Burgers On The EdgeKapahulu
Category: Gourmet Burgers
Menu Item: "The Classic" w/ Cheese
Price: $7.99 + $0.99 Cheese + $2.89 Fries Burger Size: 1/3 lb (~5.3 oz.)
Bun: White
Cheese: Cheddar
Toppings: Lettuce, Tomato, Relish, Pickle
Description:Part 2 of the custom burger battle is here! Last week I blogged about the awesomeness of "The Counter" and explained its burger building process. This week we find out what Burgers On The Edge is all about. Burgers On The Edge is located on Kapahulu across the parking lot from Safeway which makes finding parking a bit of a hassle. When you finally find parking and walk up to the place, it's actually a really small building with only about 4 tables inside of it. Most of the seating for the restaurant is outside where you pretty much sit on tables beneathe umbrellas, sandwiched on the sidewalk between the parking lot and the main road. However, this wasn't the worst eating environment I've been to and I'm all about the burger anyway.
Where's my burger ballot? =(
Burgers On The Edge is much like The Counter in that you can design your own burger by making a list of the burger patty, cheese, toppings, sauce and bun. However, they got one thing way wrong. There is no burger ballot. Sorry, let me correct myself, there is one. But you don't use it. Instead, they list the steps on the menu screens above the register and one of the workers stands next to you until you decide what you want to eat. The problem with this is that you don't really get to examine everything like you would at The Counter. Instead, you feel rushed to pick things quickly because they'll help whoever is ready first. Not that it mattered to me because I ordered a pre-designed burger called "The Classic" (how original). Like I mentioned last week, my reasoning behind this is that I could build a horrible burger and think this is the worst place ever because of my creation, so instead I decided to play it safe.
Yet another version of "The Classic"
Like I mentioned, there is a checklist for burger building so I grabbed one from the side of the register. Honestly, I can see why they keep it there and don't hand them out. Someone thought they were being clever with naming the ingredient categories things like "SAY CHEESE" and "NICE BUNS", which are actually really lame. Even the pre-built burgers have names like "Jamaican Me Crazy" that'll make you roll your eyes. But anyway, I ordered "The Classic" which was the most basic of cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomato, relish and pickles. I also had two different burger patties to choose from: Wagyu "Kobe Style" Beef or 100% Premium Ground Chuck. When I asked the cashier which was better, he said people were fifty-fifty on it, so I went with the more expensive Kobe burger. Big mistake. I could not taste the burger patty at all. I'm not kidding. It was like eating bread with lettuce, tomato and relish. If I closed my eyes and ate this burger, I would not have even known there was meat in it. The relish killed this burger. The only thing I enjoyed about this meal was the fries, which was also the only decent thing in this place that was better than The Counter.
The only decent part of this meal
Alright, maybe that was a little harsh, so I'll just mention the different categories so you can try and make your own burger. First off, you can choose your beef (Kobe or Chuck) or they also have grilled chicken breast, turkey burger, or veggie burger. Next they have a choice of one cheese from a list of 10 (99 cents for each additional) and a choice of one sauce from a list of 17 (no additional price listed). Next you have a choice of four toppings from a list of 20 (99 cents per additional or $1.25 for avocado) and finally a choice of bun (regular or whole wheat) or lettuce bowl.
Verdict:
This was my third or fourth time eating here and unlike The Counter, this place seems to get worse every time I eat here. The food is expensive, not very filling, and has below average taste. I do not recommend this place at all. If you want the real custom burger experience, head over to The Counter.
Grade: D
Burgers On The Edge
890 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816-1429
(808) 737-8866
M-Su 1030AM-9PM
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Actually no! I take that back! Maybe if it weren't for the shiny sheen of the layer of grease that coats this bad boy, it'd look pretty tasty. I assume that sweet glaze and dough is supposed to compliment the savory beef...ala bacon and chocolate? Now I'm rather curious. :P If someone ever brought this to me, maybe I'd ask for a bite. Maybe. No guarantees there. 
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