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(To settle the issue of size, I decided to take a photo. I'd say that the estimate of the patty as the size of a golf ball is a fair statement)
Popped into Phil's tonight for dinner around 8pm. They have a funny set up where you check your order off on a sheet of paper and then bring the paper to the register. I'm not sure how much this actually helps make it more efficient. Anyway, we ordered five slides (three for me because I was quite hungry), an order of the potato tots, a s'more bar, and a honey mint lemonade.
The sliders were really great. They are not a bad deal at all for $2. The patties were round and thick (rather than the thin patties you often see on sliders), which allowed the meat to be very juicy and nicely pink in the middle. The patty was actually so thick that it was a bit hard to keep together with the bun, so I think a toothpick might been beneficial. The sesame bun, which was toasted, was good but not especially memorable. I liked their version of tots, though I will say that their portion size is about a third of what you'd normally expect (though that may not be a bad thing). The desserts (s'more bar and a complimentary oreo) were average...too sweet. Honey mint lemonade tasted kind of muddled. I did notice they had unusually cheap milkshakes ($2.50), at least compared to places like Trueburger or Barney's. The special milkshake tonight was fresh strawberries.
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Great place! The burgers are cooked medium-rare by default, and were drippingly juicy, with a good dose of black pepper, soft brioche-like bun. The tater-tots are freshly made, not the frozen kind, and had a good crunch and creamy middle. Open just a few days now, and already they were crowded for lunch today.
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Yep, they actually opened today! I happened to wander by five minutes after they opened (customer #6, woo hoo!). You mark your order on a slip and hand it to the cashier. Considering the timing, things were running pretty smoothly: it only took about 5 minutes to get my two sliders. They're golf-ball sized and come with cheddar, lettuce, and "special sauce," which is of the Thousand Island dressing variety, studded with some chunks of really flavorful tomato.
The burgers were nicely charred, salty (in a good way), and perfectly medium rare, just like I like it. There was even a bit of bloody drippage, which the fluffy, toasted bun held up to quite well (although it didn't last long enough to get soggy). Sliders are $2 each.
I didn't try the fried potato nuggets or the cole slaw, but they both looked good. They also have a portobello slider. Next time I might see if I can get cole slaw on my burger instead of the sauce (they have a space on the form for "special requests"); I bet that would be good.
Drinks sound interesting but the system wasn't up and running yet. I'm curious about the Honey Mint Lemonade. Milkshakes ($2.50) come out of a machine, In-n-Out style, which isn't my bag, but other people seemed pretty into them.
Desserts looked pretty great: homemade oreos for $1.75, and peach blueberry hand pies for $3. I might get one of those pies on the way home if they have any left (I bet they won't).
All packaging is compostable. Chairs are absurdly high. I ended up standing to eat, which was fine, since it took less than five minutes to devour my food.
No idea what the hours are; I forgot to ask. It would be great if they stayed open late.›3 Replies-
re: Mola
drewskiSF
Jun 18, 2011 11:30 AM
"Phil's will be open until midnight Thursday through Saturday"
http://www.eastbayexpress.com/ebx/bur...
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