Burger on Smith 03-24-2012

Location: 209 Smith St.

Time: 4:30pm

People: RB, CK and myself

Feelings: If you have a toddler, you hit a jackpot. Burger on Smith is perhaps the most ideal spot for people with toddlers to dine. There are cozy tables with glass sectioned walls so the kids can be preoccupied with the never ending MTA buses and cars passing by. The place is almost always empty in the late afternoon so you have the entire space to yourself and don't have to worry too much about noise levels. With the spacious dining area, I cannot think of anywhere more comfortable for parents.

With ever expanding burger scene, BoCoCa has many burger joints to choose from. At Burger on Smith, formerly occupied by an Asian fusion spot Faan, there are 12 burgers on the menu. Their famous cheeseburger even landed them a spot on Timeout's "The Best New Burgers." The burgers are about $12, and fries ($4.50-$5.50) need to be ordered separately. It is a steep price for almost $20 for a plate of a burger and fries, but the large portion answered to the price as well as local and grass-fed quality. They also offer DIY options to make your own burger combination.

CK and I shared "The Nutty Professor" ($12, nut-veggie-quinoa burger, oven roasted tomato, avocado, creamy herb sauce), which can be ordered as completely vegan. Each ingredient was fresh but slightly bland. I found out later that I could add mayo or other sauces available at $1, so that may have changed the overall flavor of the burger.

RB's ordered the special burger of the day which entailed speck, two types of mushrooms and some fragrant cheese we cannot recall. He though he should have known better going in, but speck and strong cheese overpowered the senses, and he couldn't taste much of the burger.

We also shared Garlic and Parsley Fries ($5.50), but the garlic to fry ratio was a bit off. It was overly garlic-y, and the each garlic chunk was rather big. I'm not sure if we hit on a bad day, but the execution of the dish was a little disappointing. The presentation of the side vegetable of the day, a plate of cauliflower, was questionable, but it was tasty nonetheless, and CK enjoyed it thoroughly.

You would thoroughly enjoy Burger on Smith if you:

1) have toddlers but want to enjoy quiet meals in the late afternoon.

2) like DIY burgers.

3) appreciate local or organic products.

4) like beer.