Goodburger

“He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.” Confucius

Eatery:  Goodburger, 101 Maiden Lane, Financial District

Today’s foray is into the world of fast food burgers – specifically to Goodburger.  But, why is it only “good” burger?  Not “Greatburger”. Not “Amazaburger”.  I am always fascinated when marketers take this route, sort of like the Carlsberg ads (“Probably the best beer in the world”). Do they lack confidence? Do they fear overpromising?  Would they prefer to underpromise and overdeliver?

I recently received a promotional e-mail from Goodburger – they were apparently rated best fast food burger in the city by Complex Magazine (no, I don’t know what Complex Magazine is, either).  This bit of marketing prompted me to return to Goodburger for lunch and do a write up.  I arrived well before noon – Goodburger can get crowded and, as with any enterprise that attracts crowds, early arrival is key to avoid a long wait.  I frequently arrive places early to miss crowds.  I am known for booking 6 pm dinner reservations, though I can only do so in situations where I feel I will not incur the wrath and/or derision of my dining companions.  This means that only my husband and mother tend to land on the receiving end of my early bird diner inclinations.  I will make an excellent senior citizen someday.

Double Burger with The Works (photo by MJ Byers)

About the burger:  for fast food, it was delicious.  It a little more cooked than I would prefer (fast food burgers are nearly universally cooked “well”) but it was meaty and the toppings were fresh and tasty.  And messy – in a good way, because it was juicy.  On this particular trip, I had the double but in prior trips to Goodburger, I have had the single.  Sometimes (at, for instance, certain other fast food establishments), the meat in a burger is so lacking in taste, substance and juiciness that you do actually need to a double in order to enjoy any kind of flavor experience.  Not here – a single burger patty has sufficient flavor impact that a double is not necessary to treat the taste buds.  But absolutely essential if you just feel like being piggy.

A side note about the shake:  it was delicious – not too thick, not runny.  And not so rich that it overwhelms the taste buds.  In other words, absolutely deadly for someone who’s trying to watch the calories.

Price:  Double burger with Works and Cheese plus small cookies & cream shake = $13.75

 Destination Burger:  Yes, for sure.

Optional French Fry Rating:  Not applicable – no fries ordered.

Fat and Calorie Worthy:  Definitely.

Today’s Weigh In:  Down two pounds.  Woot!