Serial Grillers (Speedway Blvd.) — Restaurant in Tucson

(TL:DR) When did we decide $25 for a Burger, Fries, and a Drink was ok?

Update 1/23/2023: When I last reviewed this place it was at their old location. The reason I gave it 5 stars then, was because I wasnt reviewing it that seriously. It was a fun concept, in a venue that matched its energy well. The restaurant was a little divey, a little hole in the wall, felt like a little pizza parlor, perfect for the kids and young adults. The old location was also more true to the whole concept "Serial Grillers" with artwork and decor about real life and movie "slashers". When they expanded and opened up their taproom I liked it a lot, as it was a perfect contrast to the restaurant side. It was refined, yet rustic in feel. Perfect for "The Boys" and girls who like to drink. The food was not what the spotlight was on (not that it was bad), its just not the only thing they were selling when you went. So why 2 stars now? I had a craving for a burger after seeing a certain film. I drove past other burger joints I knew I could have had an outstanding burger at, to give Serial Griller's new location a try. Mind you, Serial Grillers (even the old location) wasnt a place I would normally go on my own normally. But back then I wouldnt have minded all that much if i had a bunch of friends that wanted to go. The new restaurant is bigger, which makes sense as a business decision since they could hardly fit everyone in their old location. But immediately as I walked in, I couldn't tell I was in Serial Grillers. Apart from 2 framed pictures and a couple cardboard cutouts you couldnt tell if you were in Serial Grillers or a Native Grill and Wings (or any other sports bar for that matter). The new concept/space was too spacious and clean. Fries weren't even a choice of side with the burgers, and had to be ordered separately FOR A WHOPPING $6.25 for a handful at that. Your actual choices of sides with a burger were a coleslaw, a potato salad, or... carrots. I chose the potato salad and got two fingers worth of it with my burger in a little condiment cup, which was ice cold and flavorless/uninspiring. Cant imagine the coleslaw would have been any different. The burger, wasn't all that. I probably would have been happy paying the $11.50 for it if it came with fries. But you cant convince me a handful of fries was worth more than half my burger. Im judging the OVERPRICED food more closely, because again compared to their old location/concept, this place isnt selling much else. Serial Grillers is an example of a concept that has enjoyed too much success/growth, and has lost sight of what made it so popular both in its food truck days and its old restaurant.

Old Review: This place has great simple American eats for a great price/value. Everything tastes great and is served hot. The dining area is clean and well lit, with the taproom having more of a cozy/relaxed vibe. Perfect for the family or...

I have previously visited this establishment numerous times and have always enjoyed the food and the experience. Sadly my most recent trip was extremely disappointing. We arrived and found ourselves 3rd in line to order. The kid running the front register was as slow as a seven year itch. We waited in excess of 10min just to place our order. The drama to get two beers was needlessly awkward. We were asked to relocate to the west end of the bar for the handoff Vs. just filling two beers and handing them to me. Shakespeare has less suspenseful drama. While the beer was refreshingly cold, l found it almost flat and lacking any real noticable carbonation left in it. We ordered a medium red dragon pizza and a side of the cheesy bread. Despite the accompany marinara suace being flavorless and extremely bland, we truly found the cheesey bread inviting, it alone turned out to be the highlight of our dinner odyssey. When the pizza arrived it was clearly drowning in excessive grease and although we tried to eat it, it was just so immersed in grease that it was essentially inedible. We immediately asked to speak with the manager, we were soon met by Robbie who intently listened to our concerns and addressed them, quickly, promptly and without attitude. Upon hearing our concerns Robbie offered to refund the cost of the pizza which we welcomed as bring mutually fair. It's truly refreshing in the post pandemic world where unabashed indifference seemingly rules supreme, that we'd recieve good old fashioned customer service. While we did enjoy the cheesey bread, the evening was a total flop. I can't digest excessive fat or grease, and unfortunately l became sick by time we got home with stomach issues resulting from the excessive grease just from the one slice that l did eat. Robbie saved the day with his positive attitude over it, but truthfully it doesn't negate that what we were served never should have left the kitchen in the first place. We obviously won't have any plans to return for pizza, cheesey bread...

If you've seen my reviews before, y'all already know the drill.

If not, here's a quick recap: I'm an autistic adult and a picky eater. I always order my burgers as just bun, beef, cheese, and ketchup, and with a side of fries (and water to drink). I give out one star for every bit of the meal that's satisfying.

Fun fact, this place is themed after fictional serial killers!

First, the bun: Soft and a bit sweet, but it seemed like it was a little undercooked - it was barely more than room temperature, and I'm pretty sure it was microwaved, because there was no crispy inside. Not quite enough to earn a star here.

Second, the meat: This was the best part. It was cooked just right - juicy, tasty, and just a little bit of red in the middle. Star #1.

Third, the cheese: I was expecting yellow American cheese, but I got white American cheese instead. Not an issue, as it tasted the same - just an observation. Melty, gooey, and tasty. Excellent. Star #2.

Fourth, the ketchup: instead of a bottle or packets, they have one of those hand pump devices. Fun to use lol. It was very tasty, and it wasn't runny. Excellent. Star #3.

Last, the fries. Absolutely delicious. Crispy outside (gonna need that recipe), tasty inside, and full of potato goodness. Exceptional. Star #4.

Bonus: the water was icy cold even without ice, and it didn't have any chemical aftertaste. Also the food came out SUPER quick. Also got chips and a tasty cookie!

Unfortunately, I'm not able to give a full 5 stars here. No complaints about the environment or music, although the chair I sat in was a bit uncomfortable, and I won't lie, the amount of "serial killer theming" was less than what I expected from a restaurant named Serial Grillers.

In summary:

This place was overall pretty good, and despite me having to knock that star off, I'd recommend Serial Grillers to anyone who doesn't care about the bun being like it is - just don't expect the place to have much of a...