Hey, 3 stars is A-OK. Sums up this BRGR. I am pretty sure my liking for this location is only out of necessity. I am spoiled by my current area (and living next door to the original BRGR!), so when I trek back to my hometown area in the South Hills, I expect a few dozen incredible spots to grab food. No. That doesn't happen 'round these parts. I feel forced into appreciating this BRGR.
Between happy hour and the actual burgers, you're cruisin' just fine. The drinks aren't incredible, but it's a restaurant in a mall. The happy hour specials are the best part of BRGR, so I can't pass up the six bucks on their signature cocktails. Two poached pears later, I hit the appitizer happy hour specials with the fried zucchini and portobellos. Zucchini wasn't bad. Really, I couldn't eat the mushrooms. Mushy and bland, in conjunction with the tomato aioli (liquid smoke flavor tomatoes at best), I give up. I substituted with the orange sauce on the table for the zucchini. The one that wasn't mustard. I don't know, maybe chipotle mayo, thousand island? Good luck.
Same original menu that the other locations have seemed to stray from lately, which I really love. Don't mess with a good thing. That means the California Lovin' turkey burger is all mine. In a world of those fearful of sprouts, it's a nice thing to see a big ol' heap of them stuck to the still-green avocado mush under the bun. Speaking of bun, why can't I get something other than a huge traditional roll or lettuce? The turkey burger is still incredible though. The only draw back on this place is the service is a little rough--they typically seem understaffed or just not at that same level of service--and also the desserts aside from milkshakes. Yikes. By the time we hit the place, they maybe have one soggy, sad pudding and cookies jar of who knows what. I love that they're get 'em while you can, made once a day kind of thing, but that usually means I can't get 'em.
Other than a few chains in the area, this is your lunch and/or happy hour option. Luckily, it isn't a bad one. Just don't expect too much outside of those cocktails.