Posted by: Royal Burger Court
on Oct 29, 2009
Our intrepid band of gastronomic adventurers continue their quest to discover the area’s best burger.
Adventure the Second: Wild Willy's Burgers
Wild Willy's Burgers, 765 Route 1, York ME
Burgers are what the Royal Burger Court are all about, and so for our second burgering adventure we ventured to a restaurant that is also all about burgers: Wild Willy's Burgers, boasting half a dozen locations throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. Our quest took us to their flagship burger shack in York to see if our palates could discern what Willy’s calls “the taste derived from quality ingredients and the care taken during preparation.”
Burger Bites
(our capsule reviews -- for all the juicy details read full reviews here.)
SIR JOHN
“Wild Willy’s is appropriate for post-golf munchies, or a brief stop on a road-trip. It is inexpensive and it’s décor achieves the lunch wagon goal. However, the burger was lacking. A good stopping point, but not a destination.” Overall score: 19.5 (B)
SIR DAN
“As far as double-wides on the side of Route 1 go, you’d be hard pressed to find a tastier burger. Do us a favor though and accept a freakin’ credit card (or at least install an ATM!)” Overall score: 20 (B+)
SIR JOE
“Great spot to fill up the tank when time is of the essence.” Overall score: 19.75 (B)
SIR ROB
“Based on this visit and several others, this is still my favorite place to grab a burger during the day. The place is clean, fun, and the burgers are great. As a place for dinner though, it’s a bit casual. I’d stick with convincing your kid to use her hard-earned lemonade stand money to treat you to a tasty lunch.” Overall score: 19 (B)
SIR DAVE
“If hunger strikes on Rte. 1 in York there aren’t many choices. This, I suppose, is one of them. But personally I’d go the extra mile (on hands and knees if necessary) to eat at Mainiax Cafe instead.” Overall score: 9 (D+)
SIR JEFF
“Darn good for what I consider a pretty dive establishment. I really enjoyed my burger though it was somehow half medium and half well done.” Overall score: 18 (B)
Ye Verdict
For full reviews, an explanation of judging categories and criteria, and more about the Royal Burger Court, visit our website.
Posted by: Royal Burger Court
on Oct 2, 2009
Earlier this year an intrepid band of gastronomic adventurers set forth on a noble quest: to discover the area’s best burger. Their backgrounds, ages, and professions vary, but all have one crucial thing in common: a burger-shaped void deep inside that calls out to be filled. Monthly they converge upon an unsuspecting restaurant. They dine. And then as quickly as they came they vanish once more into the night. To review… and to wait: for next month, and the next burger.
These hearty gourmands brave the unknown on behalf of burgerphiles throughout the New Hampshire Seacoast area — and for the greater glory of The Burger. Their identities are shrouded in secrecy, but you may recognize them by the telltale shine of grease on their chins and the faint swelling — of pride — at their waistlines. They are The Royal Burger Court, and herein will be sung their many adventures on this epic quest.
(Or to put it more simply: we're guys who like burgers, and like writing about it.)
Adventure the First: Top of the Chop
Top of the Chop, One Orchard Street, Dover NH
The historic first meeting of the Royal Burger Court took place at the Top of the Chop, the more casual dining space above the Orchard Street Chop Shop in Dover, NH. Over an inaugural beer the members debated, deliberated, and ultimately decided upon the arcane details of the RBC’s official rating system. Then each ordered the tantalizingly named Filet Mignon Cheeseburger and put the new system into practice.
Burger Bites
(our capsule reviews -- for all the juicy details read full reviews
here)
SIR ROB
“A contender for best all-around burger joint were it not for the poorly cooked burger. I’m ready to give them another chance for something as easily corrected as the doneness of my meat, but they better make a habit of getting it right — especially a place whose reputation is based on serving beef. ” Overall score: 16 (B-)
SIR DAN
“If the burger was made from Certified Angus instead of filet mignon this might be Burger Club heaven. Still, with free pool, darts, and live music, it almost doesn’t matter what they serve.” Overall score: 18 (B)
SIR JOE
“Good for a date, good for the guys, but the overcooked burger was a bit of a surprise.” Overall score: 17 (B)
SIR DAVE
“Nice venue with eclectic draft selection, free pool and darts, and live music (3 nights/wk). De-damn-licious toppings and sides go a long way toward salvaging a mediocre patty. Great spot for what could be a great burger.” Overall score: 19 (B+)
SIR JEFF
“About as good as I think we could ask for — pool, darts, live music, good beer — if only the fries weren’t far and away better than the burger!” Overall score: 16 (B-)
Ye Verdict
For full reviews, an explanation of judging categories and criteria, and more about the Royal Burger Court, visit our website.
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