The Gage -- The Verdict

"This is the high water mark for burgers in the loop.  In between the glisteningly buttery bun is something close to burger perfection."  High praise from one reviewer, but the group as a whole was similarly entranced.  Solid.  Well proportioned.  Tasty.  "Best cheddar I've ever had on a burger."  A particularly compelling accomplishment given the large scale of the restaurant itself and its touristy location.  Even where one of our special orders was slightly off, our group was still forgiving:  "in hindsight, [the missing lettuce] would have just been in the way.  The Gage knew what I wanted better than I did."  If you can average above 90 with this group, you've got something special.  "Keep your pot of gold, put a put of these burgers at the end of my rainbow."  Low of 84; high of 94; average of 91.  (The low light did not do the photos below justice.)

Exhibit 47 -- The Gage

Farmhouse -- The Verdict

Farmhouse really wants you to know how cool and fresh it is.  There's a palpable sense of effort, from the waiter's farm0fresh pledge to the parade of Pitchfork(TM) approved indie tunes on the sound system. The burgers even photograph well.  The good vibes continued through the apps, with the cheese curds garnering particularly strong commendations.  For the burger itself, alas.  Positivists liked the beef flavor and preparation.  Negativists found it lumpy and overcooked.  All agreed that the burger veered to the salty side, and the homemade ketchup wasn't worth the homemade effort.  The fries, also, were disappointing.  Well, at least it looked good.  Low of 62; high of 79; average of 70.

Exhibit 46 -- Farmhouse