Flameburger

Flameburger was a surprising experience! Full disclosure..I am a food snob! Although I've passed this place more times than I can possibly count (It's right on Central Avenue) the external tired appearance, and my own internal thoughts of what Flameburger could possibly be, dissuaded my desire to ever go. I'm issuing a PUBLIC APOLOGY and a direct apology to Jim (the love of my life) for the past 12 years of missed opportunities. He brought it up as an option early on. I'm guessing I was less than kind about our possible attendance. We stopped in once, and to my relief they were closed..He never pushed it. I'm admittedly difficult. Well..I WAS WRONG!! Note to self, follow your own advice and never judge a book by it's cover!! Flameburger was incredible! Everything was spot on! Perfect Burgers(grilled onions to die for), amazing fish,the best onion rings I've ever had. Crinkle cut fries (which I usually frown upon) were deep fried in some sort of magic! I'm not even a fried food big fan,but exceptions were made and everything was exceptional. Even the soda was pretty old school delicious! The atmosphere...at first, old, tired, I hate booths, but we made do..After a little bit, I felt all the vintagy kitschy goodness of days gone by. And it was clean!! This is huge, it was super clean. No lingering odors of oil and the smell of the flames and fresh burger meat were on point! I always thought it was a counter service fast food type place, so I was pleasantly surprised to sit and have an actual menu in hand and a real live Server. Wonderful Jessie came and took our order (with a pen and pad!). Not ordering from an app at the table is definitely something I'm coming to appreciate. Once again, old school for the win! I love to see who is involved! Watching John flip burgers in flames taller than me on the flame grill, work the fryers and land all of our food exactly timed perfectly was art!! The price point was still affordable and based on what was on our plates, definitely a better bet than most places. We'll definitely be going back as I was distracted and forgot to order a malt and a milkshake to go..I'm guessing they will match all of the rest of the goodness.. And who knew!!! Breakfast is a big thing here. Yes, we'll have to make it a destination spot for breakfast one day soon!! Soooo, if you already knew, you knew. I hope that I'm outing a possibly well kept secret. For all of my fellow foodies, put down your phones and ordering apps, get out of your food halls and pretentious hand crafted nonsense, skip your bougie happy hour over inflated $14 appetizers matched with your $14 cocktails and don't miss the opportunity to go to Flameburger! You won't regret it! I wanted to add a second review but I was unable so I'll add to this first review. We came back for a second time. Walked in at 9:15 (they close at 10). We were kindly welcomed and told to stay and order, no problem. Once again everything was fabulous and on point! Nick was magic on the grill and proved that only pros (two different people so far) are cooking here. Jessie was there again and she sparkles like sunshine. We took home leftovers and 3 shakes which were pretty old school amazing. Breakfast is next on our list and most likely malts. We will be back again!!