The Bristol/Burger

[rchudy]

So I'm finally heading to The Bristol Lounge tomorrow for the burger. They seem to be booked at my ideal lunch time (in the 12:00 hour) but I think we're going to roll the dice and go anyway in the hopes of getting a table or eating at the bar. Does anyone have any experience doing this here? And what can I expect from this burger? Do I need to dress up at all or can I go as my normal scrub self with jeans, t-shirt and possibly a blazer? Thanks.

-----
Bristol Lounge
200 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

[CocoDan]

Good spot, good burger, interesting wine list. Lunch is a good time to be there. Casual is just fine.
Enjoy,
CocoDan

[rchudy]

Great, give you the run-down later.

[rchudy]

Damn good burger, for sure. I see your point that it probably used to be the best, but isn't anymore. Perfectly cooked, seasoned, etc, fries were a let down and relatively cold. Nothing fundamentally wrong, but I am sick of seeing out season tomato and not fresh lettuce on a burger, just because it's classically supposed to be there. Maybe it's just me, but I don't think the best burger should be at the Four Seasons, it should be at a place like Bartley's or (gasp) R.F.O.'s, which I of course can't stand.

-----
Four Seasons Restaurant
249 Lake Ave, Worcester, MA 01604

[yumyum]

Juicy / drippy?

[rchudy]

Absolutely, well, more juicy within the patty than drippy on the plate, if that makes sense.

[9lives]

Makes perfect sense and to me is the ideal; in fact I learned it from YY. Let the meat rest for 10 mins and the juices are reabsorbed. Works for large roats or even relatively small burgers.

I'm a DIY when it comes to burgers,other night..fresh ground from Savenor's, 10 oz. chuck, cabot xtra sharp and grilled onions..heaviy seasoned the meat with S&P+ prior to cooking About 12 mins total on a hot fire..perfect MR. I hate ketchup (too sweet) but A1 and horseradish (relatively new for me on a burger)..Heaven on an English muffin. Not my fave bun but not bad and allowed me to justify the homemade fries..:)

A well made burger can really be a thing of beauty.

[Alcachofa]

I'm a HUGE tomato-on-burger fan, but Craigie actually made a sauce that let me forget the tomato. Wow, that was good.

That's shameful about the fries. I haven't had the burger at Bristol for a while, but recall the fries being excellent.

[Blumie]

Agreed about the fries. And the Four Seasons is not a kind of place where they make a vat full of fries and let them sit. It's also the kind of place where you could send them back and they'd be fine with it.

-----
Four Seasons Restaurant
249 Lake Ave, Worcester, MA 01604

[rchudy]

true, I could have easily sent them back, I just can't understand how they weren't even hot, especially when they knew who I was. Not that I announced my presence, but they casually said, "can't wait to read the review" as they handed me the bill. And I like a good tomato on my burger, when it's fresh. A November tomato has no place, why even it put it on the burger?

[hotoynoodle]

as for the cold fries, you do know the kitchen is about 10 miles away from the bristol, right?

agree on the tomatoes. it seems like such a waste of money everyplace.

curious why you don't dine under a pseudonym?

[rchudy]

I didn't make a reservation, just walked in.
I still say a place like that should be able to produce warm food, not a debate.

[dlin2007]

I just looked at your review. I definitely need to try their burger now, especially since I know the guy who mans the grill at Bristol. I'll tell him that it was perfectly cooked!

[hotoynoodle]

it remains a spot for power breakfasts and lunches which is why you see suits, but i feel ok there in jeans. i prefer eating at the bar anyway, so you may succeed at that.

the burger is good, but no longer the best around. have fun!

[Matt H]

I actually had one today. Was as good as ever, not the best in town but always perfectly cooked and very good.

Also the only reason you would see suits in there is because of the lunch crowd, otherwise come as you like.

[Bellachefa]

Haven't had one in a couple of years. It is the hotel casual restaurant so casual is fine. I prefer the sofa's to a table.

[rchudy]

Sounds good.

[MC Slim JB]

I see people dressed very casually there all the time.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/