263 Crown Street
New Haven, CT
(203) 562-5507
(Blog of our visit)
Burger Joint / Basic
Single burger
A single burger with melted cheese and tomato (the only other available topping is sliced, raw onion) on toasted white bread.
Burger Score:
5 pt out of 5 for the Overall
This burger is proof that an amazing burger doesn’t need exotic toppings or a gimmick to be excellent.
5 pt out of 5 for the Quality/originality
You can’t be more original than inventing the burger.
3 pt out of 5 for the Presentation
Cooked and served the same way as it has been for over 100 years, it’s basic, but it works.
3 pt out of 5 for the Toppings
In a very ‘Soup Nazi’ style, there are no condiments allowed (yes, there is ample signage stating so) and their toppings are fresh, but ordinary.
5 pt out of 5 for the Meat
They grind their own personal blend daily and between the method of cooking and it’s seasonings, it manages to raise an incredibly basic burger up to the level of gourmet specialties.
4 pt out of 5 for the Bun
While we were prepared to scoff at the white bread toast, after one bite we were praising it. I couldn’t imagine eating this burger any other way.
3 pt out of 3 for the Temp
Vertically broiled (yes, vertically) to create an intense outer char and juicy pink insides. Yum!
2 pt out of 2 for the IT factor
One bite and we were completely blown away.
Burger Total: 30 pt out of 35
Before this burger, it was hard to see a “plain” burger/cheeseburger scoring anywhere near it’s gourmet styled cousins. This ordinary burger made us see differently.
3 pt out of 5 for the location.
With it’s aged and scarred wood, this quaint location can be more than a bit crowded during peak times, but it’s history can be felt.
5 pt out of 5 for value.
An amazing burger for about 5 bucks!
3 pt out of 5 bonus points.
+1 Everything from stocking some of the best birch beer ever to outlawing condiments, to serving food as they want all make this place special.
+1 Inventing the BURGER
+1 INVENTING the burger
