Grindhouse Killer Burgers

I must start with the location: the Sweet Auburn Curb Market on 209 Edgewood Ave. If you’ve never been, it’s like a flea market. But instead of airbrushed t-shirts, samurai swords and shitty bootleg DVDs it’s more like neck bones, honeycomb tripe, pig ears, makeshift bodegas, tons of vegetables, and Grind House Killer Burgers—the miniature counter-style diner housed in this wonderful place.

I went with the straight up Grind House burger, and make that a double because I was real stoned. Plus I wanted to see if it gave H & F a run for its money. It did. After you pay and give your name you have a seat if there are any spots—this place gets packed at lunch. Once sat, the first thing you notice is the movie being projected on the really clean white tile wall you’re facing. You might notice that some of the other walls have been painted to look like they are oozing blood. This time they were playing 2012, which is a fun Mayan idea but Jesus Christ this movie sucks so bad. The last time they were playing Ninja Assassin and that ruled, but that’s not what this is about.

This is definitely the best-looking place in the S.A.C.M. They totally hooked this little thing up. The bar is brushed metal and the whole feel is nice, from the white tiles to the awesome logo of the Grind House movie-style poster done by Dave Cook. The steel-and-wood table in front of you has antique school lockers and old meat grinders on it; in the kitchen you see heavy-duty metal doors that close the brick oven. Then it’s the moment of truth: your name is called and she brings your burger, this juicy thing kept warm by being wrapped in a thick deli paper with Grind House logos on it. Those small touches matter to me. Attention to detail goes a long way.

This thing is juicy and freaking delicious. This burger tastes like it was forged in the bottom of a volcano for the gods. The meat is 100% Angus beef and they are all cooked to order. Just like the H & F burger it tastes like a Big Mac, only made with the best ingredients known to man. Add grilled onions. The sides were on time too: the crinkle-cut fries were crisp and seasoned, the cole slaw was unique and very peppery (in a good way). The onion rings with this chipotle ranch dipping sauce…damn.

This place is a must-see, but remember Grind House Killer Burgers is a lunch spot: open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. If you got a really good burger recipe and you want to see it served on their menu, you can submit your ideas on their website.
Photo Credit: Matt Christison