Downtown Galloway Hooker

Saturday I was really craving a burger…a really good burger, so I wasn’t thrilled with the decision of Galloway Hooker downtown. BUT I almost always enjoy bar food, even when it isn’t good, so you can imagine my surprise when this bar had incredible burgers! We ordered the Irish Bacon Burger and the Turkey Burger, but the Irish Bacon Burger was the bomb! Galloway uses all local ingredients (Florence Meat Market, Murray’s Cheese and Tom Cat Bakery) for menu items and it is noticeable. The burger was so juicy and seasoned perfectly topped with an over-easy egg, cheddar cheese and Irish bacon. The bacon didn’t pack much flavor and could have been omitted completely. The fries, the FRIES! Like Parisian bistro fries, perfectly crispy. Pass on the turkey burger over the regular burger. While it is yummy and served with garlic aioli, braised leeks and English muffin, it is just a tad dry.

SHUTTERED A Fork in the Road: The Burger Guys (Houston, TX)

On a drive from Fulshear, wayyy on the West side of Westheimer, in a not-so-present strip mall, is The Burger Guys. 

I popped in on a weekday and couldn't believe this place wasn't packed!  On arrival, you walk in the door and there is a separate 'stall' in which you order before taking your seat at either the counter or booth.

Naturally, I went with the Houston: onion bacon jam, Shiner Bock!!! mustard, bread & butter jalapeno, and cheddar cheese.  Not only am I excited for the jam and beer mustard, but this burger is on a grilled, sweet challah roll.  Oh Daddy!

This burger was the bomb!  The beef was so incredibly juicy and well-cooked with cheddar oozing off all sides.  I wasn't super stoked to see an entire jalapeno on the top, but ended up accepting this move in lieu of sliced jalapenos (ala everywhere else).  The only topping lost was the onion bacon jam.  I couldn't get even the slightest hint of onion and definitely no bacon. 

These fries....these fries....on the menu as Brussels.  Handcut!  Twice-cooked in DUCKFAT!  Sprinkled with flecks of salt.  Amazaballs!  And a million calories.  These perhaps were the best handcut fries I have ever consumed.    All the sauces, including the ketchup, are homemade.  With some fries I had the cilantro jalapeno and chipotle aoili, but the burger and fries are so damn good, you don't need any sauces.  I stopped dipping 5 fries in. 

For most Houstonians, going this far out Westheimer seems like a trek for a burger, but I assure you it is worth every bite!

12225 Westheimer Rd. 
www.theburgerguys.com

A Fork in the Road: Cliff's Old Fashion Hamburgers (Houston, TX)

Back in the day (oh, about 15 years ago), I remember Cliff's on Foutainview being one of the very few inexpensive restaurants outside the loop.  One weekend when visiting, I decided to take to trip down memory lane and head to Cliff's.  Unfortunately, I wasn't WOWed by the burger or fries.  In fact, the Texas burger at McDonalds might be better!  Granted, I probably shouldn't have ordered a turkey burger.

The patty was a thin, discolored mess with the only flavors coming from the mayo, mustard and wheat bun.  Actually, the wheat bun was pretty dang good...if only it had a succulent patty in between.  The handcut fries - greasy and non-edible. 

I might return for a regular burger and onion rings (what they are known for), but Houston now just has too many great burger spots to come back to Cliff's.  Sad.

Bleh Bill's

Rule #1 - only try a spot after six months being open, however, I was so excited about all the positive press this place had been receiving (plus the fact that it's a block from my apartment). I was marginally impressed.

The actual dining area is no frills - 50's style tables with checkered table clothes and chalkboards. The staff was attentive enough, perhaps a little too attentive, but it was the first day. We ordered a Bill's classic with American, The Sunset and Vine with special sauce, topping of chili for the S&V, fries and onion rings. Lemme tell you, the fries and onion rings are incredible, but his note-worthy dish, the burger fell very short of one of New York's best. While the thin meat, not to be compared to that of Corner Bistro or Shake Shack, was tasty and spilled way outside the bun, completely drenched the bun! Anyone who knows me, knows I would want my last meal on earth to be a burger and fries. This burger wasn't fun to eat despite the meaty taste you think would be non-existent in such a thin patty. You have to love the variety of condiments on each table, 2 types of mustard - FRENCH'S!!!! and Guldan's, Heinz ketchup, hot sauce. Love the choices. The chili was definitely from a can and the special sauce on the S&V was nothing more than Thousand Island without the relish.

I'm willing to give it another go, especially for the money, but six months from now.

Bill's Bar & Burger 22 Ninth Avenue at 13th Street
http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/bills-bar-burger/BBB_Daily_10.20.09_310.pdf