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Nationwide Freezer Meats
Category: Restaurants Burgers Burgers [Edit]
1930 H StSacramento, CA 95814
Neighborhoods: Midtown, River Park
(916) 444-3286
- Hours:
Tue 10:30 am - 7 pm
Wed-Thu 10:30 am - 8 pm
Fri 10:30 am - 9 pm
Sat 11:30 am - 7 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
168 reviews for Nationwide Freezer Meats
Review Highlights
"The banana shakes are also very very yum."
(in 20 reviews)
"The bun was crafted by angels and perfectly fresh."
(in 31 reviews)
"So, who DOES have the best steak sandwich."
(in 3 reviews)
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168 reviews in English
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Review from Sam B.
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Question: What IS a French Ground Steak Burger, exactly?
Answer: Still not sure, but holy cow is it tasty.
I've heard about this place for years, and somehow never made it down. Finally, I managed. And it was well worth the wait! This place is about as dive-y as you can get, so it was really a perfect fit for me. I love my burger places down-and-dirty. Well, maybe not dirty, but you get the picture.
Even for a dine-in order, the food comes in a big brown bag. In fact, your orders are written down on said bag and then stuffed full of food! It's all very delightfully kitschy.
When it came to the food, the burger tasted like magic. The meat itself was VERY flavorful. It did feel different than a standard burger, but I'm still not sure how, precisely. I'm sure there's something to the whole French Steak deal, but whatever it was, it ended up tasty. The veggies were pretty good too, but the bun was another star here. It's got a great texture going on, and it holds up to the burger quite well. No turning to mush beneath the great greasy burger here! The burger is also a little pricier than I'd hope for, but it's worth it for the taste.
My only big deal for me here was the fries. They're big, thick steak-cut fries. But they're SO big that they didn't quite have the consistancy I was looking for. I really wanted a crispier, tastier batch of fries.
All-in-all, this is a winner. Maybe I'll come to love the fries, but I'll definitely be back to try. The burger is just too good to pass up. -
Review from Zahir J.
Fair Oaks, CA
2/9/2012
A burger! A bag! Your name written on the bag! Oh my!!
Puh lease.
This place was ok. I went twice. The first time I told myself I would not return but then I returned again a few days ago. I thought I should give it another shot, given all the raves. And I did like it more. The meat is great and I liked the pickles. But for $13?
I think I am just used to sub $10 burgers like In-N-Out or the Habit (with I assume the sub $10 quality meat too).
I will say this. I do want to go again. Not sure why. I think that does say something. -
Review from Alex L.
1/26/2012
It's been a loooong time since I've had a hamburger this damn tasty, and I can see why. The reason it's so good is because it's so bad for you. The meat patty was thick, salty, hot and juicy, the toppings and sauce were liberal, the cheese was everywhere, and the bun was glistening with grease. Throw in extra thick-cut steak fries AND a nutella shake WITH whipped cream and you have the immediate disapproval of doctors everywhere.
Nationwide doesn't try to fancy their food up with pretentious sides and some sort of modernish art deco decor. The booths and interior are as old as the hills, the stereo is blasting tunes from 60 years ago and your food comes in a greasy brown paper bag - literally. It's as if the owners of this place held a meeting in 1962, said "screw it, let's focus on damn tasty food" and haven't changed a thing since. But really, who is complaining? -
Review from Tom H.
Sacramento, CA
1/23/2012
A good burger is a burger that makes you drool when you think about it. When you bite into this burger, it tasted like your first sexual experience. Although you're dumb and clumsy, it was satisfying and made you smile like a jerk.
When I had this burger, it made my knees buckle. When you grab the burger and squeeze it, all the juices from the meat just dripping onto the plate. This is when you know it's sex. You might not realize it, but you just have the greatest foodgasm in your life. This is what Nationwide Freezer Meats mean to me. -
Review from George K.
Sacramento, CA
12/28/2011
First, in the vein of full disclosure, my son has worked here on occasion. As a result I have a great deal of experience with the ins and outs of the food and service. Personal bias aside, this is one killer burger. Do not order a double or a triple unless you have not eaten for days. These things are huge. All the meat is ground on site and the freshness can not be beat. The shakes are as good as any anywhere. The rings and fries are not bad, but not great.
You come for the meat, and stay for the meat, and return for the meat. This place is about the meat. Think the meat is important, if it is to you, then this is your place. If not, then beat it.
Now, the bad news, this is no cheap lunch. Is it worth the price? How do you feel about the meat? -
Review from Mr F.
Sacramento, CA
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
The french burger with cheese is gooey and delicious. The steak cut fries are amazeballs!
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Review from Chris C.
West Sacramento, CA
1/24/2012
We stopped by because we had a craving for a good burger. I ordered the #1 and she had the small hamburger. The burger was juicy and tasty. The fries, steak fries, or whatever you want to call it wasn't all that great. They should just call it potato slices because they were larger than traditional steak fries. Nonetheless, it was ok for a burger. Not sure if we'll become regulars or even a second time visitor.
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Review from J M.
West Sacramento, CA
1/26/2012
Stopped by Nationwide Freezer Meats for lunch today. I hadn't been there for about five years.
The service was friendly and the food arrived fresh in 10 minutes. The fries were awesome. I was afraid that they were going to be dry as cotton, but indeed they were crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The place was clean and comfortable. But I have to say that the hamburger was about as good as I have had in Sacramento - ever.
As I recall, 5 years ago I wasn't so impressed. Today I became a fan and will definitely go again. The only drawback is that $13 for lunch means it is a treat to be enjoyed only on occasion. I guess that is okay as the 1500 calorie burger should be enjoyed with some restraint as well. -
Review from Kevin M.
Sacramento, CA
10/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Warning: The portions are HUGE!
I'm always looking for the best burger and these are great! They're also huge so don't even think about the double unless your super-duper starved. The order of fries is like the size of a small potato. They'll make the milkshakes as thick as you want them and they're great. I tried the peanut butter one that was oddly made with crunchy but was delicious. They have a Nutella one on the menu that I have to try next time.
They call them "French Ground Burgers". Not really sure why but maybe it has something to do with the quality of the meat. They're served on a fresh baked bun with all the standard toppings. You can also get grilled onions at no charge too.
As usual, I tried a piece of the meat "topping free" to get a good idea. It was lean, juicy, and flavorful. Maybe a little more salt and pepper or Worcestershire sauce would make it a bit tastier though. The meat is definitely more flavorful than that of the Squeeze Inn, but maybe not as flavorful as Suzy Burger.
My co-worker had a turkey sandwich that he said tasted great.
It was a little bit much for an everyday lunch. It came to about $17 for a bacon cheese burger, fries, and a shake.
Overall this was a good burger and I'll be back. -
Review from Hillery G.
Sacramento, CA
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
The cheeseburger is delicious as are the onion rings, but the decor is distractingly strange.
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Review from Abigail L.
Sacramento, CA
12/18/2011
Definitely good burgers and it does have that old school burger place feel to it since you order at the counter and they bring the food to you like Dos Coyotes. It is on the pricer side since I had a burger and large fry and that came out to about 11 bucks. Everyone should definitely try this place and there is usually a coupon online for $1 off a burger if you google eat the grid sacramento and look for nationwide freezer meats.
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Review from Rob K.
Sacramento, CA
1/9/2012
Burgers come big and delicious! And great milkshakes!
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Review from Miranda b.
Sacramento, CA
10/23/2011
While once I did get a sneer from a cashier when ordering a vegetarian option (not that they really have any), their service is great and fast.
The seasoned steak fries are perfect and the burger ingredients are fresh. You can ask for your burger to be made well-done or medium without the cook getting annoyed as I've seen at some other burger joints (you know, that "I'm the cook, you get what I make you" attitude? Never here!). The banana shakes are always perfect although sometimes my strawberry shakes are less than stellar.
The decor is nice - 'retro' signs and posters galore - and it's never too loud or too crowded for a good conversation.
Although it has a funny name (Nationwide Freezer Meats?!) and the exterior is plain and may cause it to be overlooked, it's a great no-frills fresh burger joint and far better than most other burger joints in midtown. -
Review from Joe s.
Fair Oaks, CA
1/5/2012
Hard to beat this burger. The meat is just outstanding no other way to describe it. The portion is pretty big so make sure you are hungry. It may be the only meal of the day. The building is a dive but the food is first rate. I know good burgers and this meat is Kobe meat quality.
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Review from Shannon H.
West Sacramento, CA
12/1/2011
I have to admit, when I first bit into the burger I thought, I'm not sure I like this. But about halfway through, I decided that it was a really delicious hamburger! I had the small (kid size) cheeseburger, which to be truthful is the size of a regular hamburger at most other places. I also split an order of fries with a friend. The fries are GIGANTIC and I immediately thought, these are going to be so tasteless and bland, but to my surprise, they were seasoned and cooked perfectly! They were delicious. Then came the banana shake which I tried because of the rave reviews it received on Yelp. It was so good! It had chunks of real banana in it, and it was just the perfect sweetness. I was pleasantly surprised by this place, and I would definitely go back! (Next time I'm trying the onion rings and the Nutella shake :))
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Review from Stan O.
Sacramento, CA
10/11/2011
This is obviously the best burger in any of California's major cities, (yes, I've checked...)
If you think you've found a place that sells better burgers, do yourself a favor and check out this review:
http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from James Q.
Carmichael, CA
12/11/2011
In their original location, they literally took over the former "Nationwide Freezer Meats" butcher shop -- hence the name. You sat around tables with the old meat hooks hanging above your heads. Great atmosphere, but it simply could not handle the crowds. The new location makes the same great burgers, but with plenty of room for customers. If I had to pick one burger place in Sacramento to visit, this one would be it.
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Review from Brandon B.
Sacramento, CA
1/26/2012
Best burger and fries in Sacramento by far. Fresh ground beef from harris ranch and home made fries like youve never seen before!
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Review from Jason G.
Fresh ground steak cheeseburger was pretty good. The decor is confusing and out of date though.
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Review from Carl I.
8/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
BEST BURGER IN SACRAMENTO.
Don't bother debating me. Yes it's a little spendy for what you get but my God. The Harris Ranch ground steak inside is delectable. The bun was crafted by angels and perfectly fresh. The banana shake has a couple of pieces of banana on top and is rich and creamy.
PURE WIN.
Not to mention, it's a part of Sacramento history. It's a wrap. Other burger places, imma let you finish but NATIONWIDE FREEZER MEATS is the best burger of all time!!! -
Review from Stanley S.
Sacramento, CA
9/10/2011
OMG, this place is ORGASMIC! It has to be the best burger in Sacramento hands down. My buddies and I all got triples, and we were in for a BIG surprise, quite literally. What was more sick was that my friend was still hungry after his triple, so the owner offered him another burger on him.
The fries were amazing. There's steak fries, and then there's Nationwide STEAK FRIES. It was like eating the whole potato, but better. All in all, we definitively got our moneys worth. I think I'll be going there once a month now. -
Review from Steve S.
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
What to smell like a burger for the rest of the day...sure you do, come on down to Nationwide. The steak burger was just about perfect, all the right condiments, cook medium and juicy. The only think I did not like was the fries. I am not a fan of the big steak fries, but that's just me.
Nationwide, sure I want to smell like a burger the rest of the day.
That's my story -
Review from Cheryl L.
7/2/2011
I love me some burgers and this place isn't bad tasting but OH my gosh...it's so friggin greasy. If you want an artery clogging, pimple starting, makes you sleepy after you eat kind of burger, then this is the place for you.
They have thick steak fries, they're ok. I think this is the kind of place where people will either love or hate. -
Review from Mike W.
Sacramento, CA
9/13/2011
Carl is right. Best burger in town. This is the most overlooked burger joint. From the exceptional bun, to the high quality meat used, this place is absolutely a must. Throw in some very well seasoned steak fries and a bad ace milkshake and you are in business. Is it going to run you $12? Yes. Is it going to be one of the best burger and fries combo you've had in Sac? Definitely. I personally would go here over some of the well know burger joints without a doubt.
Just give this place a chance and don't worry about the fat or calories. This is a burger after all, so all of the negative reviews talking about grease and fat need to remember that's what makes a killer tasting burger.
Nationwide = A+ in my book. -
Review from Chris K.
West Sacramento, CA
10/18/2011
THE place to get a good burger. Possibly the best burger in sacramento. Fresh ground meat, fresh baked buns, quality food makes it the best. I would go here anytime. Let me re-iterate, probably the BEST burger in sacramento. Quality you can taste.
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Review from Kevan F.
Sacramento, CA
5/2/2011
Burgers are a very subjective thing. One person will swear that a burger is the best thing they've ever had and the next will swear it's the worst.
My pick for best burgers in Mid-town is this place for several reasons:
1) Burgers are made of fresh meat that's high quality. Their burger patties are made from ground Sirloin.
2) The buns are these delicious, light, fluffy things that they dip in the juice and then toast up a bit. Fantastic compliment to the meat.
3) No ketchup or mustard required. The standard fixin's are so yummy that I never feel the need to add stuff.
4) If you like big fat steak fries with the skin still on then this place is definitely for you. -
Review from Molly B.
I used to take my son here a lot when he was a fetus. He really liked the French ground steak burger with cheese and a peanut butter shake. The doctor told me I couldn't take him here anymore due to my gestational diabetes. Then when my son was a baby I moved to the coast and haven't been back since... until now that is.
I took my son to grab a burger and a root beer. We didn't get shakes because now that I'm buying for more than just myself it suddenly seems pricey! I got the steak burger and a small burger for him. My burger was as good as I remembered and he was loving his. He even danced while he ate which is a sure sign he is enjoying his food.
The burgers aren't salty or filled with weird meat-textured stuff. It tastes like straight up, no frills beef. The dressings go under the patty (which I like) and the cheese on top. The buns have the perfect texture and don't seem to get soggy despite all of the dressings. It gets messy and drips all over your fingers - but there are plenty of napkins. The small burger is the same as the big one, just...well, small.
The service was really friendly and as I watched the guy wipe down a nearby table I thought about the "old days." I used to live in this neighborhood and my father once came to visit. He told me about a small place he used to love eating at when he was younger and working in the neighborhood. "It was just a meat market, but the guy would cook up some burgers so customers could sample the meat. People liked it so much that they became popular and people would come by just to buy the burgers. The poor guy would get so flustered, but eventually turned his place into a burger stand. I wonder if it's still there." Well, no, it wasn't. It had moved to a bigger location at 19th and H. I took him over and he was delighted that other than the location it hadn't really changed "I think it's even still that same guy and he seems just as flustered" he said with a smile. I wonder if that guy is still around.Listed in: Feed Me, Moo0O0o..., Yelp ROTD's!!
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Review from Ed D.
Malibu, CA
5/15/2011
Okay - there are steak sandwiches...and there are STEAK SANDWICHES. Nationwide is in the latter category. I started going there years ago when I lived/worked in "The Sac".
The owner, Frank used to greet me warmly every time I walked in the door. Not that he didn't greet everyone that way; but I felt "special" going there - every Tuesday - like clockwork. It was sort of my version of "Tuesdays with Frank". Unfortunately, Frank passed away - but his son picked up (and VERY ably, I might add) where his father left off - and continues to make Nationwide the top when it comes to steak sandwiches.
Just the perfect tenderness of beef (he doesn't use tenderizer) and just the right amount of garlic in the sandwich make this not only my favorite, but certainly the favorite of all the people that I've ever taken to Nationwide.
Their fries (as seen in the pictures) a huge slices made from 2-3 potatoes, and they are delicious.
There is only one other place to get a steak sandwich that is this good - but luckily, it's 90 miles away from Nationwide, and in a class all to itself. Nationwide is by far the best steak sandwich in Sacramento (and all of the San Joaquin Valley). -
Review from Eduardo C.
Sacramento, CA
3/15/2011
When I entered I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know whether Frosty would be slinging some meat or if I would be eating in a meat cooler with butchers hacking away at carcasses. Either case would be worth retelling on Yelp.
I went for their frenchburger with cheese and their french fries. The frenchburger was down home, old style American cooking. It was comfort food the way it was in the wholesome time of the 1970s. The french fries were delicious potato wedges. When I left the restaurant I felt very American, and I loved it!
The owner/manager seemed like a pretty nice and gregarious fellow. It made the dining experience all the more fun. -
Review from Tim G.
Carmichael, CA
10/29/2011
Hands down my favorite burger in town. Order the French steak burger with bacon and you will not be disappointed. It really is amazing. I crave this burger for at least a week after eating it.
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Review from Wulfstan C.
Santa Rosa, CA
10/16/2011
Despite the odd name, this really is a wonderful burger place.
In brief, this is a no-frills, to-the-point place that serves up amazingly good, simple burger-joint food with a fairly limited menu of traditional items done well.
Located in leafy, lively Midtown, it has very spartan, rather worn old decor, with the old-style hard bench seats and simple tables, and generally looks like it hasn't been updated or even touched in a few decades.
However, the burgers and fires, etc., are great. The meat is juicy (if perhaps a tad on the greasy side), nicely cooked, and put in a burger that my not be overly neat and pretty, but has great condiments and tastes great. -
Review from John K.
Elk Grove, CA
10/6/2011
I have been coming to this establishment for years. Their burgers here are always the best. They use the freshest ingredients, and the fries are like a real steak fries. I have tried the other hyped burger joints, but always find myself coming back to nationwide freezer meats. There single steak burger with cheese is awesome. I even had the chance to see the triple steak burger, and man it is huge. I finally have met the owner of the place in person a few weeks ago. His name is John, and he rocks (Yes, I have been coming for years). My friends and I came in for a good burger and left feeling full. We had great converstations with John, and he definetly made it a welcoming experience. A friend of mine is gearing up for the 10 plus patty challenge, but we are not worthy yet!...we will be back. This place does not help my cholesterol though. But oh it is good!
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Review from R. G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/7/2011
This just wasn't the burger I was looking for. 4 of us went in, 4 came out, none on a stretcher. Edible but failed to unleash the crazed carnivore clawing to get out of every burger lover. Don't like fries so split the rings, again not the rings I was looking for, a bit more doughy than crispy. Being able to have a beer wouldn't hurt either. OK, but not A-OK.
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Review from samantha l.
Sacramento, CA
2/11/2011
Eh. I've been meaning to try this place and with the $2 off coupon in the Bee, I thought it was time. We ordered 2 french cheeseburgers ($7 normally) and an order of onion rings ($4). It was a little over with $15 with the coupon. We called it in while we were driving there and it was ready when we arrived.
The burgers seemed pretty big at first glance, but the patty was actually pretty thin. This was pretty disappointing because when I have a burger, I want meat! They come with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles. A pretty standard burger. They taste okay, but my boyfriend and I ended up trying to add more flavor by dousing the burger in the hot sauce, which I believe is Tapatio. Overall it was mediocre, and I would rather go Burgers and Brew for more flavor, and more meat!
Since our burgers were just okay, we were hoping dessert would be better. We ordered a sundae (soft serve ice cream with some Hershey's chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a cherry) and a mango shake. The sundae ($2.50) was okay, and the shake ($4) was actually really good. The shake was large and was made with fresh fruit, I think. It was really milky and really mango-y, definitely the best part of the meal. -
Review from J T.
Rancho Cordova, CA
8/23/2011
I was excited to try to this place because people have told me the burgers were great. I have no problem paying for quality, but the only thing I really liked about my burger was the bun. I found the burger too salty, nothing special and the fries were awful. I didn't even finish my food.
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Review from Stephanie D.
Sacramento, CA
3/20/2011
Looking for a big, greasy burger? Nationwide Freezer Meats is a hot spot. Nationwide has been serving the Sacramento community for over 40 years and once you taste their burgers, you'll understand why. Come hungry and definitely have the fries. They're made of an entire potato cut into pieces. You'll see what I mean. I wouldn't recommend trying to eat both an entire burger and the fries unless you want to roll out of there. It's HUGE!
The hours are a bit sporadic: Tuesday - Saturday 10:30 am - 7 pm; Mondays: 11:30 am -2:30 pm; Fridays: 10:30 am - 9:00 pm -
Review from Julian L.
Sacramento, CA
2/10/2011 1 photo
At first, I thought this place sold frozen meat. Maybe they do or did... whatever. But Nationwide is a great place for a crazy huge burger. I ordered the Double French CheeseBurger with grilled onions, bacon, and avocado (i love avocado). The burger was so massive that halfway through my wrists were getting tired! Perhaps I should have gotten the single... oh well. The fries were as big as french toast sticks and they came really hot, so hot we call them "fry grenades."
The service is really good here. I got a dollar off for calling the cashier "sir." You order at the cash register but then there is a wait staff who delivers your food to your table and they bring you little cups of ketchup
I want to come here again to have a milkshake and a (less-heavy) burger!
**UPDATE**
I tasted a strawberry shake... AMAZING! I'm pretty sure they used real strawberries. Tasty Tasty TASTY!!!Listed in: Burgers
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Review from Candace H.
Sacramento, CA
5/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a no frills, down and dirty burger place! The decor is funky, menu basic, and burgers OUTSTANDING! Not to be confused with Nations in the Bay Area, this place freshly grinds its meat to deliver a not to be missed steak burger. The buns are chewy and flavorful, meat is perfectly seasoned and well portioned, and fries are the real deal. They'll take your order at the counter all of the way to the back, and deliver your meal in a brown paper bag with your name on it, the same bag that your order was taken on! And if you're really in this for the win, don't leave without a shake -they're all outstanding!
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Review from Lara E.
Woodland, CA
2/24/2011
Don't be intimidated by the name of this burger place. Their burgers are absolutely yummy! I went here with a friend over summer. I guess it actually used to be a wholesale meat distributor that has since turned into a little burger joint.
Their burgers are pretty big. I ordered a mushroom burger, onion rings, and a root beer float. I was pretty stuffed by the end of it, and completely satisfied.
To me, this is a great little secret and way better than burger chain restaurants or fancy shmancy places that have $10 burgers. You can probably get a whole meal here for about $12-15. The price is not bad at all. The restaurant itself is unassuming. Real casual, all about the food.
You better go here before it becomes the next thing to do in Sac. -
Review from Nikki C.
Sacramento, CA
7/25/2010
Had lunch here with the fiance the other day. We both ordered the French groundsteak burger with cheese, I ordered onion rings, he ordered French fries, I ordered a 1/2 chocolate 1/2 peanut butter shake, and her ordered an Oreo shake.
So the burgers were very tasty. The bun was so good, soft and fresh and just good. The meat was very tasty as well, very flavorful and juicy and satisfying.
The sides were horrible. The fries are just huge chunks of potatoes, not seasoned at all, they're really gross. I LOVE potato wedge fries, when they're properly seasoned and crispy, but these are huge and soft and bland. Yuck. Even dipped in ketchup, they weren't good. The onion rings aren't much better. They're bland as well, and not satisfying at all. If we return to this place, I think we'll buy some of the chips they have on display by the register.
The shakes were a mixed bag. My fiance's shake was delicious, a perfect Oreo shake. Mine was strange. I ordered a chocolate peanut butter shake, and what I got was a chocolate peanut shake. Instead of peanut butter mixed into my shake, there were peanuts. I wasn't sure I liked this, but halfway through chewing my chunky shake, I decided I didn't like it. I love chocolate peanut butter shakes because sometimes you'll get a chunk of cold peanut butter, and it's so tasty. Peanuts, and tons of them.... Not so much. But the quality of the shake was pretty good, I would have liked it without the peanuts, and now I know what not to order from the list of shakes.
The appearance of this place is strange, but I've learned, thanks in large part to Yelp, not to judge places by their appearances.
So, I'm mixed about this place. It was a pretty good burger, but the sides sucked, and my shake was weird. I think we'll be back though to give it another shot.Listed in: Meeting Midtown (and East Sac…, All-American Eats
