The phrase burger lounge is not one to initially invigorate your senses. Yet it's a relationship that grows with time, for every one of your senses heightens to full degree upon entering the postmodern burger joint.
Even from a block away, the aroma screams familiarity with a touch of indescribable spice. Metal furniture at first feels cold and detached, but outdoor space heaters keep you at an ideal body temperature. The complexion of the room demands your attention with trendy coordinates and a surprisingly workable color scheme of metallic and neon orange. Still, the favorite sense has yet to be addressed: taste.
Minimalism is back in, and not only with décor. The menu's simplicity rivals that of In-N-Out, with three simple entrée choices, and a couple more sides. Entrée options range from the namesake lounge burger to the turkey burger and veggie burger, as well as two salads for the health conscious.
While the customer service isn't as impeccable here as it is with it's more upscale sit-down neighbors, the burger makes up for all setbacks. In one single bite, Burger Lounge redefines the greasy tasteless burger that fast food joints have hammered into our belief system. The meat melts in your mouth; the juice is evidence of its fresh cooked quality.
Choose fresh or grilled onions, and the final touch is the perfect portion of homemade 1000 island dressing. The side fries and onion rings satisfy hunger effortlessly, yet cannot compare to the unique experience of the burger itself.
After creating the perfect burger, you'd think they'd rest, but the creators of the Burger Lounge had even the sweet tooth fanatics in mind. They offer two different pastries every day, as well as delectable shakes and root beer floats that come highly recommended.
Downtown La Jolla does not sit as the prime location for your run of the mill burger joint, with upscale neighbors such as Jack's and George's. Yet, the Burger Lounge minds must have understood the market for juicy grass-fed meat, for it was packed to capacity on a Wednesday afternoon. At an affordable $6.95 per choice, the burger lounge serves as a desirable option for a pit stop between classes, a quick business lunch, or your daily food endeavor.
Insider Tip: Adding to the lineup of La Jolla and Kensington, get ready for a new Burger Lounge in Coronado, slated for summer 2008.
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