Time out: Big burgers and more at Burgers R Us

Restaurant: Burgers R Us

Address: 6454 Pony Express Trail, Suite 1 in Pollock Pines

Phone: 530-344-7951

Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m

 

Have you ever heard of a “Juicy Lucy?”

I have, but until last week I thought that they only existed on the east coast. No, a Juicy Lucy is not one of the main characters on Jersey Shore; it is a very special sort of hamburger that takes special skills and lots of patience to master, but when it is done right it can be a downright transcendent experience to those who partake.

In a nutshell, a Juicy Lucy is a cheeseburger with the cheese on the inside of the meat patty, rather than on top. The preparation and the cooking takes a little longer, but it’s worth it. The cheese turns molten and tends to gush a bit upon the first bite, so I would recommend slicing the burger in half first.

I’m just saying “Be careful.”

Two bars in Minneapolis lay claim to being the first to come up with the idea for the Juicy Lucy and until I walked into Burgers R Us in Pollock Pines I had absolutely no idea that someone locally was offering one.

They also offer, in addition to the cheese, other “inside-the-patty” items such as bacon and mushrooms.

I was so looking forward to having one of these babies when all of a sudden I got some bad news. One of the owners and the only one who possesses the skill-set to make one of these babies wasn’t there that day, therefore no Juicy Lucy for Earle.

However, a quick glance at the other menu items and my frown tuned upside down in a hurry.

It was “The Awful Awful Burgers” that piqued my interest and after my 1/3 pound Awful Awful arrived with a huge helping of wonderfully crisp and steaming hot fries arrived I had forgotten all about the Juicy Lucy.

The 1/3 pound burger is split among two patties, which I really like better than one big fat one (but that’s just me) and was far better than your average hamburger.

The reason for this, I believe, is that the owners are both chefs and are often seen manning the skillets themselves. I just know that, when the owners themselves take the time and have the conviction to work the kitchen personally, that I am in for some great grub and my theory was once again confirmed.

The place may be called Burgers R Us but there is so much more on the menu for those not into burgers.

They have five different burritos and even one that’s named the “Juicy Lucia” (Gee, I wonder what that consists of?).

They offer stuff for small kids (10 and under) and big kids (60 and over) and are now equipped with a full range of gourmet coffees and other assorted beverages.

Before I leave I asked our server, Louise, if anyone has ever ordered the 1 pound “Ultimate Awful.” It is a massive four patty delight with four cheese slices served on a thick bun. She said that not only have folks ordered them but many have actually finished them in one sitting.

Next time when I come back to try my Juicy Lucy I expect to see the Ultimate Ultimate Ultimate Awful Burger (eight patties).

I’ll let you know.

Burgers R Us is located at 6454 Pony Express Trail, Suite 1 in Pollock Pines and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information call 530-344-7951. Free WiFi is available.