The Radius Burger

Radius part deux, get excited. The last time I dined at Radius was back in December for Erin's Bachelorette party.

This occasion brings a group of us (triple date night!) into the bar for Chef Michael Schlow's frequently praised, often buzzed about, award winning burger. Normally served during Lunch hours only, a special for the month of April on Saturday evenings in the bar brings The Burger ($19) to the masses at 1/2 price. The bar at Radius serves from 5pm to 11pm.

Our goal was to get there early, which admittedly wasn't early enough. Everyone and their brother wanted in on the burger deal and showed up when we did around 7:15pm. It was civilized chaos in the sleek stylish bar that evening. Waitresses were pushing through the crowd with trays full of burger after gourmet burger. I wished (well we had to at least ask?) that they would have allowed overflowing patrons to be seated in the open dining room tables, but they don't budge. A deal in the bar is a deal in the bar.

We ordered drinks and conceded that we had to wait it out, as long as it took for everyone to get a seat. I tried the Garden Gimlet ($14) with vodka, fresh lime and herbs.

Tricia had the High Street Hi-C ($14).

When I headed to the bathroom down a grand marble staircase I noted an empty lounge area and I thought to myself - wouldn't it be cool if they seated the overflow of burger minded diners down here?

I just thought all the comfy modern space was looking rather lonely!

Down a long hallway I found pristine bathrooms and had a photo shoot.

Check out these fabulous sinks.

Back at the bar we kept a close eye on the communal table and every table in the vicinity while sipping our refreshingly sweet drinks.

We drooled as the 6-person party at the small round tables next to us cut into their burgers. Eventually, when they were ready to head out - seats for all were scored!

A small party on the prowl slid quickly into our old spot. Like I said, it was Burger inspired CHAOS. We were relieved to finally be able to put in our orders. The Burger came out in no time at all.

Have you ever seen so many at one table?!

Orange Vermont cheddar melted over nine ounces of fresh ground juicy beef, smooth and tangy but not overpowering horseradish sauce oozed through the thin-coiled crispy onions, piled high under a buttery toasted brioche bun.
At first glance it looks like it's going to be a challenge: mouth versus ingredients. When sliced in half and pressed gingerly, each bite results in a precise mouthful of burger bliss. That dome of a bun is proportioned just right.

Every one of us nodded in agreement, this is the best burger we've ever had. We also ate our way through heaping copper pots full of toasty warm french fries dusted with chives, parsley, thyme and salt.

I washed it all down with a cold glass of Stella Artois. The group was ecstatic that the burger lived up to all the hype and made the awkward "will we or won't we snag a table?" wait time worth it.

Our waitress was competent but unfriendly. She didn't crack a smile once all night. I got an "I'd rather be anywhere but here at Radius serving these schmucks burgers" vibe from her. Ok so I doubt she thought we were schmucks. But there was definitely a slight 'tude served up along side my burger and fries. In the end, it didn't matter that much. The back of the house more than made up for the mayhem in the front. I'd tell you to head to Radius super early on Saturday (5:30pm) or super late (it died down considerably as we were leaving - 10ish) but alas next Saturday it will be May.

Instead I'll recommend you head in at lunch time and let me know your thoughts on the $19 price tag. I've heard its worth it, even at full price!