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/

Chops Steaks Seafood & Bar - Sacramento, CA

Ok… This morning I promised my Wife that I would NOT have a cheeseburger every day for lunch. I am diabetic, and also have cholesterol issues. But when my work-mates suggested the $10 Cheeseburger and Beer special at Chops for lunch how could I say No?

Chops, is a well-known hangout of politicians, capitol staffers, and lobbyists. In fact while we were there I saw a chief-of-staff to one of California’s legislative leaders having lunch with some “advocates” at the next table over. Back in the day, this location used to house Brannan’s Bar & Grill, a classy crowded in-spot that often vied with Frank Fats to be known as the state's "unofficial capitol".

Today I had the “Capitol Burger”: Half pound ground filet mignon and sirloin, lettuce, tomato, grilled red onions, Thousand Island dressing on a Kaiser roll with choice of aged cheddar, jack cheese or bleu cheese. Served with choice of mashed potatoes, French fries, garlic scented fries, beer battered onion rings or mixed greens. It is part of $10 lunch special that also includes a pint glass of Coors Light. Normally $10.95 for the CB and side, the special makes it $7 total and $3 for the beer (a bit expensive for pint of Coors Light, but that makes it a really good great price for this CB and side.)

I liked the cheeseburger, the meat had good flavor and was cooked to my order. I ordered the cheddar cheese, rather than my favorite the bleu… As cheddars go, it could have been much sharper since the grilled (yummy) red onions overpowered almost every thing on the burger… I did not tast the Thousand Island dressing, though you can clearly see it in the photo. The onions were that strong. I am knocking off a ¼ star for the shredded lettuce. I hate shredded lettuce (luckily, there was little of it, so only ¼ off.) The fries were fine, if a bit bland. I think the needed more seasoning. Next time I will try the garlic “scented” fries, if it’s not a date night with my wife!

Chops Steaks Seafood & Bar - Capitol Burger with Cheddar
Overall: 3-3/4 stars
Price: Regular Lunch price $10.95 for CB plus side (mashed potatoes, french fries, garlic scented fries, beer battered onion rings or mixed greens). Lunch Special $10 for CB, side and a pint of Coors Light.
Variety: Minimal, just the “Capitol Burger” on the menu with your choice of aged cheddar, jack cheese or bleu cheese.

Website/Menu: http://www.chopssacramento.com/menus.php?action=lunch
Address: 1117 11th Street, Sacramento CA 95814
Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1117+11th+Street+95814

More Information:
Sacramento County Food Inspection Report: http://www.foodinspect.saccounty.net/ASP%20Pages/FacilityInfo.asp?FacID=FA0001023
Other Reviews:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chops-sacramento
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/36/572104/restaurant/Downtown/Chops-Steak-Seafood-Bar-Sacramento
http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=15170