Secretary of State Building – Gold Rush Grille - Sacramento, CA

I really like the Gold Rush Grille. They have a variety of tasty salads, great weekly specials, an inexpensive breakfast menu, and strong selection of “grille” items. All of this is done by a two man counter crew, with a flair for presentation and generous portions. Plus the GRG has two singular French Fries offerings: Garlic Fries and Cajun Cheese Fries with Ranch. When you order the Garlic fries, you can watch them sauté the garlic fresh on the grill in front of you. The Cajun Fries also go through a similar construction process. And I have also heard tale of people ordering a combo of both: Garlic Cajun Cheese Fries with Ranch!

So what it is not to love? Well the Golden Rush Grille suffers from the same problem as the LOB Café. Being a cafeteria in a State run building, means they must offer lower cost food items for a reduced lease. Unfortunately, it seems they decided to cut their costs with 1/4 lb beef patty for their cheeseburger. The Kaiser Roll is fresh and soft, the cheddar cheese strong enough to taste, and the fries are crinkle cut and cooked well. Gah! If only the meat had any decent flavor this would be a great burger for the price. Instead it is merely ok... which is sad for a place that serves truly excellent salads and sandwiches (I recommend the Buffalo Chicken Salad and the Crispy Chicken Ranch Sandwich).

Note: First timers to the GRG do find their food order and pick-up process daunting. So let me lay it out for you. Right hand side is for Grill order, Left hand side is the Special of the Day. Get in either line; wait for 10-15 minutes as you slowly make your way to the front. On the Grill side, they usually take three orders at a time, and then work those orders until all three are served. On the Special side they do one order at a time. You will need a tray, which inconveniently are off to the side, make sure you get it after you order. You pay once you have your food and beverage. Then enjoy the Atrium like seating overlooking the LOB Parking lot or of the view of Constitution Wall Courtyard.

Gold Rush Grille – 1/4 Pound Cheeseburger

Overall: 2-3/4 stars
Price: $6.50 for the CB and a side of fries or a half green salad.
Variety: None – They will have a Special Burger of the Day on occasion... today was a Pastrami Burger.

Website/Menu: http://www.goldrushgrille.com/monthlymenu.pdf
Address: 1500 11th St. 2nd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814
Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1500+11th+St+95814

More Information:
Sacramento County Food Inspection Report: http://www.foodinspect.saccounty.net/ASP%20Pages/FacilityInfo.asp?FacID=FA0014053
Other Reviews:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/gold-rush-grille-sacramento

Sacramento Bee - Great Burgers

The Sunday April 18th 2010 edition of the Sacramento Bee had a front section story by food critic Blair Anthony Robertson about the best burgers in town. Split into three categories: Highbrow (Fancy Restaurant), Middlebrow (Casual Restaurant), and Order-at-the-counter (Diner/Fast Food), Mr. Roberston has run afoul the same problem I face... placing an objective standard (ratings) on a purely subjective matter (personal palate). He opted to just pick the "best" from a price range, and leave the rest to the readers to glean from his personal review. I have been to over half the places he visited, and agree with most of the descriptions and his placement decisions. And for the rest, I will visit you soon!


The Bee: Sacramento is a ground town -- great burgers all around By Blair Anthony Robertson

WHERE'S THE BEEF?

HIGHBROW
Formoli's Bistro
Ravenous Cafe
Mulvaney's
The Waterboy
Taylor's Kitchen
The Chef's Table
Tuli Bistro
Lucca Restaurant and Bar

MIDDLEBROW
Tapa the World
Jamie's Broadway Grille
Hangar 17
Ettore's
De Vere's Irish Pub
Hamburger Pattie's
Iron Steaks
Crepeville
Burgers & Brew

ORDER AT THE COUNTER
Taqueria La Garnacha
Dinky Diner
Nationwide Freezer Meats
Squeeze Inn
Scott's Burger Shack
Ford's Real Hamburgers
Willie's Burgers
Taqueria Jalisco
Habit Burger Grill

Burger’s & Brew - Sacramento, CA

I have been eagerly waiting to review Burger’s & Brew. Of course yesterday I had a visit my Doctor who feels that my cholesterol is still too high. So I am going to cut back to one cheeseburger a week, (but starting next week). This being a Furlough Friday, a group of my friends suggested Burger’s & Brew for lunch today, as we would have an easier time getting a table at 12:30p. And were in luck!

Burger’s & Brew is part of the 15th & R St. revival in downtown Sacramento, situated next to 3 other restaurants/bars that server lunch and dinner. There is so much good food on this street that it tends be overwhelming. Which do you pick? The burger joint of course…

I ordered the cheeseburger which comes with option of six different cheeses and your choice of either fries or a spring mix salad. For an additional $0.75 you can upgrade to beer battered onion rings, garlic fires, curly fries, or chili fries. I stuck with the basic order, and was very happy. The meat was cooked to order, and had a great flavor. The bread was soft, but had enough chew to hold up to the juiciness of the meat. The cheddar cheese could have been sharper, as I couldn’t really taste it over the beef. The Fries were cooked well and season properly. Overall, I give their cheeseburger 4-1/2 stars, for its flavor and for ok pricing (fries ala cart is $2.25, which makes this a $5 burger).

Burger’s & Brew has a great casual atmosphere, lot of beers on tap, fountain drinks & shakes, good salads & soups, other great sandwiches in addition to burgers, I recommend the Philly Chicken & Cheese. Plus they have great daily burger specials: Teriyaki Cheeseburger, Hawaiian Hula Burger, Spicy Guacamole Cheeseburger, Garlic Cilantro Cheeseburger, Chipotle Cheeseburger, and my personal favorite the Chorizo Cheeseburger. Mmmm Chorizo!

Burger’s & Brew – Cheeseburger

Overall: 4-1/2 stars
Price: $7.25 for the CB and your choice of Fries or spring mix salad.
Variety: Tons – 6 types of cheese, chili, avocado, bacon, sautéed mushrooms & onions, jalapenos, Buffalo, Turkey, Garden, Tofu or Portobello.

Website/Menu: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=152852&id=266562006696
Address: 1409 R St. Sacramento, CA 95814
Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1409+R+St+95814

More Information:
Sacramento County Food Inspection Report: http://www.foodinspect.saccounty.net/ASP%20Pages/FacilityInfo.asp?FacID=FA0042590
Other Reviews:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/burgers-and-brew-sacramento
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/36/1466765/restaurant/Downtown/Burgers-and-Brew-Sacramento
http://sacfoodies.com/2009/04/22/sacramento-burgers-brew-review/
http://listings.sacmag.com/restaurants-and-bars/restaurants/burgers-and-brew-by-crepeville/

Burger Inn - Sacramento, CA

Billing itself as the “Best Burger in Sacramento” is a bit ballsy in a town that has nationally known hamburger stands. But for the price and quality you are getting a good burger here at the Inn.

On Monday, ducking out of the rain storm, I stopped at this K Street Mall establishment to get myself a Jumbo Cheeseburger and fries. I have to admit I love their crinkle-cut fries… they remind me of the hamburger joints of my youth: Farrell’s and Foster’s Freeze. I am chasing the dragon when it comes to these memories, but one day I know I will have that Ratatouille moment where it all comes flooding back to me. Well that didn’t happen today, so until then I will keep trying Cheeseburgers and Fries everywhere in town.

I like the Burger Inn’s Jumbo Cheeseburger. It’s not the biggest burger in the world, but for the price it is huge. In fact the combination of the great crinkle cut fries, and the inexpensive price make this a 4-star burger experience. It is a 1/3 lb charbroiled fresh beef patty with cheese, served on toasted bun with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles & burger dressing. You can add to that different specialty toppings… one of my favorites is the “Ranch Burger”, which has Grilled onions and is on a garlic butter toasted French Roll.

Burger Inn - Jumbo Cheeseburger
Overall: 4 stars
Price: $3.75 for the CB. Small Fries $1.79. A combo adds a Soda for a total of $5.75!
Variety: Lots – BBQ sauce, Chili, Bacon, Jalapenos, American or Swiss cheese, Mushrooms, Pastrami, Grilled Onions or garlic butter toasted French Roll.

Website/Menu: http://www.burgerinn.net/El_Camino/Burger.php
Address: 915 K Street Sacramento, CA 95814
Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1129+11th+St+95814

More Information:
Sacramento County Food Inspection Report: http://www.foodinspect.saccounty.net/ASP%20Pages/FacilityInfo.asp?FacID=FA0004478
Other Reviews:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/burger-inn-sacramento

Tootsies on Eleventh - Sacramento, CA

This is the place that made me decide to write a cheeseburger blog for Sacramento. After I have Mexican food for lunch I often come here to get a $5 Sugar-Free/Non-Fat Chocolate Shake to cleanse my palate. One afternoon I am standing inside reading all the signage, and the listing “Cheeseburger - $6” catches my eye. Dang! Does everybody sell cheeseburgers? Thinking about it, if you put a 1-block boundary around the Capitol: from 9th to 16th and from O st. to Kst. you can find over a dozen places that sell cheeseburgers. Thus my blog was born.

Tootsies, is a convenience store. They sell cold drinks, cigarettes, snacks and have a hidden “deli/kitchen” upstairs. You order at the counter, and then a few minutes later your sandwich comes sliding down this clear-plastic chute from big a hole in the ceiling. There is no seating inside, but on nice sunny days, the outside area has some of the best people watching in town. Sit there long enough you will see very mover and shaker in Sacramento walk by… except maybe the Governor, they drive him everywhere (even if it is a block away). Tootsies exterior was featured in an episode of TV’s “the Mentalist”, where I can say from personal up-close experience on “filming day” that Simon Baker is not a tall man. Anyhow…

So last Friday I had a late afternoon meeting with my boss. She was hungry, and offered to buy me a cheeseburger from Tootsies (I had skipped lunch to attend an earlier meeting). A few minutes later we are munching on the $6 Tootsies cheeseburger. The meat was ok, if a bit flavorless… My guess is they buy the “beef patty” pre-cooked and heat it up in a microwave since I did not see any grill marks or evidence of recent browning. The cheese was a single slice of American, and there was also fresh tomato, lettuce, pickles, and mayo. The bread was a standard sesame bun which had been pressed in some sort of panini grill for 30 seconds (probably to melt the cheese a bit). One a positive note the size of the burger was pretty good, and if the flavor matched I think the $6 cost would have been reasonable. But as is, it was overpriced even with that cool trip it takes down the slide.


Tootsies - Cheeseburger
Overall: 2-1/2 stars
Price: $6 for the CB. They were out of Fries, but they cost in the $2 range.
Variety: None.

Website/Menu: Yeah right!
Address: 1129 11th St Sacramento, CA 95814
Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1129+11th+St+95814

More Information:
Sacramento County Food Inspection Report: http://www.foodinspect.saccounty.net/ASP%20Pages/FacilityInfo.asp?FacID=FA0001026
Other Reviews:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tootsies-on-11th-sacramento

Jim Denny's - Sacramento, CA

Since 1934, Jim Denny’s has been a Sacramento institution. It’s one of those seminal burger places you must try in you plan to live here (the others in my listing of Wonders of the Ancient Sac Burger World are Squeeze Inn, Red Rum (Murder) Burger, Ford’s, and Whiteys Jolly Cone) for more than a few months. Even with going through a “recent” ownership and menu update, Jim Denny’s keeps its old school charm, but not the prices.

Years ago, I’d get the Megaburger, a pound of meat and gooey cheese, but today (well last Wednesday really) I stuck to the Superburger w/ cheese. Coming in at 1/2 lb of fresh beef, cooked on a well seasoned grill… this cheeseburger always makes me happy. Along with small, but fresh made fries, and a counter staff that seems like they are always having a good time, you get a great burger experience at Jim Denny’s. I think the only complaint I really have is that the prices are a bit steep.

Jim Denny’s - Superburger w/ Cheese
Overall: 4 stars
Price: $9.70 for the CB, $2.25 for the Fries
Variety: Huge! Many different burger sizes (1/4, 1/3, 1/2, or 1lb), toppings (Chili, Chilies, Avocado, bacon, Peanut butter, mushrooms, grilled or raw onions), and tons of different sides.

Website/Menu: http://www.jim-dennys.com/_media/menu.pdf
Address: 816 12th Street Sacramento, CA 95814-2901
Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=816+12th+Street,+95814

More Information:
Sacramento County Food Inspection Report: http://www.foodinspect.saccounty.net/ASP%20Pages/FacilityInfo.asp?FacID=FA0001036
Other Reviews:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/jim-dennys-sacramento
http://www.fudcourt.com/louise006.html
http://listings.sacmag.com/restaurants-and-bars/restaurants/jim-denny-s/
http://www.hoosierburgerboy.com/2009/02/jim-dennys-sacramento-ca.html
http://sacrag.com/2006/12/jim-dennys-counter-intelligence/

LOB Café - Sacramento, CA

This is likely the least expensive cheeseburger I will ever review (for one that is “made” fresh and grilled in front of you, rather than a microwave burger comes from a supermarket freezer case). The LOB Café is the “secret” cafeteria on the 6th floor of the California State Legislative Office Building, which back in the day was called the SLOB but is now referred to just as the LOB. The 6th floor cafeteria, sorry Café, has been run by a succession of entrepreneurs who have been stymied by the mandate of low prices in exchange for a decent lease, and the nearly infinitesimal margin that a place open only on weekdays and serves just breakfast and lunch ‘til 2pm often suffer. Yet, the latest owners, in all their surly glory, have found the winning combination of cheap American grill food, a decent salad bar, and a Chinese buffet (with soup choices) that charges by the pound. Oh, and they have a freezer case full of ice cream bars and novelties.

I feel bad giving the LOB Café cheeseburger 2-1/2 stars. First, the price is phenomenal. Second, the sesame seed bun is soft and yummy. Third, the garnish (tomato, pickles, onion and lettuce) is always fresh and the fries are not cooked until you order the burger. Fourth, they aren’t stingy on the condiments (you want mustard and mayo? You go it). Plus, you get your choice of American or Jack Cheese.

So, why am I giving a low rating? The meat sucks. It is quite possibly the cheapest hamburger patty they can get from their supplier. It’s like the hamburgers from your elementary school lunch, more filler than beef. When I got my cheeseburger today, the lady behind me ordered hers “rare”. The patty can’t be more than ¼ inch thick uncooked… She said it’s the only way you can taste the meat over the flavors it picks up from the grill. Speaking of flavor, if you want this to be a 3 star Cheeseburger, add the bacon for 40 more cents. It really makes the whole think work.

So, if you are downtown with $5 in your pocket and a hankering for some decent fries and an ok Cheeseburger, visit the LOB Café. You’ll make your elementary school teacher proud.

LOB Café - Cheeseburger
Overall: 2-1/2 stars
Price: $2.50 for the CB, $1.35 for the small Fries
Variety: Minimal. You get your choice of yellow or white cheese, small or large Fries. Bacon is an extra $.40. Get the bacon, it really improves this cheeseburger.

Website/Menu: Yeah right!
Address: State Legislative Office Building, 1020 N St, 6th Floor, Sacramento CA 95814
Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1020+N+Street+95814

More Information:
Sacramento County Food Inspection Report: http://www.foodinspect.saccounty.net/ASP%20Pages/FacilityInfo.asp?FacID=FA0007037
Other Reviews:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lob-cafe-sacramento

Tex Wasabi’s Rock N’ Roll Sushi B-B-Q - Sacramento, CA

Today, the Wife and I had lunch at Tex Wasabi. It’s the kinda of go-to place you can take your out-of-town friends when you can’t decide between eating Asian or American for dinner. For the uninitiated, Tex Wasabi is part of the Food Network's star Guy Fieri’s (Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives) restaurant empire along with “Johnny Garlic’s” his pasta grill joint. So they both have a bit of the celebrity cachet going for them, and more importantly they both have cheeseburgers on the menu!

The Black Angus Bacon Burger is the only burger on the Tex Wasabi menu (unlike Johnny Garlic’s five different Kobe burgers, with three different bun choices, and four type of cheese to choose from), but you do get your pick of several different sides including the very yummy Vegas Fries (Crispy shoestring french fries, tossed in buffalo hot sauce & served with bleu-sabi). So I am not complaining much.

To start I’d give the Black Angus Bacon Burger 4 stars: The meat was cooked to medium, not very juicy but had an ok flavor. The bacon was delicious; the cheese was fine but could be sharper. The fries were good, but a bit over-salted. Yet I have drop off ½ stars due to the lack of condiments. I understand the fancy restaurants and the chefs that feel their meat choice (Black Angus in this case) is so good, they it need not be ruined by something like mayo, mustard or pickle relish. Yes there was ketchup on the table, but the dry bun just doesn’t do it for me. I need that little bit of mayonnaise and stone ground mustard to add that final little bit, ya know, to put it over the top… which this burger needed to stay at 4 stars.

All-in-all it’s a good quality cheeseburger, that just needs to add a few elements to make it great. But then again who in the hell goes to and Rock N’ Roll Sushi B-B-Q joint for the burgers anyway? Me, I am there for the very tasty “gringo sushi”. Most are made with French fries, and have pork, chicken, beef, or bacon instead of the fish or eel. My favorite, which we do as an Appetizer, is the “Big Bird on Fire” ( $6.95): Tapioca rice paper roll with sushi rice, blackened chicken, french fries & a sweet chili sauce… dip that in some soy or ponzu sauce mixed with a bit of American wasabi, very yummy.


Tex Wasabi’s Rock N’ Roll Sushi B-B-Q - Black Angus Bacon Burger
Overall: 3-1/2 stars
Price: $9.95 for the CB (Fresh hand formed 1/2lb. patty, grilled and topped with smoked bacon & sharp cheddar cheese, served on a sesame seed bun.) plus side (choice of rice, potato salad, macaroni salad, cole slaw, BBQ bacon baked beans or seasoned shoestring french fries. $2 substitute for a side of freshly steamed veggies, Onion Rings, a side of Caesar or a side order of Vegas Fries)
Variety: None

Website/Menu: http://www.texwasabis.com/food/menu.html
Address: 2243 Arden Way Sacramento CA
Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2243+Arden+Way+95825

More Information:
Sacramento County Food Inspection Report: http://www.foodinspect.saccounty.net/ASP%20Pages/FacilityInfo.asp?FacID=FA0001533
Other Reviews:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tex-wasabis-sacramento
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/36/402851/restaurant/Arden-Arcade/Tex-Wasabis-Sacramento
http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=327192

Sacramento Magazine - Top 10 Burgers

The February 2010 edition of Sacramento Magazine listed 10 of the best burgers and pizza joints in the Sacramento region. I have had the pleasure of eating at 13 of the 20 listed establishments… Hey! Pizza Quest is an important part of dining out with my Wife. I could eat a cheeseburger everyday of the week; she can do the same with pizza. Yes, it’s a mixed marriage but we are making it work.

Here is Sac-Mag’s list of 10 Great Burgers in the Sacramento Region:

Whiskey Burger - Formoli’s Bistro
Megaburger - Jim-Denny’s
Whitey’s Special - Whitey’s Jolly Kone
Lucky Dog Ranch Beef Hamburger - Lucca Restaurant & Bar
Squeeze With Cheese - Squeeze Inn
Pyramid Burger - Pyramid Brewery & Alehouse
Hearty Burger - Ten 22
Chili Cheeseburger - Burgers and Brew
Kobe Burgers - Riverside Clubhouse
Mushroom Burger - Paul Martin’s American Bistro