DoubleCheeseBlogger.com

As these beautiful weekends keep rolling around Central Texas, I continue searching for the perfect burger place for you to enjoy these days great days at. This weekend, Babe’s Old Fashioned Food is up for debate. Located on Fredricksburg just inside the loop and across from Crossroad’s mall stands a little burger and sports place. Serving San Antonians since 1987 at this location, this establishment definitely has its roots planted in making you salivate. While entering the line you’ll be tempted by cooler with an assortment of ice creams available. Once you realize that those same ice creams are the main ingredient in a shake, well, good luck resisting a shake is all.

Now Babe’s does have quite a menu with burgers, wings, and even pizza. Also, just by mentioning the place i get many a response in the line of “great fried pickles,” ” beer specials are pretty good there,” and “ah, the onion rings are great, ya gotta git em.” So it was definitely a contender for burger bliss.

I ordered the Guacamole Cheeseburger and the guac was pretty delicious. What wasn’t delicious was all that lettuce. I mean there was a lot that i had to shovel out. Once that matter was settled though, I must say this burger was pretty darn good. The bun was buttered and greasy, the patty was pretty juicy and over all everything came together pretty well on this burger. As good as it was, it was just that, good. Nothing jumped out too big about this burger. It is big. The onion rings were pretty darn scrumptious. Thin and seasoned so well, those onion rings at times out shined the burger. Fries were also a shining point of the meal. I couldn’t resist the shake and i don’t know if i ever will be able to because it was so darn good. Creamy, thick and picturesque, i’m ready for the summer with a shake like that.

Babe’s is a good stop for burger lovers. It’s got a sports/college atmosphere and the prices are pretty good, especially if you hit some of those lunch specials. I’m givin it a 7. Although not high on the list of eateries to return to I definitely suggest you EAT IT.

Babe’s Old Fashioned Food
4535 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX
78201
210-732-6666

thedeathkid Cheeseburger, San Antonio, Texas 7.0, babe's, bacon, cheesburger, cheese, fredricksburg, fries, guacamole, onion rings, onions, pickles, San Antonio, shake, strawberry, Texas, tomato

I am going to introduce you, if you aren’t already familiar, with San Antonio burger royalty. Chris Madrid’s. This is a San Antonio right of passage. In this institution you won’t find a health loving, better-life burger that will leave you ready to embrace a healthy green future. What you will find is a burger that does not apologize for anything that burgers exist for. Cheese. Meat. Butter-toasted buns. Circumference. Grease. Good God the grease!

Yes, Chris Madrids was omitted from Texas Monthly’s 50 Best Burgers in Texas. Yeah, it somewhat goes against my “just right burger-size,” what am i talking about, Chris Madrids obliterates that. But what you need to understand is that there is something entirely magical about what the cheese is doing. It’s beyond sex, it is cheese globs sblobbing and drobbling all over your sweet little face. If you even make it half way through this beast, you can consider your burger-innocence completely and thoroughly BURGERED. And even if you ever do stop making out with the cheese ( i never did), there’s a patty there that never went understated. Made on a grill that has seen its share of San Antonio times, that patty wants you to want it. This place is a staple, a must, a always come back, a best memory for sure.

Originally opened as a burger and taco establishment by a University of Texas Marketing graduate in 1977, the tacos were soon phased out by the awesomeness of the burgers. The menu is pretty simple with six headlining burgers that come in two sizes: regular and MACHO. A beastly chicken sandwich, chalupas, nachos and fries round up the menu with a very inviting bar located on the other side of the restaurant.

I went for the regular Cheddar Cheesy minus the onions. While other members of the burger team pledged an undying loyalty to the Tostada Burger. As you can see, eating this burger isn’t a clean event. I was privy to witness my burger comrades eating the Tostada Burger two different ways. The successful method being an approach that treats the burger as a pizza, or perhaps that famous Latin cuisine: Tostada. Kyle Pippin, in a moment of Tostada burger completion ecstasy stated the event was definitely “Intercourse inducing” (weirdly true). While the fries are subpar, I’ve had encounters with the nachos that are other wordly.

There’s always a line. You might always have to have half your party scouting for a table while the other half waits in line and orders. There’s an atmosphere that tells you you’re eating somewhere that means something to San Antonians. And it does. The burgers do. A section on the Chris Madrid’s site allows for personal stories. There you’ll find 98 stories of testament to the institution. You need to go eat at Chris Madrids. EAT IT- because it’s a 9. Eat it ’cause your arteries want it.

Chris Madrid’s Nachos and Burgers
1900 Blanco Rd
San Antonio, TX 78212

thedeathkid Cheeseburger, San Antonio, Texas 9.0, Cheeseburger, chris madrids, eat it, fries, refried beans, San Antonio, tostada

Gourmet burgers seems almost oxymoronic.  Do i have to put a tie on for this? Is my burger putting on airs? Why is my burger of a better social class than me? My voyage to the Gourmet Burger Grill off of I-10 and Huebner  in San Antonio forced me to face the idea that my burger should be eaten by Tim Gunn and not by a plebeian such as I. However, one look at the appetizer: Fried Macaroni and Cheese Wedges, and I knew I was probably going to be okay.

The array of options, burger artistry, and plethora of ingredients definitely help you realize what burger ball-game you’re in.  They also make you double-take the prices and realize these special ingredients are worth more than your dollar menu burger. Honestly though, Gourmet Burger Grill creates an atmosphere in which guests can be ready to truly enjoy their burger any which way they choose.  Beverage choices include a line-up of some pretty fine beers and some pretty ritzy wines as well as a self-serve soda fountain and tea.

While i did wander in on a pretty easy lull on a Saturday the staff took this as an opportunity to shine! Every member was more than ready to assist us and Chef Mike Davis was on site helping us with a pride that was exciting to see in the man behind my burger.

A quick note before the burger: I was impressed with the the macaroni wedges. Love. Love. Love. Dip em in ketchup, or ranch, or honeymustard, or don’t. Just definitely give em a try if you’re feeling extra chubby! Also the crinkle cut fries were a pretty spectacular tasty and they also offer the healthier and sweeter option of sweet potato fries.

I decided on the Caprese Burger, coincidentally, the same burger as The San Antonio Burger Blogger.  However, our point of view is at odds. I can see how the simplicity of the burger, the somewhat delicateness of the olive oil, fresh basil, and thickly cut and amazingly fresh tomato are an asset.  Simple enough composition to completely compliment the amazing quality of the patty, composed of Certified Angus Beef and fire grilled. Chef Davis did inform us that when ordering at the Gourmet Burger Grill, a well done patty will often lose it’s juices, making devourers miss the quality and care in the meat. I had a medium well that was cooked to perfection, juicy and seasoned so well I definitely felt the passion put towards this creation. However, the burger selection I chose, Caprese, was a little too bland for my taste.  The cheese, tomatoes, and basil were fresh and spectacular, but I expect a burger to have a little more attitude.  This burger was a little too uptown new yorker sipping on a cape cod and not enough spizzazz! Other menu items definitely bent the burger norms such as a Crab Cake Burger and an Ahi Tuna Burger. However I must say, my choice, perhaps wrong for myself, left me wishing I had ordered one of those delicious fellows.

I do recommend you give it a try if you have the bank. I trust and believe in what Chef Davis is doing. While I can’t wait to return, I definitely have to give the Caprese burger a slightly boring 6.5. With that said Eat It when you feel fancy.

Gourmet Burger Grill
11224 Huebner Rd Suite 206
San Antonio, TX 78230
Phone: 210 558 9200 Fax: 210 558 9203
Hours: Sun-Thurs. 11-9 Fri-Sat 11-10

thedeathkid Cheeseburger, San Antonio, Texas Add new tag, caprese burger, Cheeseburger, gourmet, macaroni, tomato

This post is hot and fresh just like the newest Smashburger in San Antonio on Potranco near 151. Opening to the masses today, I was luckily invited to a sneak peak lunch yesterday and sized the spanking new burger place up.

I’ve definity heard some of the buzz around Smashburger, a clever franchise that has the support of a well made marketing campaign that is hip and exciting. But all the hype could be another false fame to claim. I needed to see if the burger fulfilled the design. So yesterday for lunch i went to smash me some tasty, and I was not disappointed.

Ordering the BBQ bacon and cheese burger on an egg bun, and deviously adding a fried egg on it, I stared the cashier in the eye and added a Rootbeer float to my order. This was going to be a big lunch. Smash fries on the side and all I had to do was wait patiently for my order to arrive. The general manager, Toby, was kind enough to help with any burger questions and informed me of the reasoning behind the egg bun. Apparently, the burgers are so delectably juicy that the egg bun is necessary to help embrace those juices and insure that guests are able to savor every flavor these burgers have to offer.

My rootbeer float was a scrumptious old school concoction that featured bottled IBC rootbeer and a pretty creamy and smooth vanilla ice cream. Comrads at the table who ordered the chocolate shake on the menu were slightly disappointed in the stingy use of the chocolate syrup in said shakes. Some beer and burger people will be pleased to know that Smash serves beer and wine with a bucket of 4 beers coming in at $9.99, pretty fair deal if I do say so myself. But now the main event.

My BBQ burger did not disappoint the hype. The egg was perfectly fried, the crispy onion straws swimming in the BBQ sauce, and that extra sexy applewood bacon all contributed to an amazing combination. Although, if you prefer your bacon crispy I suggest you request that at the register. Also, the BBQ sauce on their burgers is nothing short of amazing. I definitely recommend this burger to everyone! I cannot wait to go back and try any of the other exciting burgers on the menu. I will say that the smashfries are pretty tasty, however are seasoned a little too heavy in some areas. The regular fries are a safer bet, lightly salted and a better quality version of America’s favorite fry. Beside those small details, the patty, the bun and the BBQ sauce make an incredible experience for your taste buds. The excitement and energy of the hosts make this place a new establishment that wants to please their guests. Although perhaps a little too eager, I’m sure that was a first day jitters kind of deal and will ease up.

Smashburger I give you an impressive 8.5 and can’t wait to return to you soon. Thanks everyone for a great experience and the free meal! Hugs, kisses, and all my <3, EAT IT!

SmashBurger
Potranco Rd. & 151 Access Rd
8802 Potranco Road
San Antonio, Texas 78245

thedeathkid Cheeseburger, San Antonio Barbecue, barbecue sauce, Cheeseburger, egg, onion straws

This week’s burger establishment takes it name perhaps from that inarticulate sentence that rumbles out of my mouth in the most desperate and dire of burger times: Crave Burger. A sentence that beat out “Me want food,” Crave Burger is up on the podium for burger scrutiny, or love.

Located in San Antonio, Tx off of 410, Urbanspoon voters give it an average rating of an impressive 89% while Yelp reviews have Crave Burger carrying 5 delicious stars.  The reviews left me wondering what the star to jalapeño ratio was and whether I had enough thumbs to review this hit burgerium. From the parking lot the smell of a grill at work gets patrons mouths salivating. Practically running through the door, I  met with a well sized restaurant that uses the space wisely to sit a plentiful amount of guests.  The kitchen area, grill etc are all placed directly behind the counter putting guests at ease, and placing that mouthwatering aroma all around.  Big Red on tap, three different buns, that sexy fried egg option, Crave Burger definitely wants patrons to create a unique burger for their unique palettes.

My burger of choice was the island burger: grilled pineapple, bacon, lettuce, tomato on top of a fresh all beef patty. It said aloha in all the right ways.  Placed between the wheat bun option, my burger walked that sweet burger line. This burger was a gut buster i never wanted to stop masticating. Thick cut bacon on top of a juicy patty and a sweet thick cut pineapple created an ensemble that definitely put me in a tropical mind set. Unfortunately, the tater tots left a little something to be desired, seasoned salt perhaps, some seasoning at least, but the fries were your standard issue tasty.

The staff was amazingly nice and assisted with all my burger queries. Football on the flat screens and what seemed to be a pretty cool kids ipod hooked up to the stereo the atmosphere made my burger experience pretty swell.  Over all I give Crave Burger a fine 7.5. I will be back to try the tempting Chalupa Burger and I recommend you EAT IT.

Crave Burger
4263 NW Loop 410, Ste 100
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 592-1539

thedeathkid Cheeseburger, San Antonio, Texas 7.5, bacon, Cheeseburger, lettuce, pineapple, San Antonio, Texas, tomato

I did it, meatandcheesebetweentwobunslovers, I am going to, after most likely much too long, graduate from Texas State University! GO BOBCATS! Moving on, to celebrate this moment I headed to Bigz Burger Joint right off of 1604 and Huebner here in San Antonio, Texas. This burger barn on the side of the way arouses mouth juices from the parking lot. There’s an aroma of tasty that made me want to run to the door.

At Bigz the patties are a ½ lb, which is decently sized. And the cheeses offered are American, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Swiss, and Blue Cheese. Certain toppings cost extra like beer braised onions, avocado, pineapple, etc. I went for a single knowing it’d be filling. I went with American cheese because I was feeling pretty classic, until I saw that you can “Make it Dirty,” and then I did! At Bigz Burger Joint “making it dirty” means they’ll fry an egg and slap that sexy baby on your burger. Who could say no to that?

Sipping on my Dr. Pepper I enjoyed the barnesque décor and fair-like seating. There’s outdoor seating available during permitting weather and what seemed to be a pretty rad Party Barn as well as a small basketball court. This place seemed to be on the up and up. Then I got my burger, after I accidentally tried to steal this guy Clayton’s burger (sorry! and thanks for being cool about it), and things got juicy. And disappointing. Bigz does toast their buns, offer some fresh vegetable toppings, and fry a pretty mean egg. Bigz does NOT seem to season their patty much. Everything around the area was pretty swell, but the main act was pretty lame. Soooooo, what’s that about Bigz? Although, I did hear the Applewood Bacon is pretty tasty and “making it dirty” is only an extra dollar, I’m gonna need some burger seasoning on my meat (that’s what he said?)

Do I recommend Bigz, meh. The atmosphere is pretty cool and the pricing is pretty pretty decent, but it was pretty cold in that huge space. It’s not my favorite and I probably won’t be back for awhile, I’ll just try and “make it dirty” elsewhere. EAT IT if you must, sigh.

Big’z Burger Joint
2303 N. Loop 1604 W.
San Antonio, Texas 78258

thedeathkid Cheeseburger, San Antonio 5.0, bigz, cheese, dirty, egg, hamburger, lettuce, onions, pickles, San Antonio, tomato

A real Texas backyard burger is a beautiful thing. Bar-b-ques fire up, the summer heat beats down, and the sweetest sound is patties grilling. My mouth salivates like a trick pony waiting for that sweet patty to come off the grill and land in my belly. At the Longhorn Cafe in San Antonio, TX patrons get to enjoy that great feeling. What greets hot Texans at the door is a long row of ice cold bins filled with soda pops (and for the extremely thirsty patrons, ice cold beer). The sound of the grill is right behind the counter, feet away, and the smell of that delicious patty calls me. I ordered the Provolone Burger and as an appetizer the bean and cheese nachos.

On that note I need to let Cheeseburger lovers know: order the nachos with caution and extreme hunger on your side. These nachos are extremely delicious, doused in a perfect amount of cheese and beans. Try to stop yourself from eating ‘em and you’ll hate yourself.

Now the main act. There’s nothing exceedingly special about the Provolone Burger. No special sauce, no special topping to enhance the flavors of the yaddayaddaya. Just a burger with a nice slice of provolone cheese. And that’s all it needed. The burger was the same idea I’ve seen over and over again. Only this burger was a little different. All the fresh ingredients, the cool tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a bun toasted on the grill with all the delicious flavors of the patty just seasoned in it made something different. The meat is packed into a delicious patty that doesn’t overwhelm diners and definitely pleases with every bite. There’s a poise in the burger, every bite as delicious as the previous and never failing to contain every ingredient. The tots I ordered were exceptionally delicious and I couldn’t have asked for a better meal. My only regret is that I didn’t eat the whole thing. It would take a a vast empty hunger to take on the Longhorn Cafe’s well composed and very filling cheeseburgers. The next time I dine at the Longhorn Cafe I’m showin’ up ready to Eat It all and so should you.

Longhorn Cafe Icehouse & Grill
23775 W Ih 10
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 698-7766

thedeathkid Cheeseburger, San Antonio cheese, Cheeseburger, eat it, lettuce, nachos, pickles, provolone, San Antonio, Texas, tomato, tots