Best Burger in Town

            In 1983 I worked at Coco’s, a family restaurant that served beer and wine.  Back then you did not find the cook slapping a frozen hamburger patty on the grill like many restaurants get away with today.  One day Brian and I went to a bar and grill in downtown Grand Rapids.  A posting in the restaurant announced the “Voted Best Burger in Town.”  Not.  Come to find out, they have the oldest burger joint in town.  It was admittedly interesting to read that, open since 1927, they used to prepare hundreds of burgers for the lunch time crowd in the thirties.  After choking down a third of an obviously frozen patty-turned-grill-burger, I complained to Brian that the thing completely lacked flavor.  I was literally shocked at the lack of quality in the burger that was touted “The best in town.”  Apparently, they now advertise themselves as the “Best Burger in Michigan” according to USA Today.  Really?  Just a couple blocks down from this sad and worn out establishment is one of our favorite places to spend a date.  J. Gardella’s on 11 Ionia Ave., just next door to the Van Andel Arena serves a far better burger.  They really know how to make one.  The “Gardella Burger” is a half pound of freshly ground burger, bacon, cheddar cheese on a soft pretzel bun.  Brand X should walk humbly down the street to this fine pub, where pride is exhibited in preparing fresh food with fresh produce, and hand over their bogus award.  Hands down, Gardella’s gets my vote for “Best Burger in Town.”  In addition to great burgers, they offer their homemade potato chips, which are fairly addicting, and serve Guinness in a 32-ounce mason jar.  We ate at about four o’clock, and sallied forth into the Grand Rapids Art Prize festival going on.  After walking around for four hours and going home, we were not hungry yet.  I think we’ll eat again tomorrow.