Fresh Grill, new in Bethesda

[Mister Big]

So a new burger joint has opened a half-block from BGR. There must be a huge market for burgers in B'town. Question: Anyone eaten there yet? Can it succeed?

[kagi]

Went recently with a party of four; we all had burgers and everyone was pleased. I had the "Dragon's Breath," which was totally tasty in a gut-destroying kind of way (grilled jalapeños, hot sauce, pepper jack, slaw). I do not regret it. I also got the seasoned fries -- quite good.

This place makes excellent burgers (much better than, say, Five Guys); seems like they could use a better name, though.

[woodleyparkhound]

I checked it out for lunch and got the fish sandwich. The appearance of the fish was a big-turnoff. It is white; my expectation was that it would look browned. I got over that however, since the taste of the fish was very good. The bun was warm and very good, which is important to me. I like the slaw on it as well. I thought it could have used more moisture and more heat: sriracha mayo, or just sriracha, would have been perfect. The chips weren't special as others have noted.

A woman who said she was related to the owner came over and asked me how I liked my meal. (The "Julie" referred to above?) She was very interested in my feedback and really seemed to care about making the place the best it can be.

I would like to go back to try the burger, the "porkalicious" and maybe the chicken sandwich.

[woodleyparkhound]

Went back last night to try the burger - loved it! The burger itself was very juicy and flavorful, and cooked exactly medium rare as I had requested. I got the "Geez that's a lot of cheese" - will try the cheddar/bacon one next. I got "Fire Sauce" and grilled jalapenos on the side. The sauce is really spicy, as advertised. I could have used this on the fish sandwich I got before. Another thing about this burger that I absolutely LOVED was the bun - really soft, warm and seemingly homemade with a dusting of flour on the top - I'd like to know where they come from. When I finished eating this thing, I felt like I needed a shower -- wet wipes would have been welcome! (Not a complaint - I love my burgers drippy!)

Again I was underwhelmed by the chips. Kettle Sea Salt and Vinegar, or fries, or potato salad, etc. would be an improvement.

This is a great addition to the burgeoning burger scene in the area.

[Mister Big]

Fresh Grill now offers fries, but, sadly, ala carte.

[Mister Big]

A friend mentioned that BGR in Bethesda has taken a turn for the worse, and Fresh Grill is the go-to spot for burgers. Now, if they would only offer fries, as the chips are nothing special Love their slaw.

[elegantelliot]

I had the chicken sandwich the other day and it was very good. i would go back again.

[chicken kabob]

Went again tonight- it is THAT good! I had an AMAZING "classsic burger" w/ cheddar & applewood smoked bacon. I also love the fresh kettle chips. I hope this place does wel because I want it to stay around. I prefer it to BGR right down the street.

[Doh]

Looks like my other post got purged for some reason, so I'll just say I also prefer it to BGR, and half the time I don't even get the burger, I get the fish sandwich!

[dacwdc]

I ate there yesterday. I had the fish sandwich and it was great. I could have use a bigger piece of fish, but it certainly tasted great and the fish wasn't the least bit greasy. I agree w/ another poster that the chips weren't all the much better than you can get in a bag at the store. My wife got the grilled chicken and it tasted good, but it had the opposite issue - the chcken breast was huge .... too thick and uneven. The staff was awesome. The guy at the register was a customer service oriented as you can be and the manager (I think her name was Julie) introduced herself, asked about our sandwiches and gave us some cookies before we left. She 'gets it' - make a connection with your customers. Good job Julie! I too really hope this place does well and I'll definitely go back fro some burgers this week.

[Jay]

I tried the fish sandwhich too. I thought it was fine-- but it could have used more seasoning. (Hey, I southern). I do like the panko-like breading, and yes it wasn't very greasy.

[Mister Big]

I ate there twice this week. First, I had the fish and chips which was terrific. Fish was excellent, slaw (marinated, not creamy) was outstanding, but the home-made chips didn't rise much above store-bought. My lunch companion pointed out that Brits would be puzzled by what they call chips. My guess is they will eventually introduce fries.

My second meal was the burger. I only eat burgers 3-4 times a year, but Fresh Grill's could become addictive. Easily as good as Ray's, and much closer to home.

Prices are a little steep, but the opening week 20% discount brought them in line.

[chicken kabob]

I had the bacon cheddar burger and thought it was EXCELLENT quality and taste. Love the brioche-buttery bun and homemade potato chips, too. Spoke to the owners- they are very nice-would love to see this place do well.

[hibye]

I had the grilled chicken burger today and was very disappointed. The marinade overpowered the delicate cole slaw that they serve on the sandwich. I was wishing i had gone to BGR for my usual tuna burger.