It's been a while, sorry for the lengthy time between updates. Life happens.
I got the opportunity to visit a new local burger joint that just opened up late last week. My wife and I tried to visit on Friday night but they had some issues with power to the building. Not to be deterred we drove over there Saturday evening and found that once again they were having issues with power to the building.
The staff was so apologetic advising us that they would be back open on Monday, hopefully.
As with any venture a few kinks always have to be worked out. Figuring the third time is the charm, I drove over for lunch on Monday.
I arrived and there were approximately five tables of people, some enjoying their food, some waiting. I was greeted instantly by one of the wait staff and they promptly took my order. Luckily it wasn't too busy, but they had clearly thought of the Covid protection and have the tables spread out fairly well.
My taste buds were set for something spicy and the La Vaquilla filled that role. It is a half-pound Angus beef patty with lettuce, tomato, red onion, candied jalapeños, three-pepper colbyjack cheese, sweet and sassy pickles and chipotle mustard on an onion bun. It comes with a side of hand-cut fries. They appear to be double fried as they're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with the little sprinkle of seasoning that makes them quite tasty.
I also ordered up an unsweet tea, although it had a bit of a coffee aftertaste. I suspect someone brewed the tea right after a batch of coffee. I take my tea almost as seriously as I take my burger, so with it tasting off to me, I waited for the opportunity to catch the wait staff to advise them of this.
Shannon (if I remember her name correctly), the prompt wait staff member, made it right by bringing me a soda while she investigated the tea mystery. As suspected it appears someone use the wrong container. Things like that will happen in the first week as people are being trained and the restaurant gets into its normal rhythm.
My burger and fries arrived piping hot with ample napkins and plenty of ketchup should I choose to use it. I opted to try the fries without ketchup. The hint of seasoning really made the fries stand out.
The star of the show, the La Vaquilla burger, was masterfully created. It was piled high with veggies, necessitating the need to crush it down to take a bite.
As I enjoyed my burger, the owner, John, stopped by the table and ask how I was enjoying my meal. I had a nice conversation with him and he indicated that a large percentage of the profits from this location go to support a homeless organization.
Overall, I was very please with my meal. If you are in the area you certainly should give it a try.
As for the Texas Burger Stop's rating, here goes:
- Patty Size and Style: medium thick, likely hand formed Angus
- Cooking style: open flame grill, it appears
- Char: nice char across the patty
- Bun: soft, toasted, onion bun on the La Vaquilla
- Vegetables: fresh lettuce, red onions, pickles and tomatoes. The La Vaquilla adds candied jalapenos
- Napkins needs: one napkin should do
- Special attributes: spacious dining area, local Oak Lawn sodas with real cane sugar
- Ownership: locally owned
