By Jim Ayres
Is there really that much to say about The Burger Joint? It serves burgers, it’s very popular and parking is next to impossible.
Yet here I am, days after my last visit (oh, there have been several), fondly remembering a magnificent off-menu Bacon Truffle Burger. This special of the day combined 100 percent Angus beef with peppered bacon, Muenster cheese, arugula and garlic truffle aioli.
Come on, what burger fanatic wouldn’t be tempted? I certainly couldn’t resist. I’m always meeting people who, in the hushed tones of spies on a Central Park bench, confess that their favorite meal is a thick, luscious cheeseburger.
Few would admit that publicly. When one professes love for the beef, the cheese, the bacon, the mayo and French’s yellow mustard, the white bread bun, the cold, crisp lettuce and tomato, one crosses the point of no return. Such a basic, innocent backyard burger. Such a gateway to decadence.
And in that sense, The Burger Joint is Montrose’s opium den. Certainly, you can get a classic burger with the elementary ingredients listed above. And for burger purists, it may be the best way to go. Don’t, however, make it a double. The substantial single patty will be just dandy.
But it’s here, maybe more than any other “burger joint†in Houston, that I recommend diving into the specialty menu.
I’ve mentioned The Burger Joint’s Kimchi burger in this space before but let me expand. The sweetly spicy Korean condiment brings heat while a fried egg adds a silky touch. If it’s real heat you seek, the Fire burger features serrano and jalapeno peppers, chipotle mayo, pepper jack cheese and a special fire sauce.
There are a couple of great barbecue style options. The BBQ burger has caramelized onions, cheddar and BBQ sauce, and it’s topped with onion rings right there in the sandwich. It’s a hard choice between this and the Smoke Stack with pulled pork, mac and cheese and coleslaw.
Want Greek? Shout “Opa!†It’s a lamb burger with pickled onions, feta cheese, cucumber and tzatziki sauce, and it is amazing. You’ll be surprised to learn that the Mexi burger isn’t Tex-Mex. It’s more Cali-Mex with grilled ham, avocado and queso fresco. You won’t quibble. It’s delicious.
What’s not? Frankly, the limp, overly salted fresh-cut fries could use some work. You can find better onion rings elsewhere.
But if you’re going to get your two-day calorie limit in one sitting (let’s be honest here), do try one of The Burger Joint’s shakes. They’re all frosty good, but the Salted Caramel will send you over the moon. There are a couple of boozy options, but beer in a shake just doesn’t appeal to me.
In my visits I’ve seen The Burger Joint do a brisk delivery business. Maybe some Houstonians want to sin privately. But whether you do it at home or on The Burger Joint’s huge patio, do indulge. The only question you must answer is how you want it cooked.
The Burger Joint
2703 Montrose Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77006
281-974-2889Â
BurgerJointHTX.com