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| - A surprise suggestion from my sons on "Dinner with Dad" night brought me back to Bearden's. I had been a "regular" at Bearden's prior to their closing in 2010, and returned only once after it's reopening in 2011. It just wasn't the same.
Committed, however, to the "wherever you want to go" rule, after stating my trepidations, I accepted the kids' recommendation and headed to the once beloved Bearden's.
We arrived at a vacant restaurant, staffed by a couple of highschool girls. No manager, or staff member over 18 in sight. Lack of supervision aside, they were pleasant enough, and the restaurant quite clean, albeit empty.
My oldest son and I each ordered a single burger with fries and a fountain drink (it's not Coke or Pepsi, it's called Craft'62 made with Pure Cane Sugar), while my youngest just got fries and a fountain drink. Apparently I didn't give him enough time to review the menu, but I digress.
Bearden's advertises fresh not frozen burger patties, and I have no reason to believe otherwise. A generous flat patty on a fresh oversized bun, with fresh ingredients. There is an upcharge for many ingredients though, and it can add up quickly. I think I paid $27 (plus tip) for the order explained above. That's $9 per person, and one didn't even get a burger...
As for the food itself, the burger really didn't have a whole lot of flavor. It wasn't BAD, but it wasn't particularly GOOD either. A little salt and pepper would have gone a long way I think. Unlike their patties, their fries are definitely of the frozen variety. I seem to recall their fries being really good before their initial closing. Whatever they've changed; change back! Fries can make or break a burger joint.
Will I return? The general consensus actually was "Yes." I'm sure my kids will ask to go back and I wouldn't complain. Notwithstanding, Bearden's is a long way off from what it once was. Hopefully the passion will return to the owner/staff and they will once again reclaim their crown as one of the best independently-owned burger stops Cleveland has to offer.
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