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Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012)

batmagadanleadoff Mar 19 2012 03:15 PM

Wendy's overtakes Burger King; is now the #2 hamburger chain in the USA, behind McD's. [url]http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/19/news/companies/wendys-burger-king/ Which one's your fave? Your most tolerable? Least loathed?

Mets – Willets Point Mar 19 2012 03:26 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing in 2012

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Wendy's overtakes Burger King; is now the #2 hamburger chain in the USA, behind McD's. [url]http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/19/news/companies/wendys-burger-king/ Which one's your fave? Your most tolerable? Least loathed? Wow, I would have thought that had happened a decade or two ago.

Ceetar Mar 19 2012 05:02 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing in 2012

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Wendy's overtakes Burger King; is now the #2 hamburger chain in the USA, behind McD's. [url]http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/19/news/companies/wendys-burger-king/ Which one's your fave? Your most tolerable? Least loathed? I don't think I've ever gotten hamburgers from any of them. Usually go Chicken sandwich or nuggets, and I don't have a favorite of those three.

themetfairy Mar 19 2012 05:13 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing in 2012

I go to McDonald's for the grilled chicken salads and the fruit and yogurt parfaits. When I need to grab something quickly without killing the diet and not think about it, McDonald's is my fast food chain of choice.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 19 2012 05:31 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing in 2012

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Wendy's overtakes Burger King; is now the #2 hamburger chain in the USA, behind McD's. [url]http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/19/news/companies/wendys-burger-king/ Which one's your fave? Your most tolerable? Least loathed? Make a poll, Schmoll.

MFS62 Mar 19 2012 09:14 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Here's the list of NFL coaches who would like their team trade for Tim Tebow: Later

metirish Mar 20 2012 01:41 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing in 2012

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: batmagadanleadoff wrote: Wendy's overtakes Burger King; is now the #2 hamburger chain in the USA, behind McD's. [url]http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/19/news/companies/wendys-burger-king/ Which one's your fave? Your most tolerable? Least loathed? Make a poll, Schmoll. Burger King changed their fires, pretty good actually.....when we do it this stuff we tend to go to BK only because it's the nearest. a poll would be good I think. when I first came to the US there was a Roy Rogers which I liked a lot...specially the fixins bar.....Five Guys is close to us now too but not close enough to bring home.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 20 2012 02:39 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Wendy's overtakes Burger King; is now the #2 hamburger chain in the USA, behind McD's. [url]http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/19/news/companies/wendys-burger-king/ Which one's your fave? Your most tolerable? Least loathed? Make a poll, Schmoll. Burger King changed their fires, pretty good actually.....when we do it this stuff we tend to go to BK only because it's the nearest. a poll would be good I think. when I first came to the US there was a Roy Rogers which I liked a lot...specially the fixins bar.....Five Guys is close to us now too but not close enough to bring home. I miss Roy's, too. Tasty fried chicken, and a fixins bar with unlimited horseradish and pickles? Oh, yes. Of the major national real-fast-food (read: most locations have a "drive-thru") chains, Wendy's has the best-tasting burgers, and-- by a country-mile-or-ten-- does the best bacon. When you're at the right one, its fries beat McDonald's, too. Give me the redhead.

metirish Mar 20 2012 03:13 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy new burgers are good....actually , I wouldn't mind one right now....

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 20 2012 07:22 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Roy's lives on at some rest-stops along the Jersey Turnpike, each day serving the kind of foodservice slop that further erodes whatever rep for decency it once had. I prefer the King to the Clown. Been a long time since I ate at a Wendy's but I liked her stuff pretty good too.

Lefty Specialist Mar 21 2012 11:33 AM Re: Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Arby's beats them all.

metsmarathon Mar 21 2012 12:53 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

the last time i went to a mc'd's, i got a shamrock shake. the time before that, i think i got a mcflurry. i cannot remember the last time i went to mcdonalds for a burger. the thought of it turns my stomach. though my stomach is turning of it's own volition today, so it might not be the best barometer. i don't do bk burgers either. last few times i had one i was either terribly disappointed or made to feel ill, or both. and i think i liked their old fries better. wendys is the victor hands down. best chicken. best burgers. best fries. best bacon. best toppings. the frosty is pretty good, too. though i wouldnt mind if a five guys moved into town.

Ashie62 Mar 21 2012 01:02 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Smashburger! Northern NJ Florham Park.

Ceetar Mar 21 2012 01:02 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Ashie62 wrote: Smashburger! Northern NJ Florham Park. haven't tried that one yet. one in the Riverside shops in Hackensack that I drive by a lot.

Lefty Specialist Mar 21 2012 01:06 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

From a burger-centric but accessory-loving perspective, Sonic is the best. They're rare in the NY area, but out there in flyover country, they rule. Worth a trip just for the soda.

Ceetar Mar 21 2012 01:08 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Lefty Specialist wrote: From a burger-centric but accessory-loving perspective, Sonic is the best. They're rare in the NY area, but out there in flyover country, they rule. Worth a trip just for the soda. One in Maywood just over the GWB. also in Totowa on route 46, spitting distance from my job. come for a visit.

Ashie62 Mar 21 2012 01:10 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Lefty Specialist wrote: From a burger-centric but accessory-loving perspective, Sonic is the best. They're rare in the NY area, but out there in flyover country, they rule. Worth a trip just for the soda. All over NJ shore..love em.

Ashie62 Mar 21 2012 01:12 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Ceetar wrote: Lefty Specialist wrote: From a burger-centric but accessory-loving perspective, Sonic is the best. They're rare in the NY area, but out there in flyover country, they rule. Worth a trip just for the soda. One in Maywood just over the GWB. also in Totowa on route 46, spitting distance from my job. come for a visit. yd in Totowa. Say hi to Uncle Floyd in Totowa.

HahnSolo Mar 21 2012 01:31 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Ashie62 wrote: Smashburger! Northern NJ Florham Park. Oh, hell yeah!! There's also one in Newark Airport terminal C.

HahnSolo Mar 21 2012 01:32 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

There's a Sonic in Newburgh, NY, too.

Benjamin Grimm Mar 21 2012 01:40 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

I sometimes get a breakfast sandwich at McDonald's, but other than that I rarely visit any of the fast-food places. Usually only when on vacation and there are no other options available.

metsguyinmichigan Mar 21 2012 01:43 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

My first real job was working at the Roy Rogers in the Sunrise Mall in Massapequa. We were called "ranch hands." We had awesome roast beef sandwiches -- real beef, as opposed to what passes for roast beef at Arby's.

Gwreck Mar 21 2012 01:52 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

The gold standard of fast food burgers is In-N-Out Burger, sadly unavailable anywhere near here.

metirish Mar 21 2012 01:54 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

I'd give my left nut for some Chipper chips and burgers from home...

DocTee Mar 21 2012 02:11 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

The gold standard of fast food burgers is In-N-Out Burger , This. A million times, this.

soupcan Mar 21 2012 02:43 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

To answer the initial question, when comparing burgers from Wendy's, Mickey D's and BK, it really is no contest. Wendy's kicks both of their asses. By a lot. While In-N-Out is superior to Wendy's it comes in second place to Shake Shack. A close second but still...second. A distant third among In-N-Out and Shake Shack is Five Guys. Also better than Wendy's but not on the same field as the Shack and In-N-Out. Sonic? Had it one time in New Mexico and really was very disappointed and unimpressed. Reminded me of the warmed-over burgers that one gets at the lodges at the dinkier ski mountains that dot New England. Roy Rogers fits in right about there as well. Now if you really want to get into a burger conversation, next time you visit San Diego go to Hodad's and Rocky's. These two wonderful establishments perennially finish 1 and 1A in nationwide burger contests. Personally I'm a Rocky's guy but Hodad's has nothing to be ashamed about.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 21 2012 02:49 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

You don't race 20-year-olds against 50-year-olds or 10-year-olds in the Olympics, and you can't count regional chains with national chains with standalone/sit-down/fast-casual places (like chuck-sirloin-and-shortrib burgers at Shake Shack).

soupcan Mar 21 2012 02:54 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Sorry not my intent. The 3 categories! NATIONAL/GLOBAL: Wendy's > McDonald's > Burger King REGIONAL: Shake Shack > In-N-Out > Five Guys STAND ALONE: Rocky's > HoDad's > Every other burger on the planet (IMHO).

metirish Mar 21 2012 03:07 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Wendy's is better but I got the triple Dave's big N juicy last night and it was only OK.. Sometimes I think the location you get the burger is important, East Tremont area not the best.

themetfairy Mar 21 2012 03:16 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Steak 'n Shake makes a really fine burger.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 21 2012 03:26 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

soupcan wrote: Sorry not my intent. The 3 categories! NATIONAL/GLOBAL: Wendy's > McDonald's > Burger King REGIONAL: Shake Shack > In-N-Out > Five Guys STAND ALONE: Rocky's > HoDad's > Every other burger on the planet (IMHO). I'll stipulate to this (minus the stand alone, but only because I have no experience with either). I'd slot Sonic between Wendy's and McD's, and White Castle just ahead of BK. I'd also add Steak and Shake in a fourth-place tie with Five Guys, behind the first two (really, Shake Shack shouldn't be here, either) and new bronze-medalist Fatburger.

batmagadanleadoff Mar 21 2012 03:52 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012 Edited 6 time(s), most recently on Mar 21 2012 05:51 PM

I guess I should chime in here, being that I started this discussion. Wendy’s, McD’s or BK? The Big Three all suck, and I eat ‘em all more than I should admit to. But that’s on my lack of willpower. It’s ground beef manhandled and flagellated by million dollar machines till the last ounce of taste has been destroyed and rendered out. Juiceless and tasteless corporate food served to us by companies mainly concerned with shaving ever more seconds off of the assembly line production process. Flavor? That’s what the chemical companies over in Jersey get paid for. That’s my beef. Get it? I said: “That’s my beef”. Beef. There’s probably swaths of twenty-somethings and under who have no idea what a real hamburger should taste like. Wendy’s sucks the least of the big three. BK has unlimited soda refills, so in the land of the Whopper, order the small soda. I like Shake Shack’s burger slightly better than Five Guy’s between these two, but I’ll give the overall dining experience edge to 5G; Shake Shack’s fries are worse than supermarket brand frozen food fries and I know this to be true even though I don’t buy supermarket brand frozen food fries. Also, I can’t properly enjoy a Shake Shack hot dog because their mustard is a yellow (not brown) variety that’s cloyingly sweet and tastes relishy. This reminds me of the mid-90’s at Shea when, for a few seasons, effWilpon ditched the Gulden’s for some crappy mustardy blend of Dijon and mayonnaise. By cutting the mustard, the Dijonnaise didn’t cut the mustard, which, to my taste, was an essential hot dog topping at Shea because their hot dogs were even worse than the three coats of mayonnaise mustard you hadda slather on to make you forget you were eating a Shea hot dog in the first place; the worst dogs ever. Rubbery, gelatinous Kahn’s hot dogs with insides that jiggled like gefilte fish broth and texture like hot jello wrapped in a condom casing. And I know this to be true even though I never ate a condom. Who the hell could eat that without a good helping of the Gulden’s to drown it all out? Jerry Grote would’ve been rolling over in his grave if he were dead and had a grave. Last great burger I had: two 8 two (282 Atlantic Avenue, B'klyn) They grind the meat right after you place your order and (presumably) just before cooking. Because ground hamburger meat loses flavor and get tougher the longer the grind sits around waiting to be cooked.

Ceetar Mar 21 2012 05:20 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Sorry not my intent. The 3 categories! NATIONAL/GLOBAL: Wendy's > McDonald's > Burger King REGIONAL: Shake Shack > In-N-Out > Five Guys STAND ALONE: Rocky's > HoDad's > Every other burger on the planet (IMHO). I'll stipulate to this (minus the stand alone, but only because I have no experience with either). I'd slot Sonic between Wendy's and McD's, and White Castle just ahead of BK. I'd also add Steak and Shake in a fourth-place tie with Five Guys, behind the first two (really, Shake Shack shouldn't be here, either) and new bronze-medalist Fatburger. White Castle has to go in the regional bit anyway, and it's probably last of those. If we're really gonna start going in on stand alones, there are a billion of good ones in the city. Isn't there a steakhouse in Chelsea that makes a half pound amazing one or something? Corner Bistro is great. And then, how about Cheeburger Cheeburger (nevermind Hardees/Carl Jrs and all those other non-NY regional chains that I guess we don't have as much experience with) ? Is that regional or national or does it not count because it's waitress service and therefore not 'fast' food? It just seems weird for a 'burger joint' not to be fast food. I dunno.

metirish Mar 21 2012 05:40 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

I thought White Castle was only in the Bronx :)

themetfairy Mar 21 2012 05:42 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

metirish wrote: I thought White Castle was only in the Bronx :) Harold and Kumar found one in NJ.

G-Fafif Mar 21 2012 07:36 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

themetfairy wrote: Steak 'n Shake makes a really fine burger. A class by itself.

metsguyinmichigan Mar 21 2012 07:43 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

There are a couple White Castles in Michigan, but, alas, none in the Grand Rapids area. I'm only allowed to eat two these days, and none at all if my wife is in the car.

batmagadanleadoff Mar 21 2012 08:05 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

I thought Steak and Shake was exclusively a Midwestern franchise but after a few of you gave it the thumbs up, I webbed it and discovered that there's a local S&S on W 53rd St in Manhattan. http://www.steaknshake.com/menu/the-ori ... eakburger/ Sounds like something worth checking out. How's the chili there? And who's got good chili locally?

G-Fafif Mar 21 2012 08:16 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

I thought Steak and Shake was exclusively a Midwestern franchise but after a few of you gave it the thumbs up, I webbed it and discovered that there's a local S&S on W 53rd St in Manhattan. http://www.steaknshake.com/menu/the-ori ... eakburger/ Sounds like something worth checking out. How's the chili there? And who's got good chili locally? The one on 53rd is the first of its kind, more of a fast food location (designed for small city spaces, limited menu) than the full-out restaurant that indeed is a staple in the Midwest and parts of the South. Chili is awesome there. And Roger Ebert will gladly tell you more.

batmagadanleadoff Mar 21 2012 08:28 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

G-Fafif wrote: Chili is awesome there. And Roger Ebert will gladly tell you more. Jeez Prince. Ebert's piece was so convincing that I think I'm gonna take in a Cubs home game this season.

Ashie62 Mar 21 2012 08:31 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

themetfairy wrote: I thought White Castle was only in the Bronx :) Harold and Kumar found one in NJ. 40 years on Main in Clifton, Rt 17 Hasbrouck Heights NJ were the first two I saw.

metsmarathon Mar 21 2012 08:37 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

themetfairy wrote: I thought White Castle was only in the Bronx :) Harold and Kumar found one in NJ. if you can't find a white castle in new jersey, well, you're either high or not really trying.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 21 2012 08:38 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

I guess I should chime in here, being that I started this discussion. Wendy’s, McD’s or BK? The Big Three all suck, and I eat ‘em all more than I should admit to. But that’s on my lack of willpower. It’s ground beef manhandled and flagellated by million dollar machines till the last ounce of taste has been destroyed and rendered out. Juiceless and tasteless corporate food served to us by companies mainly concerned with shaving ever more seconds off of the assembly line production process. Flavor? That’s what the chemical companies over in Jersey get paid for. That’s my beef. Get it? I said: “That’s my beef”. Beef. There’s probably swaths of twenty-somethings and under who have no idea what a real hamburger should taste like. Wendy’s sucks the least of the big three. BK has unlimited soda refills, so in the land of the Whopper, order the small soda. I like Shake Shack’s burger slightly better than Five Guy’s between these two, but I’ll give the overall dining experience edge to 5G; Shake Shack’s fries are worse than supermarket brand frozen food fries and I know this to be true even though I don’t buy supermarket brand frozen food fries. Also, I can’t properly enjoy a Shake Shack hot dog because their mustard is a yellow (not brown) variety that’s cloyingly sweet and tastes relishy. This reminds me of the mid-90’s at Shea when, for a few seasons, effWilpon ditched the Gulden’s for some crappy mustardy blend of Dijon and mayonnaise. By cutting the mustard, the Dijonnaise didn’t cut the mustard, which, to my taste, was an essential hot dog topping at Shea because their hot dogs were even worse than the three coats of mayonnaise mustard you hadda slather on to make you forget you were eating a Shea hot dog in the first place; the worst dogs ever. Rubbery, gelatinous Kahn’s hot dogs with insides that jiggled like gefilte fish broth and texture like hot jello wrapped in a condom casing. And I know this to be true even though I never ate a condom. Who the hell could eat that without a good helping of the Gulden’s to drown it all out? Jerry Grote would’ve been rolling over in his grave if he were dead and had a grave. Last great burger I had: two 8 two (282 Atlantic Avenue, B'klyn) They grind the meat right after you place your order and (presumably) just before cooking. Because ground hamburger meat loses flavor and get tougher the longer the grind sits around waiting to be cooked. This is a hell of a message. I think history will show 5 Guys expanded too fast, paying more attention to how many franchises they could sell than to consistency, cleanliness and atmosphere among them. Good burgers and fries but I've eaten in McDonalds that were cleaner. They're racing to the bottom.

batmagadanleadoff Mar 21 2012 08:56 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: This is a hell of a message.. Now do you see what kind of assholes are running this team? Imagine buying a hot dog at some hot dog joint and when you ask for some mustard, the person in charge of the condiments tells you that you're allowed to put mustard on your hot dog only if you also put an equal amount of mayo on your hot dog.

Ceetar Mar 21 2012 08:58 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Is this a good time to mention I'm going to Citi Field Monday to taste the new food items for 2012?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 21 2012 09:31 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

I thought White Castle was only in the Bronx :) Harold and Kumar found one in NJ. if you can't find a white castle in new jersey, well, you're either high or not really trying. Fact. There are literally dozens of locations in NJ. batmagadanleadoff wrote: I like Shake Shack’s burger slightly better than Five Guy’s between these two, but I’ll give the overall dining experience edge to 5G; Shake Shack’s fries are worse than supermarket brand frozen food fries and I know this to be true even though I don’t buy supermarket brand frozen food fries. Also, I can’t properly enjoy a Shake Shack hot dog because their mustard is a yellow (not brown) variety that’s cloyingly sweet and tastes relishy. This is insane to me. This is insane to anyone who listens to their taste buds more than to their internal monologue. You sound like a crazy person. The beef is better at Shake Shack. It tastes better than Five Guys'. It shouldn't be competing with these chains, it's THAT much better. If you disagree with this, it's because of some weirdness about the sauce or something... it's OBJECTIVELY better beef, with local sourcing (I drive past their beef supplier and a couple of THEIR suppliers twice a week in Jersey), higher fat content, and more taste. And if you want to talk overall experience-- man alive, it's no contest. Frywise, Shake Shack has the crinkly stuff, but they're fresh cut and crunchy; Five Guys' do the peanut oil thing, to GREATLY inconsistent results at its recently-opened locations (I think JCL's hit the nail on the head here). The shakes/drinks thing is a walkover for Shake Shack, and man-- MAN-- if you don't like the hot dogs, it's can only be because you've got a VERY specific idea of what should be on your dog (which seems the case). Even their Chicago dog is superlative-- crisp and beefy and with nice snap and saltiness, melding with the sport pepper, weirdly-good pickled veggies, and celery salt-- and I generally hate the garden-on-a-dog concept.

MFS62 Mar 21 2012 09:33 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Anyone tried Red Robbin (hmmmmm)? Ate there once - the burger was pretty good. So was Fudruckers, but don't know if either one is a national or regional chain. Later

batmagadanleadoff Mar 21 2012 10:04 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

I like Shake Shack’s burger slightly better than Five Guy’s between these two, but I’ll give the overall dining experience edge to 5G; Shake Shack’s fries are worse than supermarket brand frozen food fries and I know this to be true even though I don’t buy supermarket brand frozen food fries. Also, I can’t properly enjoy a Shake Shack hot dog because their mustard is a yellow (not brown) variety that’s cloyingly sweet and tastes relishy. This is insane to me. This is insane to anyone who listens to their taste buds more than to their internal monologue. You sound like a crazy person. The beef is better at Shake Shack. It tastes better than Five Guys'. It shouldn't be competing with these chains, it's THAT much better. If you disagree with this, it's because of some weirdness about the sauce or something... it's OBJECTIVELY better beef, with local sourcing (I drive past their beef supplier and a couple of THEIR suppliers twice a week in Jersey), higher fat content, and more taste. And if you want to talk overall experience-- man alive, it's no contest. Frywise, Shake Shack has the crinkly stuff, but they're fresh cut and crunchy; Five Guys' do the peanut oil thing, to GREATLY inconsistent results at its recently-opened locations (I think JCL's hit the nail on the head here). The shakes/drinks thing is a walkover for Shake Shack, and man-- MAN-- if you don't like the hot dogs, it's can only be because you've got a VERY specific idea of what should be on your dog (which seems the case). Even their Chicago dog is superlative-- crisp and beefy and with nice snap and saltiness, melding with the sport pepper, weirdly-good pickled veggies, and celery salt-- and I generally hate the garden-on-a-dog concept. Don't tell me you're one of those that are against crazy people. I should elaborate because I probably agree with you somewhat more than is apparent. I'm not a "works" on a dog person, either. The simpler the better, and a hot dog on a great bun with nothing more than brown or deli mustard of the non-mayonnaisey variety works fine by me. But the first time I ever had the ShackAgo Dog, it was on a whim at Citi Field. Despite my leanings towards hot dog simplicity, I loved that dog. While the dog was smothered with enough toppings to make a small salad, the toppings themselves were diced smallishly enough to create a workable ratio of toppings to dog: the subtle flavors of the dog weren't overwhelmed. And I got to put some Citi Field Gulden's on the dog, too. I even wrote about this experience in an old thread here, probably during CF's inaugural season. But Shake Shack's yellow mustard ruins their dog experience for me, and I can't give in on that point. I can't write my opinion based on how you think the food tastes. I don't like yellow mustard. I conceded that the SS burger beats the 5G burger. But I still maintain that SS fries suck, and I rarely drink shakes, so I couldn't mitigate that factor in SS's favor.

The Second Spitter Mar 21 2012 10:09 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

NYC 1. The Burger Joint at the Parker Meridian (if you haven't tried one, you're a Communist) 2. BLT Burger 3. Shake Shack (UES). Disrecommendation: don't try Shake Shack at SoBe. It's fucking terrible.

G-Fafif Mar 21 2012 10:17 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

From the little slice of habit I call home, Nassau County: • White Castle's been holding down the same piece of Lynbrook real estate on Sunrise Highway forever. My bad influence in such matters now lives in Northern California, or we might be there right now. • Fuddruckers tried to make a go of it in Westbury in the late '80s. Ain't there no more, or anywhere in NY. • Checkers set up camp so close to where I live that the waft sometimes greets me at the door. It ain't a bad waft, a bad burger or a bad price if you're so inclined toward such things. • Anybody remember Wetson's? Somebody allegedly owns the trademark and might relaunch it. • While Jack in the Box thrives elsewhere, the first version I remember in Long Beach was pretty low-rent. The second version in Hempstead (by then "Jack's") had the best soggy tacos ever. My future music impresario chum Rick introduced me to them. Neither one of us goes for that stuff anymore (well, him for sure). • I have a New York expatriate friend who, whenever he'd visit me, wanted to go to Nathan's in Oceanside, famous for its hot dogs, and order a burger. To each his own, but what's the point? • We have diners here.

The Second Spitter Mar 22 2012 03:39 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Gwreck wrote: The gold standard of fast food burgers is In-N-Out Burger, sadly unavailable anywhere near here. The catering at this Oscar's after party agrees with you, apparently -

Ceetar Mar 22 2012 05:26 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

G-Fafif wrote: • White Castle's been holding down the same piece of Lynbrook real estate on Sunrise Highway forever. My bad influence in such matters now lives in Northern California, or we might be there right now. . Man, the nights me and my friends used to spend in that place, just for the hell of it because it was open 24 hours and didn't really care. Sometimes we stopped at Wendy's on the way and didn't evne get anything. Except Chicken Rings of course.

themetfairy Mar 22 2012 05:32 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Based on my Citi Field experience, I agree that Shake Shack's fries suck - not worth the calories, especially with so many Nathan's stands available.

Ceetar Mar 22 2012 06:45 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

themetfairy wrote: Based on my Citi Field experience, I agree that Shake Shack's fries suck - not worth the calories, especially with so many Nathan's stands available. and Box Frites. and Catch of the day Fries.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 22 2012 02:28 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

I like Box Frites far more than I ever expected to.

Ceetar Mar 22 2012 02:45 PM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I like Box Frites far more than I ever expected to. overall I'm disappointed because I was imagining Pomme Frites, but I enjoy fries of most kinds.

batmagadanleadoff Mar 23 2012 03:11 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

How come no mention of this one-off Massapequa/Seaford institution from our Long Island contingent?

Ceetar Mar 23 2012 05:25 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

batmagadanleadoff wrote: How come no mention of this one-off Massapequa/Seaford institution from our Long Island contingent? iwas never wowed by those "All American" places. there's a similar one in RVC and one in Huntington i think.

Frayed Knot Mar 23 2012 07:05 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

"Hey I know you, you used to work at All-American Burger"

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 23 2012 07:54 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

If we're doing old-school Long Island burger joints then this place wins. Don;t remember if their burgers were any good (it must have closed 30+ years ago) but they arrived on a train and that was awesome.

Benjamin Grimm Mar 23 2012 07:57 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

That's a great photo. What town was the home of Hamburger Choo Choo?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 23 2012 08:15 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

It was on Main Street in Huntington. I found that photo online in a discussion of the place. Turns out it burned down (I have vague memories of this) on March 20, 1982, or 30 years ago this week. Apparently there were at least 2 other locations on LI (Bayshore, Syosset) back in the day.

MFS62 Mar 23 2012 08:25 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Grease fire? Speaking of grease, I'd like to give proper credit to two of the grease-laden masterpieces of fast-foodery: The Burger King Onion Rings, and Roy's Fried Chicken (in my pre-Diabetes days, soaked in honey from those little packages) Just perfect. Later

Vic Sage Mar 23 2012 08:41 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

The Red Rooster drive-in, in Brewster off Rt 22 http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Over ... r-drive-in from a review: "The hamburgers are not too big, not odd in any way, just fine handfuls fashioned by grill chefs from never-frozen beef and sizzled on a smoky charcoal grill in such a way that despite their thinness, a little pink remains inside." Not only good burgers, dogs, shakes and fries, but a picnic area to eat outside, and a mini-golf course next door! RR is not only an institution, it allows me to stop for lunch on my way to visiting my in-laws (its about the 1/2way point), so i don't have to count on them for food, which invariably sucks. And the kids like the golf.

themetfairy Mar 23 2012 09:11 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: If we're doing old-school Long Island burger joints then this place wins. Don;t remember if their burgers were any good (it must have closed 30+ years ago) but they arrived on a train and that was awesome. I remember that place. I'm sorry to hear that it's gone.

Ceetar Mar 23 2012 09:16 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: It was on Main Street in Huntington. I found that photo online in a discussion of the place. Turns out it burned down (I have vague memories of this) on March 20, 1982 And 5 days later I was born. Coincidence?

MFS62 Mar 23 2012 09:26 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

Vic, the Red Rooster is about 10 minutes from my house, across the NY/ CT line. Driven past it many times, but never went in. We like the Patterson Diner, a few miles north of the RR. (and a bit closer to our house) But, now that I know they have onion rings, I'll give it a try. Thanks, Later

Vic Sage Mar 23 2012 11:24 AM Re: Fast Food Burgers (split from Apropos of Nothing in 2012

if i lived 10 min from RR, i'd be dead now. there is also a decent joint in my neighborhood, called AJ's. They grill ribs, shrimp, chicken, dogs & burgers and have these ridiculously oversized sandwiches (pulled pork, cuban, asian pork). they also have pizza, so my son will go happily, making it the only restaurant we can go to as a family where everybody likes at least 1 thing on the menu. http://ajsburgers.com/ Their burgers are juicy and huge, big as my son's head, smothered in onions, cheese. "Made with quality beef from a local distributor it is always made in small batches and tested before it goes out. The patties are formed by hand and char grilled anyway you want. All the toppings are cut fresh daily."