Fox Burger — Restaurant in Greater Highlands

Expectations. When you go to a place with “Burger” in the name you have expectations.

Was excited to try Fox Burger tonight. The website provided us with lots to look forward to. Wanted to make reservation for a potential busy Friday night but the website says “ no reservations”.

We arrived and was told their was a 20-30 minute wait. Not a problem except their was an empty table of six at the back that sparked my curiosity. Maybe they were short staff and did not have enough servers. Or maybe it was a special table for the owner and it was never used..... hmmmmmm. Mystery.

While we visited we noticed the hostess offered guests access to a waiting room downstairs. “But it has no drink service.” She would say. But when she would show people the way downstairs the server covering for her would offer some people the same waiting area but say “ it’s quite comfortable down there and there’s even drink service.” We thought it was strange we never received this room access but even stranger was the mixed messages to guests. Was the bartender only working part time? Maybe they only served certain guests? Or maybe it was done on a random selection basis?

They started seating guests but strangely enough the hostess sat a party of 4 that showed up after we did. Then sat a party of 2 that did the same. We were just about to say something and then the greatest of mysteries was unraveling before our eyes. A family of 6 came in the door and was immediately seated at the mystery table. Who was this family that they had such access to a place without reservations? Did they know the bartender downstairs? Did they have the secret handshake?

It was now time for us to be seated. We were escorted to our seats and I just had to ask about the mystery table. I asked the host “ I am curious. I noticed the table of 6 at the back was open while we waited and then it was taken by that family that just came in. Do you take reservations?” And the hostess response.........”no we don’t take reservations, they just called ahead and told us they were coming.” That’s when I said “ I believe that’s called a reservation” 😱

Once seated we were served by Leigh. She was helpful with the menu and had a great attitude. She alone added a star to this review. Without her great service this review would have been a 2 star.

Now back to expectations. The burger itself was average. The meat was not like previous pictures posted on Instagram by Fox burger. Here is how I describe it. It’s like someone took a perfectly good burger patty, rolled it with a rolling pin and then held it down on the grill. It was broken up on the bun and crispy thru the patty. The fries were nice. The garlic fries were seasoned with garlic salt but lacked actual pieces of garlic. The expectation I had tonight was for a good burger.... I had an average burger.

I think this place is worth another shot. Maybe after some time the staff will be trained, the fries will have garlic, we will get to meet the bartender in the basement and it will meet expectations.

Also.... we will call ahead....

I was treated to a birthday lunch with my bro. He had been here before, and I suppose he liked it. It was a surprise to me, but, hey, I'm down for a free lunch any day. Fox Burger is located in the Highlands neighborhood at the corner of 64th street and 112 avenue. It is housed in a historic building that has all of the style and flare of an early 20th century brick building. I've walked and driven by this site hundreds of times. I called the neighborhood home in my earliest days. I was so lucky to have the river valley to roam with my chums. It wasn't developed like it is now. The restaurant has a few small dining levels, but my host chose to book a reservation on the outdoor rooftop portion. It is a really cool space and the weather that day was perfect for the occasion. There are more than a few flights of broad wooden stairs to negotiate to reach the venue, but it just replicates the experience of the souls who trod up and down such staircases while going about their business in a bygone era. The building seethes with the energy of every business deal,every transaction and every conversation held within those walls in it's Victorian inspired architecture. Oops,where was I...oh ya,the restaurant. Fox Burger is a place where you have the opportunity to dine hamburger cuisine prepared by a well-known chef who has plyed his trade at other fine eateries. There is are a variety of burgers and sides to choose from, but luckily none contain actual fox in their ingredients. I,as the great adventurer that I am,chose the cheese burger and regular fries. It was pretty good. My fellow diners went farther out on the limb and chose more exotic fare. Reportedly, it was tasty stuff. The burger buns were fresh with more sesame seeds in one place than I have ever seen. All of the fix'ins were flavorful and enjoyable. We all partook of a lovely cocktail as well to make the event complete. The servers that took care of us were gracious and good natured and provided excellent service with wonderful authentic smiles the entire time. That's something you don't see much of in these complicated times. Good on them! The prices aren't exorbitant either, perhaps 20% more than you'd spend at local burger dispensary. It's not a lot to pay for a much better product and the experience of fine dining in burger form. It's an interesting concept i'd say. The other customers were a pleasant bunch and certainly more civilized than myself, so it was another learning experience. All in all,it was a terrific 90 minutes. I'm not the dapper chap I was 50 years ago, but had I traveled forward in time in those days, I think I would have enjoyed it just as much. It's not a bad choice for a family get together no matter where you're seated...

We adventured to this burger spot because we heard they were offering free kids meals for the month of October, the caveat was that you had to purchase a regular meal for each kids meal. But we have 2 kids and 2 adults so it worked out for us! The kids menu items are a hot dog, a cheeseburger or Mac and cheese. All the portions for the kids looked really big which I appreciated. My boys are eaters and it was nice to see that they got just as many French fries on their plate as an adult portion. And PS the garlic fries are amazing!!! I’m so happy we got 3 orders of the garlic fries and I was curious and tried the animal fries as well- they were different…tasty but definitely a unique taste. The closest I can describe it is cheese wiz and mustard and caramelized onions. Very potent, I saw they have an Animal burger which probably uses that same mixture combo. Animal fries cost an extra $4 so for the extra cost I would probably just go with the garlic fries every time because they don’t have an extra cost. I ordered the most popular Bacon Pepper Smash ($21 single $25 double) and really enjoyed the flavor and the price was on point. Smash sauce, pickled peppers, bacon, American cheddar, iceberg. The single was definitely enough for myself but with the thinner patties I could see why some people order the double. Hubby had the Inferno ($21 single $25 double) Inferno sauce, pickled peppers, crispy fried onions, American Swiss, iceberg. The sauce was spicy! Good but spicy! And it kind of overpowered the whole thing.

Parking down the side street was a bit of a walk but not terrible and right beside this place is a cool looking liquor store and Kind Ice Cream across the road. The space itself was pretty big and we felt like we weren’t too smushed up on booth next to the next table. Bathrooms are downstairs, mind your head! And there was a baby change table in the women’s bathroom. I would love to come back and check out their patio as I hear it’s...