Burger Crew Meeting called to order on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at noon (Wayne’s Pick)
Members in attendance: Angela d. (that’s me!), Trevor Y., Wayne T., Dennis K., and Innie C.
Slider members in attendance: Ellis d.-Y. and Lucy Y.
Special Guests: Chris Y. and Marissa G.
I. Ordering
Their standard burgers are just that: standard. They come with fresh angus beef, American cheese, district sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, caramelized onions, seasoning on a sesame gourmet bun. You have the option to do a ground turkey, veggie, or vegan patty as well, and you can do a letuce wrap. Not sure what that is? Maybe a small amount of lettuce (thus the single t)? 🤷🏽♀️
They also have some pretty intense looking specialty burgers.
Trevor and I ordered a Double ($10) + bacon (+$2) Combo (+$5 – comes with fries and a drink). And we got a single burger for Ellis that we asked for plain.
Chris and Innie got a Double ($10) with jalapeno spread (+$1) with fries ($5 – fresh cut Kennebec potatoes).
Wayne was Wayne and got a specialty burger called the threefle ($13) – 3 beef patties, American cheese, truffle mushroom, caramelized onion & garlic truffle aioli (not pictured because Wayne is sheisty with his pictures).
Lastly, DK and Marissa got a Double ($10) with jalapeno spread (+$1) and egg (+$1) and cheese fries!
II. The Burgers
In true Wayne fashion, the burgers were unhinge-your-jaw big. I typically like doubles because of the good meat-to-bun ratio, but these were huge! I had originally been eyeing the threefle because of the delicious sounding toppings, but was worried about the triple patty. I’m glad I didn’t go that route because I already had trouble eating the double!
The meat was oooookay. It was a rough grind and cooked more medium well. It was still juicy, but chewy. Seemed like perhaps there were frozen patties being used. It wasn’t overwhelmingly beefy despite the volume of meat.
The burgers came out hot and fresh. The toppings were good! The cheese was cheesy and gooey. The sauce was saucy. I didn’t hate the tomato in my burger (which is saying a lot since I usually think tomatoes completely water down most burgers); even DK forgot to give his tomato to Trev! 😯 The jalapeno spread was jalapeno-y and gave the burger that hit of acid and kick of spice (for those of you who like a little pain with your burger).
I love me a sesame seed bun and these buns held up well to the copious amounts of beef and juice and toppings.
III. The Sides
The french fries were excellent. We had a spirited debate over whether these fries should be considered shoe string. We have submitted a request to the Council of Potato Cutters to review our case. I’ll post an update once I get a reply.
DK said the cheese fries were really good. It tasted more like mac-and-cheese cheese instead of American cheese or nacho cheese.
IV. Miscellaneous
Burger District LA is located in the fashion district so it’s a bit of a cluster F to get there and find parking. The location itself was cozy (read: small) with limited seating and didn’t have air conditioning, which does not bode well for us moving forward in the age of climate change and record-setting heat.
They had very interesting art and loud music. So it was kind of like eating burgers at a rave gallery with no AC.
Service was very friendly. They gave us plenty of napkins for these juicy burgers. And they were pretty quick (despite signs reminding patrons to be patient since good food takes time).
V. Value
I ask the members how much they would pay for their burgers. We would pay anywhere from $11.50 to $15. So we thought there was a good value with these big mouth burgers!
VI. The Verdict
Burgers are good for those looking for a value and for those who appreciate a fine sesame seed bun The ratings: 3.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 4.3
Next burger crew meeting: Saturday, September 9th at noon – Plaid Sheep Grilled Cheese Bar – Long Beach.
