Hot Chip Burger Bar — Restaurant in Rochester

Tonite my “sometimes dinner companion” was with me, so I am reviewing for 2…I had heard a lot of hype about the Hot chip burger bar, including its “Best Burger in Rochester” for 2020, and decided to see if it was true…It was, and all expectations were met..In fact, I’m very surprised that they didn’t get the award for 2021 and 2022 as well… Under $12 each, most of the cleverly named burgers (including “Kevin Bacon”) were $11.50, which is much lower then most of the burgers offered locally in Rochester ($15 is the average) Granted, your sides (fries, onion rings, cheese curds, etc.) will cost you extra, it still comes in lower than most of Rochester’s other eateries, dispelling the rumors and reviews I read on this being a “spendy” place…Smiles from the staff upon arrival, and great service (we sat at the bar which is full service, the dining area features an electronic screen which you navigate thru to order) The burgers WERE NOT overcooked, as most places tend to do “for health reasons” so they were juicy and flavorful, just right! There is an enclosed outdoor patio that looked awesome, but was closed for obvious reasons..(it IS November after all!) There’s merch you can buy, hats, shirts, etc. even sunglasses, and you’ll find it hard NOT to buy something! Devin our bartender/waiter was knowledgeable, fast, and genuine, he really seemed to appreciate that we were there…He answered every question we threw at him, and all of his “suggestions” were excellent! In summary, I can’t say enough about this unique place, I could write a novel! I’ll just say this: I plan on coming back VERY SOON, and this time I’ll remember to take some pictures! lol P.S. This place will be AWESOME for take-out as well, using the “TOAST” app instead of the greedy, money grabbing “business...

Hot Chip did not have the best of first impressions. Ordering kiosk was super confusing. I understand the value of maximizing customization in a burger place, but I found some of the options to be repetitive or completely unnecessary (doneness on a vegan patty??).

The food was also super expensive. A standard burger on a bun is about ten bucks. Fine. Every condiment or topping is at a minimum 50 cents. And any sides are a la carte. So my entire burger was almost 20 dollars. Yikes.

The restaurant commits to its aesthetic (even if it doesn’t quite seem to know what it is). Lots of stickers and memes which I’m sure is a huge hit with local millennials. I don’t mind we had to seat ourselves or grab our own drinks, although I’m curious to know how well this model works when the place is busy.

The free popcorn is inventive and was good at keeping us fed while we waited for our food. Wait time wasn’t too long. While we opted to eat inside, the outdoor seating area looked nice and spacious.

We had an order of cheese curds, which were deep fried (not my favorite) but not terrible.

I had a vegan burger, which was tasty and the bun it was served on complimented it well. Not 20 dollars tasty, mind you, but still tasty. A heads up that the pickles at this place are sweet pickles, not dill. I would also encourage this place to allow people to still add cheese to their vegan burgers. I know that makes it not vegan, but still.

My partner got a standard burger with two patties and a side of fries, which he enjoyed.

Ultimately, I’ll have to pass on this place. Those looking for a “quirky” and “cool” place to grab a burger will be more than satisfied, but it just wasn’t...

Hot Chip in Rochester, MN, has quickly become a lunchtime staple for locals seeking a creative yet satisfying meal. The restaurant boasts a laid-back atmosphere with modern décor and a friendly staff that immediately makes you feel welcome. One of the standout features of Hot Chip is its enticing lunch special, a true crowd pleaser that combines quality ingredients with clever culinary twists.

The lunch special features a signature chip-infused entrée that creatively blends the crunch of seasoned potato chips into a savory main dish. Each bite is a delicious balance of spice and savor, with just the right amount of seasoning that doesn’t overwhelm the natural flavors of the dish. The meal is perfectly paired with a side of crisp, golden fries and a small, zesty salad that adds a refreshing contrast, making it an ideal option for a midday boost.

In addition to the impressive taste, the portion sizes at Hot Chip are generous without being wasteful, making it a great value option. The presentation is neat and appetizing, reflecting the care and thought that goes into every dish. Another notable detail is the quick turnaround time—the kitchen is efficient, ensuring that even during busy lunch hours, you won’t be waiting long for your food.

Overall, Hot Chip’s lunch special offers a satisfying culinary experience that highlights creativity, quality, and value. Whether you’re a Rochester local or just passing through, the inviting ambiance, combined with a delicious and well-priced menu, makes Hot Chip a must-try...