Although I work in the next block, I never visited Hudson until a couple weeks ago when our department had lunch there. We were fooled into thinking it was warm enough to eat outside, and our waitress very quickly accommodated our change of heart. Most of my co-workers, who get takeout from Hudson all the time, decided to stick with the brisket sandwich. I went with the Western Club and was not disappointed. The accompanying coleslaw was tasty and although I didn't get to try them, the fries on other people's plates looked really good.
Today, on a Saturday afternoon, I had a hankering for a burger and decided to see what Yelpers had to say. Wow. The topic was almost as bad as pizza! Everyone has a different idea of what a great burger is (or what's good enough for whatever it costs). My mind was drawn back to Hudson, where I've been told "everything is good", even though they've probably only had the brisket.
So, I ordered the cheeseburger with bleu cheese. The waiter didn't ask how I wanted it cooked, or what I wanted on it. My SO ordered the brisket sandwich, and I also ordered the cheesy fries for an appetizer. Our food arrived and oddly, our appetizer came last.
But OMG! I don't even want to tell you what my SO said after he took the first bite of his brisket sandwich; I'm sure he'll write his own review. Although I like my burgers fully loaded - with lettuce, tomato, cheese, secret sauce, etc. - I tried the meat separately and it was delicious. Nicely seasoned, with that great flame-broiled char. It was cooked medium-medium well, which is perfect for me. This was easily one of the best burgers I've had in Seattle. Just so you know where I'm coming from, I liked the Counter in Ballard, was a fan of In 'N Out in college, and am not a fan of Dick's, Burgermaster, White Castle or any of the fast food joints (but will make an exception for Carl Jr.'s if desperate). Their fries are also easily some of the best I've ever had. Hand cut, taste good hot or even cooled off. The cheese sauce on the fries, along with the green onion garnish, was perfection. Cheesy fries could be a meal by itself, especially if you choose to go with the optional bacon.
My better half will complain at the drop of a hat if he feels the food isn't good or even if it isn't worth whatever's being charged for it. He said with a totally serious face, "This sandwich is worth $12." If you knew this guy you'd know what a HUGE, rare compliment that is. I don't know what their brunches are like but today, on a quiet Saturday afternoon, we're happily consciously numb and in a food coma from Hudson. We'll go back, no question about it, for many more comas in the future. read more