(Tookout 08/05/26 WE @ 4:15pm and several times before): Apparently, this bucket hasn't kicked it…read moreafter all!
The Bucket was one of my favorite places to get a filthy burger, and in Eagle Rock, several of my favorites could be found, such as Original Tommy's Hamburger, The Oinkster, and Pete's Blue Chip. A very good friend of mine recently mentioned that this place had reopened and enjoyed a burger without inviting me! So, I had to see and taste for myself. If I remembered correctly, they had been closed for a while, and then I guess got resurrected. Apparently, they had been around since 1935, and when I started eating here, they had hilarious burger names, such as Cardiac Arrest, Heart Attack... you got the idea. Would this bucket contain all of the fond memories of years past!?
PURCHASE(S)
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Trumer Pils German Pilsner Beer 4.9% ABV 16floz Draft ($7.00): Clear amber color, cider hoppy aroma, low body, crisp light hoppy flavor, smooth finish, and dry light hoppy aftertaste - a very easy brew.
Double Western Burger ($10.35): A simple burger made with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion rings, and BBQ sauce all between a fluffy bun, this messy two-hander was strong with its thick patties and stuff squeezing out all over the place. This was a finger-licking good burger at a really nice price!
[ONION RINGS/STRAWS/STRINGS ALERT - 4.0 of 5.0 STARS]
Onion Rings w/Aiolo Dipping Sauce 7pc ($5.65): A small portion with rings of large sizes, these were hot, dark golden browned, crunchy, and had a tendency to crumble when bitten into while the onion ring (not sweet Maui) pulled out at times. They were lightly oily while the aioli helped to give them more flavor.
Mango Habanero Hot Wings & Veggie Sticks w/Bleu Cheese Dipping Sauce 6pc ($8.25): Somewhat small drummetes and wingettes, there was just enough tender meat on the bones while the mango habanero sauce was surprisingly hot and sweet, I also used the very tame bleu cheese sauce although it wasn't needed. The veggie stickers were small, fresh, and helped to cleanse the palate. At about $1.38/piece, it was a relatively good deal and tasty for what you got.
SERVICE
You had the option to order at a kiosk or with a friendly young man at the order window (I chose the latter). He easily and quickly took my order, gave me my beer while I waited, and less than ten minutes later, everything was packed up and ready to go - easy-peasy!
PARKING
(Varied: FREE this instance): I found a spot in their tiny lot (less than five spots). Otherwise, there seemed to be plenty of spots along the main drag of Eagle Rock Blvd. (be sure to read all posted signs) - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Basically a takeout business with a handful of communal metal tables, chairs, and some barstools in an outdoor covered patio with a lone order window. This was very barebones, rustic, and practical. There was plenty of natural lighting while some electric lights filled in the rest with some possible help from the nearby street lights. There was one TV but no background music.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I was very glad to see that The Bucket had returned (when, I had no idea), and I planned to reacquaint myself with their entire menu. Speaking of the menu, it now had a Mexican portion (burritos, tacos, tortas) that I didn't recall from previous times; furthermore, their burger selection has been scaled back with none of the earlier-mentioned burgers that led you closer to a hospital visit. Regardless, the food was very good, affordable, no frills, and the service was straightforward. Plus, I always preferred to give my business to local small mom & pop businesses. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $34.00 BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS