meansandwich.com
@meanseattle
15th Ave @ Leary Way in Ballard
(206) 789-9999
(Burger Crew Does Seattle)
Members in attendance: Trevor Y., Angela d. Wayne T., and Innie C.
Slider members in attendance: Marty d.-Y. and Lucy Y.
Special Guests: Chris Y.
I. Ordering
Everyone ordered the DAM Burger.
Trevor and Angela added Bacon and Egg to theirs.
Innie added jalapenos to hers.
II. The Burger
While waiting for the burger we hung out in the back patio area and there was a great meaty aroma in the air. Think what it smells like outside of In’n Out but just beef. We got our order and I was not disappointed. After my first bite my initial thought was “I love this mustard.” There is a super tasty yellow grain mustard that perfectly compliments everything else in the burger. I do not regret at all adding egg or bacon to the burger. (Disclaimer: I love my burgers with everything on it).
The food came out really fresh/hot but it was wrapped up pretty well which has it’s pros and cons. Pro: it kept a potentially really messy burger very clean. Con: the wrapping does create like a little steam oven for the burger. If there were any lace on the edges of the patties, they were long gone by the time it got to us. The patties were described as “smashed.” We generally agreed that these were not properly smashed burgers but more accurately described as “pressed” burgers. With that said, the loose pack and course grind was very appreciated and the double meat patties provided a great meat/bun/toppings ratio.
If looking to improve the burger, I would have liked more raw onions and have a runny egg.
III. The Sides
Seattle is quickly becoming the sad fries capitol. Mean Sandwich didn’t offer fries. Instead they have “Skin n Ins”
Definitely not fries, but the best alternative we’ve found yet. Fried up to be super crunchy “skins” and really potatoey “Ins”. I still prefer our sub 5mm thick shoestring fries common found pretty everywhere outside of Seattle.
IV. Miscellaneous
Located in Ballard with plenty of local bars in the area. There’s even a service window directly to the bar attached to it in the rear patio. If you’re in the area, seems like a fun place to come hang out with friends and get some good food. There is seating available inside and outside.
No onsite parking available but plenty street parking options nearby. If you’re brining the little ones, the kids menu only has grilled cheese. But if you ask nicely they’ll make a simple burger.
V. Value
We rated how much we’d pay for our burgers and it ranged from $12-$18. The menu price is $18. My bacon and egg add on brought the total up to $23. So we don’t think this is a bargain play.
VI. The Verdict
So not a bargain but it’s a dang good burger. I (Trevor) thought this was the second best official burger we had on the trip. Most of the crew concurred with ratings of: 3.5, 3.8, 4.2, 4.3.
If in the area, it’s worth getting. Despite the name “Mean Sandwich” we found the owner is quite nice.
Next burger crew meeting: Saturday, June 22 at 6pm – Smash that Burger Co –North Queen Anne