutrements: 3.5

It was a hard decision to choose between the onion rings, seasoned waffle fries and the regular fries (which happed to be krinkle cut, much to my dismay I found that out after we got done eating). Boooo. Fortunately we were still able to try 2 of the 3 and they were both excellent, albeit basic. Also comes with a very spicy pickle. They have a couple ok beers on tap, and then the basics.

Atmosphere: 3

For a place like this, the Gas Light Cafe is spaced very nicely. There is plenty of space between the bar and row of banquettes, a few decent sized newer tvs, and really cool unique mirrors at each booth so you can see your dining companion from a few different angles. Service is exactly what you’d expect at a place like this, with the waitress resembling every diner waitress you’ve ever seen. 

Overall: 3.1

This number is about right. Gas Light Cafe is AnyBurgerBarJoint USA, and thats A-OK. There’s nothing spectacular about it, but has all the essentials for a laid back good time. Cincinnati Magazine Rated theier burger #4 in town, which was lofty praise indeed. I should’ve re-read the write up (say that 3 times fast) and I would’ve known what to get. As it stands, the magazine rating is high, but I’ll definitely have to go back for the correct fries and the proper burger. I’m ok with that.

PS It also helps that it’s right next door to Everybody’s Records, which will help further fuel my new burgeoning record collection. Saturday’s finds were Edwin Starr and Elvis Costello. Solid.

 

Maribelle’s Tavern

Cooking Style/Temp: grilled, medium

Additions/Subtractions: bacon, bleu cheese

Burger: 3

Again, my fault but I should’ve just ordered medium rare. The meat was a bit dried out and didn’t have much flavor aside from the nice charred taste from the grill. The picture makes the burger seem more pink than it really was. About 6oz.

Bun: 3.5

A nice, sturdy soft cornmeal dusted fresh egg bun, possibly housemade? Toasted just right. 

Toppings: 4

I docked a half a point because limiting the burger to 2 toppings for an $11 burger is pretty ridiculous. The taste and quality of the bleu cheese and bacon were exceptional.

Accoutrements: 2

Below average. The napa slaw was ok, but was really onion-y, and they only offer potato chips from a bag. I learned this is because they don’t have a fryer. I understand they want to be high end, but just because you have a fryer doesn’t mean you have to serve applebee’s level drek. The side dishes listed on the menu sound like they’d be delicious though.

Atmosphere: 3.5

Maribelle’s is set in a house along us50 in a sparse neighborhood and a view of the river, has a patio that seems like it would be really great in the summer, a cozy bar area on the first floor and then a more dainty dining room on the second floor. It was a lot less fussy than I had anticipated which was good. Overall something for everyone.

Overall: 3.2

Maribelle’s is a nicer place that serves what looks to be some really great food, especially at dinner. The burger experience leaves a bit to be desired however.   The topping restrictions and the underwhelming side options combined with the size of the burger really drag the whole thing down. Cincinnati Magazine’s #27 ranking seems a bit high. I bitch about the price, and on a regular day when the burger is $11, I would really be annoyed, but we went on a Tuesday when the burger is a mere $7 so it’s not that big of a deal, but still an issue. I’ll definitely go back, but probably not for a burger.

Coast Burger

Empire State Burger: The Classic + cheddar, american, bleu, swiss, or pepperjack

Our burgers are fresh (never frozen) 100% natural beef & cooked medium well done. Served with shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, onions, sliced pickles, sweet relish, ketchup & mayo. substitute veggie or turkey on any burger.

Cooking Style/Temp: griddled, medium +

Additions/Subtractions: american cheese, no relish

Burger: 3.5

The meat was surprisingly good, and cooked to more medium than medium well which was great. I could taste the freshness and it had a nice griddled crust.  6oz is the perfect size for a fast food style burger.

Bun: 3

Standard sesame seed commercial style bun. Tasted fresh, and was perfectly toasted.  

Toppings: 4

I got the basic burger topping selection, but they were all executed perfectly. Shredded lettuce, krinkle cut pickles, perfectly sliced tomato, just the right amount of ketchup and mayo, the onions weren’t overpowering and the cheese was perfectly melted.

Accoutrements: 3.5

Exactly what a simple burger stand should be. The fries were ok, nothing special. I wish I had seen the onion rings, I would’ve gotten those. Good fountain selection, even coke zero. The variety of different kinds of burgers you can get are solid.

Atmosphere: 3

Technically, its a mall food court, but it’s the second fanciest mall food court I’ve ever eaten at with only a couple of upscale chain places, the rest of the food stands seem like one offs. There was one place that sells whole roast turkeys. Fancy indeed! They also have music videos playing on flat screen TV’s that you can pick the next video by sending a text. And the music selection wasn’t completely terrible. Neat.

 Overall: 3.4

This was an unexpected Burgerquest. I was just starving after a long night on the town in Chicago and none of the other food court options were appealing to me, so what the heck, burgers are a solid hangover cure. I was pleasantly surprised with the whole thing. The burger was a near perfect execution of a fast-food style burger. I could’ve gone for maybe an 8oz patty, but that’s a small detail, as the price was decent, especially for the quality of burger that I got. Coast Burger serves its station perfectly as a quick burger spot with just enough twists on the menu to make it worth going back a couple of times if you’re downtown and need a fix.

Local Burger: Free Range Beef Burger with Red Onion, Boursin Cheese & Bacon on a Sesame Bun $11.5 

Cooking Style/Temp: n/a, medium

Additions/Subtractions: added bleu cheese after the waitress brought some to the table on accident

Burger: 3.5

About 8oz if I had to guess, the meat was well-seasoned, but was definitely cooked to medium well, not a trace of pink anywhere. Stupid me for ordering medium.  

Bun: 4

The bun was clearly fresh and toasted and held up good under the weight of everything even until the end.  

Toppings: 4

The toppings were in good proportion to the burger and all of them provided a unique addition of flavor to the whole thing. I was esp a fan of the candied bacon

Accoutrements: 3

The side salad had a super delicate vinaigrette that didnt even register, so I added some bleu cheese dressing and that helped things out. The fries were so close to being excellent, but were a little soggy. If Lavomatic could get them crunchier, they would be fantastic. The pickle was fresh crisp and spicy. We wanted to order some home made tater tots, but they were out. Bummer.

Atmosphere: 3.5

During the day, Lavomatic is mostly business lunches, but in the evening its a much cooler vibe, much more relaxed and cozy. They also have one of the few rooftop dining areas in town, although unfortunately there isn’t much of a view, being stuck between two taller buildings.

 Overall: 3.6

Lavomatic as a restaurant as a whole is one of the more infuriating spots in town, because it’s so inconsistent. One time the food will be great and the next time mediocre. This time it was the service. Our waitress was very friendly and nice, but our lunch took nearly an hour and a half, and we were the only ones sitting upstairs, which was freezing cold. We turned the heat up on our own while going 15-20 minutes at a time without being checked on. That being said, the burger was really good and if you find yourself here, getting a burger and a high-end beer wouldn’t be the worst thing you could try.

HAMBURGERS AND VEGGIE BURGERS 
Burgers are 1/3 # and char grilled. Served on a char grilled bakery bun with mayo, lettuce and onions. Tomato available upon request at no charge. Served with a side of fries.

Ronda’s Way… Spicy Chipolte Cranberry and Pepperjack Cheese

Cooking Style/Temp: char-grilled, no choice

Additions/Subtractions: none

Burger: 2

Small patty, square shaped (I thought it might be a JTM, not sure if it was, but the inside didnt seem like it was) not much flavor besides char on the outside. 

Bun: 2

was toasted, but still really chewy. might’ve been a bit stale. not a fan. 

Toppings: 3.5

the chipotle cranberry mayo was good, the pepperjack couldve been melted a little more. the lettuce was fresh and i liked how thin the red onions were sliced.

Accoutrements: 2.75

The fries were decent, kind of reminiscent of Burger King’s fries, but better. Came with a housemade ketchup that had an italian kick to it. Potato salad was available too.

Atmosphere: 4.5

Arnold’s is one of the best bars in Cincinnati. They have great beer on tap, a sheppard fairey mural in the adjoining alley, a chill atmosphere and an awesome back patio. I always have a good time when I come here, whether I’m there for lunch, a couple drinks or all night.

Overall: 2.95

The lunchtime burgers are not really worth getting, you’re better off going for almost any of their other offerings at lunch. Apparently they’re supposed to be known for their Italian food (who knew?) Either way, don’t let this burger review stop you from visiting this Cincinnati landmark. Great place, weak burger.

HABITS BURGERS

At Habits Cafe we offer a variety of delicious burgers, made from quality meat ground and delivered to us daily by a local prime butcher. Our burgers are served with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo and come with a side item. Use the simple step-by-step menu below to order your burger exactly the way you want it.

Hamburger 7.00

Godzilla Style - Pepperjack, spicy onion straws, jalepeno mayo +1.25

Cooking Style/Temp: griddled, medium rare

Additions/Subtractions: none, but I was tempted to get some fresh vegetation.

Burger: 4.5

Fresh tasting meat, and it was cooked perfectly, the size was big enough but it wasnt overwhelming, and the texture was good. Everything about it was pretty solid, but at the same time nothing about it stood out as extraordinary. The only complaint was maybe it was a little dry. especially for medium rare. But it was just really good. 

Bun: 2.5

A good sized commercial egg bun, held up really well for the whole burger. 

Toppings: 3.5

The Godzilla Burger is the one featured in Cincinnati Magazine’s Top 40 Burgers in the City, so I had to go with that. It was definitely an interesting combination, though not one that I would necessarily want to get again and again. The fried onions were ok, and so was the pepper jack cheese, but i wasn’t really a fan of how they all came together with the spicy mayo. It was fine, but nothing really crazy or mind blowing.

Accoutrements: 2

This is based on what I got, and not what was actually available. Fries at Habit’s are an afterthought, get the Potato Rags instead. Good beers on tap. I had a few Bell’s 2 Hearted Ales. One of my top 5 favorite beers.

Atmosphere: 3.5

Habit’s has a very familiar feel to the way that it’s set up. I feel like there about 50 places in Cincinnati organized exactly the same. I didnt even need to ask where the bathroom was because i already knew exactly where it was. It’s in Oakley, so there’s plenty of yuppies, myself included.

Overall: 3.2

I was actually quite impressed at how well my burger came out, the whole thing was neat and tidy and tasted fresh and good. Habit’s is good for a burger when you’re in the mood for a good solid burger in a comfortable place. Its not really a destination place but solid nonetheless.