Peter's Gourmade Grill-Tustin

[reality check]

Anybody been there? I've heard some very good things about their burgers. It's in a gas station, but the burgers are suppose to be very good.

Peter's Gourmade Grill
16851 McFadden Ave
Tustin, CA 92780

[joedaark]

Probably the best burger in all of Orange County!
Absolutely the best! I would recommend it to anyone and EVERYONE

[reality check]

Tried it today and barely above Red Robin. What a disappointment. I can't see how anybody would rank this as the best in OC.

[A5 KOBE]

I drove past it twice yesterday. Maybe it was you I see in the line?

I was gonna try it today until I saw this post.

[Funwithfood]

There was quite a line yesterday! But you can text in your order so it's ready when you get there (text number on their card: 714-273-7922).

[reality check]

I tried to text my order one time and got no confirmation. I called twice and nobody answered the phone. It was during their listed business hours, too. So I just gave up.

The first time I went, the burgers were just ok, nothing special about them.

[Professor Salt]

Do try it, opinions vary. I rather like the ABC burgers very much.

[Professor Salt]

Yes. The burgers are really very good. I like the ABC burger (avocado, bacon and cheddar) very much. Fresh, hand-formed beef patties. Shoestring fries or sweet potato fries, both very nicely done. But the grilled sourdough-melt type sandwiches like the basil pesto chicken are super greasy - he fries with too much butter, and I've told Peter so.

I doubt he's modified that sandwich based on one guy's feedback but I wouldn't know because he's been closed on subsequent visits during hours he should have been open. Hours are REALLY erratic, and it's a huge reason not to recommend it. If you happen to work or live nearby, it's worth a call before you head over. It's just Peter cooking with his girlfriend helping out on weekends. There's a rotating cast of helpers, and I don't think he's staffing up to the level he needs to get everything done.

Phone number is 714 599 3866. Vaya con dios, and look for the Valero gas station where he's located. He's doing something ballsy by working out of a gas station and he deserves a little support, but he's shooting himself in the foot by not hiring help to keep the place open when people want to give him business.

[groover808]

Thanks for the chowhound perspective, my brother mentioned the owner at this place is really passionate about the food. I'll have to call before I stop by sometime..

[Professor Salt]

Yeah, I've talked to him a bunch, and he's definitely passionate. But that don't mean diddly when the stools are put away and place looks closed at 5:45pm like it was tonight. I drive by here all the time, and this flakiness is a real problem. Might be a terrific cook. Business skills? Not so much.

I know I sound harsh. I like what this guy's doing, his food, even him as a person. I just want him to get his act together and have a lot of success so I can eat there without second guessing if he's open.

[mikester]

I went last night, and called ahead based on your post - good advice !

I had the ABC burger and it was truly fantastic ! This guy does what he does really really well.

Also had the gooey sweet potato fries and the greek fries (no, not just for me and not just for one night - we'll be enjoying these for leftovers). Anyway both were also excellent, but I don't know if I could order the sweeties again, because of the guilt factor. Still it's great to try at least once. The greek fries I would definitely have again, and I'm eager to try some of the other options such as the gyros sandwich.

I really hope this place makes it and that Peter Stavros has great success - he deserves it !

Here's the link to his website BTW.

http://www.orangecountycaterers.net/

[reality check]

Good advise by PS. I drove by Sat, about 7pm. Closed!!! If I had made a trip out there just to try it, I would have been very upset. But I was in the area, and figured I would give it a try.

[Funwithfood]

I was taking a class nearby and the instructor told me about this place. Because of other classmate's raves, I decided to try my first gyro! It was deeeelish, the highlight was the crispy grilled flatbread surrounding it...and the sauce was fantastic.

How are their breakfast burritos?

[Professor Salt]

I haven't tried the breakfast burritos, FwF.