Yes, it's another burger joint. In fact BGR, which recently landed a franchise in Atlantic Station, calls itself "The Burger Joint." With a better burger concept positioned somewhere between Five Guys and Five Napkin, BGR touts prime dry-aged beef that's blended and freshly ground, grilled to temperature over an open flame, and served on locally baked buns.
The look: BGR's first Georgia location is in the 19th Street corner space formerly occupied by Doc Green's. The fast-casual build-out features a colorful chalkboard menu and an open kitchen behind the order counter. The purple walls are lined with album covers. In addition to cafe tables and banquettes, inside, there's a sidewalk patio with umbrella tables.
The scene: On a recent Friday evening, the line to the counter spilled into the dining room, where several young couples watched and waited for their orders while holding onto blinking wireless buzzers. Arranged around adjoining tables, a large Mennonite family with small children feasted on burgers and fries.
The menu: While the basic burger ($6.49) with additions such as cheese ($1) or bacon ($1) tops the menu, there are many variations and offerings beyond beef — including a brown rice and black bean burger ($6.99), turkey with mushrooms and gorgonzola ($8.99), Greek-style ground lamb ($9.49) and ahi tuna grilled with pineapple ($10.99). Right now, the seasonal special is lobster sliders ($12.99). On the side, look for Yukon Gold ($2.29) and sweet potato fries, grilled asparagus spears ($3.49) and Vidalia onion rings ($3.49).
The drinks: The board currently lists draft beer and wine as "coming soon." But there are Coke and root beer floats ($3.99), hand-spun shakes ($4.99), self-serve fountain drinks ($2.25) from a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, vintage bottled sodas ($2.50) and bottled water ($2-$3).
The extras: If you're in the mood for a "Man vs. Food" kind of burger challenge, the $99.99 Nine Pounder, which has been featured on the Travel Channel and Food Network and comes with a bottle of Maalox, should do the job. The actual weight, including the bun, two heads of lettuce, eight tomatoes, three red onions, four whole pickles and a lot of mojo sauce, is 15 pounds. It's supposed to feed 10-15 people, but if one brave soul can down it in a single sitting, it's free.
Dining Out
BGR, Atlantic Station
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.
Burgers and sandwiches, $6.49-$99.99; sides, $2.29-$3.49; soft drinks, floats and shakes, $2.25-$4.99; kids meal, $4.99.
264 19th St., Atlanta, 404-228-6469, www.bgrtheburgerjoint.com
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