Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Four Burgers

The concept at Four Burgers seems pretty cool, it's upscale fast food, where you order counter style choosing from one of four burgers: locally sourced grass fed beef, all natural turkey, wild Alaskan salmon or organic black bean. From there you pick from three types of buns: sesame seeded white, whole wheat or gluten free. The cheese and topping options are substantial, ranging from Swiss, herbed Havarti, smoked gouda and blue, to house cured jalapenos, applewood smoked bacon, a fried egg - the list goes on; there is a seemingly limitless number of ways to customize your burger. House cut french fries are offered in Idaho potato or sweet potato, with an option to get half and half. They have a great selection of bottled craft beers, such as Pretty Things and Sam Adams, and wines by the half bottle. I wandered in on a whim to the Boylston Street location across from the Boston Common (they are also located in Central Square) to a clean, brightly lit, industrial feeling space with red accents, the tables set with vivid ketchup and mustard bottles. Additionally, beautiful black and white framed photographs line the exposed brick walls.  

There was no line as I approached the counter, where service was friendly if not slightly absentminded. I paused in an attempt to tally up how I just spent $18 on a burger and fries. (Wishing I was given a receipt...) Yes, I ordered a beer, but, somehow it still felt like those toppings (you are charged individually, even for cheese) added up really quickly! And did she charge me for large fries without even asking which size I wanted?I ordered the beef burger on a fluffy wheat bun which came with fresh lettuce, tomato and some pickles on the side, to which I added Vermont cheddar cheese, caramelized onions and guacamole. The patty was massive and loosely packed, after only a few bites my burger was completely falling apart. The french fries were dull, lacking in taste and texture, they were under-seasoned and not at all crispy. 
It seems like they thought of everything, from the plethora of cheeses, to the half and half french fry side, to the alcoholic beverages, but in the end I left disappointed and unimpressed by the ridiculously messy burger and lackluster fries.


15 comments:

  1. Boo. It sounds like such a great concept. That stinks that it didn't measure up. Everything looks picture-perfect.

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  2. Disappointing fries would make me very sad! I do love all of the topping options for the burgers though!

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  3. That does not look like the best burger by any means! When I went I had a better experience (by the Common), but do agree it can get $.

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  4. That sucks! I love a good burger, but sometimes places just can't cut it. My favorite is a 5 guys burger.

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  5. Such a bummer! I've only been in a Four Burgers once - met others while they finished their dinner. I didn't eat anything, but I remember the tables and chairs being a little too greasy (reminded me of McDonald's).

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  6. Ugh, stinks that this meal did not end up being worthwhile. I've only been to 4 Burgers a couple times and agree that it ends up being a pretty pricey "fast food" meal!

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  7. oh no! i've been once or twice and had good experiences, although i've never tried the beef burger or the fries. love the salmon burger. and yeah, it does add up quite quickly :/

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  8. well that stinks. I hate it when I get limp fries. I mean they arent that hard to cook, just give them to people fresh and they'll be happy

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  9. cousin!! i really appreciate the honesty here...i like when you say how it is!

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  10. Oh dear, sucks to be disappointed, could have been a good concept.

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  11. I'm supposed to go to Four Burgers tonight for a Boston blogger event! That burger does look like a mess though. I think I'll stick with the non-beef options and see if they're any better...

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  12. bummer on the watery-ness! I love the idea of all those customizable toppings.

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  13. Too bad the burger was disappointing, especially since it was on the pricey side! I do want an Allagash White now though... :)

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  14. How disappointing! I've only been once, but had a good experience with the turkey burger. $18 for a burger, beef and fries does seem a little pricey for kind-of-fast food :(

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