OT: Good food news- Hunter House coming to AA

Submitted by wolverine1987 on

I iknow we're in the midst of March Madness, but I couldn't resist putting the news out (in case it wasn't already known) that Hunter House, a greasy slider insititution in Birmingham MI for 50 years, is coming to AA. I was there Saturday (two double cheese, chili fries) and spoke to the staff about it. If you haven't been, just know that this is good news: Blimpy will always rule for those of us who were at school there, but Hunter House will be a blessing for hungover students and hungry visitors alike. 

http://www.hunterhousehamburgers.com

 

 

Raback Omaba

March 24th, 2014 at 10:41 AM ^

Just don't think they differentiate themselves really from any other greasy burger joint.

On a side note, I had my first "In N Out" experience last week in San Diego....not sure if it was what I ordered, but what's all the fuss about?

I was thoroughly unimpressed.

TheCool

March 24th, 2014 at 10:57 AM ^

I have to tell you that is the same way I felt about In N Out the first time I went. A woman I knew was enamored with In N Out, saying they are the only burgers she eats and the fries were great. My first time was good, but nothing special. Tasted kind of different. Fries were interesting. The more I go the more I appreciate it and love it. From my experience the difference is kind of strange because not many places have fresh ingredients and my taste buds weren't used to it. The fries actually maintained their potato taste since they weren't frozen. Maybe different from your experience, but thought I'd share.

Mercury Hayes

March 24th, 2014 at 11:33 AM ^

This is what I refer to as the "Paul Blart Theory of Expecatations". If you expect the greatest burger you ever had, you will be upset because your expectations were too high. Inversely, when watching a movie such as Paul Blart, you head in thinking it is going to be the worst movie you've ever seen. Then you end up laughing 2-3 times and realize it is only about the 10th worst movie you have ever seen. Even though Paul Blart Mall Cop sucked, it is better than your expected outcome.

Mercury Hayes

March 24th, 2014 at 11:33 AM ^

This is what I refer to as the "Paul Blart Theory of Expecatations". If you expect the greatest burger you ever had, you will be upset because your expectations were too high. Inversely, when watching a movie such as Paul Blart, you head in thinking it is going to be the worst movie you've ever seen. Then you end up laughing 2-3 times and realize it is only about the 10th worst movie you have ever seen. Even though Paul Blart Mall Cop sucked, it is better than your expected outcome.

WolvinLA2

March 24th, 2014 at 12:05 PM ^

If we're using movie analogies, I think it also has a bit of an Anchorman effect to it.  The first time I saw Anchorman, I thought it was OK, but didn't leave with my world set on fire or anything.  Then we started talking about it a little, remembering lines, etc.  The next time I saw it I liked it a lot more, and after watching it a handful of times after that I couldn't get enough.  

My In N Out career started similarly to that.  Now I have a hard time driving by one without swinging in.

WolvinLA2

March 24th, 2014 at 11:00 AM ^

People say this about in n out a lot, so here's my piece: if you're expecting in n out to completely blow your mind, you'll be disappointed. But if you want delicious, fresh, cheap fast food, it's the best option ever. Sure, if you compare it to a gourmet burger joint or a unique one-off burger shop, it might not stack up. But if you want lunch for 6 bucks (in CA), there are no better options.

Shakey Jake

March 24th, 2014 at 12:47 PM ^

In/Out is definitely cheap but not always fast. Their places are usually well maintained and clean. That they do a great job of. 

As for chicken, Zankou is pretty darn good. Their Toum garlic paste is to die for with their chicken. Expensive but worth it when you have a craving for juicy chicken. If only Coscto could dublicate what Zankou does at $5 a bird.

Cali Wolverine

March 24th, 2014 at 3:45 PM ^

...not the only one on here that knows about the garlic paste.... simply ridiculous...except there is a limit to how much your body can consume... unless you are looking for a cleanse.

As far as In-and-Out....if you want a fast food burger... nothing beats the quality, taste and consistency of In-and-Out. Sure there are better gourmet or hole-in-the-wall spots... but I have never picked up a better burger from a drive-thru window.

Raback Omaba

March 24th, 2014 at 12:49 PM ^

Because people told me that it was an amazing place and I HAD to go there while I was out east.

I wasn't expecting Gourmet, but I was certainly expecting something on par or better than a place like 5 guys. Side by side, I think 5 guys wins hands down.

I would say Halo Burger is even better.

TheCool

March 24th, 2014 at 11:23 AM ^

That's another good point. You have to know how and what to order. My wife would always complain that there was not enough meat (that's what she said) and too much lettuce. Well, order a double with light lettuce or no lettuce. I get a triple double (when my wife's not around to complain) no lettuce, animal style with the bun well toasted. Oh yes!

WolvinLA2

March 24th, 2014 at 12:01 PM ^

A little nomenclature clarification:  a double cheeseburger at In N Out is called a Double Double, and anything higher than that is a 3x3, 4x4, etc.  

I agree wholeheartedly on the animal style though - it's a must.  you can do your fries animal style as well, but I like 'em the way they come.  They also have incredible shakes.  

But for anyone claiming that In N Out isn't good, drive by any location at any time they're open and the drive through line will be around the parking lot.  This does not happen at restaurants that have been around 60+ years that aren't extremely good.

WolvinLA2

March 24th, 2014 at 12:28 PM ^

That's interesting, considering you're in the minority among Californians.  

Out of curiosity, what burger would you say is better?  Or are you just not a fast food person?  This is a conversation I've had a number of times:  "I don't like In N Out."  "What fast food burger do you think is better?"  "Oh, I don't eat fast food."  

Shakey Jake

March 24th, 2014 at 12:43 PM ^

Though more expensive, I like the taste of Fatburger better. In N Out is just ok. Their fries suck though. The aren't crisp enough. You have to ask to see if they will make them more crispy than they normally do. 

 

I also think In N Out went downhill after they stopped offering their In N Out Burger Stickers where people would cut off the B and R of Burger and slap on their car "In N Out  urge " stickers.

Silverware

March 24th, 2014 at 11:42 AM ^

This is very good news! Hunter House is the best spot for sliders that I know and has been for decades. It's an institution to those that know it and will be a great addition to AA. If you want a fast food style burger hit In-N-Out burger or something similar. HH is definitely not that type of place. It does what it does with sliders and cheese fries. Make sure you get the grilled onions and pickles.

It's absolutely worth a try and just gave me another reason to head back to AA (not that I needed one)!!

GoWings2008

March 24th, 2014 at 10:47 AM ^

and Hunter House is a very close second, I grew up 5 min from downtown Birmingham, BUT...if anyone ever visits Columbus for a game or what-have-you, Thurman Cafe is a must visit.  Great burgers.

LSAClassOf2000

March 24th, 2014 at 10:58 AM ^

I haven't been there in a while, but when I was in the field and we were on storm duty in that area, Hunter House was lunch almost invairably. I usually would go with the Triple and chili fries, especially when you wanted to patrol alone for a bit. I would agree with the OP - it can't replace Blimpy, but this is not a bad addition to Ann Arbor's landscape. 

Romeo50

March 24th, 2014 at 11:15 AM ^

Early 60's to '72 we lived two blocks from there if you follow the street behind the HH business backlot downhill to the Rouge River. Park Street. Used to walk there or later go to Little Caesars first Bham strore the opposite end of Peabody's block facing Hunter (New Woodward). Our backyard was across Hunter from Poppleton Park and the neighbor was Olga Loizon of Olga's fame. Simple world back then.

Lucky Socks

March 24th, 2014 at 11:38 AM ^

I've always thought it too. Apparently Ferrell did a video interview with fans (Redditt maybe) where he 'confessed' that he as actually Chad Smith. Smith came out with a rebuttal. Both pretty good sports about it, funny stuff.

readyourguard

March 24th, 2014 at 11:47 AM ^

Awesome.  Over priced, average burgers.

I wish I had the gumption and capital to open a burger and dog joint.  Charge a decent price for a truly memorable burger or hot dog with ample fries.

Njia

March 24th, 2014 at 12:05 PM ^

Burgers and hot dogs are two of my favorite foods, but at the end of the day, both are still ground (or emulsified) meat. I can't think of a single thing that makes a burger or dog "memorable". Can some taste better than others? Sure. Memorable? I don't know.