Archive for the ‘Burgers’ Category

Tobey’s 19th Hole

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

2600 Golf Course Drive
San Diego Balboa Park Municipal Golf Course

San DiegoCA 92102
(619) 239-1660

Finally. We made it. This place has been on the radar for quite some time. I am reluctant to let this cat out of the bag but here goes. This is a jewel in San Diego’s culinary crown. This is the type of place that inspired this blog to form in the first place. The food is not bad. Add in the view, prices and service and there’s no room to complain. So don’t.

The burger and fries is a solid choice. Turkey and grilled cheese sandwiches are in effect. Fresh soup of the day will set you back $2.50. I have personally not had the pleasure of feasting on their breakfast menu but  gospel has approved the menu fit for consumption. An 8oz draught will set you back…wait for it…..$2.

If you can find it, go. Now.

*Update*
I have dipped into the breakfast menu.  I had the gravy-covered chicken fried steak (which btw is
not
chicken!!), eggs (over easy), O’Brien potatoes and wheat toast. It was as good as it sounds. I didn’t eat for the rest of the day, but it was good.

Burger Lounge

Monday, December 7th, 2009
Neighborhood: Kensington
4116 Adams Ave
San DiegoCA 92116
(619) 584-2929

This review breaks our unintended soft opening streak. We just learned about this place on my way to the homies crib. Apparently it’s been open for over a year.

The menu is minimal, just like my personal aesthetic. The venue is small and stylish. Which basically means good luck finding a seat. The burgers are not too big, not too small and very, very tasty. I had the turkey burger. One of the best I’ve ever had at any restaurant in town. ADAMNT had the same and added an order of onion rings. It’s not the most reasonably priced burger in town. But I can say they make up for it with their service which is not unlike the food; not too much, not too little. Catch a show at The Ken, hit these guys up and then come see us at the Ken Club. Add whiskey and stir.

Food Factory

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
Food Factory
Neighborhood: Lemon Grove
7914 Broadway
(619) 463-1919
I’ve driven past this spot so many times, I finally stepped in to get a closer look at this old-school looking little place. Its definitely on the mom and pop, neighborhood diner tip. They seemed to know most everyone in there by name. That’s service you just can’t pay for nowadays.

A burger and fries will set you back $4.75. I had the cheeseburger plate; burger, fries and salad. $6.75. The patties are fresh, not frozen. There is a daily special everyday and they change those week to week. Great, clean atmosphere. Awesome service. Tasty, affordable menu of American diner standards. What are you waiting for?

Small Bar

Monday, September 28th, 2009

Neighborhood: University Heights
4628 Park Blvd
San DiegoCA

With this post I think we officially become the soft opening review. That means either we’re that cool or there’s not that much going on in San Diego…

The Hamilton’s crew does round two and thankfully it does not suck. Finally a beer bar with booze (I would go soon while they still have Makers in the well!). The menu is interesting. My well read  and well dressed lady friend and I shared the kobe sliders. These fuckers come with no fewer than three dipping sauces which i can’t remember the names of except that one was horseradish-y, one was lemon-y and the last  was a sweet bbq type thing. We’ll update this once they get their menu online. The beef (in the sliders) was succulent, juicy and very tasty. The slightly seasoned ’shoestring potatoes’ were nothing to write home about. Keep your eye on this post for updates. There are several menu items that seem worth trying. One note: There is a lunch and dinner menu. The items are identical, only the prices change. Plan accordingly.

They offer breakfast and sunday brunch as well.

*Update* Nothing better after a basketball session than a nice burger. I was craving one and was also due to try the small bar burger after having the smaller burgers (see above). Solid burger. The rosemary bun was especially impressive. The patty was thick and cooked perfectly (medium well) maybe a little bland but nothing some ketchup couldn’t cure.

Also I verified the three dipping sauces on the sliders. They are; Creamy wasabi, lemongrass aioli, and asian bbq. Do it!

Station Tavern & Burgers

Sunday, September 13th, 2009
Neighborhood: South Park
2204 Fern Street
San Diego 92104
(619) 255-0657

With some tightening up during the soft opening phase, this place will end up being a go-to spot. A step in the right direction for the neighborhood, it was nice to see Station open after YEARS of watching their construction.

The menu
is basic and affordable and that’s exactly what we need. While the food did not suck, it was far from spectacular. I had the turkey burger with carmelized onions. While the patty was a tiny bit dry, I did like that the burger came without any sauces on it.  The homie had a cheeseburger which seemed slightly overcooked as well. My crew and I agreed The service left something to be desired. Gospel noticed the most glaring omission; that we were not asked how we wanted our burgers cooked. A small but substantial detail for a burger place, in our opinion. I’m just now realizing we didn’t get the signature sauces with the garlic fries (which were not very garlic-y either). The beer selection was not my cup of…beer(?). I think they had one Stone brew. The rest of the selection was pilsners and lagers. In case they didn’t notice, this will not cut it in this neighborhood no more.

Standing out is the railroad inspired design of this joint. With much open space, it feels bigger than it actually is. The family and dog friendly outdoor ’sandbox’ area was an interesting touch. All in all a very relaxed atmosphere, affordable grub and the standard South Park neighborhood vibrations will prevail in time.

Turkey Burger

Maries Café

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

Neighborhood: North Park
3016 University Ave 
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 220-0142

Faux Fifties Diner style  complete with real 50’s style diner music. Add some black and white pictures of Marilyn Monroe, Joe D et al. Its open 24 hours on the weekend. Dreyers Ice Cream is on deck. But its really about the food, check that, its really all about the price. I had the turkey sandwich with fries. My Lady Friend had a Sunday and a Diet Coke. The bill was $11. Holler.

update:
Its not open 24 hours on the weekends any more and prices have increased. Don’t you just love San Diego?

Eddie’s Place Homestyle Eatery

Saturday, March 14th, 2009
Neighborhood: North Park
3501 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 296-6325
I’ve driven by Eddie’s a bunch and finally made it in after taking in Che with Benicio Del Toro. After a friendly greeting I sat down to go over the menu which has your typical diner offerings. While I waited for my vegetarian Hoagie (on an Amoroso Roll!) I met Eddie himself and asked if he had to gut the entire place. He said he saved one wall.
Luckily for us the Home vibe is left intact and while it was a bit windy and chilly I didn’t get to enjoy the nice patio area (even with the heaters on). There is a take out window on the side where you can call in your order and pick up. a nice touch that should work out well during the summer season.
The veggie hoagie was good. Grilled onions, mushies, melted cheese and cold tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce. Warm and crunchy. The bread? Excellent. My stomach was a little tight going in so i opted out of the side for $1 extra; another nice touch and a nice selection of sides (regular and sweet potato fries, potato salad, cob corn, et al).
There’s soups, salads, appetizers,  Dinner (after 4pm) and a daily special. Eddie’s Original Burger better watch out because I’m coming for it next.
Update:
I  decided to go back and try one of their burgers. It’s a good think I did since they’ve definitely been tinkering with the place. They deleted and added a few things from their menu. More lunch, less dinner. The Burger was solid; Thick patty cooked just right (medium well). One beef (pun intended) I have with the update was that sides are now $2 each. That brought my burger and fries to almost $9. A definite no, no in this economy. They do use crinkle cut fries though so it kind of evens out.

Brians American Eatery

Friday, January 23rd, 2009
1451 Washington St
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 296-8268

My visit to Brians’ was actually a while ago but i forgot to publish this post. I’ve been fairly busy lately as well. That’s all i will say about that.

Affectionately referred to as the ‘Gay Denny’s’ its one of those places that makes me wonder ‘why don’t i eat here more often’. After lusting over the Fried Chicken (and most everything else on their large menu) an old friend and I dined on Hamburgers. Plain for me, Western for the Lady. Large? Yes. Pricey? Yes. But in Brians’ defense you do get Two sides with your order. the Fries are heavily seasoned (think Rally’s but thicker). May I suggest the Mac and Cheese.

I need to try Breakfast next. maybe tomorrow. I’m eyeing the skillets…

Crazy Burger

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

Crazy Burger
Neighborhood: North Park
4201 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 282-6044

I’ve had the Plain ‘Ol and the Turkey burger and they are incredible. They cook meat “done, pink or red”. Order accoringly. Some of the more exotic burgers may seem over-priced but, they are exotic. (Buffalo, ostrich, etc.)

The fries are ok and come standard with Parmesan cheese. Again, order accordingly. They have lots of beers. On tap and in bottles. Some wines are available as well.

Just go and get a burger. You won’t be disappointed.