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| - Boy have there been LOTS of reviews on the Penguin Diner over the last few years. Many of them have been quite negative recently, but that appears to be changing. Well, I'm one of them who is trending upward, as I just ate here for my first time and I loved it! Understand that this is NOT the same Chef who was here when Guy Fieri came.
First, I love a good juicy burger. I haven't had a ton of them here in Charlotte, but yes, there are a few (Liberty, Bernardins, Halcyon, etc.). I purposefully came well after lunch to avoid that crowd. The menu was simple, so I chose the mushroom swiss burger. Being a big guy and a burger lover, I ordered a double for $2.00 more. I asked for the Onion Rings as my side.
Well, the burger was big, and very juicy! A lot of burger places grill them to "depleted uranium" doneness. Not here. It was medium to medium well, a discernible pink in the middle. Good toppings and nice bun. Overall a really good burger!
But I can't say the same about their Onion Rings. I don't know what it is here in Charlotte. It seems that too many places Onion Rings are just plain flower with some seasoning, which makes for a flat, dry Onion Ring. I'd like to see more soda water batter. Their "Penguin Sauce" for the Rings was good.....almost like a milder Cholulu sauce. But the Rings need work guys!
The wait staff was good, and the Manager (maybe Owner?) was there to greet and say goodbye and thank you.
Overall I really liked the Penguin! I was apprehensive due to the many recent negative reviews. But I know my burgers, and this place does them good! I definitely will go back to try their other offerings!
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