The Burger Wars of Jacksonville

[JaxJersey-licious]

Can anyone think of eateries that 'jumped the shark' when they expanded too much?  I can't think of any right now (early in the morning), but I am sure there is at least one...

I remember when The Loop went through it's expansion phase and opened a place in Atlanta and I was raving about it to all my friends how wonderful this place is. They tried it out and thought meh... and looking back I think they were right. It's a commom practice for people to wax poetically about certain places because of memories with friends and family tied to the place, reputation, and a sense that this establishment is "ours" (I personally refer to it as the "Jollibee effect"). My friends when they took all of that out of the equation saw it for what it was - not bad but not great, either. And that's why they never took visitors of Atlanta to places like The Varsity.

And by all means I totally support local businesses and hope they thrive. Tradition and locale can give an establishment a boost, but I'm just suggesting that our opinions and expectations about dining experiences should come with a little perspective.

[JaxDan]

We were just in Orlando and ate at Backyard Burger.  I hope they survive the bankruptcy.

We're fans of Smashburger & M Shack but want to try Blind Rabbit and Burger Fi.  Thanks for the list.

[ProjectMaximus]

Can anyone think of eateries that 'jumped the shark' when they expanded too much?  I can't think of any right now (early in the morning), but I am sure there is at least one...

Probably most places. I mean, every single chain started out as a local store that gained a cult following. If most of the national chains are considered mediocre quality, it stands to reason that many of them have gotten worse over time while some might have never been great to begin with. 

It's been a long while since I've been there but that guy at Bold City Brewery used to make my favorite burger in town.

I am sorry to report his death... 

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesunion/obituary.aspx?pid=174003267

Aww that's sad. 

This is all I could find when I did a search...dated 2007.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/jacksonville/176961-fuddruckers-coming-landing.html

Lol Lake forgot to use the sarcastic font. He was referring to the ongoing joke that Fuddruckers has been waiting anxiously to open in the Landing the moment it gets dedicated parking space.

It's a commom practice for people to wax poetically about certain places because of memories with friends and family tied to the place, reputation, and a sense that this establishment is "ours" (I personally refer to it as the "Jollibee effect").

Jollibee? Are you from the Philippines? haha, I visited a friend in Manila and he couldn't wait to have me try it out...his favorite place. It was so funny, especially considering how average it was.

[jaxjaguar]

I've seen a few people mention Backyard Burger in here... I used to live across the street from the one in Gainesville. Man, for a fast food burger they were amazing. It's really unfortunate they haven't caught on. I feel like it's tough for new fast food chains to nudge out the big guys though (McD's, BK, Taco Bell, etc). I'll have to try to find that Backyard Burger in Orlando next time I'm there to give them some support.

[JaxJersey-licious]

Jollibee? Are you from the Philippines? haha, I visited a friend in Manila and he couldn't wait to have me try it out...his favorite place. It was so funny, especially considering how average it was.

Busted Yeah, I've gotten a lot of flack from my native Filipino friends about my Jollibee-bashing but what can I say? To me calling Jollibee the eptiome of American fast-casual dining is like saying Donald Trump is the epitome of how a multi-millionaire should behave and style their hair. 

So a bucket of CHickenJoy^TM and garlic fried rice for you, good sir! (Offer valid only in Woodside, Queens. Don't hold your breath East Arlington )

[CityLife]

Three pages and no mention of Poe's? Best burgers in Jax imo. I know it isn't fast casual, but neither is Blind Rabbit.

[fieldafm]

I remember when The Loop went through it's expansion phase and opened a place in Atlanta and I was raving about it to all my friends how wonderful this place is. They tried it out and thought meh... and looking back I think they were right.

The Loop was certainly well ahead of the curve as far as the new trend in 'better burger restaurants'.  Personally, I think they didn't quite evolve for a number of years.

They've vamped up their menu in recent years and are starting to expand again locally.



As far as burger chains that aren't already here that I wish were... I'll vote for Evos.

[menace1069]

I've seen a few people mention Backyard Burger in here... I used to live across the street from the one in Gainesville. Man, for a fast food burger they were amazing. It's really unfortunate they haven't caught on. I feel like it's tough for new fast food chains to nudge out the big guys though (McD's, BK, Taco Bell, etc). I'll have to try to find that Backyard Burger in Orlando next time I'm there to give them some support.

Looks like it's in Altamonte Springs.  I'll be hitting that when we cruise through Orlando again.

[dp8541]

Three pages and no mention of Poe's? Best burgers in Jax imo. I know it isn't fast casual, but neither is Blind Rabbit.

I thought the same thing when I saw Blind Rabbit included.  Poes gets my vote for the best burger in town.

[thelakelander]

^Sounds like I'm going to have to try Poe's. It's one of several places that have opened up over the last few years that I've yet to visit.

[fsquid]

^Sounds like I'm going to have to try Poe's. It's one of several places that have opened up over the last few years that I've yet to visit.

I had it in Charleston which is where I think they started.  Its ok.

[CityLife]

Poe's is ok in comparison to what? The best burgers in the country?

Most of the places on the list have locations at the beach and a lot of people consider Poe's the best burger at the beach, so I'd say its a little more than "ok" in comparison to the list.

I've seen Cruisers mentioned, and I wouldn't even say its that good of a burger. Meat quality is poor, which is masked with loads of cheddar, mustard, and ranch. Those cheese fries though. Amazing.

[pierre]

I just hope that one day in my lifetime we will have an In and Out burger place here.

I tried In and Out for the first time this past March when I was in California. I gotta say, it lived up to the hype. Incredible burger for fast food at that price.

[fsquid]

Poe's is ok in comparison to what? The best burgers in the country?

Most of the places on the list have locations at the beach and a lot of people consider Poe's the best burger at the beach, so I'd say its a little more than "ok" in comparison to the list.

I've seen Cruisers mentioned, and I wouldn't even say its that good of a burger. Meat quality is poor, which is masked with loads of cheddar, mustard, and ranch. Those cheese fries though. Amazing.

Yes just ok based on other burgers I've had.  I have not been to one here

[thekillingwax]

I think Poe's is excellent. I think it's also down to what style of burger you like. Some folks like the smaller, thinner burgers like you get at M Shack and what looks like they serve at Burger Fi (haven't been there yet). Poe's serves a pretty massive, thick burger akin to what Blind Rabbit seems to be doing (haven't been there yet, gotta fix that pronto- looks good!). The meat's really good- I've done both medium and medium rare and it's great.

I'm not really that much into what's "best" anymore. I have different moods and certain things kinda suit those moods. Sometimes I want a thinner burger, sometimes I want a thick one and sometimes I want that charred flavor the Loop seems to do really well. We have some really fantastic options and excellent burgers locally- love having all these choices.