New retro burgers-fries-and-shakes joint in downtown Lowell with a 1950s diner vibe similar to Johnny Rockets when they first came around. Shiny red booths and stools, neon signs, a TV playing Leave it to Beaver, and seats inside a sports car that may be for decoration only.
-- Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders: Had two as part of a combo. Think White Castle size, with a nifty rounded domed bun. According to the menu, the beef is fresh, never frozen, and smashed to order. Yet it's not really a smashburger; it's more of a junior burger that's not thick. It doesn't stack up against White Castle, lacking the moistness of meat, the softness of bun, and the oniony essence. And it doesn't stack up against a true smashburger, lacking both the crispy edges and the beef flavor intensity from high heat. Overall, it's a very dry experience-- both meat and bun (there's no condiment unless you add ketchup later)-- and I discerned neither beefiness nor seasoning. I couldn't even tell there was bacon. The cheese was more sticky/gummy than melty/creamy. One more comparison: McDonald's. A double cheeseburger there is hardly something I'd seek out, but it's bigger, cheaper, served faster, and less dry. There's no getting around it: these sliders were elow average.
-- Fries: They make no claims about them being fresh, not frozen. Good thing, because a kindergartener could tell you they're frozen. And soggy. And flavorless, even with the token seasoning. Well below average.
-- Chocolate Milkshake: Not that chocolatey and not that milky, but much better than the shaky quality of the first two items. Light and fluffy, like the liquid equivalent of whipped cream cheese. Airy.
Okay, it was only day 2, so they might find their sea legs eventually. But they didn't make any gross mistakes on the order, or have the timing off on different items, or have something missing or cold. Since it was the design that was more underwhelming than the execution, unfortunately I don't see much upside. read more