Restaurant Openings: Burger Lounge

Ray Kroc wouldn’t recognize this simple but upscale burger spot where grass-fed beef and hand-cut fries provide a premium experience.

By Derek Gale, Associate Editor -- Restaurants & Institutions, 9/15/2007

WHAT’S THE IDEA?: Co-owners Dean Loring and Mike Gilligan created a restaurant that limits the menu but not the style. The décor is more bar scene than burger joint, and the menu pulls together an impressive list of on-trend elements: fresh, high-quality ingredients; local artisan sourcing; organic produce; and house-made touches.

BEEF, BUNS & FRIES: Burger Lounge purchases grass-fed beef directly from a 10,000-acre Kansas ranch. Vegetarians can have a burger made with organic quinoa, brown rice, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, chipotle cand Monterey Jack cheese. Fries are hand-cut from Kennebec potatoes and cooked twice in peanut oil. Buns come from a local baker and are made with whole-wheat and white flours and a touch of blackstrap molasses. Salads are organic greens, and dressings are house-made. Onion rings are coated in panko breadcrumbs. Beer and wine will be available when a liquor license is approved.

ON A MISSION: "We’re trying to fit a market niche that we think is not [filled], and that is a quick-serve premium burger place," says Gilligan. He and Loring—who also own Cody’s La Jolla, a seafood, steaks and chops restaurant—plan to open a second Burger Lounge in Kensington, Calif., next month.

ON THE MENU

BURGERS
Grilled Lounge Burger $6.95
Grilled Turkey Burger with fresh basil $6.95
Vegetarian Quinoa Burger $6.95
Oregon Cheddar or American cheese

TENDERS
Crispy Chicken Tenders (5) “on a stick” $5.95
Barbeque or Buttermilk Ranch dipping sauce

SALADS
Caesar Salad (baby romaine, tomato, crispy taro, Caesar dressing) $6.95
Fresh Vegetable Salad (tomato, roasted corn, red onions, matchstick carrots, daikon sprouts, aged ricotta) $7.95

KIDS
Small cheeseburger or chicken tenders, half salad or fries, soft drink $5.95

DESSERT
Cupcakes $2.95