Monday, March 9, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
2008 Awards
Best Overall Score:The Tractor Room
Best Straight Up Burger:Hodads
(Cheeseburger)
Best Place to Nurse a Hangover:Urban Mo's
Most Inventive Burger:Nicky Rotten's
(Rotten Breakfast Burger)
Best Place to Get Wasted With Your Grandparents:Albie's Beef Inn
Best Bang for Your Buck:Bare Back Grill (Gaslamp)
(Lunch Special)
Best Buns:Big Kahuna's
Biggest Belt-Buster:Just Burgers
Best Late Nite Burgers:Nunu's Cocktail Lounge
Best Build-Your-Own Burger:Boomerang's
Most Organic Burgers:Burger Lounge
Best Turkey Burger:Mr. Peabody's
Most Meats:Tioli's Crazy Burger
Best Kept Secret:Paradise Lounge
Messiest Burgers:Western Steakburger
Spendiest Burgers:The Linkery
Greasiest Burgers:Canada Steak Burger
(Any Burger)
Most Overrated Burgers:Rocky's Crown Pub
Most Over-Cooked Burgers:The Gathering
Worst Burgers:San Diego Burger Co.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
BPI - Burger Power Index
This is something we talked about putting together for those who don’t care about the whole burger consuming experience, surrounding environment, etc. Those that just want to focus on the burgers and see how they stack up. Well here it is. It’s called the Burger Power Index or BPI and it is calculated by the following equation:
BPI = Bb + Bf
Bb – Burger Base – this is the total of the Bundle, Burger, Bun, Boldness & Belt-busing scores. Highest possible score = 25.
Bf – Base Factor – this is the overall review score / 50. Highest possible score = 1.
Notes: 1. Total highest possible score = 26.00.
2. Burgers with multiple scores are averaged.
Here’s how they stack up:
25.94
25.94 Lamb Burger – The Tractor Room
25.88 4th of July Burger – Just Burger & Lounge
25.86 Backyard Burger – Just Burger & Lounge
24.90 Spicy Burger –
24.88 Teriyaki Burger – Big Kahuna’s
24.41 Offshore Burger – Offshore Tavern & Grill
24.41 Sourdough Burger – Albie’s Beef Inn
23.90 Hula Burger – Small Bar
23.90 Hamilton's Burger – Small Bar
23.90 BBQ Bacon Burger – Toronado
23.88 Neighborhood Burger - Neighborhood
23.88 Meltdown Burger –
23.88 A1 Burger –
23.87 Bacon Cheeseburger – Hodads
23.86
23.85 Napa Burger – Bangin' Burgers
23.82 Big Kahuna Burger – Big Kahuna’s
23.77 Niman Ranch Burger –
23.38 Queenstown Fave – Bare Back Grill (Gaslamp)
22.92 Stoner Burger – Hamiltons
22.88 BBQ Burger – Bangin' Burgers
22.88 Pastrami Burger – Nicky Rotten’s
22.88 Spicy J Bag Burger – Toronado
22.86 Witchyfyre! – Hamiltons
22.86 Rotten Breakfast Burger – Nicky Rotten’s
22.84 BBQ Burger – True North
22.84 Frisco Burger –
22.84 Patty Melt – Studio Diner
22.84 Jackie Burger – Brian’s American Eatery
22.83 Spicy Western – Kristy’s MVP Sports Bar
22.80 Baja Burger – Studio Diner
22.34 Create Your Own Burger – Boomerang’s
22.21 Dobson’s Bar Room Burger – Dobson’s
22.15 One Big
21.90 Kiwilango – Bare Back Grill (Gaslamp)
21.86 Da Works Burger – Tiny’s Tavern
21.86 Teriyaki Burger – Nunu’s Cocktail Lounge
21.84 Sid’s Cowboy Burger – Corvette Diner Bar & Grill
21.82 Double Angus Burger - Nunu's Cocktail Lounge
21.82 Rod Luck Buck - Lucky Buck's
21.81 Western Burger - Brian's American Eatery
21.81 Grand Thrill Burger - Blueberry Hill
21.80 Frank's Burger - Paradise Lounge & Grill
21.80 Mushroom Burger – Albie’s Beef Inn
21.80 Veggie Burger – Hodads
21.80 Prosciutto Burger – O’Brien’s American Pub
21.76 Famous Steakburger – Kristy’s MVP Sports Bar
21.76 Pastrami Burger –
21.74 Grass-fed Burger with the
21.72
21.30 The Cameron – Xavier’s Bar & Grill
20.84 Double Cheeseburger – Station Tavern
20.84 Cheeseburger – Station Tavern
20.84 Shrimp Burger – Tiny’s Tavern
20.82 Tomato Pesto Burger – The Corner
20.82 Dion Burger – Corvette Diner Bar & Grill
20.80 Sourdough Cheeseburger – Maloney’s Tavern
20.80 Sicilian Burger – Brian’s American Eatery
20.80 Big Bird Burger – Tioli’s Crazy Burger
20.80 Spicy Jalapeno Burger – The Corner
20.79
20.78 BBQ Bacon Burger – Jewel Box
20.76 The
20.76 The Chinook Burger – Tioli’s Crazy Burger
20.74 The Burger – Starlite
20.73 Cheeseburger – Rocky’s Crown Pub
20.72 Grilled Lounge Burger – Burger Lounge
19.80 Bandito Burger – True North
19.80 Big Bacon Burger – Maloney’s Tavern
19.78 The Eastwood – Xavier’s Bar & Grill
19.75 Rory Burger – Corvette Diner Bar & Grill
19.70 Blue Cheese Burger –
18.78 Waterfront Burger – The Waterfront
18.78 HOH Burger – Corvette Diner Bar & Grill
18.78 Aztec Burger –
18.77 Venison Burger – Tioli’s Crazy Burger
18.76 Best Buckin’ Burger – Lucky Buck’s
18.74 Beer Cheese Burger – O’Brien’s American Pub
17.78
17.76
17.76 Kangaroo Burger – Tioli’s Crazy Burger
17.74 Aloha Burger – Tioli’s Crazy Burger
17.61 Hob Nob Burger – Hob Nob Hill
16.72 Mushroom Swiss Burger – Wits End
16.66 Hawaiian Burger – The Shack
16.20 Ortega Swiss Burger – Jewel Box
15.72 Bacon Cheddar Burger –
15.66 Mushroom Swiss Burger – The Shack
15.60 Blue Cheese Burger – The Gathering
15.12 Charbroiled Steak Burger –
13.54 Southwest Burger – The Gathering
12.58 Double Cheeseburger – San Diego Burger Co.
12.54
BYOB (be your own blogger)
Here's your chance to be your own blogger.
Print out the form below and give it a shot.
Print out the form below and give it a shot.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Shack - a spontaneous blog
Ben: HAWAIIAN BURGER w/ tots. Burger, med-rare, with grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce and swiss cheese on a bun.
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 33
NOTES:
- very average burger
- the boldness rating was mostly due to the delicious flavor of the teriyaki
- good beer deals and nice outdoor patio
- pretty chill lunch spot
James: MUSHROOM SWISS BURGER. Burger, med-rare, with sautéed mushrooms, grilled red onions, swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato on a bun.
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 33
NOTES:
- just about as average as it gets
- I would go for fish tacos instead
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Linkery - For Real
Ben: GRASS-FED BURGER W/ THE
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 38
NOTES:
- only one burger option, but you can add any of the daily special links to top your burger if you’re worth enough
- no booze but an awesome local beer (including cask ales) and wine selection
- the bun is a little much but it holds up to the punishment that the egg yolk and burger juice inflict upon it
- all organic, locally raised food
- pretty pricey, even for what you get (about $30 for a burger and beer with tax and tip)
- the yolkiest egg you’ll ever get at a restaurant, you’re hands will get messy
James: GRASS-FED BURGER W/ THE
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 36
NOTES:
- bun was a little too dense, but it held up to the task
- egg was pretty good, but overall the burger was a little salt heavy on the palate without enough zest or sweetness to really pull it together
- the ingredients are of great quality however and the beer selection is fantastic, representing many local breweries and boasting four cask conditioned beers
- overall a little pricey to just drop in for a burger for the blue-collar worker
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Bare Back Grill
Ben: QUEENSTOWN FAVE BURGER w/ fries. Organic burger with lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli, bbg sauce and
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 42
NOTES:
- lunch box special: burger, beer & fries = $9.95, one of the best deals in town
- outdoor seating and open indoor seating with natural wood top tables and bar with a Kiwi theme
- personal condiment tray is a nice touch
- salt & pepper fries are tasty
- very tasty bun that compliments the burger & doesn’t overwhelm the burger (not overly doughy)
James: KIWILANGO BURGER. Organic burger with bleu cheese crumbles, fresh diced jalapenos, lettuce, tomato, red onion, hot sauce, aioli, bbg sauce topped with crushed tortilla chips.
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 45
NOTES:
- very rare & delicious combo of ingredients to have on a burger
- I was skeptical of tortilla chips on the burger at first, but it soaked up the juices perfectly and gave it a nice texture
- jalapenos complimented the sweet sauce very well
- place has a pretty cool vibe, land back new zealandy
Darrin: QUEENSTOWN FAVE BURGER w/ fries. Organic burger with lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli, bbg sauce and
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 46
NOTES:
- cool laid back surf vibe atomospher
- awesome cast iron tree lighting
- best burger deal: burger, beer, fries = 10 bucks
- perfectly cooked burger, excellent sauce compliments the organic beef and fresh organic vegetables
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Western Steakburger
Ben: BLUE CHEESE BURGER w/ fries. Flame-broiled burger, topped with blue cheese and tomato, lettuce, pickles and onions on a bun.
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 35
NOTES:
- an explosion of blue cheese flavor in every bite, very intense
- flame-broiled, backyard BBQ taste, a good alternative if you don’t want to hassle with the charcoal yourself
- no skimping on the cheese
- gyro café meets western movie theme, not the coolest place to hang out
- pretty messy burger, but that’s partly because it’s so juicy
- a great deal $8.40 for a ½ lb. burger and fries, but the fries weren’t that great and were totally unnecessary
- no alcohol options
James: PASTRAMI BURGER. Flame-broiled burger, topped with pastrami & grilled onions and tomato, lettuce and pickles on a bun.
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 38
NOTES:
- this is a pretty damn good burger
- delicious, charred, smoky, salty flavor
- great bargain and nice outdoor seating
- the pastrami tasted great and was stacked high on the burger
- got a little sloppy toward the end
- don’t wear a white shirt if you come here
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Xavier's Bar and Grill
Ben: THE CAMERON BURGER w/ onion rings. Burger, med-rare, with pepper jack cheese, breaded jalapenos, bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion.
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 42
NOTES:
- another movie themed bar/restaurant
- huge burger with an excellent bundle
- the patty appears to be pre-made and possibly frozen, not much variation between the medium-rare and medium burgers, all one uniform color
- overall taste was very good
- perfectly cooked bacon
- great onion rings with parmesan cheese sprinkled on them
- a potentially awesome burger experience (good bargain & bundle) ruined by a mediocre (at best) patty and dining environment
James: THE CAMERON BURGER w/ fries. Burger, med-rare, with cheddar cheese, breaded jalapenos, bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion.
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 39
NOTES:
- the bacon crumbled nicely, baco bits style
- couldn’t finish this burger
- I thought it was going to eat me
- the burger was preformed which sucks, but it still tasted all right
- we all got differently cooked burgers and they all came out the same
- the breaded jalapenos were good, but I think I’m over the whole breaded fried food on a burger thing, it just seems unnecessary
- great bargain
Darrin: THE EASTWOOD BURGER w/ fries. Burger, medium, with cheddar cheese, onion rings, bacon, BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion.
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 39
NOTES:
- movie studio feel, Tarantino posters galore!
- you can bet on ponies while you wait for your food
- huge burgers, solid quality of ingredients
Matt: THE BURTON BURGER w/ onion rings. Burger, medium, with swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms and onions, lettuce, tomato and onion.
HOW THEY STACK UP:
1. BACKGROUND 1 2 3 4 5
2. BONUSES 1 2 3 4 5
3. BUNDLE 1 2 3 4 5
4. BURGER 1 2 3 4 5
5. BUN 1 2 3 4 5
6. BOLDNESS 1 2 3 4 5
7. BARGAIN 1 2 3 4 5
8. BELT-BUSTING 1 2 3 4 5
9. BURDEN 1 2 3 4 5
10. BUZZ 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE: 38
NOTES:
1. Plain interior, song choice is poor.
2. No comment.
3. Large presentation with onion rings looked good.
4. Preformed patty, meat had very little flavor itself.
5. Bun did not get soggy, conformed to meat well.
6. Not much overall flavor.
7. Good bargain with onion rings on side.
8. Huge belt busting bonanza.
9. Held together well overall.
10. Not many beers on tap, but good selection.
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