Pasadena’s Best Burger Joint
Pie ‘N Burger, located near Caltech, features a simple menu of burgers and, of all things, pie. Strange bedfellows they are, burgers and pies is your All American fare. Not much has changed in the 50+ years since it opened in 1963, as you can see from the interior. I was kind of excited about going to Pie ‘N Burger. I had passed by so many times that I never had the chance to try it.
Their menu includes other favorites such as Strip Steak, Chili Size, and other great sandwiches. They have an extensive breakfast menu that I must try. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. My first experience included the beef burger with cheese and grilled onions, french fries, and a small bowl of chili. My friend ordered the Turkey burger. When you visit a unique place for the first time, you almost always have to order their speciality. You don’t go to Mastro’s and order chicken. Anyways, I was coerced easily in having pie as well – lemon meringue.
My burger, from the first bite, was excellent. There was an abundant amount of this thousand island looking sauce with some pickles and grilled onions. Also, the large leafy lettuce almost encapsulated the burger itself. I was quite intrigued seeing the large leafy lettuce being pulled apart from a distance, while we were sitting at the counter. This burger reminded me of the Big Mac – with its special sauce – which is thousand island (ketchup and mayo)… and another burger – Bob’s Big Boy burger. Bob’s Big Boy burger was very similar in tastes – and is something I will always remember. Pie ‘N Burger’s burger is great because it is simple with fresh ingredients and has toasted buns to complete it. The tanginess of the thousand island with the pickles off set the savory beef burger meat. The crispness of the lettuce with the buns provide great texture – unlike soft and sloppy gourmet burgers you might find. This burger was a great experience.
The fries were a bit over cooked – meaning more brown and crispier than usual – which I liked also. I like the old fashioned way of serving fries on a plate – it somehow looks more appetizing. I don’t know what it is. . .but fries on a plate seem to stand out more. The small chili bowl was ok. It didn’t have much spice and wasn’t all that good. It didn’t have beans like typical American chili – which I thought it would be. And it didn’t have the kick like Los Angeles/Tommy’s chili would be. I wouldn’t order it again. Maybe I would have the chili on an omelet in the future.
I wish I got the name of my waitress. She was an old fashioned waitress, with the uniform and all. She was one that could banter with the regulars. She also provided great service. And she also convinced me – pretty easily to order a pie. I kinda knew I might have to order a pie, since this was my first time here. My favorite pie of all time is Pumpkin pie, but if I order that, it would feel a bit weird. So, I got the lemon meringue. This pie’s meringue was piled really high. It was good but not too sweet and lemonly. I don’t like dessert or foods that are overly sweet – and this pie was ideal. I think I might have a new favorite Pie.
Pie ‘N Burger’s a great little place if you are craving a burger and pie! I hope to try their breakfast soon.
