I tend to think anyone who wants to order customized burgers should go to a place where the approach makes more sense, such as Irma's. S&B is a place that does specialty burgers. It's like trying to build your own pizza at the Wedge or something. You just don't do it. They have like 20 burgers. If you can't find one that sounds edible, you should either take a risk and order off the menu or go someplace else.
I have never heard of a place charging for tomatoes either. Cheese, bacon, mushrooms, things like that maybe. But charging for tomatoes is nothing I have ever seen. I've eaten at many burger joints here in the DFW area, and have never seen it. Don't remember Irma's doing it either the single time I went a year ago or so. Even chains like 5 Guys and Smashburger don't do it. Just seems like customers getting nickle and dimed. Not that important to me really, as I don't have to have tomatoes on my burger... but weird nonetheless.
Still corrupting young minds
Re: " . . . heated argument[s] about which toppings are typically included for free at eating establishments . . ."
There was an interesting "Management" book a few years ago titled, "Give 'Em The Pickle."
There was an interesting commercial a few years ago themed, "Where's the Beef?"
Note that neither of those mention lettuce or tomato. Or even mustard.
My brother had a great idea for a theme restaurant about the same time:
"Bun and Garnish".
If someone created a "Veggie Pizza" using tofu--processed to look/taste/smell like pepperoni--would it really still be a True Veggie Pizza? Or would the spirit of the real thing have been virtually corrupted?
I would suggest that writing a theme on that topic, for extra credit, if you are weak in Algebra I, might let you squeek by on the New! Improved!! High School Graduation/Diploma Exam.
hate to rehash the whole tomato thing, but i guess i didn't realize they charged extra for all condiments. at first, i thought charging for tomatoes was a little odd. but charging for any condiments including lettuce is ridiculous. someone mentioned if you want to build your own burger, go to Irma' b/c S&B does specialty burgers. well, what if i really wanted just extra lettuce on one of the specialty burgers b/c i love lettuce? you're going to charge me .20 for that?!?! irma's puts all the normal condiments to the side of each burger at no additional charge.
i have never been to s&b, so my comparison may warrant some criticism. s&b may very well have a superior tasting burger to irma's, or they may offer a much larger patty. but like i said, i wouldn't know. but i have been to irma's, and i loved it. i only have gone once, but the whole party i was with loved it. now, if i decide to go to s&b and it's only as good as irma's in my opinion, then i will probably choose to frequent irma's for most of my future burger cravings. .55 to .75 isn't going to break the bank by any means, but s&b will need to be substantially better than irma's or otherwise, i would fee like i am getting nickle and dimed.
Then go to Irma's, I guess?
I never knew tomatoes were such a hot topic. Everyone I know that has been to S&B's really likes it. Sure, they have a burger/slider they prefer over the others (I know I do), but everyone has their own tastes. I know there are some combinations on that menu I wouldn't have thought to put together on a burger, but it works. Because they know what they're doing, probably better than I do.
Maybe they need the sign our old 50's Cafe had back home that explained the establishment wasn't Burger King, and if you wanted it "your way," then you were welcome to drive to one! (The language was a bit salty, but I remember thinking it was hilarious when I was a kid. And they did burgers very, very well at that place.)
Still corrupting young minds
I have ate at S&B several times and I like it a lot. I guess I never noticed the extra charges as I order burgers without Tom if it comes on it anyways. I did think the Smothered fries were a bit overpriced for the portion size so I didn't order them the next trip.. However they have amazing Bloody marys!. 10.00 a pop but delicious!
Yeah, that Build Your Own. So I can't see the argument that you shouldn't go there to build a burger the way you want it when it is right there on the menu.
Interurban . . . (memorial) . . . good.
Even "sent to the jukebox" (microwave) . . . twice.
Yum.
All stuff tasty . . .
Each element of the sandwich able to stand on its own.
and no extra charge for kwality.
The care in regard to the mushrooms (on the sandwich) was exceptionally good.
I really thought all the Interurban Originial could do was the Cajun Chicken Sandwich thing on Opening Night.
Or at The Fair. I was wrong. They (interurban) are capable of more than that.
And proved it!
But this is about S&B . . .
sorry, i digressed . . .
Some they do and some they don't. In the "build your own burger" area of the menu Pete posted, they charge .45 for tomatoes and nearly every other "veggie" (with the exception of pickles). This is all in addition to the $5.50 base price for the burger. Add onions, lettuce & tomato and you are over $7. Depending on what you want, it may be cheaper to do it "their way" as to duplicate the Porker as a build your own it is more expensive, However, if you order one of their standard burgers and it doesnt already come with tomato, it looks like they will be happy to add it for .45; lettuce for .35 and onions for .75 etc etc etc.
Pricing structures can vary greatly and it is one of those "let the buyer beware" type of things, sometimes it is a better deal to go one way than the other.
As long as they list what is and is not included in a burger in their menu, I see no problem with it.
Perhaps they are reinvesting the money saved in non-wasted produce (like lettuce and tomato) into providing a top-quality "base burger"?
I really don't know. I DO know that all of this has convinced me to try S&B Burgers no matter what the cost. (Did someone say they had a location on N. May?)
By saying that, I feel as if I am betraying my loyalty to Johnnie's . . . but the consensus seems to be that Johnnie's isn't what it used to be so I don't feel too bad.
Bandnerd,
I don't specifically choose restaurants based on whether or not they have a website. HOWEVER, if your BUSINESS does have a website, I would assume that something like a new location would warrant an update. Their website (http://sandbburgersokc.com/) lists only their original location, their Facebook page lists only their original location, and their menu may be updated, but I have no way of knowing, as I have never been there.
Because I was driving around OKC, and looking at the crazy Wayne Coyne building, I happened across their new location, but did not stop in, as I had already eaten. I wish them well, but hope they get with the program.
I have become a loyal patron of S&B Burger Joint after my first visit a year ago. Frenchman and Columbian are out of this world. Bloody Mary's have made me a Saturday junkie. I never thought I would enjoy bacon, beef jerkey, salmon or pork tenderloin infused vodkas. Creative does not describe this place. As a lifelong resident of this town I realize that an international man of mystery, but I have travelled just about every state. I haven't experienced anything their atmosphere on 9th Street in New York, Chicago or anywhere in California.
I'll give them a try next time I'm home, but do me a favor, and tell them to update their website! ;-)
There are currently 3 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 3 guests)
Bookmarks