Burger wars, re-visited

[PX]

I didnt really know what to expect from a Burger at Snookies, since I dont really hang out in that section of town too often, but now I will be the first to say that the folks at Snookies know how to cook a burger.
Snookies offers a half pound burger in five different variations, the 1/2 pounder (plain), Hickory, Poblano, Mushroom and Swiss, and Bacon and Cheddar. Snookies also offers an Ostrich burger for the adventurous types, which also comes in the same configurations as the ordinary burger. For purposes of comparison we all had the 1/2 Pounder, except my cousin who was joining us just for the evening. He opted for the Mushroom Swiss Ostrich burger, and gave it high marks, afterward.
The Snookie burger was cooked exactly right, and was exceptionally flavorful. I have nothing but positive things to say about this burger, but its not quite #1 on my list. Currently I would rank it third behind Joe Willys (hard to beat the Fix-it-yourself buffet style condiment bar) and Tipperary Inn (still the best tasting, in my opinion.) Tipperary Inn continues to hold the top spot primarily because of its highly superior multi-grain bun. Several places have served up very tasty beef, but the bun is what seperates Tipperary from the others.

1.) Tipperary Inn
2.) Joe Willys
3.) Snookies.
4.) Uptown B&G.
5.) Jakes
6.) Two Rows
7.) First and Ten
8.) Cheesecake Factory
9.) Campisis
10.) Snuffers.

My original idea for a Burger playoff was that we choose the top 4 or 5 burgers, and try them all again. I suggested that Joe Willys, Tipperary, and Uptown should be the first 3, because they appeared in everyones top 5, and that the final spot should be chosen by using a weighted average formula that combines the rankings from everyones list (this would require Punch to actually make a list, which he finally has.) Steve, however, threatened to boycott this proceeding, because he was afraid First and Ten would get left out.
So, I have come up with a new idea. To hold a Burg -off each voting member of the War (PX, PK, PP, and...... Steve,) would get to chose one restaraunt, presumably whichever is at the top of their list. Then, 2 more would be selected by the weighted average method I mentioned before. This way each judge would get to pick their favorite, and there would be 2 at large candidates chosen on the strength of their broad appeal to the whole panel. Trades, exchanges, and under the table deals would be permissable. So, for example, if Steve knew PK was going to choose Snookies, he might talk Punch into selecting Uptown, which would allow Steve to include First and Ten, etc. etc.

You guys let me know what you think of this idea. And someone email and tell me where we're going next week. I cant remember if we ever decided.

[whatasteve]

For the first time, I will allow a note that my list is incomplete, because Whatachick and I have yet to make our pilgimage to Snookie's, which seems to sit atop almost everyone's list. (We were at training school to pursue our next vocation as shepherds.) So with the glaring omission of Snookie's, the otherwise official and binding standings are as follows:

1. Uptown Bar & Grill
2. First & 10
3. Jake's
4. Joe Willy's
5. Chips
6. Tipperary Inn
7. Two Rows
8. Campisi's
9. Cheesecake Factory
10. Snuffers

The Burger Crew made a voyage this week to Chips (the Cole location, not that other one on Lovers). Frankly, it was a bit disappointing. Not because the burger was inedible or anything, but simply because it didn't live up to the status it held in the memory bank. The Chips burger had the unique trait of being greasy without being overly juicy. In other words, they ran down your hands but didn't exactly burst with each bite. The beef itself was relatively flavorful, and they had particularly tasty onions on them. When Chips was located on the Central Expressway access road years ago, they served their burger with heaping piles of grated cheddar cheese — a treat that apparently has been squeezed by the economic crunch and has been replaced by a slice of greasy and less flavorful processed cheese. That was a huge disappointment.

The last change was in the onion rings, which of course does not affect the ranking of the burger. For years, I've always thought Chips had the best onion rings (actually onion strings) in town, but the batch this week was dryer and much more bland than those from past trips. Maybe the onion rings were sitting around too long because the dinner rush was over when we showed up - the place was nearly empty, so maybe we got leftovers.

Overall, not a bad experience by any means. Remember, a disappointing burger is still a burger, and therefore usually pretty good. That was the case at Chips. It wasn't the sensational meal I've enjoyed in the past, but it was still better than average. Well worth another visit, and I'd recommend it to others. You won't come away calling it a truly great burger, but it sure is satisfying.

And Whatachick and I will hit Snookie's sometime to catch up with the rest of the Burger Crew.

[Iceman]

Not sure if anyone has tried this place, but I would suggest adding to your list. The Feed Bag on Forest and 75 has an awesome Double Cheeseburger. Chili Cheese fries compliment it quite nicely.

[PerunaPunch]

I figured Chips would rate high on the Whatasteve list since it tastes a heckova lot like Mr. Bailey’s First & 10 Point Burger. Same grease, just less mass to wrap yourself around. Also, no SMU memorabilia on the wall at Chips, so what’s the big fuss about? Sure, it’s good in comparison to McDonald’s or Jack in the Box. Bu when the burger/fries/rings/drink combo ran about $10, it’s in the same price category as probably any other burger on this list, with the possible exception of the Cheesecake Factory offering.

Decent burger, but nothing special. Even the great Whatasteve, although ranking the burger fairly high, was rather sparse in his praise of Chips

1A. Snookie’s
1B. Uptown Bar & Grill
3. Joe Willy's
4. Snuffers
5. First & 10
6. Cheesecake Factory
7. Campisi's
8. Jake's
9. Tipperary Inn
10. Two Rows
11. Chips

[PK]

Chip's isn't what it use to be, but then I probably haven't been there for over ten years until now. The burger was very much edible and definitely far, far better than any fast food fare, but it wasn't even in the same ball park with Snookies and Uptown burgers. It kind of reminded me of a Jake's burger with more meat. For that reason I am going to rank it just above Jake's. Whatasteve and Whatachick got their order served before me and may very well have gotten some leftover onion strings....however, mine had enough grease on them to make 1st and 10 jealous. Luckily, the food was just good enough and the company around the table was excellent thus making it a very enjoyable evening.

BTW, Whatachick has promised to MAYBE list her rankings.

My personal ranking as currently revised:

1. Snookie's
2. Uptown Bar & Grill
3. Campisi's
4. Tipperary Inn
5. Joe Willy's
6. 1st & 10
7. Two Rows
8. Chip's
9. Jake's
10. Cheese Factory
11. Snuffer's

Bon Appetit!

[BleedingRed+Blue]

Hey Iceman, is that Feed Bag the same place that used to be on Yale, across from campus? I recall drinking myself stupid there many times, but I don't remember eating there, so I can't speak one way or another about the chow.

I'll be interested to see the Burger Crew's report.

[Iceman]

Not sure if that is the same place or not. Where on Yale would it have been?

You guys should definitely check it out. It will be worth your time.

[BleedingRed+Blue]

The old Feed Bag was on Yale between Central and Greenville - sort of across the street from the old Post Office that's now closed. Down the hill (toward Central) from the Ice House, every college freshman's bar back in the day. There's a cross street there, and I think the Feed Bag was on the corner of that little street, so maybe the actual address wasn't on Yale. Can't remember that far back. When I was over there, my brain was a little clouded, to say the least.

[Whatachick]

Ok, ok....
The Chip's burger disappointed me somewhat: the thin white bun was a flimsy support for the ingredients of my cheeseburger--chewy bacon; medium-well beef ordered medium; and pale, tasteless, tomato slices--all of which slid around uncontrollably aiming for my plate instead of my mouth. Chip's does earn a high rank in my opinion...as the messiest burger in town. And like WhataSteve, I prefer mounds of melted real cheese to orange-colored cheese food. But considering the sloppy, mediocre, not-quite-to-order nature of the beast, the burger was sort of tasty in spite of itself. The onion strings, however, must have been fried two days before they were served to us. I do think that the male members of the Burger Crew would rank the, um, scenery (think pink tube top) at Chip's highly. (Hee hee, kidding guys!)

Here are my rankings (I have missed a few outings):

1. Uptown
2. First and 10
3. The Tipp
4. Snuffers
5. Two Rows
5. Chips

Hmmm, am I forgetting any?

Although I suspect that once WhataSteve and I complete a make-up taste at Snookie's (a recent assignment), Snookie's will bump Uptown down a notch...based on the drooling admiration we have heard from others. But who knows.


[This message has been edited by Whatachick (edited 07-27-2002).]

[PonyTales]

Whatachick speaks!

[whatasteve]

OK, folks, there's a confession to be made. Peruna Punch and I sampled an honorary submission for Burger Wars at lunch today. Someone on this list once mentioned Earls on Walnut Hill. While I realize this can not be submitted officially into the rotation without the presence of a quorum of the other voters, let it be known that Earl's would fall within the top 3 choices on the list. Whatachick and I have yet to dine at Snookie's, which obviously has drawn rave reviews, but in my book, Earl's falls in just behind Uptown and First&10. And it's very close to those.

In a sense, Earl's is the opposite of Chip's. Chip's was greasy without being juicy; Earl's is juicy without being greasy. The bun stayed in one piece, and the beef had perhaps the best flavor of any place on our list thus far. In addition, it was thicker than many that we've had, and even when ordered medium-well, it was not torched into something akin to a charcoal briquette. The cheese was damn good, and the toppings were plentiful without being overwhelming.

The fries pretty much sucked, but this rating is about the burgers alone. And Earl's makes a damn-good -- some might even say great -- burger.

[Bergermeister]

Stroker's on Harry Hines... book it!

[PonyTales]

Never heard of it. Whats it like?

[Bergermeister]

It's a biker bar on Harry Hines between Club Schmitz and the Blood Center. Ate lunch there today. If you don't think it's one of the best, I'll buy your burger!

[Bergermeister]

It's a biker bar on Harry Hines between Club Schmitz and the Blood Center. Ate lunch there today. If you don't think it's one of the best, I'll buy your burger!