Friday I went to B Spot burgers in Royal Oak for lunch. B Spot is Michael Symon’s (of Food Network Fame) burger joint. Being Michael Symon’s restaurant, I expected an exceptional experience. The restaurant touts that is has been voted best burgers in America in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014. As this is 2015, I guess it is no longer the best?
The restaurant markets itself as the “B” Spot with burgers, bourbons and brats. They also have other “B” offerings like Bologna, “Big” Salads and “Bad Ass” Shakes.
I am afraid I have to admit now, that I must be a food snob of epic proportions. The group I was with were raving about their burgers. I however, just found mine to be OK. I ordered a basic cheeseburger, topped with lettuce, tomato and onion. I also ordered Russian dressing on the side. The burger was served with an “artisan” type bun, which I found a bit dry, and the burger was a tad too small for the bun. When eating the best burger in America, I shouldn’t EVER take a bun only bite. Just sayin, Michael Symon. The Russian dressing was a nice addition to the burger, and I am glad I ordered it. They also have a variety of other “sauces” on the table, ranging from homemade B Spot Ketchup (sweet and a bit spicy), A Coffee BBQ sauce, Stadium Mustard and a ShaSha sauce that was interesting & tasty. Made with hot banana peppers, garlic, mustard, vinegar and sugar for sweetness, it was a perfect combination of sweet and spicy. You can find the recipe here if interested….
The french fries were just as I like. Thin, crispy, with a hint of rosemary, called Lola fries. (Not sure who Lola is, but he also has a restaurant named Lola. Maybe he just really likes the name??) They came in a small metal cup, and were very tasty. Dip them in the ShaSha sauce and you have a winner!
They also have a pickle bar – who doesn’t love pickles? Has a serve yourself area of pickled jalapenos, banana peppers, garlic dill pickles, sweet pickles and even pickled green tomato and kimchi (fermented Korean (typically) cabbage).
The Bad Ass Shakes looked very interesting. I did not order, as I had to work all afternoon and did not need to go into a food coma. They have interesting flavors, such as chocolate banana marshmallow, vanilla bean apple pie and bacon, and their seasonal pumpkin pie, made with a real piece of blended pumpkin pie.
Speaking of seasonal – one diner we were with ordered the November special burger – Turkey burger with stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy. She said it was delicious! Those who did order turkey burgers, whether dressed up as thanksgiving dinner or not, did say they were moist and flavorful.
I must say though, we had a party of maybe 15 people. The service was exceptional, orders taken correctly, food brought out promptly, bills brought quickly and accurately, and we were well looked after. For that reason alone, I would go back to the restaurant. For the food, well the food may not draw me back, but the atmosphere and service definitely would.