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Burgers, Burgers

Burgers, Burgers
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  • Post #721 - August 7th, 2019, 10:41 am
    Post #721 - August 7th, 2019, 10:41 am Post #721 - August 7th, 2019, 10:41 am
    nsxtasy wrote:
    midas wrote:I'm old enough to remember when there were almost no Mexican restaurants around the area. Heck, when I went to L.A. for the first time in 1968, that was the first time I saw a Taco Bell.

    Even back then, there were plenty along 18th Street in Pilsen, and La Choza was making kamoosh.


    Mid year '68 I just turned 14. Neither of those places were in my parents rotation.
  • Post #722 - August 7th, 2019, 4:44 pm
    Post #722 - August 7th, 2019, 4:44 pm Post #722 - August 7th, 2019, 4:44 pm
    This is a Chicago message board, it's about time to act like it. In other words - don't tone down the language or the confrontation! I'm loving this thread.

    I tend to be a bit chatty wherever I go and I enjoy the interaction. I appreciate the service and like Cosmo Kramer, many times even ending up with free food even though I had never ask for it; but I usually will try to say something after a great meal or a really bad one. I have what many consider a memorable face, so they tend to remember me when I return. There is no chance I would want an average meal for the sake of a review. I want the meal to be as good as it can be. I should say I "hope" it will be great. But there is nothing wrong with a friendly conversation that can possibly tip the scales in your favor (especially when the meal will tip the scales when you get home and weigh yourself!).

    G Wiv's posts - count me a fan!
  • Post #723 - September 13th, 2019, 4:09 pm
    Post #723 - September 13th, 2019, 4:09 pm Post #723 - September 13th, 2019, 4:09 pm
    My Bride was craving a fried chicken sandwich and a quick search turned up...

    Culver's
    6943 W Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn

    ... as to having a pretty good one (especially since corporate Popeye’s is still out).

    Since we were there and the recent conversation about their burgers I knew what I was getting.

    221D6D86-DC33-4F5B-B8D4-757FF09CE223.jpeg

    Much better than my last visit but that was a burger crawl of mostly thick burgers.

    The first few bites seemed without juicy flavor (thinking wet lettuce) but before I was halfway through my taste buds and the juices flowing got into high gear.

    My standard is “running down my arms and chin” and this met that standard. A sprinkle of salt next time.

    76B909E8-9E0E-4F28-A5C7-CFD7A09CBD51.jpeg Not tomato juice

    Of course their excellent custard to finish off the meal is an added bonus.

    531FF805-8329-422A-BC3D-84CD6D34E726.jpeg

    Unusually enough I don’t believe the vanilla was fresh? My first bite gave me a suspicion and running into ice crystals later confirmed it. Unusual in the fact they usually keep high standards.
    "Very good... but not my favorite." ~ Johnny Depp as Roux the Gypsy in Chocolat
  • Post #724 - September 13th, 2019, 8:16 pm
    Post #724 - September 13th, 2019, 8:16 pm Post #724 - September 13th, 2019, 8:16 pm
    Panther in the Den wrote:
    The first few bites seemed without juicy flavor (thinking wet lettuce) but before I was halfway through my taste buds and the juices flowing got into high gear.


    Burgers, like steaks, should be allowed to rest before consuming. Culver tries to get their burgers to the consumer right off the grill and they are too hot for maximum flavor and juiciness. I believe this is why your experience was better for the second half.

    It’s not easy, but waiting a few minutes before attacking the burger will yield better results.
  • Post #725 - September 13th, 2019, 10:29 pm
    Post #725 - September 13th, 2019, 10:29 pm Post #725 - September 13th, 2019, 10:29 pm
    Panther in the Den wrote:Much better than my last visit but that was a burger crawl of mostly thick burgers.

    The first few bites seemed without juicy flavor (thinking wet lettuce)...


    Maybe next time, get it without...THE FREAKIN' LETTUCE!

    Seriously, I consciously avoid ordering lettuce on a Burger. As far as I'm concerned it brings nothing to the party but a minimal textural element. There is no discernible flavor contribution, and it usually speeds up the time it takes for the rest of the ingredients to slide off and the sandwich to fall apart.

    Stick to the Holy Quartet on which the McDonald's Generation was raised; Ketchup, Mustard, Pickle, and Onion (raw is preferred, but grilled is acceptable if your feelin' fancy), and you won't go wrong.

    Buddy
  • Post #726 - September 13th, 2019, 11:01 pm
    Post #726 - September 13th, 2019, 11:01 pm Post #726 - September 13th, 2019, 11:01 pm
    BuddyRoadhouse wrote:
    Panther in the Den wrote:Much better than my last visit but that was a burger crawl of mostly thick burgers.

    The first few bites seemed without juicy flavor (thinking wet lettuce)...


    Maybe next time, get it without...THE FREAKIN' LETTUCE!

    haha, yes. total rookie move!
  • Post #727 - September 14th, 2019, 10:33 am
    Post #727 - September 14th, 2019, 10:33 am Post #727 - September 14th, 2019, 10:33 am
    Clarence Beeks wrote:
    BuddyRoadhouse wrote:
    Panther in the Den wrote:Much better than my last visit but that was a burger crawl of mostly thick burgers.

    The first few bites seemed without juicy flavor (thinking wet lettuce)...


    Maybe next time, get it without...THE FREAKIN' LETTUCE!

    haha, yes. total rookie move!
    100% agree. Lettuce should not be on a burger.
  • Post #728 - September 14th, 2019, 12:25 pm
    Post #728 - September 14th, 2019, 12:25 pm Post #728 - September 14th, 2019, 12:25 pm
    Often when trying a sandwich from a restaurant I will get their signature burger as I assume it is their carefully crafted combination they are proud of.

    While the addition of lettuce didn’t especially offend me I might agree it could be better without.
    "Very good... but not my favorite." ~ Johnny Depp as Roux the Gypsy in Chocolat
  • Post #729 - September 14th, 2019, 6:27 pm
    Post #729 - September 14th, 2019, 6:27 pm Post #729 - September 14th, 2019, 6:27 pm
    Panther in the Den wrote:Often when trying a sandwich from a restaurant I will get their signature burger as I assume it is their carefully crafted combination they are proud of.

    While the addition of lettuce didn’t especially offend me I might agree it could be better without.

    And certainly skip the tomato, unless you've seen a fantastic specimen on a plate before you order
    What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
    -- Lin Yutang
  • Post #730 - September 15th, 2019, 7:08 am
    Post #730 - September 15th, 2019, 7:08 am Post #730 - September 15th, 2019, 7:08 am
    I am with the "old Style" with mustard, ketchup, pickle, and the onion depends on where you are. For instance, I have done both ways at Wedl's and Joe Rouer's and you have to go grilled onions at those places no question. Today, too many varieties with various shit on them. On occasion they hit a homer like Oscar's on 19th in Milwaukee, but generally too much thinking.
  • Post #731 - September 15th, 2019, 8:14 am
    Post #731 - September 15th, 2019, 8:14 am Post #731 - September 15th, 2019, 8:14 am
    On a burger, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup are sheer perfection. Pickles belong alongside the burger, not in the burger. And mustard has no business on a burger, although it's fine on a hot dog or a pastrami sandwich.

    Just remember - ketchup on a burger and mustard on a hot dog are divine, while the reverse is blasphemy. :twisted:
  • Post #732 - September 15th, 2019, 8:26 am
    Post #732 - September 15th, 2019, 8:26 am Post #732 - September 15th, 2019, 8:26 am
    nsxtasy wrote:On a burger, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup are sheer perfection. Pickles belong alongside the burger, not in the burger. And mustard has no business on a burger, although it's fine on a hot dog or a pastrami sandwich.

    Just remember - ketchup on a burger and mustard on a hot dog are divine, while the reverse is blasphemy. :twisted:

    I have the same opinion, but there are plenty who seem to like the mustard and pickle combo - SueF really likes the mustard relish that Steak and Shake had (last time we were there, they denied knowing about it).

    Where I really like pickles, it turns out, is spicy chicken sandwiches.
    What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
    -- Lin Yutang
  • Post #733 - September 15th, 2019, 11:20 am
    Post #733 - September 15th, 2019, 11:20 am Post #733 - September 15th, 2019, 11:20 am
    nsxtasy wrote:On a burger, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup are sheer perfection. Pickles belong alongside the burger, not in the burger. And mustard has no business on a burger, although it's fine on a hot dog or a pastrami sandwich.

    Just remember - ketchup on a burger and mustard on a hot dog are divine, while the reverse is blasphemy. :twisted:


    I agree.
    However, the Red Hot Ranch double cheeseburger has perfected their own special sauce, instead of ketchup, which blends perfectly with the minimal use of a thin tomato slice and a leaf of lettuce with diced onions. The Red Hot Ranch double cheeseburger doesn't need ketchup or pickles, since it upsets the balance of their condiments. The Culver's double cheeseburger with only ketchup, works for me.

    CSD
    Mark A Reitman, PhD
    Professor of Hot Dogs
    Hot Dog University/Vienna Beef
  • Post #734 - September 15th, 2019, 12:38 pm
    Post #734 - September 15th, 2019, 12:38 pm Post #734 - September 15th, 2019, 12:38 pm
    chicagostyledog wrote:. . . Red Hot Ranch double cheeseburger has perfected their own special sauce, instead of ketchup, which blends perfectly with the minimal use of a thin tomato slice and a leaf of lettuce with diced onions.

    +1 to that. I go in eyes wide open. It's just about the only place I unquestioningly take the lettuce and tomato on the burger. There's a synergy produced by the combination of condiments they use and the quantities in which they apply them. Though, I admit that I sometimes ask for pickles, too. :oops:

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #735 - September 15th, 2019, 1:24 pm
    Post #735 - September 15th, 2019, 1:24 pm Post #735 - September 15th, 2019, 1:24 pm
    ronnie_suburban wrote:
    chicagostyledog wrote:. . . Red Hot Ranch double cheeseburger has perfected their own special sauce, instead of ketchup, which blends perfectly with the minimal use of a thin tomato slice and a leaf of lettuce with diced onions.

    +1 to that. I go in eyes wide open. It's just about the only place I unquestioningly take the lettuce and tomato on the burger. There's a synergy produced by the combination of condiments they use and the quantities in which they apply them. Though, I admit that I sometimes ask for pickles, too. :oops:

    =R=


    I've had their regular condiment combo, but in my opinion, special sauce, grilled onions, pickles, and sport peppers is the way to go, no comparison. The crappy piece of iceberg and a crappy tomato slice add nothing. I love the cut of the pickle and sport pepper combo and will always take grilled onions over raw. Originally ordered ketchup, no special sauce, with this combo, but the special sauce wins. If I'm craving a burger this hits the spot as well as any in town.
  • Post #736 - September 15th, 2019, 4:09 pm
    Post #736 - September 15th, 2019, 4:09 pm Post #736 - September 15th, 2019, 4:09 pm
    chicagostyledog wrote:.
    However, the Red Hot Ranch double cheeseburger has perfected their own special sauce, instead of ketchup, which blends perfectly with the minimal use of a thin tomato slice and a leaf of lettuce with diced onions.

    This is probably my favorite style, but RHR is just mimicking In-N-Out/Shake Shack, neither of whom probably invented the style.
  • Post #737 - September 15th, 2019, 6:24 pm
    Post #737 - September 15th, 2019, 6:24 pm Post #737 - September 15th, 2019, 6:24 pm
    I'm in the no lettuce, no tomato camp. I have a neighbor who's been giving me home-grown tomatoes all summer, great structure and flavor, and I would put a slice of one of those on a burger, but they're nothing like what usually passes for a tomato slice on a commercial burger, so from the chains, I don't want their lettuce or their tomato. They just make it a mess and add no value, as far as I'm concerned.
    "Your swimming suit matches your eyes, you hold your nose before diving, loving you has made me bananas!"
  • Post #738 - September 15th, 2019, 6:49 pm
    Post #738 - September 15th, 2019, 6:49 pm Post #738 - September 15th, 2019, 6:49 pm
    I’m very peculiar when it comes to burger condiments... I always order flat top thin burgers (RHR, Culver’s, etc.) with ketchup/mustard/pickle/onion whereas 1/3 lb (and over) patties get the lettuce (preferably Romaine) and tomato treatment instead.
    Last edited by cito on September 15th, 2019, 6:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
    "Goldie, how many times have I told you guys that I don't want no horsin' around on the airplane?"
  • Post #739 - September 15th, 2019, 6:52 pm
    Post #739 - September 15th, 2019, 6:52 pm Post #739 - September 15th, 2019, 6:52 pm
    nsxtasy wrote:On a burger, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup are sheer perfection. Pickles belong alongside the burger, not in the burger. And mustard has no business on a burger, although it's fine on a hot dog or a pastrami sandwich.

    Just remember - ketchup on a burger and mustard on a hot dog are divine, while the reverse is blasphemy. :twisted:


    I totally agree with you if talking yellow mustard. But I think a good spicy brown mustard is very good on a burger.
  • Post #740 - January 4th, 2020, 2:18 am
    Post #740 - January 4th, 2020, 2:18 am Post #740 - January 4th, 2020, 2:18 am
    Da Beef wrote:My addiction for burgers will never be fought successfully. Some recent ones I've consumed...
    <snip>
    Last Monday I went to Nick's Tavern in Lemont. I had been wanting to stop in here for a while and being in the area turned out to be my chance to visit the old school tavern on the towns historic main street.

    Image
    Nick's Tavern in Lemont, IL

    I've been to alot of places like Nick's lately and love every one of them. It's your typical neighborhood tavern that's been there longer than everyone else and where all the regulars go. The bartender was really nice and will put on whatever you want too watch on a TV. The bar inside was redone sometime recently and is a really clean and cozy old school tavern with cheap drinks and a menu the locals love. Its small but features the famous house burgers, Italian beef, hot dogs along with Karen's homemade chili and Vitner's chips and Andy Capp's spicy fries. Monday is burger day and $6 gets you a giant Nickburger with cheese and chips (bacon and mushrooms extra) and they also have $2 Schiltz bottles everyday. The burger is a massive preformed patty with toppings including onions-grilled or raw, lettuce, tomato, relish, pickles, mustard and as always no ketchup for me. This was a monster and because it was preformed, the patty started slipping out from the bun when I ate it. I liked it, but I still think IB&G has the best big daddy bar burger out there.

    Image
    Nickburger with cheese
    <snip>
    Nick's Tavern
    221 Main Street, Lemont‎

    B3740054-962E-4E04-AAA5-04B7D22FAE71.jpeg
    D0D38E63-588A-4BB1-8B75-80B45074214E.jpeg

    Nicely decorated for the holidays!

    Land of the large! One pound burger and one pound Italian beef. Cooked perfectly! $10 each.

    520C9F8B-1534-4606-A745-FB43905F8377.jpeg

    Cash only

    Nicely medium rare burger and Italian beef just right. The juice had a good beefy flavor with a hint of spiciness. Wet enough that the cup of juice on the side wasn’t needed.

    B8F5359C-8E1E-482E-8666-0BEE5191E867.jpeg

    I have been known to go on hikes in this area and for many years this would be our lunch stop. Hiking day with My Bride and the pup. Had a picnic at the Hindu Temple at the top of the hill across the DesPlaines River Valley.

    B1E16A8F-2572-48BD-BAB8-16FE84D42FB6.jpeg

    Even though they changed hands several years ago the new owners have a commitment to keeping things the same, what made this place famous.

    BE003DBA-B669-4AA2-A695-D9CA1ED01068.jpeg

    Chips, no fries. Go with a friend and split both sandwiches.

    7D17D5E0-F4FC-4DE0-9A78-17AF5DE90353.jpeg
    EC75EC06-78E7-4098-A01D-7DA284DD3792.jpeg
    "Very good... but not my favorite." ~ Johnny Depp as Roux the Gypsy in Chocolat
  • Post #741 - January 4th, 2020, 2:24 am
    Post #741 - January 4th, 2020, 2:24 am Post #741 - January 4th, 2020, 2:24 am
    Spy pics
    5FFC4790-75B4-48EE-B612-6C0C1B6DBCA4.jpeg
    9DF95EAF-B777-4D26-8679-9A20E9CCA686.jpeg Pure Sex
    "Very good... but not my favorite." ~ Johnny Depp as Roux the Gypsy in Chocolat
  • Post #742 - January 4th, 2020, 2:32 am
    Post #742 - January 4th, 2020, 2:32 am Post #742 - January 4th, 2020, 2:32 am
    You... brought and consumed an Italian beef and a beef hamburger at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago? If rumaki at Waldheim is next, please spare us the visual.
  • Post #743 - January 5th, 2020, 12:22 pm
    Post #743 - January 5th, 2020, 12:22 pm Post #743 - January 5th, 2020, 12:22 pm
    I’ve posted this before, but not in quite a while.
    If you can get to the NW suburbs, check out Cruisin’ in Gilberts. It’s on RTE 72, a couple of miles West of Randall road.
    Best burger in the area IMHO.
  • Post #744 - March 19th, 2020, 10:01 am
    Post #744 - March 19th, 2020, 10:01 am Post #744 - March 19th, 2020, 10:01 am
    For a truly mindless distraction, here's tens of thousands of words, hundreds of pictures, and a few videos documenting the absurdity that is Burger Day, when friends and I build entire days around eating burgers. Fourteen days in Chicago and one apiece in LA and New York.
  • Post #745 - March 19th, 2020, 10:14 am
    Post #745 - March 19th, 2020, 10:14 am Post #745 - March 19th, 2020, 10:14 am
    Looks like fun. I really like a good burger but on a rye bun. Rarely see that. Any around anymore? Thanks.
  • Post #746 - March 19th, 2020, 10:48 am
    Post #746 - March 19th, 2020, 10:48 am Post #746 - March 19th, 2020, 10:48 am
    Puckjam wrote:Looks like fun. I really like a good burger but on a rye bun. Rarely see that. Any around anymore? Thanks.


    Classic Wisconsin bar patty melt - rye bread, not bun.
  • Post #747 - March 19th, 2020, 11:44 am
    Post #747 - March 19th, 2020, 11:44 am Post #747 - March 19th, 2020, 11:44 am
    spinynorman99 wrote:
    Puckjam wrote:Looks like fun. I really like a good burger but on a rye bun. Rarely see that. Any around anymore? Thanks.

    Classic Wisconsin bar patty melt - rye bread, not bun.

    Paradise Pup
    1724 S River Rd, Des Plaines

    3CC5CA9A-2F08-436A-9F2B-3F96AC7DCFC1.jpeg Cheeseburger on grilled dark rye

    About as good as it gets.
    "Very good... but not my favorite." ~ Johnny Depp as Roux the Gypsy in Chocolat
  • Post #748 - April 13th, 2021, 7:41 am
    Post #748 - April 13th, 2021, 7:41 am Post #748 - April 13th, 2021, 7:41 am
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Image
    Went to Bill's Drive-in in Evanston last year, pre-pandemic, meant to post earlier but switched phones and then couldn't find my picture back up till recently.

    The burger patties looked very thin so I went with a triple cheeseburger, thinking it would make for a nice meat-bun ratio. Everything was cooked to order and it didn't take more than 10 minutes for my food, with a couple of other customers in line too.

    Went back to the car to enjoy my meal. Fries were ok, standard frozen french fries, well-cooked and decently salted, and the ketchup packets were appreciated. The burger though was a grease bomb; it looks juicy in the pictures, but midway through I almost stopped, it was so greasy. And I enjoy fast food, fried food, etc but my stomach was rebelling at the thought of finishing this burger.
    Not sure why it was so laden with fat, maybe they needed to shake the patties a bit after taking them off the grill, but if I were to go back I'd definitely stick to a single patty. MAYBE a double patty, but even that might be pushing it.

    EDIT: Thanks to lougord99's advice below, I was able to link pics to my imgur account.
    Last edited by Uther on April 16th, 2021, 2:55 pm, edited 2 times in total.
  • Post #749 - April 14th, 2021, 7:46 am
    Post #749 - April 14th, 2021, 7:46 am Post #749 - April 14th, 2021, 7:46 am
    Click on the image you want. On the lower right, under 'sizes', click on 'large thumbnail'. Then on the right under direct link click on 'copy'. Then in your LTH post click on the top 'IMG' . Put your cursor between the 2 IMG tags and hit 'ctrl V'.
  • Post #750 - June 3rd, 2021, 7:35 am
    Post #750 - June 3rd, 2021, 7:35 am Post #750 - June 3rd, 2021, 7:35 am
    I've only been in BurgerFi a couple times, and wasn't particularly impressed: a little more gourmet than Five Guys, but even more expensive. (Good although weirdly tall onion rings).

    But during the work-from-home period, my company will front a lunch a week, so I decided to give them another try. This month's special is the "SWAG" which stands for Spicy Wagyu, a $1 upcharge from their "CEO" wagyu/brisket burger (Swiss, bacon/tomato jam, truffle aioli).
    BurgerFi wrote:Double Wagyu + Brisket Blend, Charred Jalapeños, Candied Ghost Pepper Bacon, Sweet Tomato Relish, Habanero Pepper Jack Cheese, Hot Steak Sauce


    For a fast/casual burger, it was really good: The patties stand up pretty tall: this is a good-sized burger, but were cooked through (a little pinkness would have been nice). Very beefy, not overwhelmed by the five condiments. There's some crunch in there (not sure if it's the jalapeños or the bacon), maybe a little too much sweet (again the bacon? maybe the relish). With all those spicy ingredients, I expected a lot more heat, but it was only on the level of the Popeye's Spicy Chicken sandwich. At $12.97 -- without fries -- it's an indulgence I'm not likely to go after again, but I don't regret it (especially on the company's 130 dimes).
    What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
    -- Lin Yutang

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