Much like the Mogwai of Gremlins fame, I am governed by three basic rules: don’t expose me direct sunlight, don’t let me get wet, and never, ever forget to feed me before midnight. One false step in these directions and I can assure you that I’m far more Gremlin than human. Recently, I had the pleasure of traveling to Hamburg, and while winters pose a
Now, if you happened to catch my post about King Louie in Munich, then you know that I’m fairly hesitant about reviewing burgers; but considering that I only really went to Hamburg to take a selfie eating a (non-cannibalistic) hamburger in Hamburg, I, of course, have to let you in on the experience.
Located in the Altstadt, Brooklyn Burger Bar—as the name clearly suggests—is all about delivering a classic restaurant-quality burger experience, but inside of a bar. In this regard, the drink menu is truly gargantuan, which did make me hesitant until I realized that most of the space was for listing liquors not cocktails. In my experience, giant drink menus imply quantity over quality, and a quantity focus almost always means sickly sweet concoctions. No worries, though. At BBB, this really isn’t the case.
The focus at Brooklyn Burger Bar is a better-than-homemade experience. At BBB, even the ketchup refuses to come from a jar, and this complete lack of conservatives definitely enhances the taste. As I’ve said before, especially when it comes to the simplicity of a burger, however much you dress it up, it all comes down to the freshness of your components and the hands that arrange them. The made-to-order patty (for those of you who dare to stray from medium) is exquisitely juicy, though almost intimidatingly large, and the handmade sauces are absolute perfection. Though the homemade bun (which breaks my hard no-sesame rule) fails to match the glory of King Louie’s golden bun, its crumbly nature is pleasantly reminiscent of the buns found at most American cookouts. That being said, what BBB slings out of their kitchen, is an all-American experience of outstanding quality and Texan proportion (everything’s bigger in Texas).
My companion, whose own love of chili-con-carne prompted his ordering of “The Sloppy One” (12) (medium-well, because he’s a monster) engulfed his home fries paired dinner in a harrowing scene frighteningly reminiscent of the whale Monstro swallowing Pinocchio whole. I can only infer from this haunting slaughter that he was beyond pleased. Because I can hardly ever resist a runny egg though, I ordered the Hangover Burger (14,5) with a fresh, fair-raised 200g beef patty (medium because I’m not a monster), cheddar, bacon, a fried egg, homemade BBQ-sauce, jalapeños, and all the traditional fixings. This, I paired with sweet potato fries and fresh-made “red ranch,” which doesn’t quite meet the glory of good, old fashioned (dare I say, bottled) ranch, but certainly is delicious. All-in-all this sloppy monster with its golden yolk was a true credit to its burger brothers and sisters. In fact, were I a tad bit more dramatic, I might be compelled to leave my dear, beloved Munich and move to Hamburg for this burger alone. For never was there a German burger that filled me with such joy
If you’re looking to stray from the burger trail, however, you absolutely must try the corn dogs. If there’s anything the Germans can’t mess up, it is a
So if you’re ever in Hamburg, and you’re looking for an upgrade on your fast-food burger, Brooklyn Burger Bar is definitely Of Joy That Kills approved, and if you can’t trust an American when it comes burgers, who can you trust?
Let me know where you get your favorites burger— wherever you live. Also, are you team sesame bun or team plain bun? I’m a die-hard no-sesame girl.
Brooklyn Burger Bar
Alter Fischmarkt 3
20457 Hamburg
