Nation's Giant Hamburgers & Great Pies — Restaurant in Arlington

I'm originally from Oakland so forgive my Bay bias. I grew up on Nation's. I remember ordering a double down with cheese, grilled onions, and a drink after school headed to my part time job. 25 years later I'm in Dallas with my wife and kids and now Nation's has to live up to everything I said it was. I told them hella stories big upping their burgers and fries. My wife and I have a lil burger rivalry. That's the background, here is the scoop.

Establishment: The SMELL!!! We left the mall, which is located across the street and smelled the sizzle of grilled patties. Getting to the building was simple. I think it would have been a headache if there were traffic. Parking was accessible. If it were busy it may have been an issue, but they offer call in and online ordering. I also saw a lane dedicated to online orders, which I have grown accustomed to utilizing, but we wanted the full experience so we went into the belly of the beast. Btw I love the building, structure and layout. I appreciate the newer, sleek chipotle style look dine in restaurants are constructing. Easy in, easy lines and lanes, easy self seating and good access to bathrooms and condiment stations. It was clean. Free of clutter, debris, foul smells, trash and excessive noise.

Staff: I cannot give them enough praise. Being greeted as we entered really did set the tone. It's always appreciated when the host greets us first. They were friendly, warm and funny. I really love personable dining staff. My mom was a hostess in the 80s. I know how difficult and draining it can be to keep a smile on your face all day while you're on your feet and getting burned by popping grease. I appreciate how interactive, happy, and easy going they were.

Service: n/a. They called our order over comms. It was easy to hear and understand.

Food: I had a number 2. Single patty, bacon, cheese, grilled onions, mustard and miracle whip (Nation's traditionally uses MW not mayo btw). Kids had sliders and we ordered two slices of cheese cake to go. I'm not sure we left any crumbs behind. Now I do have to note, I took away points for the bacon. I actually stopped eating bacon since I was 15 but I occasionally get it on burgers. I prefer thick cut and crispy bacon which was not used. I'm not sure if it is fair to take away points for this but I ended up taking the bacon off so I'm taking the points off too... Savvy?

Overall: 4.8 Experience: 5 Establishment: 4:8 Staff: 5 Service:...

I love this place. They get pretty busy so it makes sense to be patient. I saw a guy complaining right in front of me a couple days ago because he said they took too long and ignored him. He said he would call corporate. He sounded kind of bratty to me. Anyway I’ve had an issue at this place before where they overlooked my order and took longer than they should have. When they realized it, they apologized, added a free banana pudding to my order and gave my daughter a free drink. I was initially upset but when given a chance, they put a smile on my face and kept me coming back. And they’re always friendly. I’ve been here approximately 10 or more times since they’ve opened. They’ve become my favorite fast food burger spot and yes that includes Whataburger lol. And I’m a born and raised Dallas, Texan😌. I’m a mayonnaise on my burger guy with melted cheese so this place is perfect for me. Patties taste seasoned which I love. If you don’t like these things then you’ll have to tell them. But the burgers are pretty big and oh the fries…I love the thicker cut fries that are still good when I get home (when they don’t overcook them). These fries are even still good if I put ‘em in the microwave. I’m usually not impressed by fries because they get cold fast and are no longer good. I usually ask for tater tots or onion rings. But this place has great fries. Them and Fat Burger both have great fries, the thicker cut fries, to go with great burgers. The Cali burger spots are coming to Texas and killing it. The desserts at Nations are just ok imo but to each his own. I’m sure some people love them but I grew up on great homemade desserts so most fast food desserts don’t cut it for me. They’re decent though. I’ve tried a few and now would probably only get one if I get some kind of deal. But I’ll continue to be a regular for the burger and fries. Only once did I feel like it wasn’t up to par. But as many times as I’ve been, that’s pretty good consistency to me. I’ll be back before the month is up lol. Also, I have to try the breakfast one of these days as well as the patty melt (sorry...

Remember your 1-star reviews need pictures to back up your silly nonsense claims. I had no interest in trying this place. But one person did in my circle and so here we go. First off, it looks like this place is in a ditch where the Grandy's once was. Once inside, I was greeted quickly and welcomed. There were 3 tables with customers. No background music, just ambient noise of kitchen utensils. Looking at the walls and painting, it felt like generic presentation. I thought for a minute I walked into a hotel lobby. The person taking our order had a napoleon dynamite demeanor, which made me smirk.

The burgers were cooked well done, juicy on the inside and not dry. They jampack these burgers with lots of lettuce and full thin sliced ring of onions with tomatoes. I only had the giant cheeseburger. Look it's not the best burger I ever had. It is bland, but after it is said and eaten, you will be filled. I will agree their menu is overpriced and for the price you pay, Red Robin's should've been the first choice. Onion Rings were cooked golden brown and crispy. Fries are a far cry from the best. The next worst comparison would be in and out fries.

Their hospitality was nice and accommodating. Employees bring you the food, pick up your food after your finished. The owner or manager came to our table and made sure we were happy with our experience and was positive. We got pie samples and we fell for the trap. The pies are EXCELLENT, in that of the peaches n cream, coconut cream pie and pumpkin pie. Obviously I bought pies, which were also priced very high, lol.

My overall impression is generous. Although this place is very new, the employees put on a front for customer service. Which seems forced. I had nothing but positive interactions with the employees. Food arrival was very fast. Burgers could use a bit more adjustment. Maybe the price could be adjusted to stay in competition with next-door neighbor Portillos. I don't what it is man, but I feel this joint will not last more than a year. Maybe I...