We all grew up getting our hamburgers from the drive-through line or at a backyard barbeque. You can still get your old standbys, but now some burger restaurants are serving what we are used to, at an elevated level.  If you are looking for better ingredients, more options and a finer dining experience than your typical fast food joint you can get that at a lot of places, but what about a burger restaurant with a philosophy behind it? You can only get that at Grub Burger Bar.

Grub stands for Good People, Real Food, Unique Vibe and Big Flavors. Their philosophy is evident as soon as you walk into their restaurant. I visited the CityCentre location and was immediately greeted by a friendly employee who directed me to the counter where I could order my burger. Before I got there however, I stopped at a window that looked into the kitchen and watched the hamburger buns, which are made fresh every hour, being rolled out. The buns aren’t the only thing Grub makes in house. Their hamburger patties are a brisket and chuck blend that is ground each morning. The mixture allows for a wonderful flavor, but also keeps the burger moist even after being cooked to their house cooking temperature of medium well. All of the condiments and salad dressings are also made from scratch and are wonderful. Don’t expect to see a bottle of Heinz ketchup on your table, Grub is proud of their ketchup and bottles their own.

I started my meal with a plate of Luau Fries and I encourage you to do the same. Pulled pork, pineapple, jalapenos, teriyaki and BBQ sauce served on a bed of fries and served with jalapeno ranch for dipping. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but I shouldn’t have been because it was fantastic. The flavors work together for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. I moved onto the main course and the newest burger on the menu – the Lockhart Legend. This burger was huge, but once you figure out a way to get your mouth around the whole thing you will be happy you did. It was juicy, tender and just the right amount of sauce. If beef isn’t your thing don’t worry, Grub has several menu options from veggie burgers, to wonderful salads that are sure to please, the best of which just might be the Jive Turkey burger. Turkey burgers can be a bit dry and boring, but this one was seasoned perfectly with pesto and had the perfect combination of light flavors and savory deliciousness.

Grub is famous for their burgers, but they are also well known for their great drink menu. Draught beers, the popular Four Dollar Rita and signature cocktails have something for everyone, but a handspun shake is a must when you eat at Grub Burger Bar.  You can get regular or spiked “adult versions” of most shakes on the menu. The Bourbon and Caramel shake was as wonderful as you would expect. There are very few things better than having dessert and a drink in the same dish.

Grub Burger Bar started in Aggie Country, but has made its way to five different Texas locations and seven locations across the country, with even more coming soon. Grub Burger Bar’s fast casual atmosphere and philosophy are on point. Our dining experiences and expectations would be transformed if all restaurants followed a philosophy like theirs.