The Burger KING?

Often proclaimed for having the best burgers in the Boston area, Mr. Bartley's even received the title of "best burgers in America" from the Boston Globe (I'm sure there is no bias).  No doubt that this is one historical landmark (open since 1960), lounging smack in the middle of Harvard Square with massive lines jutting from the door just about every day.  I was a little skeptical at first because the place is entirely too touristy.  As you wait in line, a hostess gives you menus and comes back to take your order so that when you do eventually get seated, your burgers arrive not too long after.

Although the line was long, it moved quickly and within 20 minutes, Cat, Jess and I were seated.  Beverages were immediately set down in front of us, along with the s'mores frappe we ordered to share.  The frappe was incredibly comforting; fresh chocolate ice cream, graham crackers and whipped cream cycloned together to create a classic milkshake.  As waiters shouted over to chefs and school kids laughed in a corner, I observed the condiment selection at our table.  Ketchup and mustard, the standards, were available in plastic tubes, along with little buckets of toppings: sliced sandwich pickles, thick white onions, and a hot pepper jelly.

Our three burgers arrived swiftly, and I excitedly bit into my juicy burger topped with sauerkraut and Russian dressing.  Sizzling with moistness, the burger was anything but neat, and I indulged in the flavors and juices composed in each bite.  Admittedly, I may like the standard burger at Mr. Bartley’s more (than the beloved R.F.), but the bun, which was a bit soggy, is far superior at R.F.  As a complete package, R.F.’s BlackJack, slathered with Cajun spices, is still #1 in my eyes, but wow.  Mr. Bartley’s did not fail to impress me.

Additional photos taken inside and outside (note line out the door!!)

The No Napkin Burger

While we’re talking burgers here, steer clear of 5Napkin Burger (small NY chain that just opened next to the Pru). I have received several contradicting reviews, but my experience was horrendous. Our burgers took almost an hour to arrive, and when we finally had them in front of us, they were cold, brittle and tasteless. Not a single drop of burger juice ever shed onto my plate. Div, who usually uses a fork and knife (yes, totally weird, but we still like her), ate this burger with her hands! Sorry 5N, there's so much better out there. I'm just not ready to give you another chance.

“Extra points for the big pickle”

Ev pointed out as I choked back my burger in an attempt to shout “that’s what she said”. After taking my first bite of Porter’s award-winning burger, I quickly recognized that the pickle on the side was not Porter’s only surprise. Although no R.F. O’Sullivan’s, Porter’s burger far outshines any other burger around the Garden. Chatting about Sandwich-Hands with Pat the bartender and the sweet couple sitting next to us, everyone seemed to agree that Porter’s is the bar to go to for dinner before a game. The sourdough bun could have been toasted, but it is easily forgotten after you taste the juices this burger has to offer. The best part? The proportion of burger to bun. It should be 50-50 to absorb all the juices and to make each bite equally delightful. Luckily, that’s exactly what you get here. You have the option of several different cheeses and toppings (although there are several varieties on the menu also). I went with smoked Gouda and mushrooms piled high with crisp lettuce, tomato and onions. (Although, I find it nearly impossible to hold on to the tomatoes.) The burgers come with the most incredible shoestring fries (much better than R.F.’s potato wedge fries). Go with the honey mustard sauce as a condiment for your fries, you won’t be disappointed.