February 2013 – Our search for the best hamburger continues. Last year we chose Zinburger #1 & Red Robin at the Tucson Mall #2. This year I’m going to expand that list because almost everyone loves a great burger. Moreover, there seems to be a considerable increase in competition for this category.
Recently, and entirely by happenstance, I dined at the new The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen. I was looking for a particular book at Barnes & Nobles in the Foothills Mall. As I came out with my prize, Jefferson: The Art of Power by John Meacham (highly recommended), and walked to my car, I realized that there is a new restaurant across the parking lot. As I recalled, this used to be a Greek restaurant.
As I approached the front entry, it was abundantly clear that this place was no longer Greek. A couple of huge wooden Yeti statues greeted me. I soon learned that the Sasquatch Kitchen opened this past January and the interior was re-designed to resemble a hunting & fishing/ski lodge. A casual glance about as I was being seated suggested that this is a sports bar trying to look like a lodge. My idea of a “lodge” is something like Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood or Ahwahnee in Yosemite. This isn’t them. Read More
However, I was hungry and not in a particularly critical mood. Just out of curiosity, I ordered the “pretzel burger”; chedder cheese, honey mustard, caramelized onions, lettuce & tomato on a bun created from pretzel dough ($11). I know, I know … who would ever dream up a “pretzel burger”? Apparently, Chef Aaron Mays did. I understand he has several highly regarded themed restaurants in the Phoenix area. Three things about “pretzel burgers”: (1) they’re salty, like a pretzel; (2) they’re HUGE – as in bring your best appetite or a friend to share it with; (3) they’re juicy & delicious. The fries were very good as was the service.
Was the “pretzel burger” the best burger in Tucson? I’m not willing to commit. I mean, it was very good, but maybe it’s just a gimmick or fade that will pass. I’ll have to go back and try their Sasquatch burger: a Lodge burger served between grilled cheese sandwiches ($16). Now THAT’s a Whooper!
And friends have been recommending several other burger places from Monkey Burger to the new burger bar at the Ritz Carlton. We plan on reviewing at least 5 before summer. So stay tuned to see if Zinburger remains Numero Uno.
The results are in: See our Best Burger Page.
The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen.
Foothills Mall
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As I approached the front entry, it was abundantly clear that this place was no longer Greek. A couple of huge wooden Yeti statues greeted me. I soon learned that the Sasquatch Kitchen opened this past January and the interior was re-designed to resemble a hunting & fishing/ski lodge. A casual glance about as I was being seated suggested that this is a sports bar trying to look like a lodge. My idea of a “lodge” is something like Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood or Ahwahnee in Yosemite. This isn’t them. Read More