I'm a big fan of Ramsay, his persona and his cooking. BurGR seemed like a cool place in concept, look and feel and with so many rave reviews, the expectations were probably tough to match. Look for an updated review in the near future but my first experience at least in tastebuds has been 'okay'.
When you get there, you're usually first greeted by a massive line if you're coming in during the peak rush hours. Luckily, that line moves by pretty quick and the hostesses usually come around looking for specific party numbers to get everyone moving. I got to sit in the counter area where the action was happening. The decor was pretty cool as well with a fiery front piece and the staff were nice enough.
They have a nice drink menu on an iPad (curious if these iPads are on the tables as we had to ask for the iPad at the counter) and a good selection. The menu itself consists of burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and some desserts. I debated between the farm burger and the Chanterelle burger and ended up with the farm since so many Yelpers were happy with it. I also got some regular fries and an ale on draft.
The fries were pretty good - full potato slices so they were pretty thick with curry and a slightly spicy ketchup sauce. It reminded me of Umami although the sauces perhaps lacked a little more fire than others who have tried a similar menu deal. The burger looked pretty fascinating - a nicely cooked patty, duck bacon, a fried egg on a sesame seed bun. The duck bacon was excellent in itself and the fried egg was a nice complement. Perhaps I felt the burger lacked a certain kick of flavor along with the fairly dry bun. The burger felt like it should have melted in my mouth but only the bacon/fried egg did. Unfortunately, the end result was a so-so taste experience.
It isn't to say the restaurant is bad persay - I just believe that the burger I had was a bit overhyped for what I was finally expecting. It's definitely a cool joint that is worth checking out for burger fans and shouldn't completely destroy your wallet. I just think I'll give it one more try and look for another burger with a bit more oomph in taste.
[You get 'preferential access' and slightly cheaper prices if you're a Total Rewards member by the way.]