Props to Mikkela who suggested Spider Kelly's as a place to do some catching-up :)
I'm definitely a fan! Damned if this wasn't one of the best burgers I've had over the past few years. If you get their "Spider Kelly" burger, you're in for a half pound of beef, and if that's not enticing enough for you already, they mix pork fat in with the burger! Definitely takes things to a new level of gluttony. The night we went, imported beers were $3.50. The selection of wine and beer wasn't terribly extensive, but should be wide enough to appeal to all tastes.
They have a decent selection of free toppings, but since I'm already advising you to take six months off of your life by eating a half pound of meat and pork fat, go balls out and take a full calendar year off your life by piling on the premium toppings. They're two bucks extra each, but totally worth it. I shelled out an extra $4 and got crisp applewood-smoked bacon and a sunny-side up egg on mine. Totally worth it, and easily one of the best burgers I've had in a good long while. They're also one of the rare breed of restaurants that actually knows how to cook a medium rare burger just right (it's been my experience that at most places, it really doesn't matter how you order your burger: it comes out well done regardless). The sides are advertised as being big enough for two, and they weren't' joking. The fries were nice and crisp, and seasoned just right.
As good as the burger was, I think the addition of pork fat makes the burger super tender, and hence just a little sloppy (Mikkela and I were scooping up fallen chunks of burger meat throughout the meal). As much as I like red meat, I think I'll order my next burger there medium, just to get the meat a bit firmer.
The ambience definitely wasn't what you'd expect from a place that has "Spider" in their name... I was thinking it'd look kinda like a run down basement. Imagine my surprise when I walked into a carpeted dining room with mood lighting, sleek booths and a mini lounge section with plush chairs and ottomans. It honestly looked like a mini-nightclub.
The verdict: This would make a great second date spot. Won't break the bank, serves good food, and has great service. I definitely have to give a special shoutout to our server, Patty. She gave great service, didn't rush us out the door, and was kind enough to sprint half a block and return the hat that I'd forgotten at the booth. She, also being a mayo and fries aficionado, gave us plenty of mayo for our burgers and the fries. It's small touches like this that make me loyal to a restaurant! read more