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