Great Service, Low-Brow Atmosphere, who cares bout the food?
Written: Feb 21 '00 (Updated Feb 24 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great service, easy, laid back atmosphere
Cons: Fries are too potatoey for my tastes, harsh lighting
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| incident's Full Review: Burger Joint |
After a friend cancelled plans on me last Friday night, I left her apartment and wandered the Mission in search of a good place to eat (all by my lonesome). I had considered dining at Burger Joint a few times before, but each time I passed it up, choosing next-door Valencia Pizza/Pasta instead. Any place in the Mission that thinks it'll draw customers in with neon-upholstered chairs and overwhelming fluorescent lighting simply does not seem promising.
I was wrong. My BJ experience was delightful.
As if it were some 1950's sit-com, as I opened the door to Burger Joint I was warmly greeted by a group of good friends (including epinions members Tpodd and Stinky Monkey). In a better mood now (esp. after being earlier dissed by my other pal), I made my way to the counter.
The menu was short -- a few variations on burger, and a chicken sandwich. Maybe 2-3 other items, but Burger Joint is a pretty accurate name. I decided to order the chicken sandwich.
The guy who took my order was great. Exceedingly friendly, quick about taking my order, and honest (I asked how long my chicken would take:
incident, "how long for the chicken? 5-10 minutes?"
BJ dude, "well, probably closer to 10-15. Is that okay?"
incident, "of course.") -- which seems trivial, but a an underrated service rarity IMHeO.
BJ's service really showed its colors, however, when I ordered a lemonade. I asked the guy if it was good lemonade (I know, I sound like the customer from hell, but I'm actually more friendly than I appear here). The server told me that it was very strong, people often like to dilute it with water, but that I should get it, and if I don't like it, he'd be happy to give me a different drink.
!!!!
I haven't experienced that kind of direct and generous service in...well...since the 1950's.
The rest of my dinner was enjoyable. Briefly:
1) The chicken was very good. Tender. Nicely spiced. Accompanied by a good bun and pretty fresh garnish.
2) I did not like the fries, although I can see why plenty of people might love them. I prefer skinny little fries that taste more greasy than healthy. These fries were fat, freshly cut, lightly fried, and very potatoey tasting. Not an absolute mark down, just a relative, personal difference in taste.
3) Dinner ended up being almost 2 hours long as my friends and I lounged for quite a while after finishing our meals. Not once did the service shoot us a dirty look, or encourage us to skedattle. I was very pleased that we could kick back in the comfy booths, laughing loudly, and generally enjoying ourselves.
So, on the whole, Burger Joint is a good place. I think the service is top-notch as far as burger places go. The burgers are a little pricey, the fries are not my style, and the lighting is harsh, but regardless, I really enjoyed my Saturday night.
If you're looking to kick back with your friends in a low-brow, easy going, adequate restaurant in the Mission, be sure to hit Burger Joint.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
incident
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Member: Michael
Location: San Francisco, CA
Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 2 members
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