Smokey Bones

                Sure, it’s really a barbeque joint that, we must admit, has some mighty tasty ribs, but we were out picking up some things from Home Depot and there, right across the street, inviting us to stop in for lunch, was one Smokey Bones 67 national locations. How could we resist. Then Josh suggested we do a burger blog about it and so our choice of meals was determined.

                Opened in 1999 in Orlando, FL, Smokey Bones has restaurants in 17 Eastern US cities and while the menu is heavy on barbeque and ribs, there is a good deal of variety with options for everyone, including the vegetarian daughter/sister in the family.

                Traditionally the restaurant’s décor has had an old time, log cabin feel. According to the web, that décor is changing throughout the country to reflect a more traditional casual dining experience. In addition, management is re-branding the chain with a new more contemporary logo design.

                What isn’t changing is the food. Slow cooked, made fresh from scratch meals that, at least to our experience, are always served by a friendly, energetic wait staff. In fact, when we were there for this blog our server was perhaps the perkiest woman on the face of the earth.

                There are three Smokey Bones restaurants in the area and others in surrounding cities. You can find out if there is one near you on their web site: http://www.smokeybones.com/.

The Burgers

                With a number of gourmet style burgers from which to choose, we decided, in keeping with the established theme of this blog, to each order the Build Your Own Burger which allowed us to keep it simple. With our burgers we got a half pound of fresh beef and could choose from a complete garden, numerous cheese and condiment options. Both choosing provolone cheese and our garden and condiments of choice, the burgers were prepared to order and delivered in a very timely (and perky) manner.

                As you can see from the picture, the cheese on Mark’s burger was quite askew but that didn’t hinder the flavor. The beef was flavorful with just enough spice (salt and a hint of pepper) to enhance the natural juiciness of the patty. The bun didn’t get in the way by adding any undo or contrasting flavors. It, like the garden, was fresh.

While Josh had enjoyed the burgers at Smokey Bones before, this was the first time Mark had eaten one (usually opting for the ribs which are always worth it). For Josh this was confirmation of what he already knew and for Mark it was a pleasant introduction to a good, quality chain burger that happily ranks up there with any of the other chain restaurant offerings.

While Mark will probably have ribs on his next visit and highly recommends them (as far as a chain goes) the burgers at Smokey Bones are very well worth a try.