The Wienery

Breakfast ALL DAY. Get it?

Drive-In Dog w/Slaw

On The Road...MPLS
Nestled in the heart of the West Bank section of Minneapolis is the Wienery, a small eatery that packs a lot of flavor and flair. The setup is about 4-5 tables and chairs plus another 10-12 seats at a bar. Breakfast is served ALL day. I emphasize that because there were enough signs mentioning it and people still asked. Reading is not fundamental, it's overrated.

The food, yes, the food. The dogs were Vienna Beef and that's an automatic 4-stars because them doggies run the Midwest. I went dogs only on this trip because I was anticipating more eating (turned out to be Matt's and that delicious Jucy Lucy) and the doggies did not disappoint.

Decision time and it was not easy. Their menu runs deep, much like my appetite but not like my wallet so I had to make some tough choices. I opted for the Tasmanian Devil because I wanted the hottest of the hot chili on top of my doggy and then I went for more chili and some slaw on the Drive-In Dog, a nod to my days in Charleston.

Both hit the spot perfectly and someone please tell me why it's so hard to find a poppy seeded hot dog roll here in NYC? I mean, this is NYC! Let's get on the ball. It's for the children, just ask this guy.


Rating - 5/5. I had perfection at the Wienery. Them doggies were so good and the chili was amazing, nice and spicy and that slaw. WOW! I loved the slaw. I loved it so much I would have let them make a beard of slaw on my face to pick it while riding the light rail back to the airport. That would have been fun to explain to the TSA folks.

Their site - www.wienery.com

**If you want to make some slaw at home the way the Wienery does out in MPLS, have a look here for the recipe!

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Grinders West

Large Marge - Look at those grill marks

On The Road...KCMO
To those who have followed me from the beginnings on gothamBURGERS and gothamPIZZA, thank you. Thank you for continuing on this journey, or should I say progression to 5BFG. That said, my most recent road trip took me to Kansas City, Missouri for some Yankees' baseball and good food. While I did get my Yankees baseball, good food became a bit more of a challenge than hitting Mariano Rivera's cutter.

My KC research started with a web search for "best burgers KC" and then "best pizza KC" just for the heck of it. Ironically, one place showed up on both and immediately, Grinders was vaulted to the top of my hit list. Killing two birds with one stone, especially in foreign territory is a blessing. As it was, Grinders was the first, and perhaps, best meal I'd have out there (more on that later).

The interior had flava. I really liked the decor and the hand crafted tables were really cool and fun to look at. **Note the tables are done by local artists and are for sale at the restaurant. Back to why you're here, the food! I knew I wanted a burger and since they had one called "Large Marge" that one my approval. As a Simpsons fan, a burger bearing the name of the matriarch of the cartoon clan was worth a try. Marge, of course, delivered! Thick, juicy, full of flavor, cooked to order.

Bengal Tiger

The other reason for Grinders was the pizza and I was encouraged by the waitress to try the Bengal Tiger - a slice with Tandoori Chicken. Ironically, this was the one slice I singled out as not wanting since I am not the biggest fan of Indian food and, well, I wish I would have stuck to my guns. I actually enjoyed the pizza, not much thicker than a tortilla and everything was fresh. I just wish I sampled a different slice.

Fortunately, I was steered in the direction of the Reuben sandwich, which was "to die for." And this is how I rounded out my meal and was glad to get the taste of tandoori out of my mouth.

Burger Rating - 4.5/5 - just about as good as a burger can get! Nice and fresh. Delicious. Perfectly sized bun. Not a deep burger menu.

Pizza Rating - 3.5/5 - Lots of options here. Not like your momma's pizza but a lot of interesting options that merit a look and probably a second look. If I was rating just the piece I had, considering I knew I would not like it, I'd still give it a 2.5 but I am bumping it up because there was definitely something good there just needed a different "flavor" to satisfy my pizza cravings.

Their site - http://grinderspizza.com/index.php?/grinderswest/

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Matt's Bar

Matt's Bar - Exterior Sign

On the road..Minneapolis, MN (aka MPLS)
Today we're on the road in MPLS - home of the Twins, Vikings, Atmosphere, Target, the T'Wolves, TARGET, the Mall of America, Fifth Element, and most importantly the Jucy Lucy. Ironically, while I did see the homes of the Twins, Vikings, and T'wolves plus the Mall of America during my recent jaunt to the Twin Cities, I did not see one Target. Disbelief aside, my mission was food and it was mission accomplished. Oh and there's an NHL team called the Wild that calls MPLS home too.

Traveling up and down the light rail brought me to a number of places I absolutely had to try but the one place I enjoyed the most was actually an accident. I knew of the "Jucy Lucy" prior to my arrival in the Twin Cities however, I did not know just where I wanted to get one. That, my friends, is where fate comes in. I was waiting for the 22 bus and I was just chattin' it up with the bus driver. Destination - unknown. Fortunately, his route took me to Matt's Bar and at his urging, and the urging of another passenger, Matt's was a can't miss. Can't miss means must do so I did it and WOW! For followers of my tumblr you have seen the pics posted from Matt's, featuring the Jucy Lucy I enjoyed there. What I have for those who do not know is video of my Jucy Lucy Experience, behold:

Legend has it that a customer didn't want a run in the mill burger or cheeseburger so he had them form two patties and stuff cheese in the middle. The Jucy Lucy was born and it's been a hit ever since. Having this still of burger is a must in the Midwest. Visiting Matt's, where the burger was born just takes the experience to another level. Mine was enjoyed with some chopped onion and a pickle and I wish I was there right now to have another, and another, and maybe one more for the road.

As I was eating this and the cheesy goodness burned my hand, I could not help but wonder if Slug of Atmosphere was referring to this Lucy on their hit F&%K You Lucy because I know it was on my mind...


Rating - 5/5 - concept, nostalgia, and freshly cooked deliciousness. 

Their site - http://www.mattsbar.com/

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Size Does Matter

It's fair to say that nobody uses a scale to actually measure the size of burgers, specifically the three shown here. After all, the only place where they will adamantly measure out your food and perhaps give you less than you are entitled to get is Subway, the WORST SANDWICH PLACE ANYWHERE, EVER! Ask for more meat and you may as well be asking to slaughter their first born.

A quick comparison for my local burger quests will show the 5, 6, and 7 oz burgers.

5oz - No.9 Burger - Jimmy's Burger Shack

And now for a 6oz burger from Lee's Burgers, located in Newton Centre, MA.

6oz Sirloin Burger - Lee's Burgers - Newton, MA

And here is that 7oz gem from the great Jackson Hole...

7oz Southwest Burger - Jackson Hole

Again, I didn't measure anything. I don't really care to measure anything. And for all I know, 1oz of beef may make that much of a difference but I have my doubts. Somewhere along the way I think Jackson Hole lost their scale or their just pulling our leg with that "Home of the 7oz Burger Talk." Don't worry though, I aint mad at ya, neither is this guy

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St. Marks 2 Bros Pizza

St. Marks 2 Bros Sign

Chances are you've seen a St. Mark's 2 Bros somewhere in the city. You may have even looked at it with a skeptical eye because, after all, they sell pizza for a dollar a piece. Everywhere else charges at least $2.25 and as you know, there's a lot of misses in the city and not as many hits. So I was out by Port Authority one evening and I said, "DJ, it's time to give the dollar store pizza a shot." I mean, how bad could it be? And would I really regret wasting a dollar if it was that bad? 

I must say, the place is clean, crowded and the lines are moving. This place was humming and they sell one of the better slices in all of NYC. The size, the flavor, the price all lead to St. Marks being a must try. Admit it, you love the fast food spots that have the dollar menu because you love the dollar menu. You might venture into the dollar store because you love a bargain. If you eat here it's because you just want good pizza at a GREAT price. This is everything good about your neighborhood pizzeria, minus the red drink.

St Marks - That's a nice slice!

Rating - 4.25/5 - an extra .25 because of the amazing price!

**Note - this review was based on my recent experience at the St. Mark's 2 Bros on 9th Ave. If you are walking down 9th from Uptown, do NOT go to the dump that sells 99 cent pizza. That place will not give you your penny back and they serve absolute garbage.

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Jimmy's Burger Shack

Hard to believe there's more mini than 5oz

Love Potion #9. Or something

Home sweet home! Back in the city so nice they named it twice after a whirlwind trip that brought me all over the middle of this great country. After stepping off the MEGA BUS and before boarding the not-so-mega-train, I ventured to Jimmy's Burger Shack for some, wait for it....wait some more....you guessed it!! BURGERS! Desperate times call for desperate measures and I was putting my burger craving in the hand of Brother Jimmy in the hopes that he could satisfy my needs. Did Jimmy deliver? Did DJ get his burger craving satisfied on the corner of 8th and 32nd? Stay tuned to find out!

And we're back!! So I stroll into the Shack only to immediately be disappointed, why? Well, it appeared as if there was chaos all around in there and the cook just didn't look like he was feeling it that day. Maybe he wanted to see some preseason football? Maybe he had to catch up on his DVR episodes of Judge Judy? Maybe he just can't cook burgers? Well, I order the No 9 (5oz w/bacon and a fried egg) and I waited. And waited. And waited. Somewhere in that waiting was my realization that there was no way that my teeny tiny burger was going to show up rare. Or medium rare. Or medium. Or medium well. Or well done. It was just done. Hockey puck done which I guess is appropriate considering their proximity to MSG, the World's Most Famous Arena.

Hi. I'm #9

To the left is my lil' puck covered with a perfectly fried egg and perfectly cooked bacon (FOR ME PEOPLE! Maybe you want your bacon crunchy by for me this is perfect, k?) Anyway, this lil guy was like the most delicious bacon and egg sandwich (on a mini potato roll) marred by a ultra well done burger that lacked any flavor. Well, not any flavor. It had the flavor of overcooked, which I am certain is on the spectrum somewhere.

No9 - REALLY DONE

As your gracious host, I never stop at just one and I gave a mini a shot and well, the results were quite similar. Over done, no taste other than the lettuce and tomato, oh and bread. Can't forget that. Nor can I forget the Shack Sauce. All those little helpers tried to drown out the taste of overdone and all some type of flavor to the poor lil guy. I think the saying was help for the helpless as the end result was mediocre at best.

I was entertained by this couple engaged in a fight that was LONG overdue. And it was nice to be begged for money by NY hobos since I was tired of the beggars in KC or MPLS or Boston.

Rating - 1.5/5 - Concept is the only thing that scores points. Some cooking tips for anyone making a slider, it's small and takes a lot less time to cook. You do not need to cover it on the grill. Bad idea. Bad, bad idea.

Their site - http://www.jimmysburgershack.com/ (under construction as of 8/26, hopefully site design comes with burger making lessons)


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Famous Amadeus Pizza

Famous Amadeus Pizza

Followers of my other blog Gothamburgers know of my recent run-in at Jimmy's Burger Shack. While I left Jimmy's full of sorrow, I made a left onto 8th avenue where someone famous was calling. That someone was Sean Combs. Are you doubting me Thomas? Well, go to Famous Amadeus Pizzeria on 8th Ave. and tell me that Mr. Combs' picture is not on the wall, calling you.

Interestingly, I was a bit confused by the name. Maybe it was Famous Amos but that was taken by that cookie guy? Or maybe it's just meant to be Amadeus? I hear the name Amadeus and Falco comes to mind. Falco and this guy.

Famous Amadeus Slice

In my undying quest to eat at every pizzeria in NYC, I ventured into Amadeus, not expecting much but knowing it was light years ahead of the competition across the street. Armed with a few bucks and low expectations, I gave Famous Amadeus a shot. How was it? Well, it was actually good. The sauce was tasty and had nice layers of flavor to it. The bottom had a nice crunch and the crust was good. My only issue was the copious amounts of cheese on the plain slice.

Rating - 3.25/5 - It's a bit pricy at $2.75 per for a plain but overall it's good, even with all that cheese. It's definitely better than that other place across the street so if you need pizza after a night at the garden, give Amadeus a shot. Be sure to ask the guy behind the counter to, "Rock me Amadeus."

Their site - http://www.famousamadeus.com/Welcome.tpl

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Grimaldi's

Grimaldi's Pizzeria - Exterior

People like me call it downtown Brooklyn. Fancy people may call it Brooklyn Heights or whatever the heck else they call these areas downtown. Personally, I don't care what you call it. Get anywhere near the Brooklyn Bridge, start sniffing for pizza and follow the scent. If you find an enormous line near a velvet rope, you've come to the right place.

"Nothing is worth that kind of wait." That's what the ignorant will say without ever having taken a bite of the coal fired awesomeness that is Grimaldi's pizza. Thin, fresh, delicious. There's not much else like this in all of NYC and let me tell you, there's a reason the big G ranks at or near the very top of all the "Best Pizza" lists for the 5 Boroughs.

Grimaldi's Pizzera - You know the rules

Loyal followers know that I am not fond of the pretentious "No slices" places, see Chipp, however there are pizzerias where this works. How? Well, for starters they have the rep to back it up. Secondly, the pizza is that good that you should want a minimum of 8 pieces so that even if you don't gorge you can gladly enjoy them later. Re-heated, not cold, of course.

Call it what you will but I go here for their signature pie with no toppings to litter the taste of the amazing sauce (light, sweet, and full of flavor), fresh mozzarella (this is mmm, mmmm good), and basil. The thin crust, coal fired masterpiece is served fast and HOT as their pizza man churns out pie after pie in record time to serve the masses.


Rating - 5/5 - This is the best of the best. I hear that eating this will make you look younger, act smarter, live forever, and give you cool points with even the most harsh critics. Remember the girl that would NEVER go to prom with you? Should have told her you eat here regularly and she'd have been convinced that you're not the loser she thought you to be.

Their site - Grimaldi's

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