Nonla Burger - Burdick St. — Restaurant in Kalamazoo

I can't not say this strong enough, PLEASE do not read this review as an attack on Nonla. This review is simply meant to offer some constructive criticism to a business I want to see do well and continue to survive. I fully support local businesses and many don't have corporate backing to instill a lot of the elements a growing business needs to make it big.

A lot of local businesses are just someone trying their hand at something they are passionate about and might not have any formal education or training to run a restaurant. They are just grinding the day-to-day based on instinct and what their budget allows (not necessarily what they want)...much like a local publishing company whose reviews you might read and are the only things written published so far.

So, again, some pointers I feel should be reevaluated.

1 - Yesterday was my first trip to Nonla, have heard from many how good it is. I was told to try their Chicken Sandwich first...but as their names suggests, they are a burger place and anyone who knows me - I LOVE a good burger.

A good burger is what I received too. I order the N.B Double with the sauce on the side (I didn't want it to ruin the burger in case I didn't like the sauce.) When I asked the staff member taking my phone-in order, she explained with was just ketchup and mayo mixed up with some seasonings - equating it to Raising Caine's sauce. My opinion, (having never eaten at a Raising Caine's to compare) it reminded me of a less seasoned version of Burger King's onion ring sauce - which is good. I used the provided side dish to dip my fries into.

I was surprised to find the burger only 1/2 wrapped and sitting atop my fries. Not a dealbreaker, but surprising. The downside with this was that most of my cheese was stuck to the wrapping and I lost a lot of it. I ordered it as is. Tomato, lettuce, and onion (sauce on the side, as I mentioned earlier.)

Here is my biggest complaint/suggestion to fix: Please, when you peel your onions, before slicing them, remove that outer skin that is almost impossible to bite through, and causes the entire onion to pull out of the burger.

I would also suggest wrapping the burgers better or putting them in a container. I know they are environmentally aware, but maybe replace your cost on Coca-Cola cups for perhaps some basic, bio-degradable cups and maybe up your game on YOUR packaging - Nonla Burger containers, better advertising.

2 - Today, 4.9.25, I returned. My colleague informing me that he is doing the special for lunch - which he has been raving about their specials, The Hot Chicken w/Mac & Cheese wrap.

Surprisingly good, with a few caveats. I am not sure what cheese was used, I am assuming a smoked gouda - since there was a smoking after taste. Maybe publicize the cheese, use it to promote sales: "Made with Smoked Gouda". My only complaint/suggestion: Instead of just throwing two chicken strips into the mac, maybe slice the chicken up so it's distributed throughout the wrap.

Again, these are meant to be constructive criticisms - not in any way meant to dissuade anyone from trying Nonla Burgers for themselves. I do support locally owned restaurants and businesses. I'd rather spend my money on them rather than feed the corporate big wigs who really don't care about anything ohter than...

Visited on a Saturday evening 6pm and had to wait for a parking spot but plenty of booths open to dine in even being a small location. Fun, welcoming vibe right when you entered. We were greeted with a warm welcome and did not feel rushed or pushed to order. It was our first time here and we were talked through several options for sauces and toppings on the side as well as add ons. Food came out fresh and hot in about 10 mins even with plenty of take out orders coming through the doors while we were there. I personally enjoyed my burger, it was juicy and hit the spot like any good “bar” or dive spot burger does. My husband loved his spicy chicken sando. He added the house made pickles and enjoyed their flavor but their size made it a bit hard to eat. He ate most of them on the side separate, which to be fair is probably how they are truly intended to be enjoyed. Chicken was cooked well, hardy and balanced with good flavor. I had my fries the Nonla way which included grilled onions, their special sauce and jalapeños. When I say I never want to eat fries any other way I mean it. So good! I’ll be back for these crispy fries and sauce alone! Got to chat with the manager before we headed out and he was very personable. You could tell he enjoyed his job. We will be back for the great...

Watch out for extras! Our experience was a very delicious one, albeit a little pricey. We paid $7 extra just for adding drinks and “the Nonla” way to one burger and one fry. Overall, the taste was fantastic! We had a double cheeseburger, a chicken sando, and we split an order of fries. We got “the Nonla way” on the cheeseburger and fries -melted cheese, cilantro, cucumber, caramelized onion, and Nonla sauce. I will say, “the Nonla way” ($1/ea item) is fantastic! The fresh/crunchy cucumber and cilantro cut through the decadent fattiness of the cheeseburger. It was also delicious on the fries. The chicken sando was also great -a nice crunchy, seasoned piece of fried chicken on top of a crunchy carrot slaw. I think the cost of fries is a little steep for the portion. Beverages were also a little steep -but no more so than some other restaurants in the area. Overall we spent $18 for 2 sandwiches, 2 drinks, and 1 fry. I’m not sure I agree on how cheap the food is, but I certainly agree on how delicious it is!

The atmosphere was great and the restaurant was clean. Staff were VERY friendly and on top of their game! Parking is a smidge tricky -there are a few spots in the front -but we were told many people picking up orders park on the (road) side of the restaurant or at the Citgo...