Review-Grindstone Charlie's, South US 31

[Dick Davis]

For a long time I’ve enjoyed Grindstone Charlie’s. Frequently I’ll get a large salad or one of their bargains but I don’t recall if a burger has ever been a part of my fare when visiting them. On the Quest, I decided, since I’ve said nice things about their company, I should try out the burger.

As I entered the restaurant on South U.S. 31, just north of Stop 11, I noticed that it just seemed a bit tired. Not sure how to describe it, maybe that it hasn’t changed in a long time which can be comforting to some but just a bit short in this competitive market. Since I’m not a decorator, I’ll leave that analysis to someone else. My server/hostess was nice and pleasant, but was a bit unpolished, greeting me as “dearie.” I’m not too keen on that title having never met her before. That might be OK for the diner on the town square of the county seat, but not here. During my meal she was filling the sweetener/sugar dispensers on the neighboring table from a cardboard box, just a bit put off by that.

Now to the burger: The menu said 100% Angus beef and offered a nice selection of options, not as extensive as some but more than satisfactory. The server was asked if the patties were fresh or frozen and without hesitation she said frozen. Fair enough. That lowered the bar a bit for the burger. I ordered my regular cheeseburger with pepper jack, lettuce, tomato, and grilled onions failing to ask for it medium.

You see it above as it was presented with two slices of melted pepper jack. The shredded lettuce was unimpressive, even though I usually like shredded iceberg. It seemed tired and the pale tomato added to that feeling. The burger was massive indeed, at least 8 oz. but likely a 10 oz. Upon my first bite I readily noticed a rich, smoky, beefy taste, very good first impression. Since I had not ordered medium, I was still very satisfied with the way it was cooked. While not really juicy, it was sufficiently moist with just a hint of pink. Very nice. After that first bite I realized that I had to cut it in half to remain somewhat civil in a public place. It was a touch on the sloppy side, which is good and the patty hung out enough to get several beef only bites. The grilled onions were grilled on the side. They were white onions, but had the rawness cooked out of them nicely.

This is the best burger south of I-465, so far. I wouldn’t call it a destination burger, but close. You could go to Five Guys in the strip center behind Grindstone’s but you won’t get as good a burger, and you’ll pay pretty close to the same price with side and drink. If you haven't been to Grindstone Charlie's it is worth a try.