Let's start this off right.... [Archive]

renowiggum

12-04-2009, 10:41 AM

Burger is getting some good competition. My top three are:

Little Nugget - Awful Awful
In-n-Out
Tahoe Burger

I'm just not sure which is my favorite. The Awful-Awful has a lot of history, but the price has come up to where a an AA and a shake is more than $10. In-n-Out is a nice little burger joint, but I've also been really impressed with the burgers at Tahoe Burger, though the fries there aren't as good as the other two.

I think the Awful Awful still wins out, but the competition is closing and I can't call it the hands-down obvious choice anymore.

Stuck in Seattle

12-04-2009, 11:20 AM

pack-o-five

12-04-2009, 11:49 AM

the jiffy burger at the wall
awefull awefull
or the buffalo burger at the new cheeseburger island

Packbrew

12-04-2009, 12:23 PM

Slapdad - It's still the Awful Awful. Although, they've raised their prices and it's not the Awful Awesome deal it used to be.

Posturedoc

12-04-2009, 12:59 PM

I'd take the AA or a burger from Big Ed's Alley Inn over any of the chains. And you just can't beat fresh cut fries. I've had Tahoe Burger twice. It's alright, but the fries are just bad. In And Out makes the best burger for a chain and I don't think the Tahoe Burger is close. McD's has the best chain fries. I don't know why nobody has matched McD's french fry success.

Last time I hear anything about McD's fries - I believe it was in Super Size Me - they weren't made up entirely of potatoes. I agree that they made some great fries, though I haven't eaten any in more than 30 years, which would be the last time I touched food from that craphole chain. Perhaps they've changed the recipe and it isn't filled with unwholesome fillers. Give me fresh cut potatoes every time, which is why I love the fries from In-n-Out - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, never, ever limp and always hot.

BustNChops

12-04-2009, 01:28 PM

Isn't the Little Nugget opening up an Awful Awful joint at the old Twisted Chimney / Bar x (can't remember name)???

Stuck in Seattle

12-04-2009, 01:31 PM

Last time I hear anything about McD's fries - I believe it was in Super Size Me - they weren't made up entirely of potatoes. I agree that they made some great fries, though I haven't eaten any in more than 30 years, which would be the last time I touched food from that craphole chain. Perhaps they've changed the recipe and it isn't filled with unwholesome fillers. Give me fresh cut potatoes every time, which is why I love the fries from In-n-Out - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, never, ever limp and always hot.

Yes, McD's fries contain some horrible additives like milk, wheat and beef. The horror! Back when you last consumed McD's fries the oil used was mostly beef tallow. They dropped that and went to vegetable oil, but they still wanted the right flavor and texture so they started adding the other ingredients.

But this is about taste! Not health, or even fresh cut fries would be a bad food choice when you could have had a rice cake.

But I love the fries at the Alley Inn, Keystone Cue and Cushion (new ownership, haven't been there in a while) and such. In and Out fries might be fresh cut, but they in no way resemble the fresh cut fries we made in my restaurant up here or that you get in the Alley Inn. I don't know what they're doing, but it's not an improvement.

Posturedoc

12-04-2009, 01:56 PM

Yes, McD's fries contain some horrible additives like milk, wheat and beef. The horror! Back when you last consumed McD's fries the oil used was mostly beef tallow. They dropped that and went to vegetable oil, but they still wanted the right flavor and texture so they started adding the other ingredients.

But this is about taste! Not health, or even fresh cut fries would be a bad food choice when you could have had a rice cake.

But I love the fries at the Alley Inn, Keystone Cue and Cushion (new ownership, haven't been there in a while) and such. In and Out fries might be fresh cut, but they in no way resemble the fresh cut fries we made in my restaurant up here or that you get in the Alley Inn. I don't know what they're doing, but it's not an improvement.

I haven't been to either Big Ed's or the Cue in 20 years (I just don't get out for burgers much anymore), so I really have no basis from which to judge. What constitutes great fries to you, SiS? I'm not claiming In-n-Out's are the best ever, but I definitely like them a lot more than thick-cut fries that are rubbery inside even when they are hot and have the texture of a dead fish that's been left out of the fridge in the middle of summer for two days when they are cold. I require a crispy outside and a light, soft and fluffy interior to achieve french fry bliss.

ryan_jerz

12-04-2009, 01:57 PM

I haven't eaten any in more than 30 years, which would be the last time I touched food from that craphole chain.

If I recall correctly from the book Fast Food Nation, a small little nugget (pun intended) of information was largely overlooked by people like Morgan Spurlock and, apparently you, Posturedoc. That bit of info was that the massive buying power of one company was such that they could demand all of the highest quality products (especially meat) from suppliers, leaving substandard stuff for everyone else. That company: McDonalds. I just think that's interesting.

Awful Awful is still the best.

Stuck in Seattle

12-04-2009, 02:56 PM

I haven't been to either Big Ed's or the Cue in 20 years (I just don't get out for burgers much anymore), so I really have no basis from which to judge. What constitutes great fries to you, SiS? I'm not claiming In-n-Out's are the best ever, but I definitely like them a lot more than thick-cut fries that are rubbery inside even when they are hot and have the texture of a dead fish that's been left out of the fridge in the middle of summer for two days when they are cold. I require a crispy outside and a light, soft and fluffy interior to achieve french fry bliss.

The fresh cut fry needs to be soaked in cold water for a few hours and served immediately after cooking or they get floppy and greasy. When done right and well seasoned they are slightly crisp. Most fast food fries are too crisp in my opinion. I give the overly crisp fries to my dogs as treats. The inside texture can't be rubbery (fresh fries can be that way if not cooked well) or mushy with oil. But flavor is what counts as long as they are cooked properly.

BustNChops

12-04-2009, 03:39 PM

The fresh cut fry needs to be soaked in cold water for a few hours and served immediately after cooking or they get floppy and greasy. When done right and well seasoned they are slightly crisp. Most fast food fries are too crisp in my opinion. I give the overly crisp fries to my dogs as treats. The inside texture can't be rubbery (fresh fries can be that way if not cooked well) or mushy with oil. But flavor is what counts as long as they are cooked properly.

And how do you wear your apron SiS? Do you tie it tight to show off your figure or let it hang lose? Like you, I enjoy a good burger and fries, but I think you have taken it a step too far.

http://static.flickr.com/1252/1437980769_1829d8676f.jpg

Slapdad

12-04-2009, 05:37 PM

I really started this thread as a joke because that's how we always kick off a new Traditions board, but it is nice to see some new names on the list (i.e. Tahoe Burger). I've never tried Ed's, but I have heard of their burgers from previous burger threads, so I'll have to try them next time I'm in town. As I think I've said before, here in Houston, Smash Burger and Five Guys make a good burger and a place called The Hubcap Grill downtown makes a version of the Jiffy Burger (from the Wal.....which is a peanut butter burger and it is awesome!). I always liked the Buffalo burger at the Reindeer Lodge too.....probably as much for the crazy atmosphere and people as anything, but it is a good burger!!

backsthepack

12-04-2009, 08:23 PM

When I go home to Colorado in a few weeks, I'm going to have to try Smash Burger. They were just opening one when I left in June.

Personally, I hate In-and-Out and I don't know why. All that freshest ingredients crap just doesn't do it for me, when a burger from a place like Del Taco is just as good IMO. Also, I thoroughly enjoy Tahoe Burger and Juicy's, but hate the Awful Awful. Also like the burgers at the wall.

Wolf Pack316

12-04-2009, 10:42 PM

Posturedoc

12-05-2009, 07:14 AM

Ed's has a great burger...and of course the Awful..Awful is great as well.....but for me the best burger in Reno is at Archie's (the world famous wolfpack burger). 2 big patties of premium beef (no doubt u will taste the quality of the meat) plenty of cheese and all the toppings. If you like burgers...this is a must try, highly doubt you will be disappointed.

Count me among the disappointed. I've eaten at Archie's three times and was disappointed in the food each time. Two synonymous words that properly describe the food there are 'blah' and 'boring'. Though I'd like to like a local spot that obviously supports the U, I doubt I'll ever go back; three strikes and you're out.

Stuck in Seattle

12-05-2009, 09:06 AM

And how do you wear your apron SiS? Do you tie it tight to show off your figure or let it hang lose? Like you, I enjoy a good burger and fries, but I think you have taken it a step too far.

http://static.flickr.com/1252/1437980769_1829d8676f.jpg

OK I deserved that! But I love to cook. The chile verde I made last night was flippin' sensational.

When I make burgers at home I usually go with my personal favorite: blue cheese and fresh jalapeno along with onion, tomato and lettuce. A lot of different places have similar creations. I like the Lil Wal's Bravo Avo Burger. I usually have one for breakfast before the football games.

Nevadan

12-05-2009, 12:20 PM

And how do you wear your apron SiS? Do you tie it tight to show off your figure or let it hang lose? Like you, I enjoy a good burger and fries, but I think you have taken it a step too far.

http://static.flickr.com/1252/1437980769_1829d8676f.jpg

I know your post is in-jest, Chops, but the ability to cook a great meal (many really) is a skill I wouldn't give up for all the ribbing you can dish out...pun intended. While you eat half-ass restaurant burgers that you think can't be beat, I can and do make burgers that would make you tear up with joy....but feel free to hold onto your antiquated machismo.....:D

Jeg315

12-05-2009, 03:46 PM

Where is the best burger in Reno?? :D

Thought I would get in before the political ugliness made it's way here.

Big Eds, hands down.

Nevada Raider

12-05-2009, 11:23 PM

Nosebleed

12-06-2009, 08:48 AM

I still think the double double animal style from In & Out is the best burger, the jiffy burger from the Little Wall is a pretty interesting burger. It has Jiffy peanut butter on it, sounds weird, but actually tastes pretty good. At my last bar-b-que I made stuffed hamburgers, two fairly thin pieces of hamburger meat with cheese, bacon and green chilies (you can use almost anything), placed in the middle. Seal the edges and grill on both sides and then remove from direct heat and let cook an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Super Juicy and tasty.

Rick

backsthepack

12-06-2009, 09:51 AM

BTP, if you are going to Denver the City Grill has the best burger in town by far. IIRC it is on Colfax.
Not making it to Dnever, only the western slopes. A good 4 hour drive to Drnver from Grand Junction http://silverandblue.texags.com/Common/Images/Emoticons/icon25.gif

thelawlorfaithful

12-06-2009, 12:16 PM

I feel a little dirty promoting the place where I work, but if you've never been you should try a burger from Chewey and Jugs. They are damn good and the wings are pretty solid as well.

Wolfhomie

12-07-2009, 03:18 PM

From my humble experience Chewy And Juggs has an excellent burger behind the Awful Awful and Big Ed's -- no need to be ashamed about working at a place that throws out burgers that entice!

RenoGuy

12-07-2009, 08:08 PM

I went through a lot of favorite burgers in Reno. Not sure one stayed always the best on my list, though.

Big Eds was very good. But they didn't seem consistent and service varied. I'll always like the Awful-Awful, even though it's not the deal it used to be, and the place is an esshole. For a short time, about 3 yrs back, Boomtown had an even better deal for locals than the Awful-Awful, but that only lasted about 6 months.

I really like Juicy's. Just wish they'd offer a 1/2 lb. 1/3 lb doesn't do it for me, even though the burger is great. And two 1/3 lb'ers is too much, and a huge mess. I really do like their fries the best, crip outside, soft inside. But that may just be me. They are a bit pricey, though. I tried Tahoe burger once, it was OK, but not the best.

I too just don't get In-N-Out. Yes, fresh ingredents and good price. But average burger and fries, IMO. I'll take Fudruckers over them any day.

Up in the mountains just west of Denver there is a place in Evergreen called Cactus Jacks. They have a deal on Thursdays for a huge burger (choose from about 20 variations offered, even many with bacon), a side (lots of those including fries and onion rings), and a beer for $7 (it was $6 until last month). And it's in a great location in the old town near the lake and along the creek. All fresh too.

And Smash Burger in the Denver area is great! I see they are in Boise now, so I figure they'll make it to Reno soon. Very juicy, fresh, 1/3 or 1/2 lb burger made to order. Great onion stack and fries too.

dublivitz

12-08-2009, 03:48 AM

Awful Awful in a landslide. Not much for atmosphere at the Nugget but it's a short walk down to the river to enjoy the feast.

Slapdad

12-08-2009, 08:27 AM

Dublivitz, I see you've abandoned the unfriendly confines of BroncoCountry for a real board with real people. :D

I'd actually argue that the atmosphere at the downtown Nugget is partially what appeals to me. You're just as likely to see Reno's Mayor and attorneys eating there as you are a some white trash mullet head.....and I love that! The last time I was there (in September), a kid sat next to me and watched me eat my burger and fries and when I threw in the towel on the remaining fries, he asked if he could have them. I agreed and he disappeared back to his table and I walked over to the table next to him and watched him eat the fries. I figured I was entitled to that much entertainment/payback. :D

Wolfhomie

12-09-2009, 01:55 PM

Dublivitz, I see you've abandoned the unfriendly confines of BroncoCountry for a real board with real people. :D

I'd actually argue that the atmosphere at the downtown Nugget is partially what appeals to me. You're just as likely to see Reno's Mayor and attorneys eating there as you are a some white trash mullet head from Boise.....and I love that! The last time I was there (in September), a kid sat next to me and watched me eat my burger and fries and when I threw in the towel on the remaining fries, he asked if he could have them. I agreed and he disappeared back to his table and I walked over to the table next to him and watched him eat the fries. I figured I was entitled to that much entertainment/payback. :D

Slap, hope you don't mind -- I had to edit your post above to correct a simple mistake.