Finally! A great burger joint in Bergmannkiez/Mehringdamm, one that doesn't try to reinvent the wheel by stretching their fancy burger ideas beyond their limits. No, Marthas simply delivers a darn good straightforward classic burger. The two key elements that make this one great (and stand out from all the more or less disappointing other burger spots in this part of Berlin) are the tender, juicy meat which was perfectly scrumptious. And from the looks of it I'd also say it's a smashed burger, possibly mustard-fried. Add to that an absolutely perfect soft textured bun that I haven't found like this anywhere else in Berlin before. There's no fancy ingredients or condiments, it's barebones, but fresh, crunchy lettuce, pickles, onions, a slice of tomato - and above all, a classic American cheese single that melts into the smashed meat. If I had to choose I'd always pick this kind of basic cheeseburger over any of the fancy gourmet ones.
Marthas is off to a great start. I'd even say it nearly reaches the quality and taste of famed (and in it's simplicity comparable) HiHo Burger in Santa Monica. However, a few things leave room for improvement: The bun/patty ratio is unfortunately not quite balanced, the burger patty was a bit too small so that the bread taste is a bit overpowering the meat and other ingredients. The fries, though perfectly sized and not saggy at all, they were a bit too crispy, i.e. overfried with a greasy taste to it. But more importantly, they were lacking salt and there was no salt shakers readily available on the tables (this may be due to being newly opened). I also wish they offered a double cheeseburger and some traditional hot sauces on the tables. But all in all, nothing that can't be fixed over time! More than happy to welcome Marthas into the Kiez. Have been waiting for this kind of joint to open here for more than ten years.
The place is brand new with a clean and clear design evoking that of a roadside eatery, wooden barstools, a handful of small tables and an open kitchen. read more