The first time I visited The Bleachers, it was on a Saturday night a couple of drinks in, and I had what stands out as the best chicken burger I have ever had in my life, if not the all time greatest burger of any kind. A crispy fried chicken "patty" in a sweet American-style bun, and it changed my life. I started a burger club, I dreamt of this burger, I recommended it to all of my friends. It was the holy grail of burgers... but did I have my beer goggles on?
The second time I visited, it was a Tuesday lunch date with a girlfriend, and I have to say I felt like I had met my favourite celebrity in real life and my illusion was shattered. It was a great burger, don't get me wrong, but the earth-shattering awesomeness was definitely muted. I was dismayed. Still, a one-all result prompts a tie-breaker, so a third visit was required. You have to give a place the benefit of the doubt, especially on a Tuesday.
The third visit, the decider... after a long walk, I managed to talk the other half into abandoning our sad salad plans for a burger, and with a Burger+Chips+Beer for $20 meal deal ($16 during the week), it was easy to do. I also wanted to try the soft serve: Espresso on this occasion (I was hoping for Miso Sesame but they change each week). The burger special was The Reuben, and my gosh, it did not disappoint. Layers of pastrami, pickle, cheese, and all the right things in a brioche bun with a side of crispy chips and a schooner of Stone & Wood. The soft serve was A+, and a generous serve for $5. Yes. Redemption. read more