Sometimes things just don't work out the way you would like. That happened to us several times as we ventured into the unknown or little known reaches of burgerdom. Understand that we choose the places we visit based on a few different criteria. We started off by listing all of the places that have been on the various "best of" lists for the past couple of years. Then we added to that list whenever someone we knew suggested a place. Quite often, though, we look for a burger place that is in the vicinity of our destination, which for much of the summer, would be a car show (check out our car blog: http://turnerbudds-carblog.blogspot.com/).
So there will be times when we go to a restaurant with some knowledge of what to expect but quite often we go in either on a recommendation or just because we found it listed on Urbanspoon. So many times we're just taking our chances and trying to find some new and exciting hidden gem.
It doesn't always work out.
There may be any number of reasons why we come away from a place disappointed. It may be the quality of the burger, the service, the fact that a place just didn't live up to the high accolades that had been heaped on it. Whatever the case, these are the places that disappointed us this past year. In no way is this meant to be a list of places to avoid. In some instances we even pointed out that perhaps the burger we ordered was the cause and chalk up the disappointment to our personal taste (or lack thereof). You should always be the judge and check out a place for yourself. Oh, yeah, we're not really apologizing if one of your favs is on our list. This is our blog and feel perfectly free to disagree and even post nasty comments about us. That's just part of the "pink slime" of doing a burger blog.
915 Pub and Grill had gotten a lot of positive reviews on line and so when Mark went with a friend to discuss a video project he was disappointed by the quality of the meat. What looked and felt like a nice little neighborhood joint just didn't live up to expectations. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/915-pub-and-grill.html.
The Blue Goose Sports Cafe was one of those destination hunt joints. Located in the Sharonville Loop, it was the perfect place for us to hit up during the big annual car show there each spring. Unfortunately the restaurant didn't live up to the excellent quality of the car show with a rather flavorless burger. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/blue-goose-sports-cafe.html.
Cheeseburger In Paradise was a place where we had eaten before but found that our travels took us to the Eastgate area so we decided to do an official review. The restaurant closed shortly after our visit due to a redesigned cloverleaf ramp. So maybe the people at the place knew they were losing their jobs but our service was absolutely terrible. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/cheeseburger-in-paradise.html
Culver's is one of those "quality" fast food chains that have begun to spring up around the country. It had come highly recommended by one of Mark's close friends and so when he was out of town on work and had the opportunity he stopped in only to be disappointed by the poor quality burger. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/culvers.html.
Mama's Grill was another place that had come highly recommended by both the net and friends and so when an acquaintance of Mark's suggested they ride out for lunch, he was for it. While the place is homey and friendly the burger just didn't have anything to make him want to recommend it. Perhaps the breakfast which looked really good would be a better call. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/mamas-grill.html.
The Oakley Pub and Grill is an interesting place for us. We had been there before and found the burgers to be lacking and the service to be pretty bland as well. When Mark went back at the suggestion of a friend he found the burger to be a bit better but the service to be just as..... plain. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/oakley-pub-and-grill.html
The Pepper Pod is one of those iconic neighborhood joints that we want so badly to like. Unfortunately, it didn't matter whether the burger itself was any good because the service was absolutely terrible. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/pepper-pod.html
Sammy's Gourmet Burgers was another place that came highly recommended. We found that the special sauce totally overpowered the beef which, even when tasted by itself seemed rather bland. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/sammys-gourmet-burgers-and-beer.html
Smash Burger is still another of those "quality" fast food chains. For us, it was probably more about their special sauce that overpowered the burger dropping it into this category. We have vowed to give it another chance and order a different burger (without the sauce) but until then, here it sits. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/smash-burger.html
Toot's is a chain in the T.G.I. Friday's or Applebee's vein but, for us, didn't live up to either of those places. The burger was rather tasteless. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/toots.html
So there you have our year in review. Next week it's off to find some more great, and probably not so great, burger joints. As always, let us know what you think and feel free to tell us about places to try. You can post comments here or drop us an email at turnerbudds@gmail.com.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Favorite Chains From Year One
Originally we weren't going to review chain restaurants on this blog. Our aim was just to find and enjoy the best burgers in the tri-state area. OK, so then one time when we were out and about, probably on our way to a car show (be sure to check out our car blog: http://turnerbudds-carblog.blogspot.com/), we decided to stop in a chain and while we were there, figured what the hell, let's just review it. From then on, while being judicious with this practice, we continued to head to a chain from time to time.
Today we're going to look at the six chains we liked the best. The rules are pretty much the same that we used for our favorite local spots as listed in last week's blog. So like last week, this really makes these our favorite chains based solely on our likes and dislikes. Let us know what you think either with a comment or drop us a line at turnerbudds@yahoo.com.
Steak n Shake was the first of the chains that we visited and decided to include in the blog. It's one of the first non-fast food fast food joints except that that have always used quality ingredients. We've never had bad service at a Steak n Shake and you also get some of the best fries in the business. Here's our original post: http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/steak-n-shake.html.
Quaker Steak and Lube is known more for their great wings than their burgers but this car themed chain offers up some mighty tasty beef. No two are decked out exactly the same and that adds to the overall atmosphere. In fact, some of the things on display can and will change from time to time. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/quaker-steak-and-lube.html.
Roy Rogers was once a mighty chain, competing with the other big boys in the fast food arena. But poor management has rendered it almost extinct. Mark reviewed this one on his own but Josh has eaten there numerous times and agrees that it belongs on this list. No restaurant garnered as much feedback through email and Facebook (yeah, Mark posts these things on his page and people comment on them) than this blog about Roy Rogers. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/roy-rogers.html.
Beef O'Brady's was a last minute visit decision. We had actually been avoiding it for a while but finally decided to bite the bullet and go. We're glad we did, and we're also glad we bit into the burgers. This is a nice chain and we wish there was one closer to us. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/beef-obradys.html.
T.G.I. Friday's is almost too obvious to include. It is pretty much the standard bearer for this level of chain. But there is a reason for so many of these restaurants to populate the country and for so many people going there again and again. What can we say, we like their burgers (even through they took Mark's favorite off the menu). http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/t-g-i-fridays.html.
Red Robin is, in our opinion, one of the best options for getting a burger at this level of chain. They just know how to make it right. In fact, this burger is better than many of those available in the local joints (which says more for the Red Robin burger than the lack of quality at the local places). http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/red-robin.html.
There you have it, our favorite chains so far. If we missed your favorite, let us know. Most likely it's because we haven't had a chance to eat there yet. But trust us, we'll get to it.
Today we're going to look at the six chains we liked the best. The rules are pretty much the same that we used for our favorite local spots as listed in last week's blog. So like last week, this really makes these our favorite chains based solely on our likes and dislikes. Let us know what you think either with a comment or drop us a line at turnerbudds@yahoo.com.
Steak n Shake was the first of the chains that we visited and decided to include in the blog. It's one of the first non-fast food fast food joints except that that have always used quality ingredients. We've never had bad service at a Steak n Shake and you also get some of the best fries in the business. Here's our original post: http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/steak-n-shake.html.
Quaker Steak and Lube is known more for their great wings than their burgers but this car themed chain offers up some mighty tasty beef. No two are decked out exactly the same and that adds to the overall atmosphere. In fact, some of the things on display can and will change from time to time. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/quaker-steak-and-lube.html.
Roy Rogers was once a mighty chain, competing with the other big boys in the fast food arena. But poor management has rendered it almost extinct. Mark reviewed this one on his own but Josh has eaten there numerous times and agrees that it belongs on this list. No restaurant garnered as much feedback through email and Facebook (yeah, Mark posts these things on his page and people comment on them) than this blog about Roy Rogers. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/roy-rogers.html.
Beef O'Brady's was a last minute visit decision. We had actually been avoiding it for a while but finally decided to bite the bullet and go. We're glad we did, and we're also glad we bit into the burgers. This is a nice chain and we wish there was one closer to us. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/beef-obradys.html.
T.G.I. Friday's is almost too obvious to include. It is pretty much the standard bearer for this level of chain. But there is a reason for so many of these restaurants to populate the country and for so many people going there again and again. What can we say, we like their burgers (even through they took Mark's favorite off the menu). http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/t-g-i-fridays.html.
Red Robin is, in our opinion, one of the best options for getting a burger at this level of chain. They just know how to make it right. In fact, this burger is better than many of those available in the local joints (which says more for the Red Robin burger than the lack of quality at the local places). http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/red-robin.html.
There you have it, our favorite chains so far. If we missed your favorite, let us know. Most likely it's because we haven't had a chance to eat there yet. But trust us, we'll get to it.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Favorites From Year One
So here are our favorite burgers from our first year with the blog. In all we chose 10 restaurants based on a number of different criteria. Of course we had to like the burger, that goes without saying but we also had to like the atmosphere of the place, the vibe, the decor as well as the service.
This isn't a "best burger" list, this is our favorite places list. Granted, there are some very good burgers on this list and most have appeared on one or more of the various "best" lists that populate the burger world. But for us, we prefer pointing out our fav joints.
In all there are 10 restaurants listed here in no particular order. Check them out for yourself and let us know what you think.
Dena's Diner was a refreshing surprise when we stopped in. Located in a strip mall on busy Colerain Ave. it's not the type of place you would expect to be on a list such as this but the atmosphere and friendly service along with the tasty burger did it for us. Here is our original review: http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/denas-diner.html.
Anderson Township Pub holds a special place in both our hearts. Mark has been coming here since before Josh was born. In fact all three of the kids were practically raised there. Not only are the burgers great but for us, this place is like home. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/anderson-township-pub.html.
The Blue Jay, located in the heart of Northside, is one of those classic neighborhood joints that just oozes charm and smells like every diner should. It literally has it all with great food, a good atmosphere and the perfect decor. OK, so the service can be a bit slow at times but it just gives you a little longer to soak in smells coming from the kitchen and the tables next to you. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/blue-jay.html.
By Golly's Tavern is an established Milford classic that mixes all of the things we love in a neighborhood pub. It doesn't hurt that when he was younger Mark use to go there from time to time when he was visiting his parents after they moved to this northeast suburb. Add in the fact that they have some amazing food challenges and this place is worth the drive around I 275. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/by-gollys-tavern.html.
Quatman's is a neighborhood joint. There's just no other way to say it. Not only does this Norwood (yeah, I know there's one in Mason but it's not the same nor as good) dive offer up one of the best burgers in town but the atmosphere is absolutely perfect. Your soda is served in a can that you can pour into a small glass with ice, the food comes out on paper plates and you get a great burger for almost no money. You can't beat it. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/quatmans.html.
Bard's Burgers was perhaps our most pleasant surprise. This Latonia joint is small in size but huge in flavor. It's so small that we could easily hear (and smell) our burgers sizzling on the flat top grill just behind the counter. Plus their food challenge is literally to die for. We love this place. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/bards-burgers.html.
The Anchor Grill in Covington doesn't serve up the best burger in town but it's good enough when added to the ambiance of this place, usually thought of as an after the bars close destination, to put it on the list. While Josh has never been here after last call, Mark has and that helped in making his decision to include this in the discussion. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/anchor-grill.html.
The Great Scott Diner in Amelia is here not only because of their tasty burgers but because of the retro 50s decor that literally takes you back to a decade when cars and burgers were king. It's worth the drive east just to look at all the old signs and pictures on the walls and to hear the great old music pumped through the place. But don't forget to order up a burger, you'll thank us, and them, for it. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/great-scott-diner.html.
Zip's Cafe in Mt. Lookout is often sitting on top of the best burgers in the city list and with good reason. These are some of the most tasty goodies you will ever eat. And the atmosphere of this place is unbeatable. It's small, people often sit beside strangers at the long table in the middle of the place (we tend to sneak off to the bar in the back where there's usually a couple of stools open), and you can't help but look at the model train that circles the dining room above your head. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/zips-cafe.html.
Van Zandt Restaurant and Tavern in North Collage Hill had just topped one of the best burger lists when we trekked over toward Mark's old stomping grounds. The "experts" were right. This was one of the best burgers either of us had enjoyed in a while. With great service and a very clean, modern restaurant, this is an absolute must destination for the burger fan. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/van-zandt-restaurant-and-tavern.html.
There you have it, our favorite burger joints that we have visited for the blog during our initial year on line. Next we are going to point out the five (well maybe six) chains that we liked the best. Enjoy and please, let us know what you think with either a comment or drop an email to turnerbudds@yahoo.com.
This isn't a "best burger" list, this is our favorite places list. Granted, there are some very good burgers on this list and most have appeared on one or more of the various "best" lists that populate the burger world. But for us, we prefer pointing out our fav joints.
In all there are 10 restaurants listed here in no particular order. Check them out for yourself and let us know what you think.
Dena's Diner was a refreshing surprise when we stopped in. Located in a strip mall on busy Colerain Ave. it's not the type of place you would expect to be on a list such as this but the atmosphere and friendly service along with the tasty burger did it for us. Here is our original review: http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/denas-diner.html.
Anderson Township Pub holds a special place in both our hearts. Mark has been coming here since before Josh was born. In fact all three of the kids were practically raised there. Not only are the burgers great but for us, this place is like home. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/anderson-township-pub.html.
The Blue Jay, located in the heart of Northside, is one of those classic neighborhood joints that just oozes charm and smells like every diner should. It literally has it all with great food, a good atmosphere and the perfect decor. OK, so the service can be a bit slow at times but it just gives you a little longer to soak in smells coming from the kitchen and the tables next to you. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/blue-jay.html.
By Golly's Tavern is an established Milford classic that mixes all of the things we love in a neighborhood pub. It doesn't hurt that when he was younger Mark use to go there from time to time when he was visiting his parents after they moved to this northeast suburb. Add in the fact that they have some amazing food challenges and this place is worth the drive around I 275. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/by-gollys-tavern.html.
Quatman's is a neighborhood joint. There's just no other way to say it. Not only does this Norwood (yeah, I know there's one in Mason but it's not the same nor as good) dive offer up one of the best burgers in town but the atmosphere is absolutely perfect. Your soda is served in a can that you can pour into a small glass with ice, the food comes out on paper plates and you get a great burger for almost no money. You can't beat it. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/quatmans.html.
Bard's Burgers was perhaps our most pleasant surprise. This Latonia joint is small in size but huge in flavor. It's so small that we could easily hear (and smell) our burgers sizzling on the flat top grill just behind the counter. Plus their food challenge is literally to die for. We love this place. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/bards-burgers.html.
The Anchor Grill in Covington doesn't serve up the best burger in town but it's good enough when added to the ambiance of this place, usually thought of as an after the bars close destination, to put it on the list. While Josh has never been here after last call, Mark has and that helped in making his decision to include this in the discussion. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/anchor-grill.html.
The Great Scott Diner in Amelia is here not only because of their tasty burgers but because of the retro 50s decor that literally takes you back to a decade when cars and burgers were king. It's worth the drive east just to look at all the old signs and pictures on the walls and to hear the great old music pumped through the place. But don't forget to order up a burger, you'll thank us, and them, for it. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/great-scott-diner.html.
Zip's Cafe in Mt. Lookout is often sitting on top of the best burgers in the city list and with good reason. These are some of the most tasty goodies you will ever eat. And the atmosphere of this place is unbeatable. It's small, people often sit beside strangers at the long table in the middle of the place (we tend to sneak off to the bar in the back where there's usually a couple of stools open), and you can't help but look at the model train that circles the dining room above your head. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/zips-cafe.html.
Van Zandt Restaurant and Tavern in North Collage Hill had just topped one of the best burger lists when we trekked over toward Mark's old stomping grounds. The "experts" were right. This was one of the best burgers either of us had enjoyed in a while. With great service and a very clean, modern restaurant, this is an absolute must destination for the burger fan. http://turnerbudds-burgerblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/van-zandt-restaurant-and-tavern.html.
There you have it, our favorite burger joints that we have visited for the blog during our initial year on line. Next we are going to point out the five (well maybe six) chains that we liked the best. Enjoy and please, let us know what you think with either a comment or drop an email to turnerbudds@yahoo.com.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
One Year Anniversary (Almost)
It’s been about a year since we first posted our initial review on this blog. In that time we’ve not only visited a lot of different places and eaten a lot of different burgers, but we’ve also gotten a handle on exactly how we were going to go about expressing our opinions.
From the beginning we decided that we were going to judge, not the fanciest gourmet or specialty burger on the menu but the most basic offering a restaurant had. Only then would we personalize it with our own choice of cheese and condiments. While we broke this “rule” a few times, ordering up the “special sauce” or chomping into our favorite from a place we’ve visited many times, for the most part we held true and ate up the basic cheeseburger.
Another little self imposed rule we established early on was that we were going to shy away from the chains. Initially we meant the fast food joints such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, etc. but we really did want to focus on the local joints that serve up a fine neighborhood burger. While we have fluctuated from that unstated rule a bit and have included some of the “sit-down” chains, we have, for the most part, stayed true to this vision as well.
After a while people began asking what our favorite burger has been. That’s always hard to say. While we have our personal favorites, both of us believe that what one person likes in a burger (or a car or a pet or anything for that matter) is highly personal. That’s one reason why we didn’t bother to put together any kind of rating system for this blog. We simply wanted to express how we felt about eating at a specific restaurant. (OK, to be honest, this whole blog was an excuse for the two of us to go out and eat burgers.)
Another thing that we’ve been asked from time to time is what is our least favorite burgers or if there are places that really disappointed us when we went for a visit. Were there any places that have been highly touted that just didn’t measure up to what we believed to be a quality burger or restaurant? Sure. Does that mean people shouldn’t go there and give them a try on their own? Absolutely not. In fact one recent post got a comment from a friend who lived near the restaurant saying that he had been thinking of stopping in and trying it out but after reading the review he didn’t think he would. We responded that he should try it for himself since we all have our own likes and dislikes; each of us has our own pallet.
What we have decided to do was to answer those questions for you over the next three blog entries. There will be no specific order to the listings nor will there be any specific number of restaurants. Most importantly, as always, this is our opinion and it shouldn’t influence you in any way whatsoever. That is unless, of course, you are the type of lemming that follows the advice of one specific Super PAC.
The first will be the local places that we liked the best. These are the joints that are locally owned and most likely have attracted a following of neighborhood folks who regularly stop in and enjoy the food. This is based on our personal experience at a given restaurant. In some cases there have been multiple visits and some of the others are simply our one and only impression.
Next we will list out the chains that we found to offer up the best burgers. We have probably stated in each review of a given chain that while it is a good burger it isn’t as good as some of the local joints we like the best. That’s true. The chains never live up to the local places in the same way that a movie can never be as good as the novel on which it was based. That’s really a bad analogy but what the hell.
Our final blog will be about the restaurants that disappointed us the most. Most of these were places that came with a high recommendation from some other “best” list or from a personal recommendation. The reason for our disappointment may have been the quality or the service or even the atmosphere. But whatever the case it prompted us to look at each other and pretty much decide that we really didn’t care to go back there and give it a second try.
So there you have it, something to look forward to in the coming weeks. Besides, this will give us some time to head out and try a few more places that we can ramble about in future blogs as we head into the second year of this cyber word world.
Best and Worst Burgers
Yahoo! Health came out and posted this list of the best and worst burgers you can find. They are all, for the most part, from national and regional chains (so that's why my home grilled burgers aren't on there). Take a look and see how many you've eaten. Some of these Josh and I just might have to try. Simply to verify, of course.
http://health.yahoo.net/articles/nutrition/photos/best-and-worst-burgers#1
http://health.yahoo.net/articles/nutrition/photos/best-and-worst-burgers#1
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Red Robin
When a restaurant, especially a chain, refers to itself as the Gourmet Burger expert, it better be able to back it up with some tasty grilled juiciness. Red Robin has been in the burger business since 1969 under its current name but it started in the 1940s as Sam’s Tavern near the campus of the University of Washington. Since the founder sang in a barber shop quartet with a signature song of “when the red, red robin comes bob bob bobbin’ along,” the future name of the place was pretty much assured.
Today, with over 450 restaurants across North America, Red Robin has become one of the best known of the sit down restaurant chains in the vein of Friday’s and Applebee’s.
With a variety of specialty “gourmet” burgers as well as the good old fashioned model, Red Robin offers an option for just about every burger taste. And with all of those options comes a price. Like the other similar chains, Red Robin isn’t going to be the most economical dining choice if you’re searching for a seared patty of meat, but with the chain comes a certain guarantee of quality and service.
There are currently four area Red Robins and you can find your nearest one on line at http://www.redrobin.com.
The Burgers
We were driving out to visit a shop that was pretty far from out house and weren’t sure where we wanted to stop for lunch when Josh suggested Red Robin. We have eaten there numerous times and it is traditionally one of the chains that we like the best.
In keeping with the theme of the blog, we both ordered the Red Robin Gourmet Cheeseburger. Mark got provolone on his while Josh went with the traditional American. The patties are fresh, never frozen beef and you can taste that quality. The other ingredients are also fresh and piled on a sesame seed bun.
The burger comes standard with Red’s pickle relish which Mark had and Josh passed on. The relish adds a little something extra to the burger but it doesn’t over power the other ingredients, especially the meat, which can be tasted with every bite; when you’re eating a burger that’s a good thing and not always the case.
The burgers also come with the “bottomless” steak fries that, if you really were addicted to potatoes would be a godsend for you. As it is, the steak fries are a good, thick addition to the meal but neither of us requested a second, let alone a third helping.
Overall the burgers at Red Robin are good for what they are: chain restaurant burgers. They aren’t in the class with the top local burgers but if you are out looking for a chain restaurant with a lot of variety for everyone’s taste, you can do a whole lot worse than Red Robin. In fact, Red Robin and Friday’s are generally what we will compare other restaurants, especially chains, to in determining if they have a decent burger or not.
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