Burger with a Capital B

The place: Capital Grille - Minneapolis

Okay -this is another good burger review. Take that 2 ways. It's a review of a good burger and a good review of a burger (I hope the latter). A free confession: my other half thinks I don't/won't/can't write bad burger reviews. A few thoughts - I like to review places that generally are attempting to make outstanding or unique burgers or places that hold themselves out as "great burger places." What's the point of trashing a burger from some non-descript joint off 394. And for the record - I am critical where and when appropriate. Some places have great burgers but no atmosphere - or so-so burgers but great atmosphere. Just the facts.

Now on to the review. My friend Peter Quale (a great SEO guy) and I were among the few people at the Capital Grille (MPLS) at lunchtime on a Wednesday in late May (it's the economy). But this is a classy joint, and we received excellent service. Peter is a fellow burger-head, and we came here to try what I had heard to be a great burger. And it was excellent in nearly every way. First - they only have one real burger on the menu: The Grille Signature Cheeseburger (depicted above): chopped sirloin w/smoked bacon and sweet onions (all in the patty). Truffle fries on the side. The meat was delicious and juicy and cooked to my requested medium (Peter went med-rare). Then, havarti cheese melted on top - looks like too much but was not. Fresh lettuce, sweet acidic tomato and what tasted like housemade sweet pickles. All encased in a toasted onion roll. I enjoyed every bite and could find nothing to fault. This burger is worth the visit.

A quick aside on the fries: expertly fried, then lightly dressed with a truffle/garlic seasoning. They come with the burger in a wire frame basket, well salted, and were delicious. Given the full flavor of the burger, I might prefer standard fries. The truffle fries could almost stand alone as an appetizer.

I appreciate places that can nail one good burger (all places should be able to). Capital Grille has nailed theirs. Go and enjoy. Burger on.