Time out: Burgers and carne asadas meet at Bubba’s 2

Restaurant: Bubba’s 2

Address: 2650 Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park

Phone: 530-672-9205.

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Part of the fun in doing a restaurant review is the hunt. I try to focus on locally owned, “ma and pa” type of establishments because, in my humble opinion, in an increasingly homogenized world, communities in El Dorado County that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character helps not only the local economy but also preserves and cultivates a sense of very real community pride.

I was out and about looking for such a place when my companion suggested we try Bubba’s 2, at 2650 Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park.

The décor is unassuming, unpretentious and would be considered almost “generic” were it not for the beautifully framed photos (taken by locals, I assumed) adorning the walls.

The menu is typical of a classic diner-type restaurant. Classic egg dishes, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Where this menu differs from others is the fact that Bubba’s offers such a wide array of Mexican fare.

Some locals cite Bubba’s carne asadas, chile relleno’s and the carnita’s platter as personal favorites and as the main reason they became regular patrons.

Others mention the burgers as being some of the best, most succulent slabs of meat this side of Sacramento.

I partook of some excellent Mexican fare a couple of days prior so I went the burger route and ordered the “Double Deluxe,” which is two patties, a couple of strips of bacon, melted American cheese and grilled onions.

The burger was cooked perfectly, was juicy and flavorful, but I’ll tell you what: it was the grilled onions that made this a standout.

The seasoned fries, although excellent, played second fiddle to this wonderful sandwich. I have my priorities you know, and if I would have eaten the fries I would have had to sacrifice a portion of this burger, which was definitely not an option.

My lunch companion, being the health conscious sort that she is, ordered Bubba’s Garden Burger plate (veggie patty, avocado and honey mustard), which she later described as “very fresh, well prepared …overall extremely delicious.”

Our server was kind enough to substitute the normal green leaf lettuce for iceberg, which made her day. It doesn’t take much to please her, apparently.

As we were gulping down our meals we overheard our server ask a customer, “Hey, where have you been? Haven’t seen you for a while and we were worried.”

Obviously this person is a regular, and this kind of personalized service and empathy towards their clients is most likely a very big reason, in addition to the obvious care they give to their food preparation, why Bubba’s is still successful in this economy.

A special mention to the great song selection they chose to play in the background — ’60s rock and soul, with artists as diverse as Herman’s Hermits, The Temptations and the Kinks — is due. Even one full day later, as I write this, I cannot get “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter” out of my head.

Bubba’s welcomes “to-go” orders and the phone number is 530-672-9205. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.