Meat Monsters Grill

I rarely try new dining establishments on their first day open but I could not resist with Meat Monsters Grill! The place was packed and the energy was infectious. The only thing missing was marching bands and cheerleaders! It was obvious the whole team running the place was firing on all cylinders. I arrived late morning, during the transition from breakfast to lunch. I was hoping to try the CFS but they had already run out. The country gravy, too. I ordered a Bacon Burger with fries, only $12.50. It was outstanding, that I can tell you! I noticed the menu also features Anthony Andrews’ famous Bacon Mac & Cheese. A beloved favorite of mine for years.

The burger was constructed with a liberal amount of shredded lettuce (which I love), maters, onion, mayo and lots of zesty pickles. Plus bacon of course. I really appreciated that I could taste crispy bacon and creamy mayonnaise in almost every bite. This was a very well crafted burger. The beef patty definitely lived up to the restaurant’s name! It was heavy and thick. Seemed like at least 2/3 lb. It was hot, juicy, seasoned and cooked to a perfect med-well. The mouthfeel had a really nice ground beef texture that wasn’t all overworked. The crinkle-cut fries were abundant and served screaming hot from the fryer. They were modestly seasoned; I did not feel the need to add salt. The menu here is simple and seems to be very well thought out and affordable. I cannot wait to come back and try just about everything else.

I can totally see MMG taking off as a very popular Old Town Ramona eatery. I’m already planning my next visit and know exactly what I’m going to order. I just probably need to set an alarm clock.

Boll Weevil

(Visited November 22, 2019) Outstanding Pastrami Burger at Boll Weevil in Ramona! Quarter pound steerburger covered with melted Swiss cheese, topped with with a pile of hot ‘strami and more melty Swiss. I ordered with their excellent, hot & crispy onion rings.

Boll Weevil

For many years this has been my favorite thing to order at the Weev in Ramona! The venerable Blue Cheese Bacon Burger. They have always put out one of the best adaptations of this pungent and savory burger. I’ve tried versions of the BCBB at many restaurants and the Weev sets the standard. I particularly appreciate their thoughtful placement of bacon so as to taste it in every bite. To those restaurants doing the lazy criss-cross, please take note.

Way Point Saloon

Probably one of the most remarkable burger creations in town, and my personal favorite, is the ‘Maple Bourbon Bacon Burger’ at Way Point Saloon! A half pound pure beef patty is seared on the grill then basted with a maple syrup/brown sugar/cayenne pepper/bourbon glaze. It all seeps into the meat while it finishes cooking and gets slightly caramelized on the edges. What sends this burger over the top has to be the mound of deep fried red onions & jalapeños! Outstanding flavor combinations and textures going on here.

McDonald’s

As I mentioned the other day, it’s all about the chiles when in New Mexico! Even Mack Donald’s gets in on the action! I had seen these advertised since entering the state and just had to try one before leaving. Here we are in eastern New Mexico in a small town called Tucumcari, just before entering Texas on the 40. The McDouble with green chile was surprisingly tasty! Glad I got one, but it’s time to keep boogerin’ eastbound.

Grub Burger Bar

Excellent “Golden Gate Sourdough” burger at Grub in Carmel Mountain Ranch! Almost looks like some burgers I’ve had at JIB!

Denny’s

As many people have noticed recently, our Ramona Denny’s has really turned things around! Could not have been more evident on our last visit! We enjoyed a wonderful dinner experience here and will certainly be back soon. I was astonished at not only the level of attentive service, but how quickly everything came out! I remember back in the day being the only one in the restaurant and waiting literally 30 minutes for a simple breakfast to come out. And I’m not exaggerating on either account. 

I tried one of their new burger specials, the “Southwest Chorizo Burger”. Beef burger blended with chorizo sausage and topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, pepper jack queso and some sort of five pepper sauce. Served with lettuce, mater, red onions and pickles on a cheddar bun, with fries. Only $11.19. The burger was outstanding with a distinct smoky and spicy chorizo flavor. As hearty as that bun was though, it succumbed to the hot & juicy patty and moist burger-set. After a few bites it all turned into a hot mess, but it was delicious. Highly recommended.

Chili’s Grill & Bar

“Alex’s Santa Fe Burger” at Chili’s was super tasty although quite the hot mess! It’s stacked high with avocado, pepper jack cheese, red onion, roasted jalaps, mater, pickles, cilantro and some sort of spicy Santa Fe sauce.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

In El Segundo recently I stumbled upon this great new burger joint called Hopdoddy Burger Bar. It was fantastic, that I can tell you! They have a distinctly creative menu of original and delicious burger creations. I ordered the “Llano Poblano”. Angus beef patty with applewood smoked bacon, Tillamook Pepper Jack, seared poblano chiles, Chipotle aioli, etc. Everything was excellent. Hopdoddy is my new favorite purveyor of fine burgers. I need to take Lady Food Obs here next time!

The Habit Burger Grill

Outstanding “Charburger” at The Habit! Some of the best fast food burgers in the industry. Right up there with Five Guys.