Glendale Burger Shop — Restaurant in Elmwood Charter Township

Stopped by because I always, and I mean ALWAYS see the parking lot full when I drive by.The first telltale sign of "I gots to check this place out!" Brought my Daughter and son in law to break the place in. The place is a homage to Americana with lots of bits of memorabilia from over the years. It's clean and bright, family friendly and folks, they have their game down. You start with this luscious atmosphere to walk into, and a simple menu offering fare that is just as simple, only with a tasty twist that will keep you coming back. The star is the Smash burger. This is one quarter pound of 85 percent lean locally sourced ground beef with a fantastic flavor that is literally smashed with a weight through out cooking. The result is something that looks like the perfect beef snowflake. By that I mean that the edges are pressed into a seared crispness that delights the taste buds. Let's talk options! We had three different burgers; the Tower, the Oliver and the Laura The Tower is the ultimate burger deluxe only with a delightful combination of I'm not sure just what, but Hugo Sauce is a nice smokey wing sauce with sweet side. The Oliver is about to become your favorite olive burger only this puppy comes with a pimento sauce that is the perfect balance of creamy, salty deliciousness you would never expect. The Laura is a name that might easily slip past your eye. Back up. The Laura is something not to be missed! If you like a good mushroom burger, go to a drive thru. The Laura is greatness. Like all the Burgers, it is the most unique mushroom Swiss that I ever had. Caramelized onions and mushrooms with the perfect combination of horseradish and mayo. Superb! Now, what goes better than fries and a soft drink, am I right? Not so fast. There are the usual suspects for beverages, but. They. Have. Northwoods Sodas!!! A local favorite produced locally. You haven't lived until you try one! Fries. Oh my. The Parmesan fries are large enough to feed three adults. It would be enough to say that their batter dipped hand cut fries are good on their own. These however, have their own stand alone status. Liberally covered with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, chopped green onion (scallions?) and another brilliant combination of sauces that appear to be a creamy sweet and salty that will make you cry. Ok, maybe I'm just getting emotional 😭 What are you waiting for? Go...

That chicken sandwich though....

I know they've made a name for themselves on the craft burgers that, yes, are so good....but IMHO the real pièce de résistance is that dang chicken sandwich. If the burgers and fries from Glendale are special (and yes, they really are), the chicken sandwich can only be described using adjectives that might not yet exist. Anything in Webster's giant book of words would be so woefully insufficient and serve only in underselling its true power and magnificence.

Am I going a little over the top? Yeah...no. It's really that good. Like, "take a bite and start laughing because it brings you that much joy" good. This thing makes me get out of my seat and dance every. single. time. I. eat. it. (insert emphatic clap in between each of the last 6 word in that last sentence) By god people, if you're going to do something, you are obligated to do it right. Its what your parents have been telling you since the beginning of time! Thank you Glendale Ave for listening to our nations mothers and fathers. You have done it right and then some with this work of edible art.

Layer onto all of this that this culinary masterpiece is painstakingly crafted and curated with love by a husband and wife team that is in their first year of a new venture and this food truck and all their food is that much more special. You can really taste it.

Made with love...for real, folks. If Jiro dreams of sushi, Glendale Ave dreams of...

Love the Glendale Burger Shop!! Timeless interior and delicious food, not to mention fantastic service — I think I overheard our cashier is one of the owner’s mom, how cute is that? What I really love about this place is the super inclusive menu. Carnivore? Check! Veggie head? Check! My wife is a pretty picky eater, and let’s just say she REALLY enjoyed her dinner. The chef was more than willing to make her an Impossible Smash-burger just the way she likes it with cheese, ketchup, mustard, and pickle. Me? I’m a little easier. If it’s on the plate, I’ll eat it! I actually closed my eyes and pointed to the menu — I would have happily consumed ANYTHING my finger landed on, all the choices sounded great — and what do you know it was the Veggie Sub. What an absolutely spectacular explosion of flavor!! Didn’t miss the meat at all, and as the wife would tell you… that doesn’t happen too often. Anyway, can’t say enough good things. This place is the real deal folks, make sure to check it out.

PROS: food! service! decor!

CON:...