I've eaten here three times over the last couple of years. I had always wanted to try it, since I frequented Joe's BBQ, but it's so far out, that I never found myself in the area. I went there once with a friend from out of town who saw it on TV and had to go there, so we made the trip. I had a bacon cheeseburger, some garlic fries and a drink. It took a while to get the food, which is fine since that way you know it's fresh. I was really looking forward to the garlic fries, as it's one of the things I love about Gordon Biersch, so I wanted to see their take on them.
Once we got the food, we actually were fortunate enough to get a table inside (this was in June). I was disappointed that they didn't have fresh lemonade like Joe's BBQ. They had that 0% juice Minute Maid stuff. Then no Dr. Pepper! I am surprised that for the money they charge for a small drink, you get the totally basic Coke fountain with Mr. Pibb. The burger was good, but nothing to write home about. It was fresh, the cheese had good flavor and the bacon was good. It was the best part of the meal, which was unfortunate because the garlic fries should have taken the cake, but were so loaded up with oil that they weren't that enjoyable. I don't know how to describe the feeling, but once you get about 3/4 through them, you end up with a soup of sorts and it's tough to finish them.
I was hoping that it would be different the next time, but they're consistent. I won't say no to it if I'm in the area and someone wants to eat there, but it's not good enough to make the drive from where I live in Central Phoenix. I'll take Joe's BBQ first. It's actually cheaper for more food.