Best Fast-Food Alternative
Overall: C+
$-$$
Service: 3/5 The staff is very obliging for such an informal and relaxed atmosphere. My only complaint is that the food can take too long to get to the table, which is unusual since the fare should take less than ten minutes on the grill. And when that food does reach the table, it isn’t always piping hot. Although Tasty Burger isn’t necessarily short-staffed, sometimes it feels that way.
Food: 2.5/5 Dieters, this may not be the best place for you (it is, after all, a burger joint). That being said, it’s the perfect place to go before a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, after a night at the nearby bars (try Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill, Royale Nightclub, or Lansdowne Pub), or before a movie at Regal Fenway Stadium. Vegetarians and vegans can substitute a veggie burger for any of the regular burgers. The food is on par with what one may expect from a burger joint. It’s greasy American cuisine that gets most of its flavor from fat and salt. If that isn’t enough flavor for you, choose from the myriad of condiments on every table, including yellow mustard, ketchup, relish, Tabasco, sriracha, A1, and Dijon mustard. The food, similar to how the staff treats customers, is inconsistent. I’ve had great burgers and not so great burgers. However, the food always tastes fresher than any fast food chain’s supply, the atmosphere is pleasant, the portions are large, and the prices are low.
Atmosphere: 5/5 This retro-inspired restaurant has an authentic 50-60s diner feel, probably due to the fact that it’s a refurbished gas station lined with bold red walls, cozy pleather booths, and a large painting of Samuel L. Jackson from a scene in Pulp Fiction. The free pool table, working jukebox, and giant chalkboard behind the diner that reveals daily selections of wine and beer contribute to the past-decade vibe. Tasty Burger is a casual, upbeat place to bring your college buddies, young godson/goddaughter/grandchild, or entire family.
Price: 5/5 The prices here are unbeatable. A single patty burger costs $5.00 and a double is only $2.00 more. You can even buy a “Sack of 5 Burgers” for $18.00 (only applies to take away orders). Hotdogs heaping with toppings cost $8.00 (you can get the smaller, 1/4 lb dog for $4.00) and there are three different varieties of chicken sandwiches for $5.50 each. Where else can you find a salad for $4.00? A huge pile of fries cost a mere $3.00, chicken nuggets are $6.00, and a pile of onion rings cost $4.00. Students can show a University ID to get a burger, fries, and beer for $10.00- not a bad deal. Aside from typical burger joint beverages like milkshakes, soda, and beer, Tasty Burger also serves lemonade slushies, rootbeer floats, raspberry-lime rickeys, and shirley temples all for less than $4.00 each.
Accessibility: 4.5/5 There is a parking lot in front of the establishment that is free on weekdays and $6.00 on weekends and Friday nights. If an event is going on near-by, the lot may be full. Street parking is usually available unless there is a Sox game going on. There is no drive-thru, but there is a pick up window that is open until 2:00 a.m. Kenmore is the nearest subway station.
Recommendations:
-Spicy Jalapeno Burger {cheddar cheese sauce, roasted jalapeno}
-Veggie Burger {lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle}
-4 Scoop Shake “Green Monster” aka Mint Chocolate Chip Shake
-50/50 Fries and Onion Rings
-Pitcher of Hoegaarden Beer
16 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215
617.425.4444
www.tastyburger.com