Forbidden Root -- The Verdict

Feelings about this burger will turn on your reaction to these two words: giardiniera mayo.  Fans likened it to a zippy, less cloying version of McDonald’s secret sauce, with the Golden Arches fry clones to match.  Detractors though it overpowered even a generously sized patty.  Still, we all liked that the burger was cooked to order, from tasty fleisch, with right-sized proportions. Low of 76; high of 90; average of 83. 

Exhibit 80 -- Forbidden Root

Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery -- The Verdict

Fun time; mixed reviews.  Burger lovers will find two grilled patties with gumption, mixing deeply caramelized onions and strong horseradish flavor, but we disagreed as to its success.  Some thought the flavors worked; others thought they disguised an otherwise tasty burger; still others that the underlying burger was suspicious.  Other dings for a dry bun, kind of slip-sliding-away handling, and a stupidly high price point.  Low of 73; high of 87; average of 79.    

Exhibit 79 -- Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery

Somerset -- The Verdict

Solid, consistent scores for the burger scene at this Gold Coast hotel restaurant. The flavors were a bit risky, but came together well. Nice char, yummy cheese, good grill on the bun, tasty fries. Goldilocks sized and cooked: just right. Great flavor, great handling and just enough to fill you up, and leave you wanting just a little bit more.  Low 84; high 93; average of 88.

Exhibit 78 -- Somerset

Beatrix -- The Verdict

Nothing too fancy -- unless you count kale -- which we’d rather not.  A good-sized patty.  A bit of inconsistency among the reviewers:  some found the burger just a tad on the dry side, while others found just the right amount of drippings in the bun.  If you have to get a burger at Beatrix, you probably shouldn't be there.  But if you are there, it is a safe option and won't disappoint.  Good fries, big room.  Low of 77; high of 89; average of 81.

Exhibit 77 -- Beatrix

The Albert -- The Verdict

“Flashes of brilliance,” says our lowest reviewer, though we disagreed on how many flashes and how bright.  We all loved the ambiance and the service, but the detractors criticized a smallish burger and a dryish bun.  Some loved the char; others found that it didn’t make up for the sins.  We all loved the masterful fries and the ketchup display!  Low 74; high 91; average 79.

Exhibit 76 -- The Albert