Willie's Sports Cafe

          Driving to Kenwood isn't something most sane people do without a damn good reason. Even in the middle of the day during the week the traffic can be a little like a slow time in LA. Still, that is where we were headed when we decided that, since we were there, we would find a place, grab a burger and feel as though we had accomplished something.
          Nestled around the corner from Kenwood Towne Center, located at 6475 E. Galbraith (and on line at http://williesonline.com/) is Willie's Sport's Cafe. Willies now has multiple locations throughout the tri-state, including this Kenwood location. Each has a very similar menu and the promise that this spacious sports infused restaurant will be just as good as the last one at which you ate.

The Burgers

          While there are a few specialty burgers offered here, in keeping with our way of doing things, we ordered up the standard Cheeseburger. They promise a half-pound of fresh ground beef "cooked to a tender medium well." And that's exactly what we got.

          Yes, we have complained about this before but we are still bothered by the fact that a growing number of restaurants insist on overcooking a burger and taking the choice out of the hands of the diner.

          But we were surprised when our server asked how we wanted our burgers cooked. Maybe she was new and at her old restaurant patrons had a choice or maybe, we hoped, this was indeed a change for the better that was going on here. So when choosing our burgers we put in for a medium and a medium rare.

          When the burgers arrived, hot and smelling of the grill, they were both cooked medium well. Oh how our hearts and hopes had been dashed.

          Still, taking the high road we dug in. There was still some flavor that hadn't been cooked out of the meat. And while it wasn't really juicy the way a "properly" cooked burger should be, turning it medium well didn't really dry it out either.

          There must have been a decent fat content to the beef, at least an 80/20 and perhaps a 70/30 but since the burger was huge and hadn't shrunk, it was more likely the former rather than the latter. 

          The burgers were good. We both agreed on this. They weren't great but then when you are comparing burgers to the top spots around the region it's difficult to get that great burger. By the time we were taking the last bites of the sandwich it was a total mess, one that we couldn't put down for fear that it would totally fall apart. This is a good thing. It's generally a sign of fresh condiments, a fresh bun (in this case a sesame seed beauty that actually had flavor) and a burger that still has some of its juices.

          Both of us accepted the fries when offered and they were nothing special but at least they were cooked properly. 

          Overall our experience at Willie's was pleasant. The service was great and we showed it with a nice tip. We would have liked the burger to be.... well not so well done. That in itself would keep us from heading back to Willies, for the burgers at least. But if you enjoy your burgers overcooked, they serve up some that are big, filling and still have some flavor so check them out.